Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Afghan Base

Nick Fury had long been acquainted with Gu Zhongyan’s mercenary nature and knew that once the other party named his price, there was no room for negotiation. However, since it wasn’t his own money, he had no intention of haggling and agreed readily. As for whether the final value of those shares would exceed twenty million, or whether Stark Industries’ shareholders would consent, that was none of his concern.

The next day, as agreed, Gu Zhongyan arrived at the American military base in Afghanistan under Nick Fury’s arrangements and met the commander of the operation, Air Force Colonel James Rhodes.

James Rhodes, Air Force Colonel, Tony Stark’s close friend, and a future member of the Avengers known as “War Machine”—a character with a distinct personality, often seen in the films bantering with others.

At present, this lean, dark-skinned colonel was regarding Gu Zhongyan with a look of disbelief and resignation.

Tony Stark’s disappearance was a matter of utmost concern to Rhodes—not only because of their close friendship, but also because Stark was his key supporter. It’s often said that money isn’t everything, but without it, nothing can be done—especially in America. Without sufficient funding, neither political nor military ambition can flourish.

Consider that Captain America remained a mere captain until his death, while Rhodes, still a young man, had already become a colonel—just a step away from being called “general.” To suggest that Stark Industries had nothing to do with this would be a lie.

Tony Stark’s fate directly affected Rhodes’ relationships and career prospects. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken the matter into his own hands, nor sought S.H.I.E.L.D.’s help through military channels.

He had expected S.H.I.E.L.D. to send a team of elite agents to assist in the investigation. Instead, when the plane landed, all he saw was a youthful Chinese boy in jeans and a baseball cap, radiating energy.

Was this S.H.I.E.L.D.’s ace?

At this moment, Rhodes’ expression was even darker than his skin tone. If not for his rationality, he might have believed S.H.I.E.L.D. was deliberately mocking him—though, in truth, he already suspected as much.

Taking a deep breath, Rhodes suppressed his anger and forced a smile at Gu Zhongyan.

“Hello, I’m James Rhodes, the officer in charge of this operation. Are you the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent assigned to assist in Tony Stark’s rescue?”

Seeing the barely concealed irritation on Rhodes’ face, Gu Zhongyan could guess what he was thinking. He smiled and replied, “That’s right, I’m here to help locate Tony Stark. But I’m not a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent—I’m an external consultant they’ve hired.”

“Colonel Rhodes, it’s a pleasure. I’m Shawn Gu, a wizard. I look forward to working with you.”

“Wh-what?” Rhodes’ expression cracked, and he wondered if he was still dreaming; otherwise, how could he have just heard someone calling himself a wizard?

Now he was certain—S.H.I.E.L.D. was playing games with him.

He had no idea how he had offended S.H.I.E.L.D. enough to merit such mockery, but the usually even-tempered Rhodes was now thoroughly enraged. His face grew grim as he spoke coldly, “I don’t know why S.H.I.E.L.D. thought sending a child to toy with me was appropriate, but young man, you’ve succeeded in making me angry.”

“After this matter is settled, I’ll go straight to the Triskelion and demand an explanation from Nick Fury himself. Until then, I’m afraid you’ll have to spend some time in the detention cell.”

With that, Rhodes signaled with his hand, pointing at Gu Zhongyan. “You two, take him to the holding cell. The rest of you—prepare to begin the search.”

“Yes, sir!” The two soldiers stepped forward at once, but before they could reach him, Gu Zhongyan had already taken out his dragonbone wand and gave it a slight flick.

“Petrificus Totalus!”

A beam of light flashed so quickly it was impossible to blink, and both soldiers froze in place, motionless as statues.

“What’s going on? What did you do? Mike, Quinn—what’s wrong? Answer me!” Rhodes’ expression changed as he called out urgently.

But the two soldiers remained as lifelike as wax figures, utterly unresponsive.

“Finite Incantatem!”

Gu Zhongyan waved his wand again, and the two soldiers were instantly released from their petrification, staring at him in terror as they instinctively retreated two steps.

Now Rhodes, too, gazed at Gu Zhongyan in shock, his mouth agape for a long moment before he finally spoke.

“You—you—he… Are you really a wizard? Was that…magic?” Rhodes stammered in disbelief.

Gu Zhongyan smiled and nodded. “Genuine in every respect, Colonel Rhodes. Now do you believe I’m a wizard? Are you willing to work with me to rescue Tony Stark?”

Rhodes took a deep breath and shook his head vigorously, struggling to maintain composure. “No, I mean—are you certain that was magic? This…this is incredible.”

Gu Zhongyan chuckled, “I don’t think now is the time to discuss my abilities. Our most important task is finding Tony Stark and bringing him back safely, isn’t it?”

Although he knew Tony Stark was in no immediate danger and would emerge from this ordeal as Iron Man, fate was always unpredictable. The butterfly effect was a well-worn phrase, and no one could say whether his presence might alter Iron Man’s emergence.

Since he had accepted this mission, he would do his best to find Stark as quickly as possible. Whether or not Tony Stark became Iron Man, he would always have a heart of steel and compassion.

Hearing this, Rhodes let go of his doubts and nodded. “You’re right. I apologize for doubting you. So, Shawn, do you have a plan for finding Tony? Is there anything you need?”

“Of course,” Gu Zhongyan replied. “I need some of Tony Stark’s clothes or personal items. And you mentioned finding traces of his blood at the attack site? If you can provide some of his blood, or anything stained with it, that would be even better.”

“Okay, I understand,” Rhodes nodded. “Mike, bring everything related to Tony here and give it to Mr. Gu.”

Having witnessed the marvels of magic firsthand, Mike didn’t hesitate and dashed back to the camp, soon returning with a large bundle.

“These, and these, and this too—all things Tony Stark used. See if there’s anything else you need.”

He quickly laid out some wine glasses, bottles, clothing, shards of glass, soil stained with blood, and even a few strands of hair in front of Gu Zhongyan, watching him with excitement, as if anticipating something extraordinary.