cave, afghanistan
Tony stood near the cave entrance, his body thrumming with energy. The arc reactor pulsed in his chest, its steady rhythm fueling his every move. The suit he had built felt light despite its heavy plating, a testament to how much he had already improved his technology.
Yinsen sat nearby, tense but trusting. Tony turned to him. "Once I clear the way, head for that rock formation outside the camp. Stay low. Don't run until I tell you."
Yinsen nodded. "You're really going through with this?"
Tony smirked. "Oh, you have no idea."
He took a deep breath, letting his body shift. The armor covering him softened, darkened, then melted into a shifting black and green fluid, consuming him entirely before slithering through the narrow gaps in the cave door.
Yinsen's eyes widened in shock. "...What?"
Before he could fully process it, Tony was gone.
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outside the cave, afghanistan
Tony reformed silently behind the first guard, his body solidifying in an instant. The man never got a chance to react.
A thin tendril shot from Tony's wrist, the tip forming into a needle-like blade that pierced the guard's heart in one swift motion. He caught the body before it hit the ground, slowly lowering it to avoid making noise.
One down.
He scanned the area. Three more were posted around the perimeter, each in different positions. The first sat near a crate, casually flipping through a worn-out magazine. Tony raised his hand, focusing energy into the tip of his finger. A small, concentrated green laser shot out, precise and soundless, piercing the man's heart instantly. He slumped forward, lifeless.
The next guard leaned against a wooden post, his rifle loosely hanging at his side. Tony took a step forward, extending his arm. The nanotech in his hand shifted into a thin blade, stabbing into the base of the man's skull before retracting just as quickly.
Tony exhaled. Effortless.
The last guard was walking a patrol route near the entrance. Tony let him pass, waiting until his back was turned. In one quick motion, he reached forward, grabbing his head and twisting sharply. A dull crack, and the body crumpled to the dirt.
The perimeter was clear.
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hiding spot near camp, afghanistan
Yinsen crouched behind a pile of rocks, his breathing uneven. He flinched as Tony emerged from the shadows, his armor rippling back to normal.
Yinsen stared. "You're not normal."
Tony smirked. "I prefer 'unique.'"
He scanned the area, ensuring no reinforcements were arriving. "You stay here. I need to make sure they don't follow."
Yinsen swallowed hard, nodding.
Tony turned back toward the camp. Now, it was time to make them afraid.
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camp center, afghanistan
The first laser blast lit up the night.
A brilliant green beam shot out from Tony's palm, slamming into one of the largest tents. The force of the blast ripped through the canvas, igniting it instantly. The explosion sent flaming debris flying, collapsing nearby structures in a chain reaction.
Panic erupted.
Terrorists scrambled, some trying to douse the fire, others grabbing their weapons. Shouts filled the air, their confusion turning into desperation.
Tony stepped forward through the smoke, his suit reflecting the glow of the fire.
The leader of the group stormed out, his face twisted in fury. "Stark! What have you done?!"
Tony tilted his head. "A little remodeling."
The leader barked orders, and the remaining men raised their weapons.
Tony let them.
The first bullets bounced harmlessly off his armor. Tony stood still, arms crossed, as the attackers emptied their magazines into him. The gunfire slowed, the realization sinking in.
Tony smirked. "My turn."
His arm snapped up, and a wide energy blast erupted from his palm, sending three men flying into a nearby truck. Another lunged at him with a knife. Tony sidestepped effortlessly, his forearm shifting into a blade, slicing through the attacker before shifting back.
The leader watched in horror. "What—what are you?"
Tony raised his hand, the tip of his finger glowing. "Upgraded."
He flicked his wrist, sending a thin laser through the man's chest. The leader staggered, eyes wide, before collapsing.
The remaining terrorists dropped their weapons, pure fear written on their faces. Some turned and ran.
Tony let them.
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weapon depot, afghanistan
The bomb had already been planted earlier in the night, hidden deep within their massive weapons cache.
Tony walked slowly, the wreckage of the camp behind him. He activated his cyber control, linking his mind directly to the detonator. The signal was ready.
Yinsen stood at the edge of the battlefield, still processing what had just happened. Tony approached, grabbing him by the shoulder.
"Hold on tight."
Before Yinsen could ask why, Tony activated his thrusters.
The arc reactor pulsed, and they launched into the air, soaring above the burning camp. Wind rushed past them as Tony adjusted his balance, keeping Yinsen secure.
Below, the few surviving terrorists scrambled for cover, screaming in terror.
Tony raised his hand, his eyes scanning the destruction. Then, with a single thought, he triggered the final explosion.
The weapon depot ignited in a chain reaction, the force of the blast flattening the entire camp. The shockwave expanded outward, a massive inferno consuming everything in its path.
Tony didn't look back. He didn't need to.
They disappeared into the night sky, the roaring flames below marking the end of the Ten Rings' camp.
to be continued…