Power Struggle

"Today, Evil Believers caused massive destruction in America, and many innocent people lost their lives because of it. I offer my deepest condolences. But what I want to say is that we will not yield, nor do we need to yield, because we have the brave Iron Man, reliable mutants, and a powerful military…"

At the press conference, the president said in a sorrowful yet forceful voice, "To prevent this from happening again, the Mutant Affairs Department will establish the Guardians. In addition, I will persuade Iron Man to expand his Security Company. Once Iron Man agrees, I will place long-term government contracts with his company on behalf of the government. Ladies and gentlemen, America and Evil Believers cannot coexist under the same sky…"

"Damn it."

The Old General smashed the remote control in his hand against the television and cursed, "How much did that bastard take from Iron Man to speak for him like that?"

What displeased the Old General even more was that the man had actually dared to take a jab at the military—the powerful military!

What displeased the old general even more was that the man actually dared to make insinuations about the military—the mighty military!

"More than a billion dollars?"

The Old General glanced sideways, somewhat tempted. If Iron Man threw more than a billion dollars at him, should he accept it, or should he accept it? Seeing the Staff Officer’s astonished look, the Old General came to his senses. He coughed and said, "Next, the mutants and Iron Man will both grow much stronger. The situation is extremely unfavorable for us."

After hesitating for a moment, the staff officer suggested, "General, perhaps we can try competing with Iron Man for people. I mean, we could establish a Mutant Guardians unit as well."

"There are three options. One is the Mutant Affairs Management Department that protects mutants. Another is Iron Man, the Mutant Savior. The last is the notorious military that conducts experiments on mutants."

The Old General looked at the Staff Officer and asked, "If you were a mutant, which would you choose?"

"The first two."

The staff member smiled bitterly. He had been too naive. With the military’s current reputation, they simply could not recruit mutants.

"That’s right. They’ll only choose the first two. Originally, we could still have used patriotism to fool some mutants, but now that the president is backing the Mutant Affairs Management Department, they’ll only choose the Mutant Affairs Management Department."

"That’s right. They’ll only choose the first two. Originally, we could still have used patriotism to fool some mutants, but now that the president is backing the Mutant Affairs Management Department, they’ll only choose the Mutant Affairs Management Department."

There was actually another method: the Mutant Cure. However, that was top-secret, and the old general would not tell the staff officer about it.

Thinking of something, the Old General said, "Call Trask Industries for me. Next week, I’m going to visit Trask Industries."

"Yes, General."

The staff officer nodded. Just then, the old general’s phone rang. After answering it, he discovered that the caller was presidential candidate Acton.

"Acton, isn’t it inappropriate for you to contact me at a time like this?"

The Old General asked suspiciously, "Acton, it’s not appropriate for you to contact me at a time like this, is it?"

A candidate contacting a military big shot was not a good thing.

"I didn’t want to contact you this early either, but we have no time to waste. General, we can’t let that idiot destroy America and humanity."

Acton said, "I don’t want to contact you now either, but we have no time to waste. General, we can’t let that idiot destroy America and humanity."

For example, regarding the Guardians, if it were Acton, he would certainly have done everything possible to establish them.

Moreover, after this incident, the mutants’ strength would increase substantially. Acton had to intervene in advance, or it would be too late.

In addition, the mutants’ strength would increase greatly after this incident. Acton had to intervene in advance, or it would be too late.

"Protect America and weaken the mutants."

Acton did not waste words. He got straight to the point. "The Guardians that are about to be established cannot be completely controlled by mutants. Some of the officials within it must be humans who stand with us."

"Looks like our thoughts are very similar."

The Old General was delighted. "I think we can talk slowly over dinner. I’ll introduce you to some good friends."

Acton knew what that represented, but he still nodded. "All right. I’ll be there on time."

"I’m very glad that America’s next President will be you."

The Old General laughed. With the new President cooperating with him, dealing with Iron Man would become far easier.

How wonderful would it be if that idiot on the stage stepped down right now?

The Old General sighed inwardly. Then he remembered the man’s fortune and felt a surge of jealous hatred. Unfortunately, the timing was wrong. Otherwise, he would definitely have found a way to impeach him.

At the Wang Family Manor, Wang Bert was on the phone. It was the Old Mexico President: "Mr. Wang, your President just said that you plan to expand your Security Company?"

Wang Bert nodded. "That’s right. This incident made me deeply aware that I don’t have enough manpower."

