Chapter 23 - 23: The Frozen Legacy and the Iron Prison

"Yesterday, the Mason Industries Twin Towers were officially completed, with Mr. Gene Mason delivering a keynote speech." "The Pinnacle of Technology—Mason Industries Twin Towers!" "Gene Mason Announces the Starlink Project!" "Experts Praise the Starlink Project—A Genius Vision!" ... The next morning, Gene Mason leisurely browsed the latest headlines. As expected, most news revolved around yesterday's grand inauguration of the Mason Industries Twin Towers. However, in a remote corner of the internet, a different headline caught his attention: "Stark Industries in Talks with the Department of Defense—Will the Jericho Missile Become the Military's New Favorite?" Gene smirked with amusement. So, the main story is finally beginning? But before that, he had something far more interesting to attend to. ... Arctic Ocean – A Forgotten Relic Far away in the icy expanse of the Arctic Ocean, a massive research vessel, bearing the Mason Industries insignia, drifted silently across the frozen waters. The deck was lined with workers, all clad in Mason Industries uniforms—yet their faces showed no emotion. In a flash of golden light, Gene Mason materialized on the deck. "According to the analysis, we've pinpointed the crash site of that old aircraft," one of the emotionless workers reported. Not far away, heavy-duty Mason Industries machinery rumbled atop the ice. Dozens of workers, unfazed by the bone-chilling cold, plunged directly into the freezing waters without any protective gear. Chains clanked as they secured an enormous aircraft submerged beneath the ice. With a deep, reverberating groan, the wreckage was slowly pulled to the surface. The moment the fuselage emerged, several workers stepped forward, using their bare hands to pry open the frozen metal. Inside, encased in a thick layer of ice, was the legendary Steve Rogers—Captain America himself. Gene stepped closer, gazing at the perfectly preserved figure with an enigmatic smile. "So, here he comes the first Avenger?" His voice was laced with intrigue. But then, his lips curled into a sinister smirk. "Not for long. Soon, you will be reborn as the Captain of Umbrella Corporation." He patted the icy tomb before signaling to the sky. Suddenly, a sleek hypersonic fighter jet shimmered into existence, its optical camouflage deactivating as it descended. The jet bore the insignia of the Umbrella Corporation, Mason Industries' hidden arm dedicated to biotechnological advancements. A figure stepped out, effortlessly lifting the frozen super-soldier and carrying him into the aircraft. Searᴄh the NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was the Eagle-Class Fighter, a state-of-the-art war machine engineered within the underground Skynet Base. Capable of reaching Mach 3 within the atmosphere and seamlessly transitioning into space travel, it was equipped with dual optical and radar stealth capabilities—an apex predator of the skies. Gene's voice was calm but commanding. "Take him back. Install a control chip. Then begin the thawing process." He paused, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Once the T-virus research reaches 95% viability, inject him with it. I'm very curious—what will happen when the T-virus fuses with Super Soldier Serum?" ... Meanwhile… in the Middle of a Desert While Gene was busy recovering a relic from the past, Tony Stark was on the other side of the world, riding high on his latest achievement. Accompanied by a group of U.S. soldiers, he had arrived at a remote desert site to showcase his newest invention—the Jericho Missile. Standing before a lineup of high-ranking military officials, Stark spread his arms with a confident smirk. "And now, gentlemen… behold, the Jericho Missile." With a dramatic flourish, the missile launched into the sky. Seconds later, a series of powerful explosions erupted across the landscape, sending shockwaves through the desert. The gathered officers exchanged impressed glances. Stark Industries had long been regarded as the pinnacle of American weaponry—or at least, it was before Mason Industries entered the scene. In fact, among military circles, a saying had started circulating: "Stark Industries makes the best weapons in the world… until Mason Industries decides to make one better." Following successful negotiations, Stark hopped into an armored convoy with the soldiers, basking in the glow of his latest deal. And then—the ambush happened. Explosions erupted around the convoy as gunfire rained down from the surrounding hills. Chaos ensued. Amidst the carnage, as his vision blurred and consciousness faded, Tony Stark caught a glimpse of something that made his blood run cold— A missile. Not just any missile—a Mason Industries missile. And then, everything went black. ... When Tony Stark awoke, he found himself inside a dimly lit cave. A searing pain radiated from his chest. He struggled to move, only to realize that a crude electromagnet had been embedded in his sternum. "You were hit by a Mason Industries bomb," a calm voice informed him. Stark turned his head to see Yinsen, a fellow prisoner and an unlikely ally. "If you don't want metal fragments shredding your heart, I suggest you don't remove that magnet." Before Stark could fully process his predicament, a group of armed militants stormed into the cave, barking orders in a foreign language. Yinsen translated. "They want you to build them the missile you demonstrated earlier." Stark remained silent. But inside, his mind was already working overtime, formulating a plan—not to build a missile, but to build his way out of this hellhole. ... News of Tony Stark's abduction spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves across the United States. "Oh my God, how did this happen?!" "Without Stark, how will Stark Industries compete with Mason Industries?" "Is this the moment when Mason Industries and Oscorp finally battle for dominance?" Public speculation ran rampant. But deep within the Skynet Base, Gene Mason simply watched the chaos unfold with an amused smile. A holographic screen floated before him, displaying a live feed of Stark's captivity. "Hmm… the group that kidnapped him…" Gene narrowed his eyes as he studied the figures on the screen. "They look like members of the Ten Rings." A sly grin spread across his face. "How interesting." -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/MPHFics