"JARVIS, how is your system vulnerability scan going?"
Tony went to his lab and asked.
[Sir, I have checked several vulnerable spots, just like the one that was hacked last night.]
[I'm repairing them. My estimate is that it will take about three days to complete the repairs.]
Tony took a sip of his chlorophyll from the table and frowned.
This stuff tastes horrible.
"That's good. I didn't like what happened last night, and I'd rather avoid it happening again."
Thinking about the events of last night, Tony felt a little scared.
Fortunately, that bald guy who broke into his house had no malicious intentions—he came to invite Tony to join a group of "super friends," or something like that.
He couldn't remember—or rather, he didn't care to try to remember.
But he still remembered the bald man's identity:
Nick Fury, director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division—S.H.I.E.L.D. for short.
He was Phil Coulson's boss.
"Get ready to work, JARVIS."
"I had some great inspiration for a new armor."
"I need portable armor that is easy to use and also provides good instant combat power."
"This set of battle armor will be temporarily designated as Mark V."
[The database for the Mark V armor has been created. Please provide the data as requested, sir.]
[It is important to highlight that, with current materials, the pursuit of lightness means many powerful weapons will be sacrificed.]
Tony's hands were already flying over the keyboard, designing his new armor.
"I know, JARVIS.
This set of armor will be designed for emergencies and doesn't need to be very strong.
At least the next time that pool-ball-headed guy breaks into my house, I can give him a good beating."
Without his armor, Tony wouldn't naively think he could take on the S.H.I.E.L.D. director.
[Understood, sir.]
JARVIS, as the best butler and artificial intelligence, could do almost anything Tony ordered.
He was also one of Tony's proudest creations.
Sometimes, JARVIS could even talk to Tony as if he were an old friend—just like now.
[Sir, you said you wanted to ask Mr. Morgan something? How's it going?]
Tony finished drinking his chlorophyll in one gulp and said, with some disappointment,
"I must have been crazy to think he would know anything. He's just a science fiction writer.
Many of his descriptions of technology come purely from his imagination."
Tony told JARVIS exactly what he had communicated with Arthur last night.
"Wait…"
Suddenly, Tony realized something was wrong.
"JARVIS, did I say something strange just now?"
[Mr. Morgan mentioned the Arc Reactor, if his description is correct.]
With JARVIS' reminder, Tony immediately realized what had happened.
When Arthur talked to him last night, he mentioned the name of the power source in his chest.
Tony had not disclosed this technology publicly.
Outsiders only knew that he invented the Iron Man armor.
Few people knew that the core technology of the armor—the Arc Reactor in his chest—also sustained his life.
Tony was sure he had never revealed any relevant information to Arthur.
So how did he know the name of this thing?
"JARVIS, I think it's just a coincidence.
Writers are good at naming things, aren't they?"
Tony could only comfort himself that way.
Not even JARVIS, without the support of a data model, could answer such an incredible question.
[Perhaps, sir.]
Tony slightly regretted leaving so quickly last night.
Couldn't he have just sat and talked to Arthur a little longer?
"Maybe it really is a coincidence."
Tony improved his mood and continued to design his portable armor, the Mark V, while constantly simulating experiments with new elements.
Two hours later, he only realized the time when JARVIS' voice sounded.
[Sir, Miss Potts is here.]
"Send her down, JARVIS."
Before JARVIS could respond, Pepper's voice came from behind him:
"Don't bother—I already knew you were in the lab right now."
Pepper entered the laboratory and saw the projections in the air.
They were full of 3D armor models, but aside from the graphics, she couldn't understand the rest.
Tony turned his chair around.
"It's all messy in here. I'll clean it up when I have time."
"Why are you looking for me?"
"There was a little discussion about the future of Stark Industries among the shareholders," Pepper said nonchalantly.
Tony looked at his fruitless experiment with the new element, calmed down, and said,
"Pepper, how about this?
Let's find a restaurant and talk while we eat."
"Can I take it that you're inviting me to dinner?"
Tony scratched his head, embarrassed.
"That's what I mean."
Pepper glanced at her clothes.
She was a woman, and special attention is always given to this aspect.
Tony wanted to tell Pepper that it was fine and she didn't need to change.
"It's still early. I'll go upstairs and change first.
Is the room that was left for me still tidy?"
"Of course. The clothes inside are all custom-made."
When Tony built the house, he had set aside a room especially for Pepper.
But she never stayed there.
Even so, Tony still had someone clean it regularly.
"Well, book the restaurant first.
I'll change my clothes."
Tony nodded.
"No problem, I'll wait for you."
Watching Pepper's back as she walked upstairs, Tony's eyes gradually grew a little melancholy.
Then he picked up the test box on the table and pressed it hard with his thumb.
[10%]
"JARVIS, I feel like my life is on a countdown."
[Do not be discouraged, sir. We haven't finished our experiments with elements yet, and perhaps we can find an alternative element in the future.]
"Perhaps…"
Tony knew better than anyone what elements currently exist on Earth.
He just didn't want to admit defeat.
"JARVIS, help me find restaurants with Michelin ratings.
The environment must be beautiful.
And most importantly, I want to reserve the entire place."
[Understood, sir.]
Tony looked at the clothes on his body.
"Maybe I should also change into a suit suitable for a date."
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."