Chapter 34: Damn it, where is my boss?
But after thinking about it,
Happy slowly relaxed his tightly clenched fists.
Suddenly feeling somewhat relieved.
Because he thought of Luca and Tony's usual unbridled indulgence and nightlife.
Or how Tony spent all day cooped up in the lab studying his machines, normally unwilling to even look at company documents, and yelling for burgers whenever he got hungry.
And Luca was even more outrageous.
Aside from researching some biological experiments, he spent all the rest of his time dating various Hollywood actresses and Victoria's Secret models.
Therefore, looking at it from Obadiah's perspective.
He must have felt deeply resentful in his heart.
He must have been thinking, why is it that every time something goes wrong with the company, he is always the one working hard behind the scenes to clean up the mess and deal with those difficult Military representatives and shareholders.
While those two punk kids, Tony and Luca, get to do nothing, play around all day, and still take the largest share of the company's dividends.
Thinking of this, Happy shook his head helplessly.
How should I put it, this is the greed of human nature.
Just as Happy fell into deep thought, he subconsciously turned his head again and looked toward the brightly lit hotel entrance.
At that moment, he saw a figure walking out from the hotel's main entrance.
That person's walking posture was extremely weird.
One leg seemed to be severely injured and unable to bear weight, forcing him to drag it along the ground as he moved forward.
Overall, it looked like he was limping.
Happy narrowed his eyes and looked closely with the help of the street light.
This person was wearing a tattered black combat uniform—he was precisely one of those three men in black who had questioned him in the front lobby just a moment ago!
Seeing this person appear, Happy felt somewhat puzzled.
How come only he came down alone?
Clearly, three people had taken the elevator up together just now.
Furthermore, where were his bosses?
Why didn't Luca and Tony follow him out?
Happy's eyelids twitched as a terrifying thought instantly crossed his mind.
Could his bosses have been murdered?!
Could this limping guy be the assassin who killed the two bosses?!
Once the thought appeared, it was hard to dismiss.
Happy instantly flew into a rage, a surge of hot blood rushing straight to his head!
"Damn assassin! I'm going to slaughter you!"
Happy cursed through gritted teeth.
Then he immediately reached for his waist and pulled a pistol from his holster.
He pushed open the car door and quickly got out of the car.
However, Happy did not lose his mind out of anger.
Nor was he stupid enough to shout and rush forward to fight the opponent to the death.
He knew that the opponent was a professionally trained assassin and might have powerful weapons in hand.
Therefore, under the cover of night, Happy bent down.
Then, keeping close to the roadside cars and green belts, he quietly followed behind the other person.
He prepared to find an opportunity to subdue the opponent from behind and interrogate him about the bosses' whereabouts.
...
Ahead
John dragged his two bleeding thighs and limped along the empty street.
A gust of cold wind blew past, causing John to shiver uncontrollably.
He felt that he couldn't possibly be any more miserable right now.
He was cursing frantically in his heart.
Damn Lucas Stark! Damn Tony Stark!
Two bastards with no bottom line at all!
How dare they torture him like this!
Not only did Luca conceal the fact that he possessed a Superpower, but he also specifically targeted his face!
His face was now swollen by a large circle, and even several of his teeth had fallen out.
And that Tony! Even more perverted!
He actually implanted a bomb in his heart!
Now, as long as he breathed, he could feel something cold beating in his chest.
According to them, this was still a bomb that could blast him into minced meat at any moment!
John let out a deep sigh.
Why is my life so miserable!!
However, complaints aside, John still didn't know what to do next.
He was currently facing a huge dilemma.
He was about to return to the HYDRA Base right now.
But after returning, seeing that he was the only one who came back alive, the Officer would definitely interrogate him.
Furthermore, he had to lie according to Luca's demands, claiming that S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents had sabotaged the mission.
The people in the organization are so shrewd; would they believe this excuse?
What if they investigated and found out he was lying?
Even if the organization believed these words, so what?
In his current state, the organization would definitely feel that he no longer had any utilization value.
HYDRA never raises useless people.
Perhaps to punish him for his failure, the Officer would draw his gun and finish him off on the spot.
Therefore, death awaited him either way!
Thinking this, John's walking speed also began to slow down.
Heavens knows.
He truly didn't want to return to that cage filled only with cold-bloodedness and cruelty.
That's right, HYDRA was a cage.
At least that was what he thought.
But if he didn't go back, Tony would detonate the bomb.
Therefore, right now he was just a pitiful wretch caught in the middle.
Basically having his fate in the hands of the enemy.
Living like this, there was hardly any point in continuing to live.
Just as John was walking and imagining in his mind how to cope with the interrogation from above.
Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from behind.
Immediately following a warning, a cold object pressed against the back of John's head.
"Don't move! Raise your hands and put them where I can see them!"
Feeling the familiar touch on the back of his head slightly.
As a professional assassin, John knew all too well what that thing was.
At this instant, John truly despaired.
Why is it still not over?! Who is this again?!
Could that bastard Luca have gone back on his word and sent someone to silence him?!
Before John could figure out what was going on.
The person behind him had already firmly gripped John's wrist.
Following that, that person raised a foot and kicked hard into the back of John's knee joint.
John's legs had already lost most of their strength.
Being kicked like this, his legs instantly went soft, and he heavily collapsed to his knees on the ground.
Right after, the person behind him questioned loudly.
"Damn fellow! What did you do to my boss? Speak! Where on earth is Mr. Stark?!"
While speaking, that person also slapped the back of John's head.
The force of this slap was extremely heavy.
John was already dizzy from Luca's slap, and his concussion had not yet recovered.
Now taking another hit, he only felt his vision darken and his ears ringing.
However, before fainting, he finally recognized whose voice this was.
Isn't this the voice of that bodyguard Happy?!
John cursed inwardly.
You're a bodyguard, not protecting your boss, running out onto the street in the middle of the night pointing a gun at me for what!
To save his little life, John didn't dare look back at all and immediately explained loudly.
"Don't shoot! Don't shoot! It's me! I'm the person from the hotel front desk just now!"
Because several teeth were missing, John's words appeared vague and unclear.
"Your boss is fine! They are completely unharmed! If you don't believe me, you can make a call to confirm right now! They are still in the room!"
Hearing the explanation, Happy frowned.
Staring at John for a few seconds, confirming that the other party lacked the confidence of lying.
Moreover, looking at this guy's miserable state, he had clearly been worked over by someone.
If the bosses had truly been murdered, this guy couldn't possibly have been beaten like this.
Thinking that the bosses might really be fine, Happy finally set his mind at ease.
"Turn around and let me take a look at you, damn fellow."
Hearing the command, John dared to slowly turn his head around.
However, when John's face was completely exposed under the street light.
Happy was so frightened that he took a large step back, gasping in a breath of cold air.
"F*ck! What on earth is going on here?!"
Why does this guy look like a battered pig's head all over his face?!
Both his left and right cheeks were swollen extremely high, bruised black and blue, and his eyes were squeezed until only a slit remained.
Dried blood still hung at the corner of his mouth, and his front teeth were gone.
