Ch: 21-30
Chapter 21 Symbiote Acquired
Venom's hideous black face sneered, "If you put it that way, my future offspring might be other colors, like the red I hate!"
Steve raised an eyebrow at that, glanced at Venom's blabbering mouth, and let out a strange smile:
"Don't say it, your future big son might really be red, and he might even be stronger than you, and want to devour you whole~"
"Don't you Symbiotes all have daddy issues and get stronger with each generation?"
Venom's black face darkened, "You know too much! I hate your human honesty!"
The reason it is the weakest Symbiote on Klyntar is because it is the first generation Symbiote!
But Symbiotes often get stronger with each iteration; the first generation is actually the weakest!
Stung by the painful truth, Venom wanted to crawl back into Eddie's body, but as it turned its head, a large hand firmly caught its "tail."
Venom:???
Bro, how can you grab a Symbiote?
Don't you know Symbiotes are non-Newtonian fluids???
Venom struggled, realizing the power gap between itself and Steve was not just big, it couldn't break free from his palm at all!
"Human, you asked for this!"
Venom's large white eyes turned fierce, and it simply detached from Eddie, turning to pounce on Steve!
Although this human's mouth stank, he was the strongest creature it had ever seen. As long as it possessed him as a host, it would be no weaker than any Symbiote!
Even Riot, the strongest Symbiote leader!
However, imagination is beautiful, reality is cruel~
Drooling, Venom plunged headfirst towards Steve, successfully attaching itself to Steve's body... specifically, his Biological Force Field!
DUANG!!!
"Awoooo————"
With a dull thud, Venom's head was dented, and it clutched its forehead, letting out Tom Cat-like yelps!
Steve picked up Venom with two fingers, smacked his lips, and shook his head:
"What a stubborn young man, ramming his head into a Biological Force Field. How is that different from an egg hitting a rock~"
Although Symbiotes are said to be all-pervasive, sorry, a Biological Force Field has no holes at all!
"Um... Captain America, I presume you wanted this black goo inside me, right? Now that you have it, can I leave?"
Eddie, who outwardly had a tough, unapproachable face, now asked Steve cautiously.
Facing this "contrasting cuteness" Eddie, Steve looked at him and pondered.
There was no way Venom was going back to Eddie, but he also didn't plan to do anything to Eddie.
As one of the Marvel protagonists, Steve had a hunch that he might receive system missions related to Eddie in the future.
After thinking for a moment, he pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Eddie, smiling kindly:
"That's your freedom, of course you can go. However, you've offended the Life Foundation this time, and I'm afraid your troubles won't be small later. If you need help, call this number."
"Of course, there will be a fee~"
Although he could currently only choose to accept system missions through tasks issued by HYDRA.
But he could exploit a bug, just like S.H.I.E.L.D. missions infiltrated by HYDRA were also counted as HYDRA missions.
He could use his HYDRA senior authority to directly post the mission Eddie entrusted to him on the HYDRA internal mission network, and then accept that mission from there.
This way, even if it wasn't a HYDRA mission, he could still 'trick' the system into counting it as a system mission, thereby gaining enhancement points!
He was simply a genius!
After Steve finished speaking, without waiting for Eddie's reply, he immediately took Bucky and left, heading towards the Life Foundation Base.
If he remembered correctly, in the laboratory, besides Venom, there was another Symbiote alive. If they hurried, they might still be able to save it!
Most of the Base guards had been dealt with by Steve and Bucky when they came out to chase Eddie; only a few stragglers remained inside, posing no threat.
Soon, the two resolved all of them and went straight to the Symbiote laboratory.
However, Steve was still one step too late; of the three Symbiotes, besides Venom, one shit-yellow colored Symbiote was already dead.
The other dark blue Symbiote wasn't much better; having been in an incompatible host for a long time, it was already extremely weak.
He felt that if he had arrived any later, this one would probably have kicked the bucket too!
Looking at this weak dark blue Symbiote, Steve's eyes flickered.
Didn't Pierce want him to bring back a Symbiote?
This half-dead one would be perfect to turn in.
As for Venom~
What Venom? He hadn't seen any.
The Symbiotes he found here, besides the dead yellow one, were only this half-dead one~
Bucky and Steve exchanged glances, inexplicably understanding Steve's mischievous intentions, and found two sealed containers specifically for Symbiotes in the laboratory.
Bucky handed one sealed container to Steve, and opened the other, holding it in his hand. He charged his iron fist and smashed the tempered glass of the laboratory where the Symbiote was held!
The dark blue Symbiote, already extremely weak in an incompatible host, smelled Bucky's strong scent and immediately detached from its current host, pouncing towards Bucky!
But even a Symbiote at its peak might not successfully ambush Bucky, let alone a direct attack in a weakened state.
Bucky, with a swift move, precisely put the Symbiote into the sealed container, closing the valve before the Symbiote could escape!
Steve also opened the valve, intending to put Venom into the sealed container.
But Venom tightly wrapped around his arm, refusing to go in.
The chibi-sized Venom roared at Steve with its big head:
"NO, I don't want to go in! Without a host for a long time, and without nutritional replenishment, I'll fall into a weakened state like those two guys, or even die directly!"
Steve, of course, knew this. He lifted Venom's big head and comforted it:
"I know, you need phenylethylamine from the human body, right? Don't worry, chocolate has that stuff too. I guarantee you'll have enough to eat~"
After speaking, Steve controlled the Biological Force Field on his body and put the still protesting Venom into the sealed container.
Although he didn't plan to give Venom to HYDRA, he also didn't intend to let it parasitize him.
While Symbiotes are quite strong in terms of battle power amplification.
Even for Spider-Man, known for his strength, his power could multiply after Venom parasitized him!
However, this thing has obvious advantages and equally obvious disadvantages.
It has its own consciousness and can easily influence the host, or even directly control the host.
Although the Venom he had didn't seem to be the kind of Venom from Spider-Man that amplifies evil thoughts in the heart.
But its self-awareness was even more complete and active than the Venom in Spider-Man.
This point, Steve couldn't quite accept.
Just thinking about a parasite inside him that could at any moment contend for control of his body made Steve feel uncomfortable.
Chapter 22 Bucky and Pierce are full of tension
A Biological Force Field can resist all external attacks, but not necessarily internal ones.
Especially since Steve's Biological Force Field is still in its early stages, he doesn't want to take that risk.
The power boost Venom gives him, he might catch up after a few more missions.
If Venom takes over him, it would truly be a loss greater than the gain.
As a transmigrator, he doesn't believe in friendship or bonds with Symbiotes...
Steve and Bucky, each carrying a sealed box containing a Symbiote, quickly evacuated the Life Foundation's research Base.
By the time Dr. Drake, the owner of the Life Foundation, arrived with reinforcements, Steve and Buckywere already eating beef noodles in New York's Chinatown.
However, there was no beef in Steve's bowl of beef noodles, because he doesn't eat beef~
Before the two could even take a few bites, the restaurant's door was pushed open.
Alexander Pierce, in a suit and tie, slowly walked into the noodle shop, unceremoniously sat next to Bucky, and leisurely said to Steve across from him:
"What, you didn't order a bowl for me too?"
Steve didn't even lift his head, ravenously slurping down the beef noodles without beef in his bowl, until he finished even the soup in one go, then let out a long burp.
Burp——————
Steve glanced at Bucky, who had been tense since Alexander entered, and comforted him:
"Relax, Bucky, trust me, this old geezer can't control You anymore. Even if You beat him up, he can't do anything to You~"
Alexander showed a faint smile, patted Bucky's shoulder, and teased:
"Captain is right, You are free now, I can't control You anymore, but about beating me, I advise You to forget it~"
"Although I'm not your superior anymore, I'm still the Secretary-General of the Security Council. Attacking me would be considered an international incident~"
Facing Alexander's seemingly comforting but actually threatening words, Bucky's face darkened, and his metal arm clenched, making a clicking sound.
