The audience erupted in applause. Tony's strength had been on full display this time, and unlike the online hype, everyone had witnessed it firsthand.
The charm of technology was evident to all. Relying solely on tech, and excluding Bruce Banner whose power remained ambiguous, Tony was undoubtedly the strongest.
Fox continued the announcement:
"The second finalist is Elder Selina from the Vampire Clan. Let's give her a round of applause!"
On the screen, Selina's highlight reel was shown—knocking Tony Stark away, stabbing at his abdomen with a short sword, evading missiles, and stepping on Xu Shangqi. Her performance earned roaring applause.
Selina arrived first at the arena's center, receiving another wave of cheers. Soon after, Tony Stark flew in with his armor.
Seeing Selina, Tony was a bit surprised. He'd expected his next opponent to be the green-skinned Hulk, Bruce Banner.
Fox addressed them:
"Both of you, please hand over your collected coins."
Selina and Tony each handed over their three coins to Fox.
"Congratulations to both of you for advancing to the finals. The match will begin in one hour."
"You can rest for now. Staff will notify you when it's time."
Hearing that, Tony and Selina moved to the audience section.
Tony walked over to Pepper and Happy, removed his helmet, and asked:
"How was it? Was your boss cool or what?"
Pepper smiled. "Cool. Tony, you're the coolest."
Shrugging, Tony asked:
"By the way, what happened with Bruce Banner?"
"Why is Selina, the one I already beat, in the finals?"
Tony had considered Bruce Banner his biggest threat due to his previous encounter with the Hulk.
Happy explained:
"Doctor Banner was being pursued by Xu Xialing and Xu Shangqi. After transforming, he didn't retaliate but instead gave his coin to Xu Shangqi."
"But then Selina arrived, knocked out Xu Shangqi, and took both coins."
"To be precise, she took the coins from both Bruce Banner and Xu Shangqi."
"It seems the organizers hadn't registered Bruce's coin as transferred yet. If the fight hadn't ended, Hulk might've changed his mind and taken them both back."
Hearing this, Tony sighed.
"Lucky girl."
Pepper teased, "Girl?"
"Tony, she might be old enough to be your grandmother."
Tony turned toward Selina. If vampires really lived as long as legends claimed, then yeah... maybe even great-grandmother. Still, her black tight suit and fierce aura gave her an edge over the usual cover models.
Pepper rolled her eyes at his stare, already guessing what was on Tony's mind.
Meanwhile…
Back with the vampires, Selina received enthusiastic congratulations from her clan. Everyone was happy she'd made it to the finals.
However, Marcus looked worried.
"Selina, you lost to Tony Stark in the earlier match."
"Do you have any strategy to beat him now?"
Selina's face turned serious. Though reaching the finals was worth celebrating, without a strategy against Tony, the wish would be out of reach.
After a moment of thought, she asked:
"How many of Tony Stark's missiles and bombs are left?"
"Does he have any means to resupply here?"
…
On Tony's end…
Thanks to JARVIS, Tony knew he was running low on firepower. His mini missiles were depleted, and even his bombs had been used up against Selina. Only the arc reactor's energy remained.
It would be enough for the final match, but without explosives, wounding Selina severely was unlikely.
"JARVIS, how long would it take to return home for ammo resupply?"
JARVIS calculated and replied:
"Sir, returning to the villa would take too long. You'd be disqualified."
Tony was frustrated. He'd have to make do with what he had. This made remote support and ammunition resupply a priority for the future.
Half an hour passed.
Smith Dole's aircraft returned to the final arena. He flew down with the trio.
Seeing Xu Shangqi and Xu Xialing alive and well, the audience was stunned.
They had seen footage of both siblings barely breathing, seemingly close to death. Yet now they looked completely fine.
Previously, Selina's rapid recovery was attributed to her vampire abilities. But now it seemed the Assassin's League had some incredibly advanced healing technology.
Xu Shangqi and Xu Xialing returned to the Golden Dagger Club group, while Bruce Banner walked toward Betty.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][www.p@treon.com/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]