Did he go for a spin inside a washing machine?!
"What happened here?! Were you beaten up by dozens of people?" Happy asked in surprise.
As the saying goes, one man's joy is another man's sorrow.
Seeing Happy's look full of shock, John felt incomparably humiliated.
A dignified elite assassin had lost all his face.
Right now, he didn't want to say a single extra word, nor did he have the face to explain to Happy how he got beaten up like this.
So he directly turned around and continued to limp forward.
Damn Happy! Damn Stark!
If I can survive this catastrophe this time, I will definitely come back to take revenge on you!
I will definitely make you pay the price!
Thinking of this, John walked faster and faster.
Right now he had only one thought, and that was to quickly flee this place and get as far away from the Stark Family people as possible!
Chapter 35: Are they always like this?
Happy stood there blankly, with no intention of chasing after them.
He felt somewhat emotional.
In the future, absolutely, never provoke the boss!
When these two get ruthless, it's simply not something ordinary people can endure.
This guy's end was simply too miserable!
Even he felt a bit unable to bear it upon seeing it.
Too brutal!!
Just as Happy was sighing.
Suddenly, a familiar shout came from afar.
"Hey! Happy! What are you doing standing in the middle of the road in the middle of the night? Are you counting ants on the ground? Hurry up and drive the car over, we are going home!"
This was Tony Stark's voice.
Hearing the boss's voice, Happy felt a surge of joy in his heart.
I knew it, the boss was indeed fine!
Thus, he hurriedly responded.
"Coming right up, Boss!"
Afterward, Happy quickly drove the car to the hotel entrance and parked.
After opening the car door, Happy walked quickly to the side of Tony and Luca.
Seeing Happy approach, Tony immediately began to give instructions.
"Happy, listen well." Tony pointed at the few beauties behind.
"You go arrange a few cars now and send the girls back to their residences."
"Also, remember the most important point: have the legal department draw up a confidentiality agreement and have them sign it."
"Everything that happened in the hotel tonight and the sounds heard cannot be leaked by even half a word. No matter who asks, you cannot say it."
Happy straightened his body and nodded very solemnly: "Understood, Boss. I will handle it well."
Afterward, Tony turned his head and patted Ethan's shoulder.
"Ethan, your performance tonight was very good, you're a dab hand with a gun. You don't need to worry about the things that follow."
"You go with Happy, he will arrange a comfortable residence for you. Have a good rest for a few days first, and once things are dealt with, we will talk about other matters."
Hearing Tony's arrangement, Ethan nodded.
Just at this moment, Luca standing beside handed a black card into Happy's hand.
"Happy, take this. Go to the residential area in the city center and buy a slightly better apartment for Mr. Ethan, put the house under his name, consider it as tonight's mental damage fee."
"Remember, the view must be good and the furniture complete. Money is not a problem, swipe this card directly."
Happy received the black card with both hands and nodded repeatedly.
"Rest assured, Boss, leave it to me. I will definitely pick the best apartment for Mr. Ethan."
After completely arranging the work, Tony moved his gaze to the Rolls-Royce in the distance.
He walked directly toward the driver's seat door, while raising his eyebrows at Luca.
"Alright, the troublesome matters have all been handed over. Now we can go home to sleep. Are you driving or am I driving?"
Luca raised an eyebrow and quickly pressed down on the car door.
"Of course I am driving. I wouldn't dare ride in a car driven by you."
"Your skills can only compare with high school students who can't even tell the gas pedal and brakes apart."
"A wonderful life is still waiting for me, I certainly don't want to die young because of terrible driving skills!"
As soon as Tony heard Luca belittle his driving skills, he immediately frowned.
"What nonsense are you talking about! My driving skills are the best in the entire Stark Family! I can recite the various performance parameters of this car with my eyes closed!"
Seeing Tony's unconvinced look, Luca smiled slightly.
"I have a professional racing driver license."
Tony was stunned for a moment, but immediately retorted.
"So what! Back in college I participated in the U.S. Intercollegiate Rally, and even won a good second place result!"
Luca remained unmoved, kept smiling, and repeated what he just said.
"I have a professional racing driver license."
Tony grew somewhat anxious, pointing at Happy standing beside, and continued to retort.
"Don't use credentials to suppress me. My driving skills are better than Happy's! When he was my age, he couldn't even hold the steering wheel steady!"
Luca sighed and shrugged his shoulders.
"I have a professional racing driver license. Certified by the federal government. You don't."
This repeatedly uttered sentence happened to poke right at Tony's sore point.
He froze in place, his mouth open for a long time, and finally realized that he indeed did not have that damn license.
Alright, he couldn't refute.
"Damn it!"
Tony gave up the idea of fighting for the driver's seat, walked gloomily to the passenger seat and sat inside.
After sitting down, Tony still couldn't swallow this breath, and through the car window, he released harsh words at Luca outside.
"I accept your challenge, Luca!"
"In the upcoming Monaco Formula One race, I will definitely sign up to participate personally!"
"I want to prove in front of audiences all over the World that I am the true racing genius!"
Luca chuckled, pulled open the car door, and sat inside.
There was nothing much originally, but seeing Tony's appearance, he still couldn't help but find it amusing.
"Brother, it's great that you have this dream."
"But don't forget. You first have to deal with Pepper."
"Based on her personality, she will definitely not allow a middle-aged man of your age to participate in these dangerous activities that only young people can play."
As soon as Tony heard the four words meaning advanced in age, he immediately grew anxious.
"What nonsense are you talking about! I am still very young, OK? My energy is extremely abundant! Who says I can't participate in this kind of activity?!"
Luca fastened his seatbelt and said expressionlessly.
"I am twenty-five years old this year."
Tony was stunned for a moment, but still patted his chest with a confident look.
"Age is just a number! My physical fitness is very good, I basically work out every day, I know my physical condition very well!"
Luca started the car, gripped the steering wheel with both hands, turned his head to look at Tony, and clicked his tongue.
"I am twenty-five years old this year."
Tony was speechless.
He knew that on this topic, he could never defeat Luca.
No way, this is a natural disadvantage.
"STOP!"
Tony shouted and made a stopping gesture.
Afterward, Tony crossed his arms in front of his chest, motioning for Luca to drive quickly, and put on a magnanimous posture.
"OK, I am the older brother, my chest is broader than yours. I can forgive your rudeness."
Hearing this, Luca laughed heartily.
As the car darted forward, he ruthlessly mocked once more.
"Alright, the 37-year-old older brother who takes nutritional supplements. Sit tight."
"F**k! You're the one who needs nutritional supplements! You bastard!!"
Along with Tony's cursing voice spreading far into the night sky.
The Rolls-Royce also vanished into the night.
Ethan pushed up his glasses, his expression complex, looking somewhat doubtful of life.
"Mr. Happy, may I ask... are they always like this when they get along normally?"
Ethan frowned, for a moment not knowing how to describe the scene just now which was just like children arguing.
This was completely different from the mature and steady big capitalists in his impression.
Hearing Ethan's question, Happy smiled meaningfully.