"Wonderful, Mr. Wang. I wonder whether you could open a branch company in our country? Our people desperately need your protection."

The Old Mexico President said. This time, Mexico had suffered devastating losses. The death toll had even exceeded six figures, and the entire country desperately needed a savior.

No one was more suitable to be that savior than Iron Man. Therefore, the moment the Old Mexico President heard that Wang Bert intended to expand his Security Company, he immediately called to discuss it with him.

"I’m sorry, but for now, I only intend to expand within America."

Wang Bert pretended to hesitate before saying, "As for branch companies, we’ll have to wait until America’s situation stabilizes."

"Mr. Wang, time waits for no one. As long as you are willing to open a branch company in Mexico, we can discuss any terms."

The Old Mexico President hurriedly said, "Interest-free loans, tax exemptions, a base of operations, authority—none of those are problems. Oh, and I can also approve a special environmental support fund for your Universe Recycling Company."

The Old Mexico President was truly anxious. So many people had died this time. If he could not achieve something in a short period of time, he would definitely be forced out of office.

Bringing Iron Man in to establish a branch company in Mexico would undoubtedly be a major achievement. After all, he was Iron Man, and the people trusted him deeply.

"Mr. President, I still have to prioritize America."

Wang Bert smiled bitterly. "However, I can first visit your country and conduct an investigation."

The Old Mexico President rejoiced. "That would be wonderful, Mr. Wang. The people of Mexico are eagerly awaiting your arrival."

"How cheesy."

Wang Bert looked disgusted. "Mr. President, the best way to protect the people is to establish a Mutant Affairs Management Department and form Mutant Guardians."

The Old Mexico President knew this was Wang Bert’s condition, so he immediately agreed. "No problem, Mr. Wang. If possible, please help us establish a Mutant Affairs Management Department."

Wang Bert was somewhat startled. Wasn’t this too exaggerated? This was practically handing the Mutant Affairs Management Department over to him! Then Wang Bert realized that Mexico was different from a truly sovereign country. They had to depend on America to survive.

Depending on America and depending on Bert Wang were essentially the same thing.

Perhaps I can establish a branch base in Mexico. The restrictions over there are relatively few.

Wang Bert’s eyes flickered. "If you don’t mind, I can help. Mr. President, let’s arrange a time to discuss this in detail."

"Mr. Wang, you may come to see me anytime."

At the Wang Family Manor, Wang Bert was on the phone. It was the Old Mexico President: "Mr. Wang, you can come to me anytime."

Just after dealing with the Old Mexico President, the Great Canada President’s call was immediately put through. His request was the same as the previous President’s: he hoped the Security Company would establish a branch company in Great Canada.

However, Great Canada had slightly more confidence than Mexico. Although they agreed to establish a Mutant Affairs Management Department for Wang Bert, they did not hand authority over to him.

After that, leaders from other countries also called Wang Bert one after another. Although they had emerged unscathed this time, no one could guarantee that Evil Believers would not go to their countries next.

For their nations’ safety, they had to befriend Iron Man. Not only did he own a Security Company, he himself was also the strongest mutant.

Without Wang Bert, America’s losses would definitely have multiplied several times over, perhaps even more—without Wang Bert, America might not have been able to stop Greed and Wrath.

"As long as you treat mutants well, I will gladly help you."

Wang Bert gave them a solemn promise. The leaders of the various countries all said they would establish Mutant Affairs Management Departments and protect mutants’ interests.

Without a doubt, the status of mutants would rise dramatically from now on, and Wang Bert would officially become the Mutant Savior.

Though the road has been somewhat bumpy, I’m completing my goal step by step.

Over the next half month, America remained steeped in grief. After all, more than a hundred thousand people had died this time, while the number of injured was countless.

For more than half a month afterward, America remained shrouded in grief. The death toll this time had reached more than a hundred thousand, and the number of wounded was incalculable.

Besides sorrow and pain, the people were also furious. They continuously blasted the president and the military, accusing them of incompetence and failure to protect the people.

The military, on the other hand, was in miserable shape. They were cursed bloody—protecting the homeland was originally their duty, yet despite being prepared, they had been utterly crushed by the Evil Believers. How could the people not be enraged? Worse still, in order to eliminate the Evil Believers, the military had used heavy weapons within the city. According to post-incident statistics, at least several hundred people had been killed because of them.