This damned bastard controlled him to kill so many innocent people, and now he can still hold a high position in the United Nations!
Is this damn World really still savable?!
Bang——
A crisp sound interrupted the gunpowder-filled atmosphere between Bucky and Alexander.
Steve placed the sealed box containing the dark blue Symbiote on the table and pushed it in front of Alexander.
"Alright, You're both so old, still bullying kids. Do You, old geezer, find this interesting?"
"You? Kids? According to age, You are tens of years older than me. How do You have the nerve to say that..."
Alexander casually retorted, picked up the sealed box, shook it, listened to the faint movements inside, and nodded with satisfaction.
Steve wagged his finger:
"Excuse me, I'm a lookist. I only look at appearance, not actual age. As long as they're good-looking, I can call someone thousands of years old 'little sister.' Someone like You, with wrinkles on your face that can trap flies, only deserves to be called 'old geezer' by me~"
"No wonder Nick Fury is always half-dead with anger because of You. Your mouth really makes people dislike You~"
"Isn't that the credit of your HYDRA brainwashing? Without those dark thoughts You injected into my mind, I would still be that sunny, kind, upright, and handsome Captain America, wouldn't I?"
"Cough cough!" Pierce quickly coughed twice upon hearing this, looked around, and after confirming no one was listening, he lowered his voice helplessly:
"First, don't talk about HYDRA in public...."
"Second, it's not 'your HYDRA,' but 'our HYDRA.' You are also HYDRA now, alright....."
Steve shrugged indifferently, scoffing:
"So HYDRA knows not to flaunt in public, huh? Then let me ask You, why do HYDRA members always greet each other with 'Hail HYDRA' every time they meet?"
"Don't You know that in this era of super-powered individuals, even if You whisper, there's still a possibility of being discovered?"
Pierce fell into deep thought upon hearing this.
He hadn't thought about it before, but now that Steve mentioned it, their HYDRA always whispering 'Hail HYDRA' every time they met did seem quite brain-dead...
"Thank You for your suggestion. This is something I overlooked. When I go back, I will improve this point..."
Steve nodded, no longer continuing to mock Pierce.
The reason he reminded him of this was also because HYDRA's influence was still useful to him.
He didn't want HYDRA to be exposed prematurely due to some utterly stupid slogans.
"You can go now, I'm fine. With You here, my little Angel Bucky can't even eat~"
"And a reminder, the Symbiote inside here wasn't taken care of very well by the Life Foundation. If You don't find a solution quickly, it might not last much longer~"
Pierce frowned upon hearing this, secretly cursing the Life Foundation people as idiots for taking such poor care of such an important alien parasite!
He finally took a deep look at Steve and asked, "Did You only bring back this one Symbiote?"
Steve's face was full of "sincerity," patting his large chest muscles, and said:
"I guarantee, on my honor as Captain America, when I found them, besides a dead one, this was the only one left alive in the laboratory~"
Steve's face was unblushing and his heart was not pounding, his expression was utterly righteous, showing no sign of lying at all, while Bucky across from him couldn't help but lower his head.
My Steve has not only become more brutal in his methods, but his skin has also thickened...
Actually, Steve wasn't entirely lying. Venom was brought back from outside, not from the laboratory, so even a lie detector wouldn't find any fault with him.
In a word, old Steve has no fault!
"Alright, I believe You." Pierce nodded, said nothing more, and snapped his fingers.
The next second, Rumlow walked into the restaurant and picked up the sealed box containing the Symbiote.
Steve glanced at him, clutching his chest, looking heartbroken:
"Oh, Crossbones, as my direct subordinate Captain, to 'cheat' in front of me, it really breaks my heart~"
Crossbones also shrugged, saying helplessly:
"I can't help it, after all, it's not Captain You who pays me. The extra money the Minister gives is simply too much. You understand, I simply can't refuse~"
"What You said makes sense. My salary also comes from this old geezer. But You got extra money for this mission, while I was freeloaded by this old geezer for this mission. You definitely have to buy me a drink to make up for it!"
"Of course, no problem. After the mission, You arrange the time, and the alcohol will be plentiful!"
"'82 Lafite also plentiful?"
"To your uncle's smelly shoes, do You want '82 Coca-Cola?"
"No, I drink Pepsi~"
Rumlow: (middle finger.jpg)
The two bantered for a few sentences, agreed to drink together later, and then Rumlow left with the Symbiote, following Pierce.
Compared to a schemer like Pierce, Steve preferred to be friends with a warrior like Crossbones.
As long as You are not his enemy, Crossbones, who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and grudges (referring to captain america 2 and Steve's elevator fight), and doesn't procrastinate at all (referring to Captain America 3 self-detonating with Steve in Sokovia), is actually quite easy to get along with.
Especially since Crossbones seems to have a bit of admiration for him deep down, which quickly made the two good friends.
At least on the surface, their relationship is indeed quite good~
That two who were mortal enemies in movies and comics became friends in this Universe truly makes one sigh, how unpredictable the World is, like a pig's large intestine wrapping a small one~
Chapter 23 Steve needs calcium supplements
After Alexander and Crossbones left with the Symbiote, the system's voice sounded at the opportune moment.
"HYDRA Mission: Retrieve the Life Foundation Symbiote (Completed!)"
"Reward Issued: Enhancement Points*300"
Steve's heart swelled with joy; another 300 Enhancement Points were in hand!
He unhesitatingly allocated all of them to his physique.
His physique instantly increased from 17 to 20 points!
Breaking past the 20-point mark, although he didn't awaken a new ability like he did at 10 points, Steveclearly felt his Biological Force Field had become stronger!
Not only had its coverage expanded and become more refined, but most importantly...
He seemed to be able to fly!!!
Flight, one of humanity's most primal desires.
Regardless of gender, as long as they didn't have psychological conditions like acrophobia, who didn't dream of flying when they were young?
Steve was naturally no exception!
He wished he could immediately fly high into the sky to survey all the mountains below!
But clearly, now was not a good time for a test flight.
He didn't want to see a sensational news headline tomorrow about Captain America flying away to avoid paying for a bowl of beef noodles without beef~
Bucky looked at Steve, who was in a much better mood, and asked with some confusion:
"Steve, what are You laughing about? Why are You suddenly beaming like that....."
"Because my wife gave birth....." Steve subconsciously went to play along with the meme, then immediately realized this wasn't Great China, and no one would understand his joke.
"Ahem, I mean, by handing the Symbiote over to HYDRA, You are completely free from HYDRA. I'm happy for Your freedom, brother!"
Upon hearing this, Bucky's heart warmed, and then he showed a bitter smile:
"This is all thanks to You, Steve. If it weren't for You, I wouldn't dare to imagine how long I would have been controlled by HYDRA, and how much more innocent blood I would have had on my hands..."
"But I've made too many mistakes. I think I'll spend the rest of my life atoning for past errors....."
Upon hearing this, Steve almost instinctively interjected: "No, Bucky. You won't be alone. I'll always be with You, and together we'll face and compensate for those mistakes!"
After Steve spoke, he himself was stunned for a moment.
Why was this damned mouth reacting faster than his brain? He hadn't even thought of how to reply yet!
Steve then felt relieved. It seemed the original body's obsession with Bucky was quite deep, ingrained to the bone.
However, Steve had no intention of avoiding the original body's responsibility; he genuinely intended to accompany Bucky and face things together.
On one hand, the original body's soul had saved his soul, and since he occupied Steve's body, helping Bucky was a matter of course.
On the other hand, what Bucky had done in the past was more or less related to the main Marvelcharacters.
He could also take on a few system missions while helping Bucky atone, so why not?
However.....
