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"Turing, set up an independent database. Maximum encryption level," Jiro tapped lightly on the console, triggering a stream of data that instantly began categorizing and reorganizing itself.
"Database created, sir," Turing's voice echoed through the lab.
"Detected technologies span energy systems, bioengineering, and spatial physics—far beyond Earth's current tech level."
Jiro's gaze zeroed in on the Advanced Bio-Field Theory.
This was the pinnacle of Kryptonian research on biological force fields.
His supercharged brain kicked into overdrive, breaking down the data at lightning speed. His pupils reflected lines of fast-flowing code.
"So that's how it works…" he muttered, "The bio-field isn't just a defensive barrier—it can actually interfere with spatial structures."
He raised a hand. A golden energy field formed in his palm—not just a translucent shield, but one with gentle, wave-like ripples.
As he focused, the field started to warp the space around it, distorting the air with shimmering waves.
"Spatial folding?" Jiro narrowed his eyes and tried compressing the field to its limit.
Buzz—
The air in the lab trembled. A tiny black hole appeared in his palm for a split second before vanishing into nothing.
"Sir, energy readings are off the charts!" Turing warned urgently.
"That spatial disturbance could've torn through regular matter!"
Jiro pulled the field back, deep in thought. "Looks like I'll need way more precise control."
He turned to another piece of tech: Optimized Solar Energy Absorption.
The Kryptonians had already mastered the art of maximizing stellar energy use. While his steel-hard body could absorb sunlight, there was definitely room for improvement.
"Turing, simulate an adjusted solar radiation spectrum."
A hologram instantly appeared, displaying Jiro's current energy absorption curve alongside the optimized theoretical model.
"Based on calculations, this upgrade will boost your energy reserves by 300%. Max output increases by 50%," Turing reported.
Jiro gave a satisfied nod and walked toward a large sun simulator in the corner of the lab.
Tony had built it for him, using artificial solar tech. It could simulate radiation from different types of stars.
He pulled off his shirt, revealing a lean, muscular body that looked like it had been carved out of marble under the simulator's cool blue light.
He climbed in and closed his eyes. "Maximum intensity. Start it."
"Warning: This mode hasn't passed safety testing," Turing cautioned.
"Run it anyway."
Buzz!
The simulator flared to life, flooding the chamber with an intense white light—pure simulated sunlight, blasting down like a solar storm.
Golden patterns began spreading across Jiro's skin, glowing faintly like a circuit board.
His cells went wild, devouring the energy. Every molecule in his body trembled, reorganized, evolved…
Ten minutes later, the simulator shut down automatically. Jiro opened his eyes—his pupils glowing gold.
He sat up slowly and clenched his fists, feeling the surging power inside him.
"Not bad," he said, the corners of his lips lifting into a smile.
Just then, the lab door creaked open and Wanda peeked in. "Jiro, I felt a weird energy spike just now—whoa."
Her eyes landed on Jiro's bare torso, and whatever she was about to say instantly vanished from her mind.
Jiro leaned lazily against the simulator. "Peeking on other people's training sessions isn't a very polite habit, Miss Maximoff."
Wanda's ears turned red. She tried to act calm. "I just came to tell you dinner's ready… But if you're busy, I can eat first."
Jiro chuckled, casually grabbing a black shirt and slipping it on, only bothering to fasten a few buttons. "Let's go together. I'm starving anyway."
Wanda watched him walk toward her, her heartbeat quickening all on its own.
In the dining room, soft lights poured down onto the long table. The dinner Wanda had carefully prepared gave off a mouthwatering aroma.
Sokovian-style braised beef, golden crispy bread, and a bowl of fresh veggie salad. It wasn't fancy, but it had that cozy home-cooked feel.
Jiro pulled out a chair and sat down, nose twitching. "Smells good."
Wanda blushed a little and sat across from him. "It's just some simple home dishes. Not sure if it's your kind of food."
She nervously watched him cut off a slice of beef and pop it into his mouth, fingers unconsciously twisting the edge of her napkin.
"The beef's nice and tender. The spices are just right," Jiro said with a nod, then forked a piece of carrot.
"Cooked to perfection too."
Wanda's eyes lit up, a shy smile creeping onto her face. "Really? I was afraid I overcooked it…"
"Way better than last time," Jiro teased, pouring her a glass of red wine.
Wanda giggled softly. The tension in her shoulders eased as she sipped the wine, its rosy color reflecting off her equally flushed cheeks.
Just as they were enjoying the meal in peace, a holographic projection suddenly shot down from the ceiling.
Tony Stark's iconic smug grin appeared above the table.
"Hey, Jiro—hope I'm not crashing your candlelit dinner?" Tony raised an eyebrow at the two of them, his eyes lingering just a second longer on Wanda.
Jiro calmly cut his steak. "You already did."
"Two days from now: Monaco Grand Prix. Pepper and I got a VIP suite." Tony swirled a champagne glass in his hand.
"Wanna join us? I promise it'll be more fun than training your little witch at home."
Wanda's fork clinked against her plate.
Jiro gave her a quick glance, then shook his head at Tony. "Not interested."
"Come on! These are the fastest cars in the world!" Tony dramatically spread his arms.
"And Monaco's got way more eye candy than your gloomy black armor."
"What exactly did Fury say to convince you? Don't tell me you fell for that whole 'the world needs heroes' speech."
Clint Barton, sitting in the passenger seat fiddling with his compound bow, snorted. "I'm betting five bucks it was the retirement plan."
Adam pulled his gaze away from the window, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his knee.
His eyes were calm—almost indifferent.
"He mentioned someone."
"Who?" Natasha raised an eyebrow.
"Super superman."
The word left Adam's lips, and silence filled the car for a few seconds.
"Fury said this guy can punch through buildings, shoot lasers from his eyes, and freeze an entire street with his breath." He paused for a second."Sounds like someone straight outta a comic book."
Clint let out a low whistle. "Welcome to the club. I thought it was some kind of Tony Stark projection prank till last week. And then—bam—he's showing up all over the world."
"Even joined Stark's council."
"So, Adam," Natasha said, "you still decided to come."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "Because if someone like that really exists, then this world either needs more guardians…"
He raised his hand, and a faint blue ripple of energy shimmered across his palm."...or someone who can keep him in check if he goes off the rails."
"But so far, he doesn't seem too bad."
"....."