"Yes, Mr. Ethan. It's always been like this; no matter how big the trouble they encounter, they always argue like this. After you interact with them more in the future, you will gradually get used to it."
Afterward, Happy greeted the crowd to follow him.
"Alright, ladies. And Mr. Ethan, please follow me. There is another commercial vehicle over there, I will take you to a safe place to rest first."
Chapter 36: Where Are We Going?
Deep in the night in Los Angeles, the streets were empty.
Only a few cars driving by occasionally broke the quietness.
The Rolls-Royce drove smoothly on the road like a silent Beast.
The streetlights outside the window swept into the carriage, flashing alternately on the faces of the two Stark Brothers.
Just like outside, the atmosphere inside the car was also very quiet.
But it was precisely this quietness that was abnormal.
This was completely different from their usual noisy way of getting along.
Luca supported his head with one hand, gazing calmly at the road.
No music was playing in the car, and he did not take the initiative to speak, just driving attentively.
Tony was also very quiet, silently watching the rapidly receding night view, his eyes a bit complex.
However, looking at his tightly furrowed brow, it was clear that he was experiencing a struggle in his heart.
After a long while.
Luca glanced at the rearview mirror and broke the silence.
"When are we going?"
Hearing this question, Tony was clearly stunned for a moment.
He looked at Luca with some doubt and asked in return.
"Where are we going?"
The traffic light arrived, and Luca stepped on the brake.
The car stopped steadily at the intersection.
Then, he smiled and looked at Tony, asking in return.
"What do you think? Where else can we go?"
Tony's expression instantly became serious.
Of course he knew what Luca meant, and he also knew what they should do most right now.
Tony did not answer immediately.
He lowered his head and glanced at his watch; the time displayed on it was 5:59 a.m.
Afterwards, Tony fell into a long silence.
He looked out the window again, seemingly weighing things, or seemingly building up his psychological defenses.
Seeing the other party's hesitant appearance, Luca had no intention of urging him.
Because he had already figured things out long ago.
For Luca, the survival rules of the World were very simple; nothing could bind him.
If someone wanted his life, then this person would definitely not see tomorrow's Sun.
Even if this person was a veteran of Stark Industries, even if this person was an uncle who had been quite nice to them all along.
Every man for himself.
If a person didn't even care about his own life, he would simply be an idiot.
He admitted, he was a scumbag, a playboy.
But he was definitely not an idiot whose eyes would be blinded by emotions.
However, he also understood why Tony hesitated.
Tony had spent much more time with Obadiah than Luca, and the relationship between the two was even deeper.
More importantly, the growing environments of Luca and Tony since childhood were completely different.
Tony had been very lonely since childhood.
Their father, Howard Stark, was a workaholic, researching inventions that changed the World all day long, or busy with various secret projects outside.
Of course, at least in his eyes, it was like that.
As for what his father was actually doing...
To be honest, Luca had never known.
Parents rarely had time to accompany Tony, which led to Tony's lack of care since childhood.
Therefore, in Tony's heart, emotions were actually valued very much, and he deeply cherished the few close people around him.
Obadiah often acted as a fatherly figure to Tony in many ways.
And what about Luca himself?
From birth, he was the apple of the eye of the entire Stark Family.
Although his older brother Tony despised him on his lips, he loved him in his heart.
His mother Mary doted on him, and even his stern father, Howard, favored him greatly.
As for his uncle Obadiah, he always brought him various gifts every time they met.
Luca grew up in an environment surrounded by stars, and almost everyone liked him.
Therefore, Luca admitted that it was very hard for him to fully experience the heartbreaking pain and struggle when Tony was betrayed.
Precisely because he understood this point, Luca did not rush Tony to make a choice.
He was willing to give his brother some time.
Time passed minute by minute.
In fact, how could Tony not understand this logic?
When he saw those Terrorists holding weapons manufactured by Stark Industries, he had already prepared himself mentally.
However, when things really developed to this point, he still felt uncomfortable.
Tony looked at Luca, whose expression remained calm.
Looking at his younger brother's young face, he suddenly understood.
He couldn't hesitate any longer.
Obadiah not only wanted to kill him, but also wanted to kill Luca.
This was a bottom line that Tony could absolutely not tolerate.
His eyes instantly became incomparably firm, sweeping away any hesitation and weakness.
He glanced at his watch again.
Exactly 6:00 a.m.
Dawn was breaking.
"Let's go right now!"
Hearing this reply, Luca showed a brilliant smile.
"Very good. I knew you would make the correct choice."
Afterwards, the green light turned on.
Luca stepped on the accelerator without hesitation.
"Boom!!!"
The V8 engine let out a deafening roar, and the tires frictioned out a burst of White smoke.
The car instantly darted out, completing a drift and U-turn on the empty street.
It galloped straight towards the direction of Beverly Hills.
...
Meanwhile.
In another place far away from Los Angeles, Washington, D.C.
This was the headquarters building of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Triskelion.
Although it was already the early morning, the office of Director Nick Fury was still brightly lit.
Coulson held a newly printed report in his hand, reporting the situation of tonight to Nick Fury sitting in the chair.
"Officer, the field Agent over in Los Angeles just transmitted back exact news."
"Tonight, three genetically modified Superpower assassins sneaked into the hotel where the Stark Brothers were staying."
"A violent explosion was triggered in the corridor, but it's unknown what happened."
Nick Fury's single eye slightly narrowed, his hands crossed on the table, and he asked in a deep voice.
"Are you sure missiles were used? And, after suffering the assassination, the Stark Brothers not only survived, but also proactively released the leading assassin, right?"
"Yes, Officer. Completely confirmed." Coulson nodded, opened the report in his hand, and continued reading.
"According to the trace investigation of the scene, what exploded in the corridor was a micro tactical missile produced by Stark Industries. And two of the assassins died in the hotel."
"One of them was beaten into a sieve, and the other seemed to have been blown into fragments by the missile. As for John who was let go, he is an elite assassin of HYDRA."
Coulson paused and deepened his tone.
"Moreover, according to the report from our Agents monitoring the perimeter, John was heavily injured, his legs were pierced, and his face suffered severe blunt force trauma. He could be said to be half crippled."
"Judging by guesses, the Stark Brothers evidently interrogated him before letting him go."
After listening to Coulson's report, Nick Fury fell into deep thought.
A few seconds later, Nick suddenly laughed out of the blue.
"Interesting. Really too interesting."
"Three well-trained assassins with Superpowers went to assassinate two playboys who were thought to be powerless."
"And the result? Not only did the assassination fail, but instead two were counter-killed by them, and the remaining one was thrown out like trash."
Fury leaned back on the chair back and asked meaningfully.
"Coulson, you tell me, what kind of monster has Lucas Stark ultimately turned into?"
Coulson frowned and thought about it for a moment.
"Officer, no matter what kind of monster he has turned into, no matter how powerful a Superpower he has obtained. For S.H.I.E.L.D., or for the security situation of the entire World, uncontrollable mutations have both pros and cons."
"The benefit is that if he is willing to stand on our side, he will be a very powerful combat force."
"But the disadvantage is that they explicitly rejected the proposal to join S.H.I.E.L.D.."
