The raging fire engulfed the entire cave.
Stark methodically burned all the corpses along with the weapons and ammunition produced by Stark Industries outside the cave entrance.
In the brilliant flames, he felt a sense of purification and transformation washing over him.
Watching his expression, Jason knew that Stark Industries' weapons division could not escape its fate of being shut down.
Next would come the critical moment to test his market operation.
Stark would return, causing stock prices to soar, then he'd announce the closure of the weapons division, sending those same stocks plummeting.
There would be only a few hours in this period to capitalize on the market shift.
The three men departed in an old convertible jeep. As for Stark's improvised armor, it was too cumbersome to transport, so they burned it after use.
The sun blazed overhead as the vehicle plowed through the yellow sand, kicking up massive dust clouds.
Stark didn't react until his face was completely coated with sand. "Fuck, you're going to rescue me in this piece of junk? Even if there's no attack helicopter available, couldn't you at least bring a Hummer with air conditioning?"
Jason shook his head and sighed. "Stark, you don't realize how dramatically the world has changed while you were in that cave. The U.S. military stopped looking for you ages ago. If it weren't for me, even if you'd escaped, you'd have died in the desert."
Stark was stunned. "What happened?"
"Judgment! Stark, your American military has undergone a brutal trial!"
"What are you talking about?"
"A few nights ago, divine punishment descended from heaven. Two major U.S. military bases were reduced to rubble, with three thousand soldiers dead. The scene was horrific—hell on earth!"
Jason clicked his tongue dramatically. "Rumor has it that when President Freeman learned of this, he whipped himself with a belt in anguish. After watching the live footage, Vice President Barden trembled uncontrollably, reportedly wetting himself. The Pentagon has labeled that day as the 'Day of Mourning,' and they're seriously considering withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. The American forces here have become cowards, like frightened children, never leaving their bases. All their supplies are delivered by the Afghan National Army."
Stark was bewildered. It's only been a few days since I was captured, and American power has already collapsed?
"Who could possibly destroy two major U.S. military bases simultaneously? Have the Russians gone insane, or has China finally made its move?"
Jason caught Stark's solemn expression in the rearview mirror and shook his head. "They say it was a devil—eight feet tall with a leopard's head, round glowing eyes, a hideous face, and a voice like thunder. It's truly baffling what the American soldiers could have done to provoke such a creature. Tsk, tsk!"
Stark was momentarily speechless.
A few hours later, they passed by the Bagram base and witnessed the devastation firsthand. The shocking reality jolted Stark out of his confusion.
Could this truly be the beginning of America's decline?
Upon reaching Kandahar International Airport, Stark contacted Pepper Potts, chartered a private jet, and departed immediately.
News of his survival spread like wildfire throughout New York.
Stark Industries' stock, which had been in free fall, suddenly soared as if injected with adrenaline. Everyone recognized that the genius's return meant Stark Industries would survive this crisis!
Jason had instructed David yesterday to sell all their short positions, generating an enormous profit. He'd invested $120 million and transformed it into $540 million!
With a casual wave of his hand, Jason converted all the profits into Stark Industries stock.
On the flight back to New York, he instructed David to prepare to sell these shares after they peaked, then short them again.
Today might be a day of wailing for American investors, but for Jason, it would be a day of unprecedented prosperity.
The plane gently touched down at Kennedy Airport. As the door opened...
What the hell?
Jason's eyes widened at the sight of heavily armed agents surrounding the aircraft. What happened? Have I been exposed? Did they find a body in some church backyard?
Wait—is that Sitwell? SHIELD is here too?
"Mr. Stark, I'm a CIA agent. We suspect you're the perpetrator behind the Day of Mourning. Please cooperate with our investigation..."
"Mr. Stark, FBI. We believe you're responsible for the Day of Mourning incident. Please come with us..."
"Mr. Stark, Department of Homeland Security. We have reason to connect you to the Day of Mourning. We need your cooperation..."
"Mr. Stark, Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. We believe there's a significant connection between you and the Day of Mourning. Please assist our investigation..."
Among the intimidating federal agents stood a young officer in an NYPD uniform. Seeing the aggressive posturing of the federal agents, he visibly shrank back.
But quickly gathering his courage, he stepped forward. "Mr. Stark, New York Police Department. Please cooperate with my investigation as well..."
Looking at the heavily armed contingent clearly divided by agency rivalries, Jason was stunned. What the hell?
Stark was equally shocked. Fuck!
Yinsen stood frozen. What's happening?
Jason leaned toward Stark. "Uh... personal suggestion: cooperating with the NYPD might be your best option!"
Stark turned and glared at him before addressing the assembled agents angrily. "Dear agents... and officer, I demand to know why you're detaining me. What possible connection could I have to this 'Day of Mourning'?"
The agents exchanged glances before Sitwell finally stepped forward to explain.
"Mr. Stark, according to our intelligence, the Bagram Air Force Base was attacked with Jericho missiles! There were three missiles produced for the demonstration. One was used during the presentation, leaving two. According to military records, your... incident... occurred before control of the remaining missiles could be officially transferred to the military. That makes you the only person capable of launching those weapons!"
Stark was livid. "My 'incident'?! I was kidnapped and imprisoned in a cave by terrorists! They tortured me daily while none of you incompetent agents could find me! Now that I've finally escaped on my own, there's an issue with military equipment, and you're here to accuse me? Is there any justice left in this world? FUCK!"
"Mr. Stark, the Jericho missile system was personally designed by you. It's difficult to imagine anyone launching those missiles without your authorization or override codes!"
Stark's face contorted with rage as he shook his fist. "I'm exceptionally intelligent. If you couldn't crack my security protocols, that just proves your inadequacy, not my culpability!"
He spun around and pointed at Yinsen. "I was imprisoned for weeks, all that time with him! Yinsen is my witness!"
After he finished speaking, the agents exchanged meaningful glances. Suddenly, one stepped forward. "Mr. Yinsen, we suspect you may also be connected to the Day of Mourning. Please cooperate with our investigation!"
"FUCK!"
Stark's face flushed crimson as he exploded with fury. "You shameless clowns! You parasites living off taxpayer money! I'll sue every last one of you! I'll spend a billion dollars to ensure you never work again! You'll all—"