Awakening Kryptonian Bloodline In Marvel.

"That's not entirely true."

Malrick tapped his ear. "Based on the intel I've intercepted over the past few days, the leadership of S.H.I.E.L.D. is intact for now. The Hydra infiltrators are mainly high-level operatives—the backbone and elites."

"Backbone and elites?" Tony scoffed. "What's the difference? That's practically the whole damn organization. The agency my father helped build was handed over to the enemy by a bunch of fools."

He paced beside the workbench, agitated. "No, Malrick. This is our mess to clean up. We have to dismantle Hydra—permanently."

"I'm with you," Malrick said without hesitation. "Frankly, I'm sick of this organization pretending to be humanity's savior while it's rotting from the inside."

"And it aligns perfectly with my revenge plan."

He flicked a hand toward the holographic projector. A 3D image of Nick Fury appeared, rotating slowly.

"Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He's got a serious control complex and wants to centralize global security under his thumb."

"He sounds like Hydra already. Why isn't he one of them?" Tony asked.

"Not sure," Malrick replied. "Maybe the previous director saw him as a threat and kept him out of the inner circle."

Malrick made another gesture. A folder appeared on the screen, filled with documents and encrypted profiles.

"This is a compiled list of known Hydra infiltrators inside S.H.I.E.L.D. I've verified their identities and packaged all supporting evidence."

"Tony, I need you to leak this to Fury. Shake things up on their end. But be careful—don't let JARVIS handle it alone. If they trace it back, it could compromise everything."

"Once internal chaos sets in, we'll release the data publicly. Expose Hydra to the world."

"And while they're scrambling, we'll hunt down the truth behind our parents' deaths. Evidence, culprits—everything."

Malrick's voice dropped cold as his expression turned sharp. "And in the process, I'll make sure the world understands my power."

"How exactly do you plan to show it?" Tony asked, warily.

"Simple." Malrick stood tall. "I'll make them desperate enough to fire weapons of mass destruction—ICBMs, hydrogen bombs, whatever they've got."

"Then I'll take the hit, walk through the fire, and level one of their military strongholds with a single punch."

He poured himself a glass of water, calm and confident. "That proves defensive power, offensive power, and—more importantly—my unwillingness to show mercy when pushed."

"After that, even if I wear a cape and fly through the city like Superman, no one will dare challenge me."

Tony blinked. "That… sounds insanely dangerous."

"Relax," Malrick said. "I'm not looking to die. I'll only act when I'm sure. And worst case? I retreat. Even missiles can be dodged."

He reached behind him and pulled out a case.

"I want to grow stronger—but I'm not suicidal. Take a look, Tony. This is the suit I designed."

He opened the case. Inside was a sleek Superman-style uniform in dark blue with accents of red and gold. A golden inverted pentagon with a stylized "S" blazed across the chest, and a deep red cape was clipped at the shoulders.

No underwear on the outside. No gimmicks. Just raw presence.

"Kevlar-blended. Bulletproof. Lightweight. Functional. And most importantly, stylish."

Tony gave a heavy exhale but couldn't suppress a comment. "It actually looks good. I'm relieved you didn't go full-underwear-outside. And that 'S'—hope, right?"

"Not anymore. It stands for Stark now," Malrick said, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Starting tomorrow, I put this on, head to Afghanistan, and wipe out the Ten Rings. That's my first move as Superman."

"You're forgetting someone," Tony said, gripping Malrick's arm. "This started with me. I'm coming too."

"But you've still got a role to play here." Malrick pointed at the projection. "You're dying to uncover the truth about our parents. Focus on that."

Tony shook his head. "That doesn't stop me from flying halfway across the world to crush some terrorists."

He'd been monitoring the Ten Rings closely. Their reach extended across the Middle East, and in their territory, civilians suffered daily—extortion, executions, chaos. Whether or not Malrick brought it up today, Tony had already made up his mind.

"They'll pay for what they've done. But we still need to tread carefully with S.H.I.E.L.D. If they connect this back to us too early, it could get messy."

"I get it," Tony nodded, eyes fixed on Fury's image. "But tell me something—why not just go after Hydra directly?"

Malrick's voice was low, resolute. "Because their top brass are hidden behind government titles across the globe. If I take them out now, the media will twist it. I'll be called a dictator, a tyrant, a threat to world peace."

"I'm not afraid of that—but if I can avoid the blowback with smart timing, why bring it on early?"

Tony leaned back, impressed. "I knew you were a guy who hates being on the defensive. Just like me."

Malrick nodded. "Exactly. That's why I need the world to see my power."

"My abilities won't stay secret forever. The moment my identity leaks, every agency, every power bloc—they'll come sniffing."

"And they won't be asking politely. They'll test me. Push me. Try to control me."

"So I'll make sure the first test leaves no room for doubt. I won't let them set the terms."

"If they push, I'll push back harder. And if they still come? I'll break them. Once. Loudly. So I never have to again."

Tony clapped once. "Solid plan. Hit first, hit hard. Can't argue with that."

"Thanks," Malrick said, closing the case. "I don't want fame. I just want to live in peace. But for that peace, I need the world to understand what happens when they come knocking."

He turned to leave. "That's all. Now you can stop worrying, Tony."

Tony grinned. "Wasn't worried. But let me ask—what's with the whole Superman look? Isn't that a bit... cape-and-pajamas? You trying to become a superhero?"

Malrick paused at the door. "No. I just admire Superman. But I'm not some idealistic savior."

"Maybe I'll help when I see injustice. But save the world? That's not me."

As Malrick disappeared down the hallway, Tony shook his head. "That's a shame. I already had our hero team name picked out—Super Iron Brothers. What do you think?"

Malrick's voice echoed faintly from the hall:

"Childish. Sounds like two preschoolers on a playdate."

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