Steve patted Bucky's shoulder, revealing two rows of White teeth:
"However, atonement isn't about this moment. We've just finished a busy trip. Work should be balanced with relaxation, and now it's our time to relax!"
Bucky paused, but then shook his head, saying in a deep voice: "Steve, You know I'm not in the mood to relax right now....."
One week later, Malibu Beach.
"Oh-ho!!!"
Steve lay on a beach chair, embracing Sharon, who was wearing a sexy bikini. He watched Bucky, who was playing even crazier than him in the blue ocean, surfing with two girls, and fell into contemplation.
You call this not being in the mood?
Good heavens, Bucky, You seem so earnest, yet I never expected You to be absolutely my equal when it comes to picking up girls!
I brought You out to relax, and in one week, You've changed eight female companions!
And today, You even picked up two at once!
What a 'not in the mood' indeed! If this counts as not being in the mood, then I wish I could be 'not in the mood' like that!
As expected, they weren't the same kind of people; they couldn't get along.
He really didn't know how the original, proper Steve could have gotten along so well with such a flamboyant Bucky.
Just as Steve was sighing, Bucky had finished surfing and was walking towards him, embracing two girls, one on each side.
It had to be said, Bucky's appearance and demeanor were truly captivating. Even just wearing simple swim trunks, revealing his perfect eight-pack abs, with his medium-length hair casually flowing, he became one of only two focal points for the ladies on the beach!
As for the other focal point, that was undoubtedly Steve himself, with an even more explosive physique and a sunnier, handsomer appearance.
However, because Sharon was by his side, whenever a girl tried to approach him, she would be stared away by her unique, cold Agent gaze.
Therefore, in the past few days, Bucky had changed eight girls, but he hadn't picked up a single one.
However, Steve didn't mind. He was very satisfied with Sharon in all aspects and had no immediate intention of abandoning her.
As a soul from China, his thinking was still relatively traditional; lifelong companionship was his pursuit.
Believe it or not, he only had a mere twenty girlfriends throughout the entire last year!
Compared to Bucky's eight in seven days, he was simply too traditional!
"Hey, Steve. Aren't You going to play? Is it fun to lie there sunbathing every day?"
Bucky came up to Steve, his face beaming with a smile that was clearly more cheerful than a few days ago.
Steve enjoyed Sharon's fruit feeding in his arms, still as lazy as a salted fish, unwilling to move. Chewing the sweet fruit, he replied indistinctly:
"Why isn't sunbathing fun? Don't You know sunbathing provides calcium? Little Sharon has absorbed too much calcium from me these past few days, so I need to replenish it properly, don't I?"
Upon hearing this, Bucky paused, Sharon's face flushed, and the two girls on either side of Buckyinstantly understood, laughing uncontrollably.
Sharon was so shy that she buried her face in Steve's chest, her face burning hot, making Steve feel a little hot inside too.
To avoid things getting out of hand, Steve quickly sat up straight, covering his awkwardness, and explained with a straight face after two light coughs:
"Ahem, don't misunderstand, I'm talking about proper calcium. I was frozen in ice for decades without Sun, so I should get more Sun.
And You're no better than me, You've been sleeping in a freezer every day. I suggest You come and sunbathe with me too~"
"You guy....." Bucky shook his head helplessly.
Could these words be said directly? Didn't he see there were outsiders next to him?
What if others overheard something?
Thinking of this, Bucky whispered a few words to his two female companions and unhesitatingly released his hands from their waists.
"Alright then, since You have something to do, sweetie, we'll be going.
But sweetie, please don't forget us, remember to always keep in touch~"
The two slender, curvaceous girls kissed Bucky's cheeks fiercely, one on each side, then secretly winked at the'salted fish' Steve, sending him a flirtatious glance, before reluctantly turning and leaving.
Chapter 24: Steve is distressed
Steve was unmoved by the two girls' hints. After they left, he teased Bucky:
"I take back what I just said. You probably don't need to take calcium supplements with me anymore. Is it fun for you to only pick but not eat every day?"
Although Bucky had a different female companion every day these past few days, he only interacted with them during the day for eating, drinking, and entertainment. He had no nightlife with them at all!
My God, what's the difference between dating without nightlife and building a temple without collecting incense money?
You're doing charity here!
And I built the temple, and you're still using my money to do charity!
Bucky expressed his helplessness in response to Steve's visible disdain.
"Don't look at me like that. It's not that I only pick but don't eat. It's that they already have husbands or boyfriends, and some even have more than one. How can I possibly..."
Steve's eyes lit up at his words, then he pointed at Bucky's nose, scolding him with a look of disappointment:
"My God, I thought you had some special Hobbies or a male physiological problem, which is why you only looked but didn't eat!
So you cared about their status as married women! My motherf*cking God! Do you know these are all solid bonus points?!
What a waste! What a waste! It's such a waste! You're simply squandering natural resources! Aren't you afraid of being struck by lightning?!"
Facing Steve's chest-thumping and foot-stomping, Bucky twitched his lips and said speechlessly:
"What do you mean 'married women are bonus points' and 'being struck by lightning'? I think I'd be struck by lightning if I accepted them...
I don't want to play with someone else's leftovers from last night. I'd rather find a single lady who is on the same wavelength as me."
Steve looked at Bucky in disbelief, finding it hard to believe that someone would say such nonsense as 'on the same wavelength' in such a promiscuous country.
"My God, you really should shave your head in front and tie a braid in the back to cosplay a Qing Dynasty person. Why are you so feudal?!
This is America, with its open customs and freedom. If you really want to find a 'first-hand' product, you'll probably have to queue up at elementary schools, and even then, you might not get your turn!"
Bucky:???
No, buddy? Do you even hear yourself?
Queuing up at elementary school gates, aren't you asking for a bullet?
You have to go to elementary school to find 'first-hand' goods? Do you have to be so outrageous?
Only seventy years have passed. America can't have become this messed up, right?
Steve said it's hard to say.
Even the U.S. Boy Scouts, protected by the Congressional Constitution, have had numerous sexual assault incidents, so what Steve said was relatively conservative.
"Alright, alright, stop talking. You're giving me a headache. We've rested long enough. Let's go back quickly..."
Bucky rubbed his temples, waving his hand for Steve to stop.
He was afraid that if Steve continued to talk nonsense, his dao heart would collapse.
Even now, he no longer wanted to continue looking for his true love, only wanting to return to his cozy little home with Steve.
Seeing Bucky's deeply affected look, Steve stopped teasing him and changed the subject:
"No rush to go home. Did you think I just brought you to Malibu for fun this time?"
"Wasn't it?"
"Of course not. Fun was just a bonus. This time, I'm going to find you a 'job' here~"
"A job? What kind of job can I do here?"
Bucky was a little confused.
After leaving HYDRA, while gaining freedom, he naturally lost his 'job' and was, of course, penniless.
After all, you wouldn't expect HYDRA to pay a brainwashed humanoid weapon, would you?
Steve was an exception; his brainwashing wasn't complete, and he still had personal emotions, and his salary was part of HYDRA's efforts to win him over.
But Bucky, as the Winter Soldier, had no emotions at all; he was a ruthless killing machine.
HYDRA provided everything he needed; even his underwear was bought by HYDRA. After leaving HYDRA, Bucky literally only had a combat suit left.
Even the money he spent dating these past few days was Steve's.
Although Steve didn't mind, Bucky didn't plan to live off Steve forever.
So, upon hearing Steve say he would find him a job, Bucky didn't object, only wondering what kind of job he could do here.
The Malibu beach area is a rich area. He knew nothing but brute strength and killing techniques. Was he going to be a bodyguard for a rich person?
But those rich people have their own private bodyguards. Who would want him, an unknown wild card?
Heh, don't say it, don't say it!
