Two days after starting MIT, Alex arrived at Columbia University for his parallel medical studies. Most of the faculty members were still confused about why an eleven-year-old was allowed into high-level medical lectures—until they saw the Stark name on the registration.
And even then, they still doubted him.
Alex didn't mind.He stepped onto the Columbia campus wearing a simple hoodie and carrying a tablet filled with biology notes he studied the previous night.
JARVIS' voice echoed in his earpiece:
"Sir, Tony is requesting confirmation that you have reached the premises safely."
Alex sighed."Tell him I'm here. And remind him he doesn't need to send drones inside the buildings."
"…Shall I delete that message?"
"Yes."
First Class: Human Physiology Lab
Several heads turned when Alex entered the lab room.A few students whispered:
"Is that a kid?""What is he doing here?""That's Alexander Stark—Tony's younger brother.""No way…"
Some looked at him with curiosity.Some with disbelief.A few with jealousy.
Alex ignored them all and took a seat.
A blonde girl entered shortly after, holding two binders and a coffee. She looked around for an empty seat and, seeing the space next to Alex, walked over.
She sat down, glanced at him, and blinked.
"You're… younger than I expected."
Alex looked up from his tablet. "You're older than I expected."
She stared for a moment, then laughed softly.
"I'm Gwen. Gwen Stacy. Biophysics department."
Alex nodded politely. "Alex."
Her eyes widened."Stark? As in—"
He cut her off gently."Yes. Tony Stark is my brother. No, he didn't build the campus for me. No, I won't hack your grades."
Gwen burst into laughter.
"You're funnier than I expected too."
Before Alex could answer, another student entered the room—a young woman in her twenties, wearing a white lab coat with Doctoral Candidate – Molecular Biology printed on the tag.
Her name was Helen Cho.
Alex immediately recognized her from future events he had seen in the MCU.
One of the greatest minds in regenerative medicine… and the creator of the Cradle.She's younger here—probably early PhD years.
Helen scanned the room, her gaze landing on Alex.
"You must be the Stark boy."
Alex nodded."Alexander will do."
She smirked slightly."Most children prefer being called by their first name."
"I'm not most children."
Helen's eyebrows rose.Gwen covered her mouth trying not to laugh.
"Confident, aren't we?" Helen said.
"Realistic," Alex replied calmly.
Helen studied him for a moment.
"…Interesting."
The Test Everyone Failed – Except One
Professor Langston entered the room with a cart filled with anatomy models.
"Today, we begin with a diagnostic evaluation," he announced. "I want to see where everyone's medical fundamentals stand."
Gwen straightened.Helen grabbed a pen.
Alex simply waited.
Langston pointed at the holo-screen displaying a 3D projection of a human chest cavity.
"Identify the abnormality," he said.
Students began whispering.
"Is that a collapsed lung?""No, maybe a tumor?""That's definitely a vascular issue…"
Gwen frowned, biting her lip.Helen tilted her head, unsure.
Langston tapped his foot impatiently.
"Any answers?"
Alex raised his hand.
The room fell silent.
"Yes, Mr. Stark?"
Alex stood and walked closer—his Perfect Mind and new biological comprehension making the image look simple.
"The abnormality isn't the lung or blood vessels," he said. "It's the pericardium. There's an early-stage inflammatory pocket forming. If untreated, it will become acute pericarditis within three weeks."
The entire room froze.
Professor Langston blinked several times.
"That diagnosis… is correct. And advanced. How did you—"
Alex shrugged."You projected too much fluid between the membranes."
Gwen stared at him as if he had grown wings.Helen's normally calm face tightened with surprise.
"You diagnosed something most interns take months to learn," she said.
Alex sat down again, unfazed."I studied."
Gwen whispered, "Studied what? The encyclopedia of life?"
After Class – The First Spark
As students packed up, Gwen approached him.
"You're ridiculous," she said."And annoying. And scary smart."
Alex blinked. "…Thank you?"
"That was a compliment," Gwen added with a grin. "Sort of."
Helen joined them, crossing her arms.
"You're Stark-level annoying," she said. "But also Stark-level brilliant."
Alex smirked. "That sounds like a compliment too."
Helen rolled her eyes, but her smile suggested he was right.
"Alex," she said, "tomorrow I'm assisting in a molecular reconstruction experiment. It's part of my thesis. If you're interested, you can observe."
Gwen nudged Alex. "You should go. Helen's projects are legendary."
Alex nodded."I'll be there."
As Helen walked away, Gwen leaned in slightly.
"So, Alex… are all Starks this intense? Or is that just you?"
Alex didn't miss a beat.
"I'm unique."
Gwen shook her head but laughed again.
"You know… I think you're going to make Columbia way more interesting."