Phantom Kid in the World of American Comics

Chapter 101: Tony’s Declaration of War

The next day, the news shocked the whole of New York, spreading all over the streets and quickly spreading across the country.

Tony Stark, on the cover of Time Magazine, declared war on Phantom Kid in such a public manner!

Not only that but the New York Times, Los Angeles Daily, Washington Post, Clarion Daily… Almost all newspapers without exception in the United States published this incident on the front page.

“In two days, I will exhibit the Mountain of Light at the Stark Expo. Phantom Kid if you are watching this piece of news, I want to tell you that the diamond I possess is worth countless times more than Adam Star, Green Cat’s Eye, and the Dresden Diamond.”

In Times Square, a talk show was co-played on countless large outdoor LED displays, with Tony Stark announcing in such a grandiloquent way.

Tony was facing the camera, his eyes were full of provocation, and his words were as arrogant and demeaning as always.

“This precious diamond is comparable to the Tamil Ruby. In fact, its value can no longer measure its preciousness.”

“I heard that you are very obsessed with these shiny gems. If you want this Mountain of Light, I will wait for you at the Stark Expo. The location is in the same place at which you stole my reactor, the Central Pavilion!”

“Then, I will arrest you and put you in the strongest prison in the world. If you have the courage, come and try it on me, Phantom Kid!”

“If you dare not come, then you don’t deserve to be called Phantom Kid!”

Tony faced the media and issued a declaration of war to Phantom Kid.

At this time, the host also started her fangirling… Oh no, her work!

“Mr. Stark, not long ago, not even a week ago, your reactor was stolen by Phantom Kid. Can you tell everyone about this?”

“In less than a week, have you found a way to restrain Kid?”

The beautiful young host asked with a professional smile on her face.

“Last time, I was unsuccessful against Kid, mainly because I was not familiar enough with him. After all, I never paid attention to these little thieves before. But now that I have been bullied at the door of my house, I have to take him seriously.”

Tony calmly picked up a large bottle from the side and took a sip. Although the bottle is not transparent, it can still be seen that the liquid inside is dark green.

“Mr. Stark, what are you drinking? I do not seem to remember a wine of this color.”

“Oh, this? Uh… this is ordinary vegetable juice. I haven’t been drinking much recently, because drinking too much is not good for health.”

Tony looked complacent.

“Wow, it’s amazing. Most people think that Tony Stark has always been a fine wine enthusiast.”

“I used to be, but now it’s different.”

With the deepening of the conversation between the two, this interview about the declaration of war on Phantom Kid has gradually developed into Tony’s health care experience…

Fortunately, the professionalism of the hostess was adequate.

She soon realized that her show had deviated from the original theme.

As a result, she once again directed the topic to Phantom Kid.

“We all know that Phantom Kid is good at disguise, but similarly, Stark Industries has the most advanced artificial intelligence technology in the world. Is it possible to use artificial intelligence’s supercomputing power and what we know based on Kid’s relevant data to deduce who in the world is phantom kid?”

This is also the question of most people watching this talk show.

Many people are very curious. In this era, surveillance systems are over every corner of every city, and people’s biggest worry is often privacy issues.

Even if Phantom Kid can be good at disguise, could he really disappear from all surveillance systems without a trace?

“Of course not. In fact, Phantom Kid left a lot of traces in surveillance monitors. Many of his costumes have been recorded by cameras.”

Tony answered.

“But what I want to tell you is that the scariest thing about Phantom Kid is not that he can easily imitate anyone’s voice. The scariest thing about him is his speed.”

“Speed?”

After getting this answer, the hostess naturally showed a puzzled expression.

“Yes, as a magician, one of the most important skills is sleight of hand, and the Phantom Kid’s sleight of hand surpasses any known magician in the world, like David Copperfield, Jason Latti, Michael Aimar, and Leonard Green…”

“They are the most famous magicians in the world, and they are very fast, but their speed is still as slow as a tortoise in front of a super-high-speed camera. This latter can easily reveal what they have done.”

“Kid is different. I tried to use the unique technology of Stark Industries to slow down a surveillance record of his disguise by nearly 20,000 times, but in the end, I still couldn’t see how he changed his mask.”

“Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if Phantom Kid can really shapeshift.”

Tony couldn’t help but confess his mind.

“Mr. Stark, you really must be kidding…”

The hostess obviously doesn’t believe what Tony said. Who can’t see clearly the content of footage when its speed is 20,000 times slower?

Doesn’t it mean that the hand of Phantom Kid can move more than 20,000 times in a few tenths of a second?

If this is true, wouldn’t his girlfriend not want to break up with him?

After thinking of a certain sexual scene, the hostess couldn’t help but shiver. It was really terrifying, and it’s not that… exciting at all…

At the same time, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, Triskelion.

“What is Howard’s son doing?”

When Fury learned of Tony’s high-profile declaration of war on Phantom Kid, he suddenly felt a headache.

Tony’s identity is too special for S.H.I.E.L.D. because his father Howard is one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. 

Hence, Nick Fury must always “pay attention” and “protect” Tony’s safety.

“Phantom Kid… Hill, I asked you to pay close attention to the Stark Expo opening ceremony of all the conditions. From that day onwards, you have studied long enough, tell me what you have found?”