Steve, who had calmed down after sitting for a while, put his arm around Sharon and stood up, smiling mysteriously:
"Didn't you say you wanted to atone for your sins earlier? I found you an opportunity that allows you to both atone for your sins and hook up with a rich person!"
Atonement, hooking up with a rich person—these two words might mean nothing separately, but together, they instantly brought a name to Bucky's mind!
"Could it be...?"
And Steve's next words confirmed his guess:
"That's right, we're going to meet our grand-nephew, Tony Stark~"
Malibu Port, Villa 10880.
Steve, following the address Tony gave him last time, brought Bucky and Sharon to Tony's Villa, which was considered a super mansion among the many luxurious Villas in Malibu. He couldn't help but smack his lips.
He suddenly felt that his more than ten million dollars in savings, which he originally thought was quite substantial, seemed pitifully small.
In front of Tony's impossibly luxurious Villa, his mere ten million probably couldn't even buy a single toilet!
It's truly infuriating when you compare yourself to others~
Steve arrived at the futuristic-looking main gate. Just as he was about to knock, the gate automatically opened from both sides.
At the same time, a slightly mechanical, magnetic voice sounded.
"Good afternoon, Captain Rogers. I am the AI butler Jarvis. It's a pleasure to meet You."
"Mr. Stark said that if You arrived, there's no need to announce yourself; You can enter the Villa directly. He has authorized You full access to the Villa."
Steve raised an eyebrow at the words. He had to admit, though Tony's words could be sharp, he was truly meticulous in his actions.
He had saved Tony last time and sent him back to Stark Tower, not to his Villa.
But Tony still authorized him access to the Villa, clearly not treating him, his savior, as an outsider at all.
"Hello, Jarvis, is that kid Tony home now?"
"Mr. Stark is in the underground laboratory. Would You like me to inform him of Your arrival?"
"Yes, tell him. Thanks."
Although Tony had given him full access, Steve wouldn't truly act as if he were completely familiar.
Especially since he was bringing two people with him now, and Tony was most likely building Mark 2. For him to just barge in with people would be a bit presumptuous.
Chapter 25 The "Pleasure" Brought by the Iron Armor
Jarvis guided Steve and the two others to the living room to wait, and had household robots serve various drinks to them, providing excellent service.
Within a few minutes, footsteps were heard from the Underground Room entrance, and Tony, looking a bit disheveled with fresh injuries on his face, jogged up.
"Hey, look who it is, isn't it my centenarian Uncle Rogers? A busy man, it's really been a long time!"
Tony stepped forward and hugged Steve, a happy smile on his face.
For some reason, ever since he came back, he had never felt safe, but the moment he saw Steve, he felt an unparalleled sense of security.
Steve hugged Tony, and after letting go, he glanced at the oil stains Tony had left on him and complained:
"Actually, it's only been a week since we last met.
Also, what's with your dirty, beggar-like appearance? And why do you have injuries on your face? Don't tell me you were kidnapped by the Ten Rings Gang again?"
Tony casually picked up a drink from the nearby small robot and chugged it, letting out a long sigh before explaining:
"Has it only been seven days? Sorry, I've only slept less than ten hours combined these past few days, so my sense of time is a bit blurry. I thought a long time had passed.
You should know that people who have been kidnapped tend to lack a certain sense of security, and insomnia is inevitable~"
Steve looked at Tony's thick dark circles and frowned: "You can't go on like this. No matter how important your research is, you can't ruin your body!"
Tony waved his hand to indicate he was fine, and said excitedly: "It's only been a few days. It's not like I haven't pulled all-nighters before. Don't worry, I'm fine!
Enough about that, come with me quickly. I'll show you the results of my hard work these past few days. I guarantee it'll open your eyes, you old-fashioned guy!"
Saying this, Tony stepped forward, pushing Steve, about to lead him to the Underground Roomlaboratory.
Bucky and Sharon, who had been ignored, saw Tony about to pull Steve away and couldn't help but speak up awkwardly.
"Uh, then you two go ahead and get busy, we'll just wait here for a bit....."
It wasn't until the two spoke that Tony noticed there were still two people sitting on the living room sofa.
"Oh, you brought friends?"
Steve helplessly covered his face and sighed: "Tony, you really need to get some good sleep. I feel like your mind is already a bit unclear....."
Should I say it's truly Tony? He didn't even see two living people right in front of him, and he's still stubbornly telling him he's fine.....
"Why are you as nagging as my dad? Trust me, I'm really fine. I'm full of energy right now!
You go with me first to see my new work, and I'll go to sleep right after. Is that okay?"
Tony has always been someone who, once he's decided on something, eight oxen couldn't pull him back.
If he didn't let Steve see his latest work today and make Steve's jaw drop, how could he possibly sleep!
"Alright, alright, there's nothing I can do with you. Who told me I'm your Uncle? Then I'll reluctantly take a look."
Looking at Tony, who was as eager to prove himself to My Lord, Steve, though he knew the surprise Tony spoke of was the Iron Man Armor, could only nod in agreement.
He had already decided that after seeing it, if Tony still refused to sleep, he would help Tony with some physical sleep aid.
He didn't want Tony, this long-term system task machine, to die suddenly here prematurely.
Seeing Steve finally agree, Tony's joy was evident, and he turned to greet Bucky and Sharon:
"Oh, by the way, you two come along too. You're Steve's friends, and I trust you!"
Steve felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this and decided to be a little gentler when he physically helped him sleep later....
Tony enthusiastically led the three of them to his sci-fi-filled Underground Room laboratory, introducing the many famous paintings and luxury cars he collected in the Underground Room as they walked.
Aside from Sharon, Steve and Bucky, two World War II roughnecks, knew nothing about famous paintings or luxury cars.
They only felt that these abstract paintings were no better than the scribbles they used to draw in their textbooks.
As for these luxury cars, they also felt they were not as powerful as S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA's bulletproof off-road vehicles!
At least with those bulletproof off-road vehicles, driving over people felt excellent!
And these so-called luxury cars, let alone running over people, they were afraid that hitting a slightly larger rock could make the car fly!
Amidst Steve and Bucky, two'Sleeping Dragons and Phoenix Chicks' exploring the Grand View Garden, they finally arrived at today's main event.
A pure silver humanoid battle armor stood in the center of the laboratory, attracting everyone's attention!
All famous paintings and luxury cars lost their luster before it, before this handsome Iron Man!
Not to mention Bucky and Sharon, even Steve, who knew it was the Iron Man Armor, had his gaze deeply captivated by this sci-fi metallic armor!
To be honest, before seeing the actual item with his own eyes, Steve wasn't very excited because he had already seen it in movies in his previous life.
What the Iron Man Armor had, his current body also had. His Iron Body and Super Strength were no worse than the Iron Man Armor, perhaps even stronger!
But upon truly seeing this epoch-making, epic creation, Steve realized how naive his previous thoughts were!
Body is body, and armor is armor, how can they be compared!
They are completely two different ultimate works in different fields!
A perfect body is great, but this Iron Man Armor is also damn cool!
"Cool! Awesome! Badass! Tony, you're a damn genius!"
Steve couldn't help but step forward and caress the Iron Man Armor, feeling for a moment that its touch was even better than the smooth skin of a cover girl!
Tony saw Steve's loving and reluctant expression, his own expression very proud. The breath he had held in for decades finally flowed freely today!
Dad, do you see this from heaven?
Your idol, Captain America, whom you praised endlessly, isn't he still stunned by the Iron Body I created? Your son is not worse than Captain America!
Splat—
Steve slapped Tony's shoulder, grinning with his neat white teeth:
"My Lord, what are you fantasizing about, laughing like an idiot!
Quickly open the armor, your Uncle Rogers wants to fiercely enter the armor and personally feel the pleasure inside it!"
Tony listened to Steve's words and felt that something was off!