Chapter 37: "No! No! Absolutely impossible!"
Coulson sighed.
"Therefore, we currently have no idea what his true attitude is, nor do we know what crazy things he might do after possessing power."
Speaking of which, Coulson hesitated for a moment before finally voicing the doubt that had been in his heart all along.
"Furthermore, Officer. Pardon my frankness. Knowing full well that someone is plotting against them, why don't we send people to protect them?"
"After all, they are Mr. Howard Stark's biological children. And Mr. Howard is one of the founders of our S.H.I.E.L.D...."
Coulson hadn't finished speaking yet.
"Enough, Coulson."
Nick Fury raised his hand, cutting off Coulson.
A stern look flashed in his eyes, and his tone turned low.
"You need to understand one thing, Coulson."
"Mr. Howard Stark is indeed a respectable great man, and an eagle capable of soaring freely in the sky. However, an eagle does not need nestlings hidden in a greenhouse."
Fury stood up, walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, and gazed at the night view outside.
"Back then, Mr. Howard handed the heavy burden of S.H.I.E.L.D. over to me precisely in the hope that we could continue to protect this World and complete his unfinished cause."
Fury turned around to look at Coulson, his tone extremely serious.
"More importantly, he hoped we could take good care of his two children."
"However, Coulson, you must understand that taking care of children isn't like being a nanny, forever tagging along behind their backs to help them resolve troubles and difficulties."
"That is not protecting them; it is destroying them."
Fury pointed at the report on the desk.
"To let them truly grow, and to give them the ability to survive in this cruel World, we must let go and let them learn to face difficulties by themselves, feel pain, and experience betrayal and slaughter."
"Only by facing the tests of life and death head-on can they shed the outer garment of playboys and truly grow into eagles like their father. Do you understand my meaning?"
Coulson stood frozen in place, taking a long time to react.
Looking at Fury's profound back, huge waves churned in his heart.
"Director, do you mean..." Coulson probed somewhat incredulously.
"Do you intend to let Tony and Luca take over S.H.I.E.L.D. on some day in the future?"
Nick Fury turned around, pressing both hands on the tabletop with a calm expression.
"How else do you think?"
"The threats faced by Earth are far more than just a hidden HYDRA. There are also countless unknown enemies eyeing us covetously."
"We must make thorough preparations. If one day the Stark Brothers truly grow up and hand S.H.I.E.L.D. over to them to take charge—"
"Then I will also be able to free up my hands to do some more important and dangerous things, won't I?"
Coulson nodded, indicating understanding.
"I understand, Officer. Then, what about HYDRA?"
"We must take action; we cannot let them run rampant like this anymore."
Fury walked over to the desk, picked up a top-secret file, and handed it to Coulson.
"You are right. Perhaps we have been silent for too long, making those rats in the gutter forget their fear of us."
"Go notify the members of the Defenders squad. Arrange an external cleanup mission for them targeting a HYDRA branch. Let them stretch their muscles and teach HYDRA a lesson."
Coulson took the file and didn't say any more nonsense.
"Very well, Officer. I will arrange it immediately."
Afterwards, Coulson turned around and walked out of the Director's office, pulling the main door shut behind him.
Quietness returned to the office once again.
Nick stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.
His gaze crossed the city's lights, looking toward the Potomac River flowing quietly in the distance.
After a long while, a low murmur sounded in the office.
"This World will soon need the descent of Stark once again."
...
Two hours later.
The sky in Los Angeles was completely bright.
The morning sunlight poured into the bedroom of a Villa in Beverly Hills.
In the center of this excessively spacious bedroom stood a large bed.
Obadiah Stane was currently still in a deep sleep.
A trace of a satisfied smile still lingered at the corners of his mouth; it seemed he had dreamed of something happy.
"Beep beep beep! Beep beep beep!"
Right at this moment, the alarm clock on the bedside table suddenly emitted a harsh ringing sound.
Obadiah's sweet dream was ruthlessly interrupted.
He frowned, slapped the switch casually, and turned off the annoying ringing.
Then he rubbed his eyes, yawned, and sat up from the bed.
Following his usual habit, he shouted loudly toward outside the door.
"Mary! Bring me a cup of coffee upstairs! Also, tell the chef I want an omelet for breakfast today, with extra butter!"
Obadiah's voice was very loud, echoing in the empty Villa.
However, a few seconds passed, and there was no intention of a response from outside the door.
Obadiah frowned somewhat strangely.
He thought the newly hired nanny was slacking off downstairs and didn't hear him.
Thus, he cursed with extreme displeasure.
"Damn idiots! I spend so much money to hire you, and even delivering a cup of coffee is this slow! Later I'll fire all of you!"
While muttering curses, Obadiah lifted the blanket to get up and wash up.
He sat down by the bedside, searching for his slippers.
At this time, his mind gradually cleared up.
He seemed to recall something, and a smug, carried-away smile once again surfaced at the corners of his mouth.
"I wonder if their actions were fast. That damned Stark should have been beaten to death by now. It's also time for me to take full charge of Stark Industries."
Obadiah was immersed in the fantasy of soon becoming the World's richest person.
However, just as he slid his feet into the slippers,
an abrupt voice suddenly rang out in the bedroom.
"Then you might be deeply disappointed, Uncle Obadiah."
"Not only are we not dead, but we are living very well. We can even rush over this morning to take a look at this foolish look of yours."
The instant he heard this voice, Obadiah froze directly.
He was far too familiar with this voice!
This was the damned Lucas Stark!
"That's impossible!"
Obadiah exclaimed inwardly in shock.
Then he quickly turned around, looking toward the direction from which the voice came.
Immediately afterwards, he saw a terrifying scene.
Surprisingly, two people were quietly sitting in front of the bedroom window!
They were precisely Luca and Tony!
Tony Stark crossed his arms over his chest, looking at him expressionlessly.
Luca was toying with an apple in his hand, a spine-chilling smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Obadiah was dumbfounded.
How could they appear here?!
Could it be that those people didn't go assassinate them?!
Or did they take the money and run away?
No! No! Absolutely impossible!
Obadiah was so frightened that he bounced right off the bed, retreating barefooted for several steps in succession.
But he still looked at the two of them somewhat incredulously.
Now lying before Obadiah was another question that made him feel the most terrified.
This was, after all, the most heavily secured area in Beverly Hills!
The Villa was surrounded by the most advanced alarm systems, and several armed security guards and a bunch of servants had been hired.
How on Earth did they pass through those alarms and appear in his bedroom?!
Where were the servants and security guards? Were they all dead?!
Seeming to see through Obadiah's doubts,
Tony lowered his arms and spoke in a flat tone.
"Uncle Obadiah, there's no need to blindly guess there. You guessed right, last night we were indeed assassinated."
"But unfortunately, we survived."
Tony pointed at the room door, continuing to answer Obadiah's doubts.
"As for the security and servants, I've already dismissed them on the spot with triple wages. By now, they've probably boarded a plane back to their hometowns."