Once this matter was made public, the people became even more furious. They marched and protested in the White House plaza, demanding that the military provide an explanation.

Ten percent of the people’s anger went to the President, while the remaining ninety percent went entirely to the military. The military was left overwhelmed and desperate. In order to escape their unfavorable position, they released the casualty figures for their soldiers.

This time, the military had indeed lost many soldiers. Quite a few combat squads had even been completely wiped out.

The military spokesperson said this: "Perhaps we did not do well enough, but whether in the past, the present, or the future, we will always do everything in our power to protect America."

The military’s strategy achieved some success. The reason it was only "some" was because the people still considered the military incompetent.

What was the use of sacrificing so much if they could not protect the people? The military’s greatest purpose was to protect the nation and its people. That was its sacred duty.

The military’s performance made the people lean even more toward Iron Man and the Super Heroes. Taking advantage of the public’s support, Wang Bert, the Iron Man beloved by the people, at the height of his power, and known as the nation’s guardian, expanded his Security Company. Large numbers of mutants joined his company and became Security soldiers.

At the same time, the Mutant Affairs Department officially established the Guardians. With official funding and support, they developed at an extremely rapid pace and had even established branch offices in other cities.

For mutants, everything was moving in a positive direction, but there were still discordant notes.

In the President’s office, the President roared like an enraged tiger, "That damn Acton! I haven’t even left office yet, and he already dares to openly seize authority that belongs to me."

Although the president would leave office in two months, he had not left yet. Acton’s actions had thoroughly enraged him.

"Mr. President," a staff member reminded him tactfully, "Congress and the military are currently more supportive of Acton."

The president gritted his teeth. "There’s a saying in the East: when a person leaves, the tea goes cold. I haven’t even left yet, and my tea has already gone cold."

You don’t do any real work. All you think about every day is making money. Who would care about you?

The staff member complained inwardly. It was true that tea went cold when people left, but the president had reached this point largely because of his own problems.

Wang Bert, who sat opposite the president, said, "Isn’t it a good thing that someone is helping you clean up the mess? If Acton wants to do it, let him do it."

"Bert, that man claims to support mutants on the surface, but he’s no good person behind the scenes."

The President tattled, "I originally wanted the Guardians to consist entirely of mutants, but he secretly pulled strings and assigned many positions to ordinary humans. I investigated them. Many of them have military backgrounds."

"He moved pretty fast."

Wang Bert snorted. Acton wanted the Guardians to be established, but he did not want them to be entirely controlled by mutants. Simply put, he only wanted to use mutants to protect America.

"His ambitions go far beyond that."

The President continued, "He is persuading Congress to pass a bill, the Patriot Act."

"The Patriot Act?"

Wang Bert was somewhat surprised. In his previous life, the Patriot Act had been introduced after 9/11. It seemed that the previous Evil Believers massacre had replaced the 9/11 incident that might or might not happen next year.

"Yes, the Patriot Act."

The president nodded. "Yes, the Patriot Act."

Wang Bert looked at the President and asked, "Mr. President, what is your purpose in telling me this?"

"I’m telling you this because I want you to stay vigilant. Acton is not someone to be trifled with."

The President said. In truth, his real purpose was to drive a wedge between Wang Bert and Acton, making them clash so someone would teach Acton a lesson for him.

"Acton really is not someone to be trifled with."

Wang Bert smiled. "Mr. President, have you ever considered seeking reelection?"

Both the President and the staff member were stunned. Then the President shook his head. "Bert, I’d be lying if I said I don’t want reelection, but I no longer have any chance of being reelected. Otherwise, Acton would not be acting so arrogantly."

The staff member also shook his head. "After the Stryker incident and the Evil Believers incident, the people will no longer accept the President."

"What if I give you my full support?"

Wang Bert asked.

"My full support?"

The president’s eyes suddenly lit up. Iron Man’s reputation was currently absurdly high. He was even known as the nation’s guardian. With his help, the president would definitely gain a large number of votes.

After considering it, the staff member shook his head. "If not for the Evil Believers incident, with your current reputation, Iron Man, it really might have been possible."

The unspoken meaning was that even with Iron Man’s help, the president could not be reelected. The light in the president’s eyes gradually faded. It seemed he truly was not fated for reelection.

The Evil Believers incident had been far too severe. Even if Iron Man stepped forward, the people would no longer support the president.