Everyone was quite interested in this latest question.
As everyone knew, after the main universe's Endgame, Captain America became a white-haired old man and passed away not long after.
Tony Stark, however, died outright during Endgame.
As for Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff didn't even make it to Endgame—she sacrificed herself earlier on the planet Vormir.
A significant number of the Avengers' core members were lost.
In the previous questions, the quiz system had already brought up topics related to Captain America's successor. At the time, everyone had actually been wondering whether a question about Iron Man's successor would appear later on.
After all, in terms of public recognition and status in the United States, only Iron Man and Captain America could truly "match" each other.
And now, such a question had finally appeared.
"Iron Man's successor? That's an interesting topic," Tony Stark said with a look of intrigue. "But… after I'm dead, is there really anyone who deserves the title of Iron Man?"
Though his words sounded arrogant, there was no denying they made sense.
After all, in the entire United States, who could compare to Tony Stark when it came to scientific genius?
After answering questions for so long, they truly hadn't seen anyone of that caliber.
The things he invented were far ahead of the entire era.
"No, absolutely not, Mr. Stark! You're one of a kind. Only you deserve the title of Iron Man—no one else!"Peter Parker, Iron Man's number-one fanboy, replied without hesitation.
"Stark, I think we need to discuss what it actually means to inherit the title of Iron Man," Doctor Strange said from his hospital bed, struggling to lift his head. "But one thing is certain: Iron Man exists to protect world peace. So his successor wouldn't be a scientist, but a warrior… for example, someone like War Machine."
"That's right—the armor!" Scott Lang slapped his hand in realization. "'Iron Man' later specifically referred to Tony Stark, but at the beginning, the name referred to the suit of armor itself!"
Tony Stark's legendary performance at the congressional hearing had made the news back then—everyone watching the screen remembered it clearly.
At the time, the congressmen wanted to force Tony Stark to hand over "Iron Man" to the state.
Because "Iron Man" was a weapon.
From the very beginning, "Iron Man" referred to the armor.
It was only over time that Iron Man became perfectly synonymous with Tony Stark himself.
"So inheriting Iron Man means inheriting the Iron Man armor?" Thor pondered for a moment, then nodded. "That makes sense. Without armor, can you really call yourself Iron Man?"
"The Iron Man suit is his signature," Peter Parker agreed. "Just like the shield is Captain America's symbol. So inheriting Captain America requires inheriting the shield—by the same logic, inheriting Iron Man requires inheriting the armor."
On this point, no one had much doubt.
No flashy armor, just guns or fists, yet calling yourself Iron Man's successor?
That would be a joke.
"There's one problem," Captain America said, raising a key issue. "The armor isn't like the shield. The shield is government property, but the Iron Man armor is Stark's private property."
"If that's the case… then Iron Man's successor can't be officially selected like Captain America's."
"In fact, if Iron Man died unexpectedly on the battlefield without designating a successor, I don't think Pepper—his wife—would choose an Iron Man successor either."
"But the question says 'widely regarded as,' doesn't it?" Doctor Strange interjected.
"That means this so-called Iron Man successor isn't official at all," Thor added. "It's more like a popular, folk-level consensus, not a true inheritance in the strict sense, right?"
"That's probably the case," Peter Parker nodded.
Iron Man's situation was fundamentally different from Captain America's.
Captain America represented political legitimacy—a symbol selected by the American establishment.
Iron Man didn't.
He was famous, yes, but he didn't carry that kind of political meaning.
So the authorities would never formally appoint an Iron Man successor.
At best, it would be fan consensus.
In that case, whoever the public regarded as Iron Man's successor must have had an exceptionally close relationship with him.
Moreover, Iron Man must have openly shown that relationship during his lifetime.
Otherwise, why would people believe that person could inherit Iron Man's legacy?
After all, Iron Man was famous for arguing with everyone and barely having any friends.
"Let's look at the options first," Captain America said.
Everyone turned their attention to the big screen.
A quick scan showed Iron Man's wife, daughter, best friend, and even a so-called "son."
All were people with deep connections to Iron Man, perfectly matching their initial judgment.
"Colonel Rhodes is Stark's close friend and has worn armor for many years. Logically, he should be the most suitable candidate," Captain America analyzed.
"But as we discussed in earlier questions, Rhodes is too old."
"Whether it's Captain America's successor or Iron Man's successor, he's not suitable."
"Exactly—Rhodey's age rules him out," Thor agreed.
No one objected.