"Oh, right. By the way, to inform you, since this Villa was bought by you using public funds, I've already had the legal department process the paperwork. We're preparing to sell it next week."
Hearing this series of bad news, the dumbfounded Obadiah wore a blank expression.
Under multiple blows, he shook his head incessantly and began roaring loudly, trying to make a final struggle.
"F*ck! What nonsense are you talking about! This is my private Villa! It was bought with my own money, what right do you have to sell it?!"
Obadiah pointed at Tony and Luca, his face full of anger and grievance.
"Damn it! What crazy talk are you uttering? What assassination? I have no idea what you're talking about! I am your uncle, how could I possibly assassinate you!"
Chapter 38: You Heard It, She Said It First
Obadiah tried to play dumb to muddle through.
He naively thought that as long as he refused to admit it, they might let him off.
However, Luca wouldn't give him a chance to continue his act at all.
He tossed the apple aside, stood up, and walked step by step toward Obadiah, who was cowering in the corner.
Seeing Luca approaching relentlessly, Obadiah swallowed hard, feeling an inexplicable sense of oppression.
Soon, he gently placed his hand on Obadiah's shoulder.
The moment his palm made contact with the shoulder.
Obadiah felt an overwhelming, crushing force press down!
Damn it! This kind of strength is simply not something a human can possess!
"Ah!"
Obadiah let out a cry of pain and uncontrollably sat back down on the large bed.
He raised his head in terror and questioned loudly.
"Y-You... What do you want?! Let me go! I'm a veteran of the company! You can't treat me like this!"
Luca ignored Obadiah's shouts and looked at Tony instead.
"I've already pinned him down. Next, will you do it, or should I?"
Tony stood up and walked slowly to the bedside.
This time, his expression was unprecedentedly serious.
"I'll do it."
Afterwards, he pulled out a handgun and pressed the pitch-black muzzle against Obadiah's bald head.
The cold touch made Obadiah shiver all over.
Seeing the other's terrified eyes, Tony asked in a somewhat hoarse voice.
"Uncle Obadiah. This is the last time I'm calling you uncle. But I really don't understand."
"Ever since we were little, Luca and I both treated you like family."
"After Dad left, we've always been very good to you, treating you as part of the Stark Family, giving you all the power and wealth you wanted."
"But why did you do this? Why collude with Terrorists? Why send people to kill us?"
Obadiah now also understood that the matter had been exposed.
Quibbling and disguise were meaningless at this point.
Today, either they die, or he perishes.
Thus, amidst fear and unwillingness, Obadiah's expression turned incomparably ferocious.
"Good?! Hahahaha! You call that good?!"
Obadiah laughed loudly, spraying saliva.
"You guys are just parasites! Fooling around outside all day, throwing parties, sleeping with women! And what about me?!"
"Every day I have to act like a nanny, handling all kinds of countless trivial matters for you! Dealing with tricky Military representatives, pacifying angry shareholders!"
The more Obadiah spoke, the more agitated he became, his eyes bloodshot.
"It was me! It was me, Obadiah Stane, who painstakingly managed the company, making Stark Industries grow continuously and earning countless wealth!"
"But what about the credit? The media and the world only know how to praise you so-called geniuses! They only know the Stark Family! No one remembers my contributions at all!"
"This is simply unfair! Why must I be like a dog behind the scenes doing these dirty cleanup jobs for you!"
"And you guys can peacefully take the most money, enjoying a stress-free life every day! Stark Industries should have been mine long ago!"
Obadiah's emotions were already out of control, and his anger grew higher and higher.
Suddenly, a hint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
Taking advantage of the moment Tony was shocked by his words, Obadiah's hand quickly felt towards the half-open drawer of the bedside table.
Hidden in there was the handgun he used for self-defense!
As long as he got the gun, at such close range, he could definitely counter-kill these two brats!
The idea was wonderful, but reality was harsh.
Before Obadiah could even touch the cabinet.
"Bang!!!"
The deafening gunshot exploded in the bedroom!
Tony didn't even blink his eyes, pulling the trigger without hesitation.
A blazing bullet instantly penetrated Obadiah's head.
Blood and brain matter instantly splattered out, landing on the white wall.
Obadiah's eyes were also filled with shock and disbelief.
He seemed to want to open his mouth and accuse them of some more unwilling words.
However, his vocal cords could no longer make a sound.
His vision blurred rapidly, and everything before his eyes began to sink into endless darkness.
Finally.
Accompanied by a dull thud.
Obadiah collapsed heavily onto the bed.
Bright red blood quickly spread across the sheets.
He was dead.
Dead at the hands of the nephew he had always wanted to get rid of.
After firing the shot.
Tony stood frozen in place, motionless.
Although he had prepared countless times before coming here.
However, when he truly killed the elder who watched him grow up with his own hands, it still made Tony find it somewhat hard to accept.
It felt like a stone was pressing on his chest, and his breathing became heavy.
Luca didn't feel very good inside either.
He couldn't help but sigh deeply.
He stepped forward, put his arm around Tony's shoulder, patted it heavily twice, and offered silent comfort.
Afterwards, Luca took the still-smoking handgun from Tony's somewhat stiff hands.
"It's all over, Tony."
"Let the past be the past. Let's go, it's time to go home."
Tony's stiff body trembled slightly.
He closed his eyes and said nothing.
When he opened his eyes again, he had regained his calm.
Without saying any more nonsense, Tony followed behind Luca out of this room full of bloodshed and betrayal.
...
Outside.
Luca took out his phone and dialed Pepper's number.
The call was answered after just one ring.
"Thank goodness! Luca! Where on earth are you guys?!"
Pepper's anxious voice came from the other end of the phone.
"Happy came back over half an hour ago. But he waited in the garage for a long time and didn't see your car!"
"Where did you go? Are you hurt? Did you encounter danger?!"
Listening to Pepper's series of anxious questions, Luca could imagine her running around in panic.
"Pepper, calm down, we're fine. However, you need to go to the company right now to urgently announce a sudden matter to the media and the board of directors."
"What matter?" Pepper was stunned for a moment.
Luca glanced behind him and said calmly.
"This morning, Stark Industries veteran Mr. Obadiah Stane unfortunately passed away at home. The coroner's given cause of death is a sudden heart attack caused by long-term work pressure. Understood?"
As soon as these words were said.
Pepper on the other end of the phone fell silent.
She already understood what had happened.
She remained silent for a full half minute.
Pepper suppressed the shock in her heart, and her tone returned to calm.
"Understood. I will handle this matter well. Half an hour from now, the headlines of major media outlets will receive the obituary. I will also arrange things at the hospital."
"Very good." Luca nodded and continued making arrangements.
"In addition, find some professionals to clean up the scene at Obadiah's Villa."
"Try to clean it up neatly. We've experienced too much tonight, we're very tired now, and we're heading back to rest immediately."
"I know. Leave it to me." Pepper's voice became tender.
"Right, the kitchen just made some cheeseburgers, and I've put them on the coffee table in the living room. You'll see them as soon as you get back. Eat something before going to sleep."
Hearing these words, Luca was stunned for a moment.
He felt the warmth of home.
