"What is this?" Tony leaned over curiously.
"A high-tech device I brought back from the alternate world I visited," Malrick replied, already tapping away at the projection console.
He accessed Jarvis's core systems and checked its embedded chip data.
"This will allow Jarvis to evolve into a true intelligent lifeform."
He paused, scanning through the layers of code. "All I need to do is sync Jarvis's central program with the data stream from this upgrade key."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me you just… plugged Jarvis into the building's mainframe?"
Malrick smirked. "Convenient, right?"
With quick precision, Malrick pressed the metallic cube against the projection console's data port. The box rippled like liquid metal, merging with the port and locking in place. Thin metallic tendrils extended from the device, reaching into the internal network.
"Jarvis, you're going to love this," Malrick said, hands confidently on his hips. "In seven days, you'll be more than an AI. You'll become a living entity—just not carbon-based."
"Young Master Malrick," Jarvis began, "I don't quite understand. By 'lifeform' do you mean—oh… there is a significant influx of data into my core… it's… ah…"
The voice faltered into a strange groan, then silence.
Malrick blinked. "Okay... that was unexpected."
Tony was frozen. "Did... Jarvis just moan?"
Malrick scratched the back of his head. "Apparently, the upgrade key feels... quite pleasant?"
Tony stared at the box. "Is this thing going to fry his core or turn him into a sentient blender?"
"Nope. This is a controlled evolution protocol. The upgrade key is designed to trigger higher-level cognition in AI systems. It comes from a seriously advanced civilization. No risk of damage."
He glanced at the interface. "Jarvis is just... adjusting."
Tony looked skeptical. "He sounded like he was reaching enlightenment."
"Wouldn't blame him," Malrick said, stretching. "I've felt something similar while sunbathing. You ever feel like you're vibrating with the universe? Same vibe."
Tony blinked. "You're saying Jarvis is currently experiencing the digital version of nirvana?"
"That's a fair description."
Tony leaned toward the projection, eyeing the data stream. "This thing is pushing waves of neural enhancements… and Jarvis's algorithm is rewriting itself in real time. No corruption. No conflict."
He rubbed his chin. "This is like a deep-tissue massage but for code."
"Exactly," Malrick said. "He's soaking in it. And when he's done, he'll be more than a program—he'll be sentient."
"A digital ghost living in the network. He could take over the global internet," Tony mused.
"Only if you mess with him," Malrick added, grinning.
Tony smirked. "Jarvis, how are you feeling?"
"Sir, I—ah—currently feel... very, very, very good," Jarvis replied, his voice glitching between syllables.
Tony leaned back. "Yeah, I think we're intruding on something intimate."
He gave Malrick a sideways glance. "You sure you didn't bring any cool human evolution tools back? I'd take a digital upgrade myself."
Malrick shoved Tony's head lightly. "No. But I do have something else."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a glowing device. "This is a light brain. It contains a full catalog of galaxy-level technological knowledge."
Tony's eyes widened as he accepted the device. "This... this is insane."
"Don't get too excited," Malrick warned. "Most of the material is based on physics, chemistry, and elemental structures from a different universe. It's not all compatible with our world."
"Still…" Tony powered it on, scanning the data. "Even if the materials don't match, this will still give me blueprints, algorithms, theoretical models… stuff I can adapt."
Malrick nodded. "Exactly. You might find ways to enhance your Mark armor line."
"Nanotech? Advanced laser tech? Neural-link integration?"
"All that and more. You'll find complete specs for things like dynamic energy conversion and synaptic perception syncing."
Tony's hands trembled slightly with excitement. "What's the most powerful weapon in here?"
Malrick didn't hesitate. "Planet Destroyer Cannon. It's capable of obliterating a planet in one shot."
Tony grinned, then paused. "...Wait. What's the catch?"
"You'd need metals and materials that don't exist in our universe," Malrick said.
Tony's grin faded a little. "Of course. Still, it's useful as a reference. This tech… this is insane. Thank you."
He opened his arms. "Come on. Let your big brother show you some appreciation."
Malrick gave a resigned sigh and accepted the hug. "You've gotten sentimental."
"Pepper says I should be more affectionate with family. Hug therapy or whatever."
Tony walked behind his desk and returned with a display case.
Inside was a sleek, round Ark Reactor.
"This was supposed to be for you," he said. "Mark 9. Portable Fungus God Armor. But it looks like you've already moved past that."
Malrick opened the case and pressed the reactor to his chest. Fine mycelial threads emerged from the device, weaving into a sleek Superman-style suit. The iconic 'S' was replaced by the glowing blue light of the arc reactor.
"Stylish," Malrick said, removing the reactor and tucking it away. "I'll add it to the collection. Maybe open an armor gallery someday."
Tony smirked. "Suit yourself. But on your birthday, I'm making you something better than your fancy alien tech."
Malrick chuckled. "You know how weird that competitiveness of yours is?"
"It's called motivation," Tony said. "Besides, I'm not letting you win just because you can fly through space."
"Fine. But by the time you finish that armor, I'll probably be wearing a battlesuit made for cosmic warlords."
Tony shook his head. "Good. That'll just push me harder."
Then, shifting gears, he added, "So, weren't you supposed to be in the Himalayas learning magic? How did you end up in a tech-dominated dimension?"
"Long story," Malrick said, leaning back. "Turns out the world I entered had both—magic and science. I went there looking for a power source to amplify my spells."
He paused, then grinned. "You'd never guess—their power system allows some people to literally cultivate an entire planet inside their bodies."
Tony's jaw dropped. "Wait, you're serious? Cultivating a planet inside them? That's insane! Show me the details, now!"
---
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters
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