Although he said that one had to enter the armor to truly feel the pleasure of piloting, why did it sound so wrong when it came out of Steve's dog mouth!
Shaking his head, Tony stopped thinking about it.
He didn't mind Steve piloting his Mark II; Steve had saved his life. Let alone a test drive, even if Stevewanted a set, he would never refuse.
But Tony still pointed to the wound on his face and reminded him:
"Are You sure You want to try it yourself? You know, I just finished assembling the Mark II and haven't had time for a real-world driving test.
Even when I was just testing some components, it messed me up like this. If You don't have driving experience, You might get more than just these minor injuries~"
Chapter 26 Tony's Defense Breaks
Steve waved his hand dismissively after hearing that, a confident look on his face:
"What a joke? Me, afraid of getting hurt? Who do you take me for? I'm Captain America!
Have you forgotten how I rescued You from the cave? I used my strong body to charge in and out with You!
Even if Your iron lump breaks, I won't get hurt! Less nonsense, hurry up and put the suit on Uncle!"
Since Steve had said so, Tony stopped trying to persuade him, shrugged, and snapped his fingers.
"Jarvis, suit up this boastful centenarian and grant him operational access to the Mark II."
"Understood, sir. Captain Rogers has been granted Mark II operational access."
"Captain Rogers, please proceed to the designated area for Mark II assisted donning."
Steve followed Jarvis's thoughtful virtual projection to the donning area, walked over, spread his arms, and stood obediently, then complained to Tony:
"It's not that I'm criticizing You, Tony, but why is such high-tech gear so troublesome to put on? Aren't You afraid You'll have an emergency and not be able to take it off in time?"
Tony's forehead twitched with black lines upon hearing that, and he gritted his teeth: "Shut up, You! This is only the second generation; I'll improve the donning method later. You don't need to worry about it!"
As Tony spoke, he controlled the suit, first putting the head armor on Steve to prevent Steve from saying anything else inappropriate.
But could a mere helmet stop Steve from speaking?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
"Hey, Tony, did You forget to wash this iron lump? Why does the helmet still have that strange new car smell!"
After the rest of the suit was donned, Steve let out another strange cry:
"Ow! And is this suit too small? Why do I feel so tight in the crotch, or is Your size just that small?"
Steve gave a live demonstration of how to make a billionaire break down in two sentences.
"Motherf*cker! Steve, what the hell are You talking about!"
The black lines on Tony's forehead turned into bulging veins, no longer able to tolerate Steve's foul mouth. He took a running jump and kicked towards Steve, who was still donning the suit!
However, he was fortunately stopped halfway through his flight by Bucky and Sharon, who held his arms on either side.
But Tony still couldn't help but point at Steve and curse angrily:
"You son of a b*tch, Steve! My suit has gone through layers of disinfection, and it even has an internal air filtration system, so how could there be an odor!
I think You ate sh*t this morning and forgot to brush Your teeth, that's why it smells!"
"And the suit is too small for Your uncle's stinky shoe! Do You think everyone has Your Captain Americabutt? Your butt is so big, if You're not tight, who is!
And You say my size is small? My big guy can whip You like a top!"
Facing Tony's exasperation, Steve, who had finally donned the suit, stepped off the changing platform, and a slightly mechanical voice of teasing sounded:
"See, You're getting agitated again. If it's not small, it's not small, why are You getting agitated? The more agitated You get, doesn't it just prove I'm right?"
"You... You... You....." Tony pointed at Steve, too angry to speak, truly somewhat broken down.
For decades, this was the first time he had lost an argument, and he finally understood how others felt when facing his foul mouth.
Steve looked at the broken-down Tony. He swore he didn't do it on purpose; it was just habitual complaining. He just didn't expect Tony to react so strongly.
Afraid Tony would faint from anger on the spot, Steve quickly changed the subject: "Great genius, why is it so dark in front of me? How do I start this thing? Where do I press, F?"
Tony took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and gritted his teeth:
"What do You think this is? A GTA game? Idiot, this is high-tech! It needs an Arc Reactor as an energy source to start!"
As Tony spoke, he took out a spare Arc Reactor and pressed it onto the suit's chest, connecting it to the power source.
If Tony himself used the suit, he wouldn't need to install an extra Arc Reactor because he had one built into his chest.
But Steve didn't, so it had to be installed separately on the suit.
Once the suit successfully started, its eyes lit up with blue light, and Jarvis came online. Tony tapped Steve's helmet and said:
"Hey, Jarvis, give this old-timer in the Mark II a simple instruction manual for the suit that even he can understand!"
As Tony spoke, a manual that even an 'idiot' could understand appeared before Steve's eyes inside the suit.
Steve was a super-soldier with a physique of 20. Those 20 points enhanced his five-dimensional stats, meaning not only his strength but also his intelligence was increasing simultaneously.
However, most of the time, his super brain would tell him to just use his super strength to get things done, why bother with all that complicated stuff!
In less than a minute, Steve had finished reading the tens of thousands of words in the 'idiot' level manual and fully understood the operation of the Mark II.
With a spread of his palms, the thrusters in his palms, legs, and back simultaneously activated, and Steve piloted the Mark II into a stable takeoff.
To Tony's disbelief, Steve piloted the Mark II into a somersault in mid-air and performed several difficult, showy maneuvers.
"No! How is this possible?! How can You achieve man-machine integration after piloting it for less than a minute!"
He had suffered a lot during his experiments, You know!
He had wanted to see Steve suffer, but he didn't expect this scoundrel to be so good at it on his first try!
Steve put his hands behind his back, maintaining balance in the air using only his leg and back thrusters, and said in a very pretentious manner:
"Talent, that's all I can say, talent! It's basic operation, don't show off. If You're bad, practice more!"
"Enough talk, genius, I need to take Your big baby for a spin outside!"
"A spin? Wait!" Before Tony, who was doubting his life, could retort.
Steve increased the thruster power, smashing through the ceiling and shooting straight up into the sky!
Tony gritted his teeth so hard they almost shattered, squeezing out a sentence: "There's a door in the Underground Room, You bastard!"
Steve, who had already flown out, didn't care about that; such a loss was not even pocket change for Tony.
The sky outside was already darkening.
Steve piloted the Mark II, continuously ascending, letting out an excited laugh like a monkey!
"Oh, yeah! Just like this! Faster! Faster! Let me see Your limits, baby!"
Soon, Steve accelerated the Mark II to its limit of Mach 3, leaving a long Mach ring behind him!
And the altitude reached a terrifying tens of thousands of meters. From this height, the city below looked as tiny as a glowing miniature toy.
Steve looked down, his face under the suit filled with excitement.
He hadn't expected his first flight experience to be piloting a high-tech steel suit, rather than using his Biological Force Field's flight ability!
This unexpected flight experience was simply amazing!
Chapter 27: Steve Flying Free
"Captain Rogers, a reminder: due to your current excessively high altitude, the exterior of the Mark IIhas begun to ice over. For your safety, it is recommended that you immediately lower your flight altitude."
Upon hearing this, Steve also recalled the issue of the armor icing.
In the original work, Tony's first time piloting the armor, as well as the iron monger, both suffered losses due to icing.
The difference was that Tony, like him, had Jarvis reminding him, but Tony disregarded the danger, stubbornly wanting to break the highest flight record, and only miraculously survived by manually restarting the armor.
As for the iron monger, he was tricked by Tony, who used an information asymmetry to lure the iron monger to ascend, causing it to ice over and crash, ultimately surviving thanks to its thicker armor compared to the Mark III.
Here, Steve couldn't help but complain.
Both losing power, the iron monger fell from tens of thousands of meters high, yet Obadiah was completely unharmed and could even get up and continue to beat Tony.
But War Machine, falling from only a thousand meters high, directly crippled Rhodes, leading to him being replaced by the Skrulls.