But soon, he stopped walking and glanced at Tony following behind.
Then he moved the phone away and handed it in front of Tony.
Tony was somewhat dumbfounded and hesitated for a moment.
But he still stepped forward and placed the phone to his ear.
"Thank you, Potts."
Tony's tone was somewhat low, but also carried undisguised emotion.
This was the first time he had thanked Pepper so earnestly.
Hearing that it was Tony's voice, Pepper immediately smiled.
"It's what I should do, Tony."
"After all, we... are family, aren't we? Hurry back, the burgers are getting cold."
After saying this, Pepper hung up the phone quickly.
A busy tone of beep-beep-beep came from the receiver.
Tony held the phone, somewhat dumbfounded.
What did Pepper just say? Family?
He raised his head blankly, meeting Luca's meaningful gaze just right.
Tony's old face blushed for a rare moment.
He immediately shoved the phone back into Luca's hands and spoke proudly.
"What are you looking at me for! You heard it just now too, she said it herself! She took the initiative to say we are family!"
Luca held back his smile and spoke with a straight face.
"Of course, of course. I heard it all, it was indeed Pepper who said it proactively. After all, how could someone like our great and charming Mr. Tony Stark ever have the thought of wanting to get married and settle down? That's simply an insult to a genius."
Hearing Luca's sarcastic tone, Tony immediately got angry.
"F*ck! What do you mean by that?! Are you mocking me for not daring to face feelings? What is there for Tony Stark not to dare face!"
Luca spread his hands and made an innocent expression.
"I'm not mocking you. You just admitted it yourself. I just repeated the facts."
"Damn it, do you even know what true love is? You only know how to unclasp a woman's bra!"
"Thank you for the compliment, that is also a profound science."
The Rolls-Royce started up again, driving toward Malibu against the rising morning sun.
Chapter 39: Are You Kidding Us?
The next day.
The entire United States, and even the entire World, exploded in commotion within the morning sunlight.
Major mainstream media outlets, newspaper front-page headlines, television news, and so on were all occupied by the exact same piece of news.
"This is Fox Morning News. Just in the early hours of this morning, Wall Street ushered in a super earthquake."
"Mr. Obadiah Stane, the veteran and executive president of Stark Industries, was discovered to have unfortunately passed away inside his private Villa in Beverly Hills."
"According to the preliminary reports provided by the Los Angeles Police Department and the coroner, the cause of death was a sudden heart attack caused by long-term, high-intensity work pressure. Let us observe a moment of silence for this elderly man who dedicated his entire life to the U.S. military-industrial cause."
The news footage immediately switched to another television station.
The CNN news anchor sat in front of the broadcasting desk with a grave expression on his face.
"Just at yesterday afternoon's press conference, the narrowly escaped Tony Stark had just announced the closure of military weapon orders, and Lucas Stark strongly expressed that he would thoroughly investigate the company's internal moles."
"Yet in the early hours of this morning, the company's third-largest heavyweight figure died of a sudden heart attack. The coincidence in this is truly thought-provoking."
"What's even worse, affected by this news, less than ten minutes after the market opened today, Stark Industries' stock suffered another cliff-style plunge, and the current decline has already exceeded fifteen percent."
The special commentator for the New York Times was also expressing fierce views on television.
"Regardless of whether there is a conspiracy behind Mr. Obadiah Stane's death, what we care about most right now is that as the only two legal heirs and highest power-holders of Stark Industries, Tony Stark and Lucas Stark's current whereabouts are unknown."
"Ever since last night's yacht party ended, no one has ever seen them again. Why won't they step forward to stabilize the overall situation? Does this mean that Stark Industries, this massive commercial empire, is heading toward disintegration?"
For a time, the entire World was in an uproar.
Various conspiracy theories and pessimistic voices were flying all over the place.
Everyone kept their eyes tightly fixed on Los Angeles, fixed on the Stark Family.
Of course, the Daily Bugle on the other side was also bought out in newsstands, and the bold headline on the front page was extremely eye-catching.
"The Doom of Stark Industries? Veteran Passes Away, the Whereabouts of the Two Genius Young Masters Remain a Mystery!"
That's right.
What made the outside World feel extremely strange and hotly debated was:
As the first and second power-holders of the company, Tony and Luca actually had completely no intention of coming forward to express their views at such a critical moment.
They did not hold a press conference, nor did they show up in public to mourn.
It was as if this veteran's death had nothing to do with them.
For a time, various conspiracy theories and guesses were flying around everywhere on the internet.
Some said that the Stark Brothers suffered severe psychological trauma due to the kidnapping incident in Afghanistan and were now mentally deranged.
Others said that Obadiah's death was not a heart attack at all, but rather an internal power struggle within the company.
But no matter how noisy the outside World was, the Stark Brothers still maintained their silence.
...
And at this very moment.
Los Angeles, Malibu Beach.
Inside this Villa built on the edge of the cliff, it was in a state that drove people frantic.
Cameras of all shapes and sizes were densely set up in the living room.
Several reporters hanging different work badges raised their microphones and stared fixedly at the woman sitting on the sofa.
This was precisely Pepper Potts.
She sat upright on the sofa, and although her face wore exquisite makeup, it still could not hide her fatigue and dark circles.
Ever since she received Luca's phone call in the morning, she hadn't closed her eyes once.
Handling the corpse scene, dealing with the Police, contacting the coroner, and issuing the obituary.
Then she began dealing with wave after wave of reporters without stopping.
"Miss Potts! May I ask if Mr. Obadiah's death is really just a heart attack?"
"There are rumors from the outside World that this is an assassination carried out by the Stark Brothers to seize full control! What are your views on this?"
A bearded male reporter almost shoved his microphone into Pepper's face.
Pepper took a deep breath and put on an impeccable smile.
"This is completely nonsense. Mr. Stane has always been the most respected elder of the Stark Family. Tony and Luca feel extremely sorrowful about his passing, and no one's bond could be better than theirs."
"As for the cause of death, the coroner of the Los Angeles Police Department has already given an authoritative medical report. If you have doubts about the scientific report, I suggest going to interview the Los Angeles Police Department instead of wasting time here."
Another female reporter nearby immediately squeezed forward and loudly pursued the questioning.
"Then Miss Potts, since they feel sorrowful, why don't they personally step forward to issue a statement? Instead letting the stock continue to plummet? Where on earth are they right now?"
Pepper maintained her polite smile, her hands folded on her knees.
"As everyone knows, Tony and Luca experienced two months of torture in Afghanistan."
"And they just escaped from the clutches of the Terrorists, suffering huge traumas physically and mentally. Doctors strongly recommend that they need quiet and rest."
"As the Chief Executive Assistant of Stark Industries, I represent them with full authority to handle all current affairs."
"As for the stock fluctuations, that is the market's normal reaction to sudden events. Stark Industries' foundation remains profound, and we will get through this difficult time very soon."
Pepper's response was watertight, completely giving this bunch of reporters no chance to take things out of context.
But everyone was somewhat speechless.
"Tony and Luca suffered psychological trauma?! Are you kidding us??!"
