Marvel: Superman Strength in a World of Heroes

Superman was the first superhero in the history of American comics.

He debuted all the way back in 1938.

Yinsen, now in his forties or fifties, had read Superman comics as a child, and watched the movies as an adult.

He wasn't a die-hard fan, but he'd always liked the character.

And now, seeing Superman in the flesh, heat vision and all?

Naturally, Yinsen was stunned, and a little thrilled.

『Yinsen』: "Mr. Superman, you"

Just as he was about to speak

Thump! Thump! Thump!

A series of heavy, metallic footsteps echoed from deeper in the cave.

It sounded like a giant machine trudging closer.

Then came a familiar voice:

『Tony Stark』: "Yinsen? Yinsen!"

Both Carl and Yinsen turned toward the sound.

From the shadows emerged a bulky, metal-clad figure.

Clanking. Smoking. Hulking.

It was Tony Stark, wearing his first-ever Iron Man suit, the Mark I.

When Carl saw the crude armor lurching toward them, he raised an eyebrow.

Honestly?

It was ugly.

Compared to the Mark 85 from Endgame, or the Mark 50 from Infinity War, even the silver-toned Mark 2 from the first film…

Hell, even that was sleeker than this walking tin can.

Those suits had elegance. Finesse. They screamed "advanced tech."

This?

This looked like a scrap metal project built with a hammer in someone's garage.

But still, Carl understood.

Given the terrible conditions Tony had been working in, the fact he could build anything at all was impressive.

Tony finally spotted Yinsen, alive.

His eyes widened behind the armor's slits.

He paused mid-step, stunned.

And beside Yinsen…

A man wearing a cape and bodysuit, with a red "S" on his chest?

『Tony Stark』: "Yinsen?"

『Tony Stark』: "You're alive? That's… amazing!"

Tony lifted the faceplate, revealing a face full of relief.

He'd already accepted that Yinsen was dead. After all, it was Yinsen who had removed the shrapnel from his chest. Without that surgery, Tony would've died days ago.

If Yinsen had given his life to buy Tony time, he would have carried that guilt forever.

But now, he was here. Alive.

『Yinsen』: "Yeah," he smiled, "all thanks to this Superman right here."

『Tony Stark』: "Superman?"

Tony's eyes shifted to the man beside Yinsen.

He looked the part, tall, handsome, muscular.

The suit wasn't exactly like in the comics or films, but it was close enough.

Still…

Who would actually believe this guy was Superman?

Tony's brain went practical. Most likely?

Another prisoner. A bit eccentric.

Probably cobbled together this costume as some kind of joke. Or maybe to stay sane.

『Tony Stark』: "Hmph…"

There were no bodies in the cave. No weapons either.

That alone was weird.

Tony figured the Ten Rings had heard the earlier explosions and fled in fear. No one dared approach.

And yet…

Something about this guy bugged him.

The face, the voice…

It felt familiar.

But the cave lighting was dim. He couldn't get a good look.

Whatever. No time to think too hard.

They were still behind enemy lines.

Time to get moving.

『Tony Stark』: "Don't worry, Yinsen. This armor's working exactly how I hoped. Combat-ready."

『Tony Stark』: "With this baby, we'll get out of here for sure."

Then he turned to Carl.

『Tony Stark』: "Hey, kid. You coming with us? Stick close. Don't wander off."

He reattached his helmet with a hiss of steam and headed for the cave entrance.

As he walked, he gave one final instruction:

『Tony Stark』: "Yinsen, you and the Superman wannabe stay back and hide."

『Tony Stark』: "Let me handle the guys outside first."

『Yinsen』: "Tony?"

Yinsen watched his back.

He wanted to say something, but Tony didn't stop.

He just kept walking.

Yinsen turned back to Carl and gave a sheepish smile.

『Yinsen』: "Mr. Superman… I'm sorry."

『Yinsen』: "Tony, uh… he doesn't really believe you're Superman."

『Carl』: "I figured."

Carl smiled, clearly unbothered.

He could see straight through Tony's thoughts.

But that didn't bother him at all.

At least Tony had a good heart.

He genuinely wanted to help others.

And for Carl, that made this trip worth it.

Truthfully, Carl hadn't even planned on coming here today.

He'd been at Isabella's house, bored.

Out of curiosity, he'd used his super vision to check in on Tony and Yinsen.

That's when he saw Yinsen charging out of the cave, rifle in hand.

Thanks to the [Silver Superman Template], Carl's memory and cognitive processing were on another level.

Even vague memories from his past life were crystal clear.

He remembered the Iron Man movie.

He remembered this exact scene.

He remembered, Yinsen was going to die.

So he flew home, grabbed his suit, and came straight here.

He'd already made up his mind.

He was going to save Yinsen.

After all, he liked Tony Stark.

And if he hadn't even killed Black Widow in his past life, how could he let Iron Man die?

Not to mention,

Carl had big plans.

Plans that involved Tony.

Meanwhile,

Tony Stark, full of confidence, stomped out of the cave in his bulky Mark I armor.

Just as he expected, armed terrorists waited outside.

『Terrorist 1』: "Where's that bald bastard?!"

『Terrorist 2』: "Ran off already?!"

Tony clicked his tongue.

He remembered their bald leader, the smug one who'd threatened him, humiliated him.

He was dying to blast him into ash.

But that guy wasn't here.

No matter.

He'd handle the others first.

Tony raised his armored arm.

The flamethrower spun up.

The Ten Rings soldiers noticed him.

Guns raised. Fingers tightening.

Tension hit its peak,

Then suddenly,

FWOOSH!

Two blinding red beams tore through the air like twin lances of hellfire.

The next moment,

All the terrorists were vaporized.

Just like that.

No screams.

No resistance.

Tony flinched, turning his head in disbelief,

And saw something that made him freeze.

Carl, still in that sleek black Superman suit.

His eyes glowing bright red.

Hovering in mid-air like a god.

『Tony Stark』: "…What the hell…"

End of chapter...

Hey everyone! 🌌

Loving the battles, twists, and wild multiverse encounters?

✨ Get early access to chapters before anyone else. Unlock secret events, surprise battles, hidden lore, and power-ups ahead of the curve.

It's like a VIP mission in the System, exclusive, epic, and just for the chosen few.

🔹 Dimension Walker – 15 chapters ahead

🔸 Reality Shifter – 35 chapters ahead

Your support helps me write faster, go deeper, and expand this universe even further.

📍 patreon.com/MrBehringer