Tony wasn't interested in how the rear guard just ended.
If a cat could talk, it would make sense for that cat to do just about anything.
What Tony was curious about was the cat itself.
"I guess someone sent you to save me, right?"
Compared to the sudden appearance of a helpful magical cat in the wilderness, Tony was more inclined to believe that this helpful magical cat had a purpose for coming here. Maybe it wanted something from him, or it could be for a simpler reason, like what he just mentioned.
Someone might have asked the cat to save him.
Whether it was the playboy Tony before becoming Iron Man or the man everyone knew later in the suit, Tony Stark's personality was always like this.
He was bold in doubting everything and rarely opened up to others.
This trait made him a better physicist and a stronger version of himself.
It also made him lonelier.
Maybe every brilliant genius with a tragic past is like this — smart but numb, shielding themselves with a thick layer of disguise. Sometimes that disguise is a flamboyant personality, and sometimes it takes a more literal form, like a suit of iron.
As Ethan, who had just woken up, said: Tony Stark had everything and nothing at the same time.
...
Without a doubt, Tony Stark was a smart guy, something Leon had known from the start. After all, someone who could hammer out a miniaturized arc reactor in a cave couldn't possibly be dumb.
Advanced intelligence often radiates in all aspects, so Leon wasn't surprised when Tony Stark directly asked this question and hit the nail on the head with the correct answer.
The same could be said about the Old Man, which is why there are all kinds of anti-armor suits — Anti-Superman, Anti-Wonder Woman... everyone except Green Arrow!
And this guy? The Hulk got his teeth knocked out by a three-meter-tall anti-Hulk armor, and what did he say?
"Why are you even guarding against a quiet and peaceful guy like me?!"
Of course, Dr. Banner initially had his fair share of plans to get rid of the Hulk, too.
...
"Yep, someone paid me a lot to come save you. Honestly, I didn't want to come, but they paid too much," Leon the cat admitted without hesitation.
Tony thought for a moment. He was sure that no one he knew could have hired a non-human creature like this.
That made things a lot more interesting.
"What kind of price did they offer you? If I offer double, can you tell me who sent you?"
As a billionaire, Tony had the right to say that. He didn't even ask the price! He just started with double! He only wanted a name — was the cat tempted?
"The guy's name is Robert Downey. Do you know him?"
Tony did know a few people named Robert and even a few with the last name Downey. But he wasn't sure if he knew someone named Robert Downey.
After all, that name didn't exactly scream "beautiful woman!"
"Alright, I hope you're not lying to me. Can I ask you one more question?"
"You didn't even mention the money!"
Tony chuckled, "You can't expect me to write you a check right now. I don't even have enough for a cheeseburger."
The more Tony spoke, the more he missed his mansion, the food, and Pepper.
"Can you conjure up some food?"
"I can."
...
Then why aren't you doing it?!
Why did I even ask that question?!
Leon was just as confused. Didn't you say you had another question? Ask, and I'll answer! What's the problem?
In the end, Tony didn't get a cheeseburger conjured by Leon because, honestly, Leon didn't have that skill!
Instead, Tony ate some of Leon's stash.
[Sweetheart Bun].
Paired with a small cup of beer Leon pulled out.
[Musa Black Beer].
Effect: Quenches thirst.
Grade: White.
Quality: Ordinary.
Note: This beer is amazing because it's different from regular drinks — it contains no alcohol.
Most of the things produced by the Single Wood Barrel were white-grade and not very useful. But since it hadn't been long, Leon wasn't in a hurry.
Lying nearby, Ethan didn't get shortchanged either. The old man was still very weak, having just been filled with holes an hour ago and almost died.
The aura could restore his health, but it couldn't ease his pain.
[Queen's Cigar].
Effect: Reduces the user's pain.
Grade: White.
Quality: Perfect.
Note: Rise to the heavens, transcend into immortality. Ah, drinking, smoking, getting your hair done!
Leon's first perfect-grade item, though he hadn't had a chance to use it until now. It was perfect for someone like Ethan.
Tony, although amazed by the fact that a cat could pull things out of thin air, wasn't too surprised anymore, especially by the plain-looking bun. To be honest, it was the best food Tony had ever eaten, though perhaps that was because, when you're hungry, everything tastes good. Still, his hunger and thirst were genuinely alleviated quickly.
Again, if a cat could talk, nothing it did would be strange.
He might have been eating magical food!
And that cigar, too!
Seeing Ethan visibly relax after just one puff, Tony didn't believe that the cigar was ordinary. But growing up in this country, Tony had more rational suspicions.
"Did that cigar have something in it?"
That was Tony's reasonable doubt. He asked the question right in front of the puffing Ethan.
Ethan didn't mind at all. It was a perfectly normal thing.
"Yeah! It's got good stuff in it!"
Leon nodded along without missing a beat.
Tony looked intrigued. After all, if it came from a magical cat, it might not be what he initially thought.
Finishing the last bite of the bun, Tony wanted more but felt too embarrassed to ask. Besides, he was already full.
"What kind of good stuff?"
Tony asked.
"Catnip!!"
Leon said seriously.
Though Tony was well-learned, he didn't know everything. His knowledge was more specialized, so when Leon mentioned catnip, Tony had no idea what it was. He assumed it was some kind of powerful herb and mentally noted it for future research.
Ethan, however, was completely stunned.
Tony didn't know what catnip was, but Ethan did!
Isn't that just catnip!?
Does this stuff work on humans??
Staring at the cigar in his hand, Ethan began to question his life choices.
Then...
He took another puff.
Who cares! It works! You could roll tea leaves in here, and I'd still smoke it!
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