"Who would believe that two people who went to hold a bikini party on a yacht right after coming back suffered psychological trauma?!"
But everyone was also used to it; for Tony and Luca's past behaviors, this was considered normal.
Soon, after several rounds of fierce verbal sparring.
The reporters found that they truly couldn't extract any big news out of Pepper's mouth.
Eventually, under Happy's tough escort, this fifth wave of reporters unwillingly packed up their equipment and left the Malibu Villa.
Chapter 40: An Invention That Shocked the World
Seeing the last reporter walk out of the front gates.
Pepper's forcefully braced shoulders instantly slumped, and she collapsed directly onto the sofa.
She casually kicked off her high heels, stepped barefoot onto the carpet, and vigorously massaged her throbbing temples.
"For God's sake. This is practically more tiring than dealing with the Terrorists in Afghanistan."
Pepper let out a long sigh.
However, she had barely closed her eyes to rest for less than a minute.
"Ring-a-ling! Ring-a-ling!"
The phone beside her suddenly started ringing like a life-summoning urge.
Pepper startled, and irritably grabbed the phone.
Glancing at it, the caller ID was Luca.
She rolled her eyes heavily and pressed the answer button.
"Listen, Pepper, my good sister. I need two spicy chicken burgers right now, remember, the lettuce must be good. Also, by the way, bring two double cheeseburgers for the nagging old man next door. We want colas with extra ice."
On the other end of the line, Luca's tone sounded lazy, accompanied by the sound of chewing something.
Pepper took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to reach through the internet cable and beat someone up.
"I know. Spicy chicken burgers, double cheeseburgers. Luca, do you know this is already the fifth wave of reporters coming this morning?"
"You guys are hiding in the Underground Room acting like tortoises with their heads tucked in, do you know how many questions I blocked for you guys? Do you know how tired I am? You two heartless bastards!"
Before Luca could speak.
Tony's confident and proud words came through.
"Potts, stop complaining. We are not acting like tortoises with our heads tucked in, we are doing a great piece of research!"
Luca immediately corrected Tony's words.
"Correction, Potts. I am the one doing a research that shocks the World. As for Tony, he is just pounding iron next door, and handing me a wrench along the way."
"Damn you, Luca! This is my underground laboratory! Those instruments were all invented by me!"
Listening to the two of them singing in harmony over the phone, Pepper was completely speechless.
"Fine, fine, fine. I know you guys are doing big things that affect the World. The task of saving the Earth is left to you two. I am going right now to buy burgers for the two heroes saving the Earth."
"You should come down and take a look first, Potts. Guaranteed to open your eyes."
Tony said smugly over the phone.
Then, with a beep, the call was hung up.
Pepper put down the phone and shook her head helplessly.
Glancing at the clock, it was still early.
Anyway, there were no new reporters bothering her right now.
She decided to go down first and see what on Earth those two bastards were up to.
Every time they said they were going to do something that shocked the World, it usually came with huge trouble.
Pepper put on her slippers, stepped from the edge of the living room into a spiral staircase leading to the underground laboratory.
The Underground Room of this Villa was actually a private high-tech laboratory specially built by Tony and Luca.
The area was extremely large, filled with all kinds of advanced equipment and instruments that the outside World had never even seen.
Just as she walked down the stairs.
A burst of fierce argument reached her ears.
"That thing will harm you, Tony! This is completely unstable!"
This was Luca's voice.
It sounded very serious, completely lacking his usual irreverent tune.
Immediately following, Tony's stubborn and obviously unconvinced words rang out.
"Shut up, Luca! I know my physical condition very well! There is no need for you to examine me with your perverted perspective!"
"Besides, I am Tony Stark! I am a genius! Nothing in the World can stump me! I will definitely think of a way to solve it! It's only a matter of time!"
Hearing these conversations, Pepper stopped in her tracks.
Frowning, she was completely baffled.
Thing?
What thing would harm Tony? What on Earth were they arguing about?
Pepper didn't think much, casually pushed open the glass door of the laboratory, and chuckled with a teasing remark.
"Oh? Who is quarreling? What kind of magical thing could possibly stump our great genius inventor, Mr. Tony Stark?"
Hearing Pepper's voice, the two brothers standing face-to-face in a standoff instantly stopped.
Seeing Pepper, Tony's expression turned somewhat complex and stiff.
A flash of panic crossed his eyes, but he concealed it very well and quickly reined in his emotions.
Obviously, the topic they were discussing just now must absolutely not be heard by Pepper; he didn't want Pepper to worry about him.
Tony immediately put on a relaxed smile and stepped forward two steps.
"You must have heard wrong, Potts."
"Did you suffer from auditory hallucinations because you didn't sleep well last night? There is nothing in the World that can stump Tony Stark! Absolutely nothing!"
"We were just discussing which brand of ketchup tastes better."
Luca helplessly shook his head.
He knew very well that the core material of the reactor on Tony's chest was palladium metal.
And while palladium metal releases energy, it also continuously releases toxins into Tony's blood.
This was chronic poisoning.
If an alternative new element could not be found before the toxin concentration reached a lethal standard, Tony would die.
Luca had just wanted to use his biological serum to help Tony alleviate the spread of the toxins.
But this stubborn arrogant Tony insisted that he could find a new element with his own technological brain.
The two of them had thus started arguing.
However, seeing Tony's reaction now, Luca also understood that the other party did not want Pepper to worry.
After all, they had just experienced a life-or-death ordeal.
If Pepper were told now that Tony was dying, she would probably collapse on the spot.
His older brother was such an arrogant and awkward person.
The more he faced someone he cared about, the more he liked to carry the pain all by himself.
Simply put, Luca did not continue to entangle himself in this topic.
"Yes, Pepper, you heard wrong. Come over quickly, let me show you something enough to shock the globe."
Hearing Luca's words, Pepper's curiosity was also successfully hooked.
She walked up to the two of them, curiously observing the various glowing instruments around her.
"What is it? Did you invent some new type of delayed pill ready to be launched on the market again?"
Tony also seized the opportunity to walk back to the console and rapidly tapped on the keyboard a few times.
"This is much more interesting than those boring pills. Jarvis, are the scanning results out yet?"
The next second.
A gentle and gentlemanly voice immediately rang out in the laboratory.
"The results were completely out two minutes ago, sir."
The smart butler Jarvis's voice was very steady.
"Also, good morning, Ms. Potts. Glad to see you."
Pepper also smiled and greeted the camera in mid-air.
"Good morning, Jarvis."
Subsequently, Tony snapped his fingers.
"Very good, Jarvis. Project the newly generated report and model out, and let our assistant miss open her eyes."
"Alright, sir."
As soon as the words fell.
The holographic projection equipment in the center of the laboratory lit up with blue light.
The light moved quickly in mid-air, and soon combined into a huge 3D stereoscopic character model.
The appearance of this model was impressively the body scan of Lucas Stark.
Tony raised his head, staring at the final data just obtained in mid-air.
He couldn't help smacking his lips, making a strange sound of amazement.
"For God's sake. This guy is simply a monster disguised in human skin."
Pepper was made even more curious by Tony's reaction.