This is truly infuriating...
However, these were all later matters and had nothing to do with Steve.
The most important thing now is to fly, fly, fly, and it's still flying!
If Tony dared to continue challenging despite knowing the risk of icing, why would Steve be afraid?
He also wanted to fly higher!
"Jarvis, give me full throttle and fly up. I want to challenge the highest limit and make that kid Tonyunderstand where his armor still falls short!"
Steve had control over the armor, and Jarvis couldn't forcibly stop him, so he could only let Stevecontrol the Mark II to continue its ascent to a higher altitude!
However, Jarvis still notified Tony in the Villa before the armor completely iced over.
Actually, Jarvis didn't need to notify him; Tony, who had been observing the Mark II's status, seeing the Mark II getting higher and higher on the screen, had already realized what Steve was going to do!
Don't look at how in the original work, Tony disregarded danger, knowingly heading into a tiger's den, challenging the Mark II's extreme ascent!
But now that it wasn't him piloting, but Steve, observing from a third-person perspective, his heart was in his throat, realizing how dangerous this was!
"Shit! Who did this guy learn from? How is he so crazy!"
Steve: Thank You, it was You yourself~
Tony immediately tried to use his authority to remotely control the Mark II to bring Steve back, but found that the Mark II's signal suddenly disappeared!
Tony's heart sank, and his face showed some panic:
"It's over, the armor has iced over and lost power..."
Bucky, who was completely bewildered next to him, and Sharon, who was half-bewildered, now understood and also became panicked.
Bucky, in Tony's shocked gaze, leaped several meters high, flipped through the large hole Steve had crashed through to the Villa rooftop, and looked up at the sky, trying to find Steve's figure.
Sharon, on the other hand, went to the control panel, anxiously calling out Steve's name, trying to get a response.
Only Tony knew clearly that both of them were making futile efforts.
The Mark II piloted by Steve had lost its signal; there would be no response!
And where they were now was at least tens of thousands of meters high, making it impossible to observe with the naked eye, unless Superman from DC came!
Now the only thing they could do was pray that Steve had seriously read the Mark II manual before, knowing where to manually activate the armor's ailerons and restart the system!
But the bad thing was that the bastard had only spent less than a minute reading the manual before!
Even Tony himself couldn't finish reading that tens of thousands of words manual in that short amount of time, let alone memorize it!
Tony was drenched in cold sweat, feeling that Steve might soon meet his deceased father at a Satan idol fan meeting because of him!
While the three were worried, what was our Captain doing?
What?! He was still flying up!!
That's right, although the armor had lost power, it hadn't stopped; it was still ascending, just at a much slower speed.
It had dropped from the Mark II's peak speed of Mach 3 to roughly Mach 1.
Because now it wasn't the armor carrying Steve; it was Steve carrying the heavy armor!
This was the first time Steve used his Biological Force Field to fly after his physique reached 20 points and his Biological Force Field strengthened, awakening his flying ability!
This was also why he wasn't afraid of the armor icing over, because even if the armor lost power, he could still fly!
Of course, he could also use his Biological Force Field to envelop the armor, thereby preventing it from icing.
However, Steve didn't do that, because then Tony wouldn't know the armor's flaws.
After the armor lost power and several more minutes passed, Steve finally stopped.
It wasn't that he had reached his flying limit, but that there was almost no oxygen at that altitude.
With a physique of 20 points, he could hold his breath for several hours without oxygen.
But he was still far from being able to live without oxygen.
"Hiss, it's a bit cold..."
Steve felt the low temperature on the armor's surface starting to penetrate inside the armor, and he knew it was time to retreat.
He didn't want to test whether his current Biological Force Field could withstand the low temperatures of space.
"To witness the full beauty of Earth with my own eyes once in this life is truly worth it!"
Steve finally looked down at Earth, whose full panorama could now be seen, sighed, then retracted the Biological Force Field on his body, and plummeted straight down.
The system-awakened Biological Force Field also consumes stamina; saving a little is better than nothing!
Falling doesn't require movement; he just needs to use the Biological Force Field to stop when he's close to the ground.
Be frugal when you can, spend when you must~
But this looked different in Tony's eyes. When Steve fell to a certain altitude, Tony finally managed to detect the falling Mark II with his satellite, and his soul almost left his body!
It's over! This guy really didn't finish reading the manual! The armor system hasn't restarted at all! Steveis free-falling!
But the more he looked, the more something felt off. Tony looked at the projected landing position of Steve calculated by Jarvis, and it seemed to be exactly the location of his Villa!
Holy crap! This guy flew tens of thousands of meters up, and after falling, he could still precisely hit his own place?!
Should he say it's good luck, or bad luck?
A chunk of iron falling from tens of thousands of meters high, its power is completely comparable to a missile!
Tony quickly reminded Sharon and Bucky on the roof:
"Hey, beautiful, and you cool guy up there, you need to evacuate!
Steve's landing point is right here, and this place is very likely to be smashed into ruins soon!"
Chapter 28 Are you shocked? I can fly!
Bucky and Sharon's hearts sank at the words, naturally understanding what Tony meant.
For something to crash down and turn a Villa occupying over a thousand square meters into ruins, Steve could only have lost power and free-fallen to have such destructive force!
But even after hearing Tony's words, and understanding that the Villa had become a high-risk area, neither of them chose to leave.
Bucky still stood on the rooftop, gazing at the faint silver meteor in the night sky, his eyes devoid of fear, only relief.
If Steve really died, what meaning would there be for him to live alone in an era that didn't belong to him? He might as well be buried here with Steve.
It was much the same for Sharon, except Bucky's was brotherly affection, and hers was love.
She had said she would always be with Steve, and she would keep her promise, even in Death.
As for Tony, he had no intention of leaving at all.
His hands were rapidly manipulating the virtual screen in front of him, mobilizing all the mechanical arms in the Villa, striving to create a buffer zone inside the Villa in the shortest possible time.
If he was fast enough, relying on Mark II's powerful shock absorption, Steve might just survive!
"Dead hands, get moving!"
Tony's hands moved so fast they left afterimages, and with Jarvis's assistance, all the mechanical arms in the Villa were almost smoking from overload.
To Sharon and Bucky's astonishment, Tony actually managed to create a five-story high-strength fiber giant air bed on the Villa's rooftop in just a few minutes before Steve landed!
His hand speed was simply terrifying!
Steve, with his hands behind his head, enjoying the embrace of the goddess of freefall, spotted the mushroom-like object below from a thousand meters away with his extraordinary vision.
This completely bewildered Steve.
"Wait, what is that? Wasn't I falling towards the Villa? Did I travel through time again?"
Upon closer inspection, Steve realized that Tony and two others with anxious expressions were standing next to the giant mushroom, and he instantly understood what was going on.
It must be that Tony and the others thought he was falling, and got a giant mushroom from somewhere to catch him.
However, he chose not to land on it, but rather hovered above the giant mushroom.
Tony and the others:???
Tony, who had been busy for a long time and whose hands were cramping, looked at the hovering Steve with a head full of questions.
No, buddy, you restarted your suit system, and you didn't even say anything?!
Wait, no!
Tony looked at the Mark II suit, which was still disconnected from Jarvis, covered in a frosty shell, and with its thrusters unactivated, and became even more bewildered.
No, buddy, the suit didn't restart, so how did You fly up?
Did Brother Shenying make You fly? So showy?!
Amidst Tony's bewilderment, Steve 'piloted' the frost-enchanted suit to the ground, walking step by step with ice shards to stand before him.
"Hey, big nephew, dumbfounded, aren't You? Your uncle can fly too!"
Steve vibrated his entire body, shattering the ice layer on the suit's exterior, and the shards splashed onto Tony's face, the cold sensation bringing him back from his shock.