Option A was eliminated.
"Then what about me?"
Peter Parker immediately turned to Option B, eyes shining, and looked at Tony Stark. "Mr. Stark, what do you think? Me as your successor—no problem, right?"
"Kid, I can't comment on that," Tony shrugged. "I'd already be dead by then."
"Peter Parker is entirely possible," Doctor Strange said. "In every respect, he meets the criteria."
"Right," Scott Lang added. "He's an Avenger, fought alongside Stark at the airport in Germany, went to Titan to fight Thanos, and participated in Endgame."
"Whether it's his relationship with Stark or public recognition, there's no issue."
"Peter Parker remains a tentative option," Captain America concluded.
Next, they moved on to the following option.
"Pepper Potts?" Thor mused. "She wore armor and fought in Endgame. Is it possible that after that, she inherited her husband's will and became Iron Man?"
"Stark, based on your understanding of Pepper, could she do that?" Scott asked.
"To be honest, we argued about this plenty of times," Tony replied. "She didn't want me to be Iron Man. She didn't want me risking my life in armor."
"She wanted me to spend more time with her."
"So under normal circumstances, Pepper wouldn't wear the armor."
"But—"
There was always a "but."
"But we're talking about after I died. That's not normal circumstances, right?"
"So even if it doesn't match her usual personality, I have to say—it's entirely possible."
"She wore it in Endgame, didn't she?"
"So… Pepper is also a tentative option?" Thor asked.
"No, I don't think so," Captain America said after some thought. "Calling Iron Man's wife his successor is… strange."
"Even if Pepper really wore the armor, given her relationship with Stark, 'successor' doesn't sound right."
"She'd be more like 'Iron Woman,' or 'Steel Lady,' or simply a new Iron Man—someone on equal footing with Stark."
"That makes sense," Peter Parker agreed enthusiastically.
Calling Iron Man's wife his successor was indeed awkward.
A daughter or son would make sense—but not a wife.
After discussion, Option C—Pepper—was eliminated.
That left only the final option: Iron Man's daughter, Morgan.
"Option D is even less likely," Tony Stark said matter-of-factly. "Morgan is my future daughter, sure—but she'd be what, five or six years old? Who would consider a five-year-old girl my successor?"
"If she were Peter's age, maybe. But when I die, she'd be far too young."
"Agreed—Option D can be ruled out," Scott Lang echoed.
"So the answer is me! Right? It's me!" Peter Parker shouted excitedly. "I'll be recognized as Mr. Stark's successor in the future! That's amazing! Unbelievable!"
At this point, the answer was basically certain.
Only Peter Parker remained as a viable option.
Frankly, this question was quite easy.
"Everyone's answered once, right?" Thor asked. "Now it's the second round. Who wants to answer this one?"
He glanced around, then looked at Tony Stark. "Stark, you seem pretty interested in this one."
By their usual rule, questions related to someone were answered by that person.
This one was related to Tony Stark, though not exclusively about him—so whoever wanted the reward could answer.
And the reward was technical data.
No one but Tony Stark would care about that.
"Exactly. This could be advanced shield technology—I can use it on my armor," Tony said eagerly. "The reward is useless to you guys, so I'll answer."
"I choose B: Spider-Man, Peter Parker!"
[Correct Answer!]
As expected, the answer was indeed Spider-Man.
[Congratulations to respondent Tony Stark for obtaining the Holtzman Shield Technology Data!][Reward issued. Please check your inventory.]
As the system notification faded, a USB drive appeared in Tony Stark's hand.
Without a doubt, it contained the Holtzman Shield data.
At the same time, detailed information about the Holtzman Shield was transmitted directly into Tony Stark's mind.
"This thing… is really impressive."
Even Tony Stark couldn't hide his satisfaction.
He was glad he'd answered the question and obtained this powerful technology.
"Mr. Stark, is the Holtzman Shield a shield, like a physical one?" Peter Parker asked curiously.
"No, no, kid—that description is far too simplistic," Tony replied. "It provides protection, but it's not just a 'shield.'"
"It's actually an energy-field generator."
"In other words, an energy shield."
"A full 360-degree, no-blind-spot energy shield!"
Tony's voice was tinged with excitement.
With this technology, his Iron Man armor could finally reach a truly flawless level of defense.
In fact, in terms of defense alone, it would surpass even the future ultimate armor—the nanotech suit.
After all, nanotech armor still relied on physical defense.
How could that compare to the Holtzman Shield?
....
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