The three of them looked at the holographic projection together.
I saw next to that human model, some basic data were written.
[Test Target: Lucas Stark.]
[Height: 191cm.]
[Weight: Unknown.]
Chapter 41: Tell Me, Where Did You Hide Luca
After reading it, Pepper was stunned.
"Weight unknown? What does this mean?"
Jarvis considerately provided an explanation right away.
"Miss Potts, because Mr. Luca's current muscle density and bone density have reached an astonishing level, and exceed the measurement logic of conventional instruments."
"Therefore, within the tolerance range of our instruments, it is impossible to accurately measure Mr. Luca's true weight."
Pepper widened her eyes.
Even Stark Industries' most advanced instruments can't measure the weight?
What is this? A humanoid black hole?!
But there was no time to think more, the data continued to refresh.
She could only continue reading.
[Muscle density: Cannot be accurately calculated, because it is growing in real time.]
[Current baseline strength: 107 tons]
[Estimated strength after full outburst: 600 tons]
[Flight speed: No limit test has been conducted yet. But based on the aerodynamic calculations and energy output estimates just now, the minimum starting speed is no less than 5 Mach!]
[Ground running speed: According to the treadmill measurement in the test cabin just now, the accurate data is 357 meters per second. This speed has exceeded the speed of sound propagation (1 Mach)!]
Looking at this series of data, the laboratory fell into a brief silence.
Tony broke the silence first.
He turned his head, looked Luca up and down, and deliberately began to complain in an exaggerated tone.
"F*ck! 107 tons of baseline strength? This means you can blow over an armored vehicle just by sneezing!"
"And 600 tons? When you burst out, do you want to throw trucks around like toys?!"
"This means if you run to Times Square right now, you can uproot the Statue of Liberty and swing it like a baseball bat!"
"If you play American football, a single hit could send the ball straight into outer space!"
Tony pointed at the data on the projection, shaking his head while teasing.
"Luca, you are not human at all."
"No, no, no, you are definitely a damn alien!"
"Tell the truth, kid, where did you hide the real Luca? What ulterior motives do you have by disguising yourself as him to get close to me? Where is your spaceship parked? I guess you want to steal the cheeseburger secret recipe, don't you?"
Luca:...
I really thank you, Tony.
Facing Tony's sarcasm, he rolled his eyes and ruthlessly retorted.
"Shut up, Tony. Is it that hard to admit the facts?"
"Even if you bring over that Hulk who was smashing everything around everywhere all day recently and make him stand in front of me, I can slap him so hard that even his mother won't recognize him."
Luca walked to the front of the projection, proudly displaying the muscle lines on his arms.
"This is the perfect masterpiece of biology."
"Unlike you, who only knows how to hide in that iron shell all day. Can your armor run 357 meters per second? When I run, even sound can't catch up to me!"
Tony curled his lips dismissively.
Are you kidding, he was Tony Stark, how could he bow his head to a damn muscle man.
He had to build the coolest armor and rub this younger brother who only knew how to pick up girls against the ground.
Of course, most importantly, he absolutely did not allow kidnapping to happen again.
He wanted to use technology to protect this only relative... well, silly younger brother.
Although he thought so in his heart, Tony didn't plan to let Luca go verbally.
He continued to stare at those physical data, looking for points to roast.
"Let me see, tsk tsk, 5 Mach flight speed?"
"Do you know how much aero-heating problems exceeding 5 Mach will bring?"
"When you fly in the sky, you will roast yourself into cooked meat like a burning meteorite! By then your face will turn into a charred pile of mush!"
"My body is hard enough to completely withstand those temperatures! This is the advantage of higher life forms! Mortals like you won't understand."
"Mortals? This is my wise brain! You are just a barbarian with only muscles in your head!"
The two exchanged words in their uniquely friendly communication.
But Pepper, standing aside, was already dumbfounded.
What on Earth is all this?
Hundreds of tons of strength? Running exceeding the speed of sound? 5 Mach flight?
She hurriedly clapped her hands hard, loudly putting a stop to the two childish bickerers still arguing.
"Stop! Stop! Gentlemen! Shut up, all of you!"
Afterwards, Pepper pointed to the projection data in mid-air and questioned with a puzzled face.
"Can anyone tell me what these outrageous data actually mean?"
"I remember we seem to be standing on Earth right now, not on some science fiction movie set, right? This is a World that emphasizes science, right?"
"Then what on Earth is going on with this data that clearly doesn't belong to humans at all?!"
Pepper turned her head to look at Luca, looking him up and down.
"Luca, don't tell me. You were modified like Captain America in that lousy cave in Afghanistan!"
"But even Captain America doesn't seem as outrageous as you, right? I grew up reading his comics and watching his movies, you can't fool me!"
"107 tons of baseline strength? Sonic running? This is simply listening to science fiction stories!"
Seeing Pepper looking like she was about to go crazy.
Luca spread his hands, looked at Tony, and shrugged innocently.
"Bro, I definitely didn't tell her."
Tony smiled.
He walked to the bar counter, poured himself a glass of red wine, and took a light sip.
"You guessed part of it right, sweetheart."
Tony held the wine glass, walked up to Pepper, and his tone became serious.
"We were indeed modified. But you guessed one thing wrong."
"This is not the credit of those Terrorists. Those idiots can't even make a lighter, rather we modified ourselves."
Tony was talking endlessly and preparing to start a long speech.
However, before he could finish speaking.
Jarvis in mid-air spoke again, ruthlessly interrupting him.
"Sir, I am very sorry to interrupt your speech. However, I think you must be very interested in the second core data that has just finished parsing."
Hearing Jarvis's words.
Several people's eyes were attracted to the projection again.
Tony rolled his eyes and turned his head away somewhat dissatisfied.
The image on the holographic projection flashed.
A complex energy analysis chart appeared, with large sections of warning text next to it.
"Sir, the content shows that inside Mr. Luca's cells, there is a massive and active unknown energy reaction."
"According to the laser penetration test just now, theoretically, Mr. Luca can not only emit high-energy rays from his eyes, but in fact, he has managed to independently control energy to be projected from any part such as his palms."
"Moreover, the instantaneous temperature of these projected energies has reached a staggering over 5,000 degrees Celsius!"
"This temperature can instantly melt most metal substances currently known on Earth, including the hardest titanium alloy."
Pepper covered her mouth and gasped a breath of cold air.
5,000 degrees? This is simply a walking humanoid furnace!
A person could be instantly vaporized, right?!
Hearing this, Tony raised an eyebrow.
5,000 degrees? This f*cking higher than the temperature of a volcanic crater!
Damn Luca, still saying you are not an alien!!
But Jarvis's report was not over yet.
"Furthermore, Mr. Luca's cells possess engulfing characteristics."
"His body can autonomously absorb external energy to complete self-evolution. That is to say, Mr. Luca's current state has far from reached its upper limit. He can become stronger and stronger by absorbing energy! And he is absorbing and getting stronger every moment!"
"For example, the simplest way is to be directly exposed to sunlight and become stronger by absorbing the energy of solar radiation!"