Once Jarvis reconnected to Mark II, Tony no longer dwelled on why Steve could fly.
He immediately changed his expression like a Sichuan opera mask, his face darkening, and without a word, he forcibly controlled Mark II to the control panel and disarmed Steve.
Then he had Bucky and Sharon hold Steve down for a full-body scan and check, and only after confirming that Steve's body had no abnormalities did the three of them release him.
Steve didn't resist throughout, as he was in the wrong for giving them such a scare.
After the three of them took turns verbally reprimanding him, the matter was finally settled.
At the same time, Tony also discovered several shortcomings in Mark II because of this incident and was already preparing to start manufacturing the improved and upgraded Mark III.
Mark III will use a brand new aerospace-grade titanium metal material, and will have a new donning method, as well as many new functions, making it a complete upgrade.
Before Mark III is completed, Tony stated that he would absolutely not let Steve play with Mark II again; it was too damn scary!
And Tony would custom-make a special Mark III just for Steve.
Steve did not refuse this.
Although his strength no longer really needed the amplification of the Iron Suit, then again, what man could refuse an Iron Suit?
Lu Xun once said: A man, You may not like women, but You will definitely like an Iron Suit!
Steve expressed that Mr. Lu Xun was right!
Especially after experiencing the fun of piloting the suit, Steve had lost all interest in piloting other things, except for girls.
Once Tony built his custom Iron Suit, he wouldn't be driving a car for dates and joyrides anymore, but a suit, hahahaha!
However, since Tony was going to make his own, he would definitely want the best of everything!
Not just in terms of suit technology, but also in terms of energy!
Tony's first-generation Arc Reactor, while excellent, still hadn't escaped the realm of human technology, full of technology and ingenuity!
He needed to find a more powerful and harmless energy source for the suit!
Steve's eyes darted, and he thought of the new element technology that Howard had left for Tony, inspired by the Tesseract.
Let him think, in the original story, it seemed that Nick Fury gave Tony the relics Howard left behind in S.H.I.E.L.D.
Then Tony found clues in the video and used the architectural model his father left him to create the new element.
This new element completely replaced the palladium element of the first-generation reactor, solving the most fatal palladium poisoning problem for Tony.
This matter is quite important; I need to find an opportunity to mention it to Tony, let him give me a task, I'll hang it on HYDRA, and then convert it into a system task.
But first, I need to figure out how to steal, cough, I mean, retrieve Howard's relics left in S.H.I.E.L.D. and give them to Tony.
Then guide Tony to discover the secret of the new element hidden in the model Howard left him.
Hmm, that's what I'll do!
No more acting, I'll rob S.H.I.E.L.D. another day!
Nick Fury, far away in Triskelion, sneezed, suddenly feeling a chill down his spine, as if someone was plotting against him.
The more Steve thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, and he slapped Tony hard on the shoulder, revealing a mouthful of White teeth:
"Big nephew, with Your uncle here, You can burn high incense~"
???
Tony was nearly knocked to the ground by Steve's sudden action, and couldn't help but angrily retort:
"Shit! What's wrong with You now? You're not dead yet, why would I burn incense!"
Although America doesn't have the custom of burning incense, Tony, who had studied Wing Chun for two years with a Chinese master, still understood a little about the meaning of burning incense.
However, in his opinion, wasn't that stuff only burned for the dead?
Chapter 29 New Elements, Bucky's Guilt
Steve pointed at Tony's chest Arc Reactor and smiled like a typical bad uncle:
"The 'burning incense' I meant isn't what you think, but even if it were, I'd be the one doing it for you, kid.
Don't think I, your uncle, don't know that while that thing in your chest saved your life, the palladium in it is also constantly threatening your life!"
Tony's pupils contracted in disbelief: "How do you know?!"
Besides him, only Ethan, who assisted him at the time, knew about the crucial palladium in the Arc Reactor; there shouldn't have been a third person who knew!
Steve's mouth twisted into a smug grin: "Heh heh, because I'm a genius! I understood the internal structure of your little toy with just one glance!"
Tony listened to Steve's bragging, his face full of disbelief: "Genius? You, a muscle-bound brute? Then recite the 118 basic elements for me to hear."
Steve couldn't remember all 118 elements. He awkwardly coughed twice, skillfully using the art of changing the subject.
"Ahem, none of that matters. The key is that the 118 elements in the periodic table aren't even correct; it should be 119!"
Hearing this, Tony looked at Steve with even more disdain.
"It's one thing if you can't recite them, but you can't even get the number right! I guess calling you a muscle-bound brute was an overstatement! What, are you trying to say you created a new element?"
Steve was unperturbed by Tony's mockery and shrugged.
"Of course, I don't have that ability, but your father did. Howard once discovered a new element on the Tesseract, but due to the limitations of that era, he couldn't synthesize it.
He left this new element, which contains infinite possibilities, to you, believing that with your talent, you would surely be able to create it. It can completely replace the palladium in the Arc Reactor.
This new element is Howard's last gift to you, a gift that can save your life…"
Tony was stunned, rooted to the spot, his eyes filled with complex emotions, a mix of gratitude and regret.
He didn't doubt the truth of Steve's words because he believed his father indeed had that ability, and he also believed Steve wouldn't use his deceased father to play tricks on him.
After a long silence, Tony finally murmured in a low voice: "Seriously, old man, you've been dead for so long, and you're still thinking of saving my life…
But the last thing I said to you on the day of your car accident was a complaint…"
The atmosphere in the air turned sorrowful, and everyone present fell silent.
Bucky, who had been quietly standing by, heard Tony's murmur, and the guilt in his heart almost consumed him.
He involuntarily reached out behind Tony, wanting to confess everything to him and tell Tony about his crimes.
Steve promptly reached out and pressed Bucky's shoulder, stopping him. He shook his head at him, signaling that it wasn't the right time to confess.
Confessing to Tony now would not benefit either of them.
Tony and Bucky currently had no friendship, even though Steve had saved Tony's life, which rapidly increased Tony's friendship with him.
But once it involved the death of his parents, this little friendship between him and Tony would be useless. Tony would definitely lose his mind and desperately seek revenge on Bucky.
Of course, Steve didn't think Tony's act of revenge was wrong.
If it were him, he would make the same choice as Tony, and he wouldn't hold back as much as Tony did in the original story.
If he had transmigrated into Tony, Bucky would not only be dismembered by him physically, but even his name would be twisted around by him, becoming…
But in this life, he was not Tony Stark; he was Steve Rogers, Bucky's brother.
Steve's soul had saved his life; he couldn't just watch Tony kill Bucky.
Furthermore, Tony killing Bucky wouldn't actually solve any problems.
Instead, after calming down, if Tony discovered that the fault wasn't with Bucky himself, he might fall into a spiral of self-doubt and completely descend into darkness.
After all, Bucky was just a HYDRA weapon. The fault was never with the weapon, but with the person using the weapon. From the root, the fault wasn't with Bucky.
Although this argument is emotionally tenuous, rationally, it is the reality.
He admitted that on this point, he was very unfair to Tony, like a biased bitch who favored Bucky.
However, Steve would compensate Tony in other ways, not with the new element, but for a mistake Tony once made that was similar to Bucky's.
That little Witch who indirectly lost her parents because of Tony and would definitely seek revenge on him in the future.
Bucky being controlled to kill Tony's parents and Tony's manufactured missiles being used by others to kill Wanda's parents are essentially the same.
In both cases, the fault was not with the weapon, but with the person using the weapon.
Just as Steve protected Bucky this time, he would also protect Tony next time.
Consider it compensation for this kid.
Just as Steve stopped Bucky from confessing and communicated with Bucky through his eyes, Tony's teasing voice came:
"Are you two exchanging glances? My God, don't tell me this cool boy is actually your boyfriend!
