Stark Tower lobby.
Tony's physical body was placed in the center. Pepper and Happy stood on one side, while Nick Fury and Natasha stood on the other.
Abruptly, a golden-yellow flame appeared out of thin air, then spun rapidly. The center of the flame opened up, and the opening continuously expanded.
A portal gradually formed, and accompanied by wisps of various colored lights, a figure slowly walked out. He was dressed in a simple yellow robe, with an accessory on his chest. The accessory was inlaid with a green gem, emitting a mysterious glow.
"Sorcerer Lucas."
The four of them, involuntarily, in their own ways, greeted Lucas.
Seeing that the few of them were awed by his aura, Lucas smiled slightly and slowly withdrew the mental pressure he had placed on them.
If the atmosphere isn't enough, power will make up for it.
"Lucas." Tony's soul pouted.
Lucas's pretense of grandiosity couldn't fool him.
"I'm begging you, help me."
Lucas smiled and nodded at Tony's soul body.
The show must be played to the end.
Pacing to Tony's physical body, Lucas formed a hand seal in front of his chest.
The accessory on his chest floated, slowly rotating. The inlaid gem was aimed in the direction of Tony's physical body.
A green light shot out from the gem, shining on Tony's physical body. The next moment, everyone seemed to see time reversing on Tony's physical body. Tony's physical body returned to the seat in the reception room.
Seeing this, everyone's eyes lit up with wonder and admiration.
Only Tony's soul, while walking towards his physical body, cursed, "You could have finished it in a few seconds, why drag it out for more than ten minutes? So slow."
"Also, hand seals? You don't need to do that, just putting on an act."
Lucas smiled without a word.
When this act is over, see how I'll mock you.
Outside the 404 Universe, within the endless dimensions.
A gaze filled with resentment looked at Tony and Lucas.
Tony seemed to sense something and shivered involuntarily.
Lucas looked towards the owner of the gaze.
Ruler of Hell, an Extra-Dimensional Demon, Satan.
Mephisto.
Was the Ancient One's target him this time?
This was not going to be easy.
Before coming to Stark Tower, Lucas had made a trip to Kamar-Taj.
Things that are out of the ordinary must have a reason. The Ancient One could have revived Tony's physical body herself, there was no need to call him back.
After Lucas arrived, the Ancient One told him directly.
When Tony died, she felt two gazes peeking from outside the Universe.
One of them had no hostility, only curiosity.
The other was full of greed and evil.
She wanted to play another game with Lucas, to trick the owner of the second gaze.
Lucas would find a way to stall for time, and she would pinpoint the location and identity of the gaze's owner, then formulate a plan.
Seeing that Lucas dared to meet his gaze, Mephisto revealed a sinister smile.
Lucas responded with a smile.
Mephisto's smile widened even further.
Lucas also smiled.
Mephisto: I remember your appearance and soul aura. After you die, I'll make sure to torment you properly.
Lucas: Ancient One has located your coordinates. Even if we can't set a trap and fleece you this time, once I advance, I'll come knocking on your door.
The two of them tacitly withdrew their gazes simultaneously.
They both looked forward to the future.
As soon as Tony's soul returned to his body, he moved slightly, preparing to adapt.
Pepper immediately pounced on him, hugging him and crying bitterly. Tony, somewhat flustered, comforted Pepper.
The others silently lowered their heads, and no one noticed Lucas's unusual behavior.
Except for Tony, because he was one of the parties involved.
Tony got straight to the point, asking directly, "Lucas, what was that just now?"
Lucas answered, "Mephisto, a man who loved you but couldn't have you."
Tony knew who Mephisto was. He was a proper sorcerer who read books all the time, unlike Lucas.
"Speak in plain English."
"He covets your soul."
"Is my soul very valuable?"
Confident people always think differently from others.
Tony was not surprised but delighted, a satisfied arc on his lips. "He has very good taste."
After discussing that, Tony's expression became serious. "Thank you for this. Later, I will personally come to your place to thank you."
Although he knew that entrusting Lucas with the investigation would easily lead to the culprit, proud as Tony was, he wasn't the type to go home and find his parents when bullied.
He would exact his revenge himself.
Lucas was surprised.
Did this mean he was being told to leave? He truly was a scoundrel.
Nodding to the others, Lucas stepped forward and disappeared from the spot.
As for the portal, Lucas no longer needed to specifically open it.
"He just went 'whoosh' and disappeared? Doesn't he need to slowly open a portal?" Happy suddenly asked.
"No, he was just putting on an act earlier." Tony said irritably.
Then, he looked at Nick Fury. "Director Fury, perhaps we should have a good talk."
When Nick Fury watched his death replay just now, his expression changed.
Tony's soul body saw it clearly.
Hesitating for a moment, Nick Fury still spoke, "This method of fighting by infiltrating the enemy's body reminds me of a technology and a person. Dr. Hank Pym, and his Pym Particles."
"Pym Particles are..."
Tony interrupted, "So, you suspect that the person who entered my brain to cause damage is this Hank Pym?"
Nick Fury nodded gravely. "Even if it's not Dr. Pym, he's probably involved."
Tony said impatiently, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's meet him first."
Nick Fury explained, "I've already sent people to search his residence, there will be news shortly."
What Tony could think of, he could naturally think of too, as long as it wasn't related to technology.
"There's one more thing. Dr. Pym is one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D., and he's very familiar with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s operational model. Stark, I hope you can also participate in the investigation."
"Alright."
A sharp glint flashed in Tony's eyes.
He wasn't a saint, he held grudges. The terrorists in a certain region could attest to that.
...
"My King~"
A succubus, swaying her slender waist, walked up to Mephisto and tugged at his shoulder, saying, "Have one."
"Alright, as you wish."
Mmm... This is incredibly delicious.
Eating it, one feels as if floating on air. This feeling is like obtaining a precious soul.
A precious soul.
"Argh!"
Mephisto roared and slammed his palm heavily on the table.
"My King, calm your anger." The succubus hastily bowed and knelt, trembling.
"Get up, my beauty, it has nothing to do with you."
The succubus shakily stood up.
That sorcerer, isn't he afraid of me? How dare he look me in the eye after ruining my plans?
And he even smiled, what are you smiling at!
"Argh!"
Mephisto roared again and slammed his palm heavily on the table once more.
"Lord, please calm your anger."
The succubus, who hadn't yet stood firm, knelt down again.
Mephisto turned his head and catching a glimpse of a revealing sight, couldn't help but smile.
"Get up, my beauty."
After the succubus stood up—
"Argh!"
Mephisto roared yet again, and slammed his palm heavily on the table for the third time.