"Obadiah, you're... um... who are you?"
Hearing Carl's reply, the angry Tony was about to grab the electric welder from the table and strike him, when suddenly he saw "Obadiah" pick up a chair and smash it directly into the surveillance monitor in the corner, shattering it with a loud crash.
But that wasn't the most shocking part.
What truly stunned Tony was when Obadiah's appearance began to shift and morph, transforming into someone entirely different.
Beside Tony, Dr. Ethan, who had been equally lost in confusion, widened his eyes in disbelief at the miraculous scene.
"I believe it's the first time we have meet. My name is Carl Hudson. "
After destroying the only surveillance camera in the room, Carl turned around and smiled at Tony and Ethan.
"If it's convenient, can we sit down and talk?"
Tony and Ethan exchanged a look and nodded silently.
Given their current dire circumstances, Carl, with his miraculous abilities, didn't seem to be aligned with the terrorists. That, at least, was reassuring.
"Alright, let me explain my situation first so things make more sense."
The three of them leaned against the corner of the cave room, just out of sight from the iron door. Carl began speaking in a calm and casual tone:
"Two weeks ago, while my men were investigating Obadiah, we discovered something quite interesting. Why were we investigating him? Well, that's due to an old grudge between one of my subordinates and Mr. Obadiah. But that's not important.
What matters is, during that investigation, we discovered an incident related to a certain famous kidnapped figure—Tony Stark. That's you.
By now, I'm sure you've figured out the truth: the mastermind behind your kidnapping is none other than Obadiah, your fellow shareholder in Stark Industries.
So, I had my men 'invite' Obadiah over for a friendly conversation, extracted the information I needed, and then used my superpower to take on his appearance so I could get in here."
"So you're here to save me?"
Tony's tone remained calm, even after hearing Carl's explanation.
The life-or-death experience of the past two weeks had already begun to change Tony Stark. The old playboy was giving way to a man more serious and cautious.
Some of what Carl said rang true. But nothing came without a price. It didn't make much sense for someone to risk infiltrating a terrorist base to rescue a total stranger—especially one who'd spent most of his life behind a mask of arrogance and tech.
And from Carl's mysterious transformation ability alone, it was obvious—this man wasn't ordinary.
"You could say that… or not. Whether I rescue you or not depends on your own decision."
Carl raised an eyebrow at Tony's steady demeanor.
His mission was to extract Dr. Ethan, eliminate Raza, and destroy the base. Tony Stark wasn't technically part of the assignment.
But how could he not save Tony?
As someone who had stumbled into this world by accident, Carl had already changed quite a few things just by being here.
If Iron Man, the eventual cornerstone of the Avengers, didn't make it out of this valley—everything would spiral out of control. The only storyline he was vaguely familiar with would veer too far off course.
Still, he couldn't just rescue him for free. That would make no sense and would surely arouse suspicion. Better to set terms, and get some much-needed help for his company in the process.
"Mr. Carl, please tell me your terms."
Tony looked up sharply, calm but ready.
Genius minds don't need many words to connect the dots.
Carl raised a thumb in approval.
"I've started a new company in New York, but I'm new to the scene. Things are rough. I'm hoping Mr. Tony could help me out in the future.
Also, our factory equipment back home needs serious upgrading. Unfortunately, we don't have the kind of technical talent required for that. If you're ever free… maybe you could help us improve it?"
Although he rarely intervened in the company's operations, Carl still knew the general situation.
Overall, things were running smoothly under Jack's management. But New York was a deep pool—complex, competitive, and riddled with challenges that stemmed from a lack of connections.
And when it came to having a strong network, who could compare to Stark Industries, a corporate titan entrenched in New York for years, with influence so vast that even the government couldn't touch them?
"That's it?"
Tony was caught off guard by Carl's condition.
He had expected something huge. After all, his life was hanging in the balance. As long as it wasn't outrageous, he would've accepted it. But he didn't expect it to be so simple.
"Then why not ask Obadiah to help you? I'm sure he'd agree to those terms."
"I'm a kind and conscientious legal businessman," Carl said with a half-smile. "The medicines I sell—like the power pill and military ration pill—are for saving lives, not taking them. I despise people like Obadiah, who sell weapons to terrorists for profit.
And besides, people like him have no credibility. He'd probably stab me in the back later. Not worth it."
Carl shrugged and then turned his attention to Dr. Ethan, who had remained mostly quiet:
"You must be Dr. Ethan. I heard from the leader of the Ten Rings Gang that you're quite skilled in medicine.
They said when they first brought Stark back, he was barely clinging to life. Everyone thought he wouldn't make it, but you saved him. Would you be interested in working for my company? I can guarantee great pay and benefits."
"Well... if I do make it out alive," Ethan said, slightly stunned to be addressed so suddenly, "and if your company really is what you say it is, I'd consider it."
Tony touched the arc reactor embedded in his chest and said quietly:
"I always thought the weapons I built were for national defense—for protecting the people. But now I see they're being used to kill innocent lives. Honestly, I'm no better than Obadiah."
"You're different," Ethan said as he placed a reassuring hand on Tony's shoulder. "You didn't know before. But now you do. It's not too late to change."
Even though they'd only known each other for a few weeks, Ethan had seen through the rumors. Tony wasn't the cold-hearted playboy everyone claimed he was—he had a good heart.
That was also why, when Ethan realized that this was the man who created the weapons that destroyed his village and family, he didn't let hatred take over. Instead, he guided him—step by step.
"You're right. I can't die like this. I need to atone for my mistakes."
Tony nodded resolutely, then turned to Carl.
"Mr. Carl, what's the plan to get us out of here? Do you have a locator on you, or are your people already surrounding the valley? Just tell us how we can coordinate."
Carl gave a helpless smile and spread his hands.
"I was searched when I got here. I couldn't bring a locator. They blindfolded me, so I don't even know exactly where we are. My men already returned to our hotel back in the provincial capital. I came here alone."