Tsk tsk, if my old man knew his idol, Captain America, was gay, he probably wouldn't rest in peace~"
Steve looked at Tony, who had recovered from his sadness, patted Bucky to signal him to calm down, and put an arm around Sharon:
"Although Bucky is very handsome, unfortunately, I'm not gay, and he's not my type.
This lovely lady is your aunt, my girlfriend, Sharon Carter."
Sharon leaned against Steve and smiled slightly at Tony: "Don't listen to Steve's nonsense, just call me Sharon."
"Okay, Sharon, nice to meet you." Tony made an OK gesture and then looked at Bucky.
"And this silent, cool guy, what's your name?"
Bucky saw Tony looking at him, and seeing Tony's face, which bore some resemblance to Howard's, he forced a strained smile.
"Bucky Barnes…"
Tony raised an eyebrow: "Your name sounds familiar. I think I've heard it somewhere before. Anyway, it's nice to meet you too."
Bucky opened his mouth but couldn't make any sound.
Just looking at Tony's face, he couldn't help but remember the night Howard died by his hand.
At that time, Howard was even calling his name. It was all his fault…
Steve saw Bucky about to retreat into himself again and took over the conversation: "Of course you find it familiar, because by seniority, you should call him Uncle Barnes.
The reason I came to you today is also to introduce your Uncle Barnes to be your personal bodyguard."
Tony nodded upon hearing this, then reacted, turning sharply to Steve:
"No, what the hell are you saying? Bodyguard is bodyguard, and I just saw this guy's skills; he's perfectly qualified to be my bodyguard.
But what the hell is 'uncle'? Don't think that just because you're my old man's friend and a generation older than me, your friends can also take advantage of me, you damn bastard!!"
Chapter 30 Congratulations Tony, you now have two uncles!
Steve knew Tony would say that, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, and said in a mischievous tone:
"We're both on our own terms. I call you great-nephew, you call me Steve. My friends naturally can't take advantage of you by crossing generations.
But Bucky really didn't take advantage of you. He was also Howard's friend back then, a member of our Howling Commandos, so you should call him Uncle. There's nothing wrong with that~"
Tony's expression was as ugly as if he had eaten shit upon hearing this. Looking at Bucky, who looked even younger than himself, the more he looked, the more familiar he seemed. He apparently had indeed seen this person in his father's old photos.
Tony looked around, his pale face almost turning dark.
Damn, I, who look the most mature, have become the youngest in terms of seniority here!
There are four people in total: two uncles, and one uncle's girlfriend. Am I the only junior?!
Steve patted the unaccepting Tony, a suppressed smile on his face, and comforted him:
"Don't feel bad, great-nephew, this is actually a good thing, isn't it?
Bucky's friendship with Howard back then was no shallower than mine. Like me, Bucky is also a good Uncle who is completely worthy of your trust!
You should know that Bucky, after hearing that you were kidnapped by the Ten Rings Gang and that there were traitors within the company, has urged me several times to help you overcome this difficulty."
Upon hearing this, Tony finally accepted reality, nodded to Bucky, and his tone softened:
"Although I think I should be able to handle what comes next, thank you anyway. But I won't actually call you Uncle."
Bucky quickly nodded, pulling a sincere smile at the corner of his mouth: "Of course, you don't have to call me Uncle. You can just call me Bucky or Barnes.
I won't treat you as a junior either, because all of this is what I should do for you!"
Tony didn't hear the guilt in Bucky's words, only assuming it was because Bucky's friendship with his father, Howard, was indeed very deep.
He nodded, then looked at Steve: "Look at Barnes, he's also my father's friend, and he's so humble and friendly!
Can't you learn from his excellent character, not be so venomous with your words, and not always use your status as Uncle to act superior to me?"
"Oh, alright, great-nephew, understood, great-nephew." Steve readily agreed, firmly refusing to change.
Tony:.....(middle finger.jpg)
"Talking about this with you is like playing a lute to a cow, never mind, call me whatever you want. But how did you know there was an insider in my company? Did you secretly investigate?"
Steve said lightly:
"It's very simple. Your route was a safe route arranged by the Military. How could it be so easily subjected to a terrorist attack? So someone must have leaked your route.
And this route, besides people from Stark Industries, only the Military knew about it.
The Military wouldn't leak secrets. If you were attacked under their protection, it would do them no good if it got out.
So it could only be someone from within your company, because if you died, only those high-ranking officials at Stark Industries could profit from it."
Tony nodded, admitting Steve's point. He had actually suspected an insider within the company, but had not yet confirmed the person.
"You're right. Do you have anyone in mind?"
Steve nodded decisively: "Of course, I've seen photos of your group of Stark Industries executives.
Among them, there's an evil bald man named Obadiah Stane. Just by looking at his face, I knew he was no good. The insider is most likely this guy!"
After hearing Steve's 'analysis', Tony's face was filled with speechlessness.
"An evil bald man, his appearance... you're suspecting Obadiah is the insider based on just these two points? Are you serious?
To be honest with you, Obadiah was also a friend of my father's back then. After my parents died in an accidental car crash, during the years I was immersed in grief, he propped up the entire Stark Industries.
He also single-handedly pulled me out of the abyss and allowed me to regain control of Stark Industries. It can be said that he is the least likely to be the insider!"
Steve pursed his lips and said dismissively: "What's impossible about it? He and your father were just business partners. This kind of business friend is the most unreliable.
For his own benefit, why couldn't he sell you out?
You're not his biological son. For him, if you die, wouldn't he be the biggest gainer?
And about your safe route, in Stark Industries, besides your secretary Pepper Potts, isn't he the only one who knows it?
Actually, you understand this yourself, but you're just comforting yourself and denying it, aren't you?"
Every word Steve spoke pierced Tony's heart. His clear blue eyes seemed to see through Tony's inner thoughts, leaving Tony unable to utter a single word of rebuttal.
Because Tony knew very well in his heart that what Steve said was very likely the truth.
Seeing that Tony was still unwilling to give up until he saw the Yellow River, Steve sighed:
"I know that after Howard's death, that guy had a big influence on you, so it's normal that you're unwilling to easily believe he's an insider.
However, facts are facts and cannot be changed. With a little investigation, I can completely lay the evidence of him being an insider right before you.
Trust your Uncle Rogers. My sharp eyes, honed from decades of battle, never mistake any enemy with hostile intentions!"
Tony silently retorted upon hearing this: "In fact, you only spent a few years on the battlefield. You spent decades in ice..."
Exposed by Tony, Steve became furious and pointed at him: "Damn it! Stark, you shut up! When My Lords are talking, children shouldn't interrupt casually! In short, just trust your Uncle!!!"
Seeing Steve get angry, Tony quickly raised his hands in surrender: "Alright, alright, I believe you. But promise me, let me handle this matter myself, and don't interfere."
Steve calmed down and shrugged indifferently: "If you want to solve it yourself, then solve it yourself. But from today onwards, Bucky will follow and protect you until your crisis is completely resolved, understood?"
Tony wanted to solve it himself, which was perfect. He could use this time to figure out a way to get back the relics Howard left at S.H.I.E.L.D..
Tony gave an OK sign, indicating no problem.
Having a trustworthy super strong Uncle by his side would indeed make him feel more secure.
Because although his Iron Man armor was completed, he couldn't wear it all the time; there would always be times he had to take it off.
And Bucky's presence effectively prevented the scenario of him being ambushed again after taking off his armor.
Tony suddenly paused at this thought: Huh, why did I say 'again'?
Having been kidnapped once by the Ten Rings Gang, Tony had indeed become much more cautious.
In the original work, if he hadn't lacked a qualified and trustworthy bodyguard by his side, perhaps Obadiah wouldn't have succeeded in his sneak attack.
That Happy guy was fine as a driver and director, but his bodyguard skills were more than just a little lacking.