On the screen in front of Tanner's eyes, images of his life flickered. Even though experts and military industry bosses said it was almost impossible, the number of viewers watching the stream surged rapidly.
Across major media, the related artificial intelligence world-destroying theory continued spreading widely, causing fear and panic to grip everyone. Even the most popular AI had been forcibly powered off as the public's dread of AI had reached its peak. It might have been tied to a historical precedent, the reason for forced suppression. No one dared gamble with the future.
[ After the initial test failed, Tony returned to his computer to make adjustments. On the 3D stereoscopic display, translucent elements were assembled one by one. Tony extended his hand, inserting his arm into the virtual three-dimensional display of arm armor as the simple mechanical structure of the arm began taking shape. Tony's right hand rested on the workbench as the crude gauntlet locked onto his arm. A faint light emanated from the armored palm, linking the structure to the arc reactor embedded in his chest. ]
[A woman entered, surprised: "Didn't you say you couldn't make weapons?" ]
[ Tony adjusted his posture: "This isn't a weapon; it's just a flight stabilizer. It can't cause damage." ]
[ Bang! A burst of white light. ]
[ The sudden thrust sent Tony flying into the air, making Pepper Potts clamp her hands in shock. ]
[ The scene cuts to a luxurious living room. ]
[ Tony ate pizza while Obadiah Stane said, "There was a board meeting." ]
[ "Board meeting?" Tony asked, surprised. ]
[ "The board believes your post-traumatic stress symptoms are severe and plans to issue an injunction," Obadiah explained earnestly. "They intend to remove you." ]
[ Tony frowned. "But the stock dropped 40 points, didn't it?" ]
[ "Tony, the board has every right," Obadiah replied. "They're looking for excuses, claiming your research direction conflicts with company interests." ]
[ Tony wiped his mouth. "This is responsibility. It's my goal, and the company's goal." ]
[ Obadiah hesitated. "I'm trying to persuade them, but you need to show me something concrete." Pointing to the reactor in Tony's chest: "Let me have some engineers analyze this and draw a schematic; I can use that to counter them." ]
[ Tony shook his head. "No negotiations. Don't pay attention to it." ]
"Damn, Obadiah wants Tonio's tech," murmured one observer.
"I didn't expect Tony to be that bold."
"Obadiah doesn't seem trustworthy."
"The 3D display is incredible; you can manipulate it by hand."
"It's beyond comprehension."
"It almost looks like Tony is endangering himself."
"The palm thruster is strong. How much acceleration can it reach?"
Everyone followed the memory with fascination, and the flood of discussion intensified. Many expressed outrage at Obadiah:
"Whether Tont is the Devil's or not, if AI falls into Obadiah's hands, the world ends sooner!"
"The past, Terra, why does it feel so chaotic?"
"War, intrigue, and the pursuit of fame and fortune were worse than the Federation."
"Yes, not just AI, but the history-altering destruction caused by war."
[ Tony's arms were clad in rudimentary war armor, standing in the test area. ]
[ "11 days, test 37, configuration 2.0, no other choice. You're still responsible for putting out fires, but if I don't light it and you spray me again, I'll donate you to a university. Alright, let's proceed carefully." ]
The military industry bosses praised him:
"Persistent for a rich kid."
"Impressive, R&D at this level is expensive. We didn't expect him to achieve it."
"If he were a citizen of the Federation, I'd recruit him immediately as chief engineer."
"But if he wants to continue this mecha research, I'd still try to persuade him otherwise; it's impossible to stop."
The bosses laughed among themselves. Tony's talent in weapon development was undeniable. Meanwhile, the ongoing test continued on the director's screen, his expression darkening.
Federal Essen Heavy Industries Group.
A small, dimly lit conference room. In a corner, Chief Engineer Guerino watched Tanner's stream in astonishment.
"So it's possible after all. Brilliant idea! Using mechanical structures to imitate muscle movement, genius! This thing… advancing with it would tear through the body! Excellent! These details could perfect my mecha! Hahaha, Tony, thank you for perfecting my designs." Guerino smirked. "The truth of history benefits us now. Tony, you can rest in peace now."
Even when the team mocked Tony and his mech, watching alone sparked inspiration.
[ Behind Tony, a row of luxury cars gleamed. He spread his hands, palms down. "Let's start with 1% of axial load-bearing capacity." ]
[ Taking a deep breath, slightly nervous: "Prepare… three, two, one!" ]
[ Boom! ]
[ White sparks erupted. Mechanical legs emitted twin jets of intense light, while the palm thrusters sprayed energy. Tony's entire body lifted thirty centimeters off the ground. He hovered for four seconds, drifting slightly. A few sparks scattered from the small thrusters while the robot aimed a fire extinguisher at him. ]
[ "Turn off the propeller. Land steadily. Don't make me feel unnatural," Tony instructed. "One more time, 2.5%!" ]
[ "Three, two, one!" ]
[ Stronger jets from his hands and legs propelled Tony a full meter into the air. His legs trembled as mechanical adjustments stabilized his posture, hands swinging. The immense thrust lifted him on the first attempt. He flew diagonally, narrowly clearing his luxury cars. ]
[ "Hey, didn't expect this spot," he murmured. "Don't burn the cars!" ]
[ High temperatures singed one car, scattering papers. Tony extended his hands, halting the debris mid-air. ]
[ "Not bad… alright, that's good enough." He returned awkwardly to the test area, shutting down the propellers and stumbling to the ground. ]
[ "Excellent. I can fly now!" Tony said calmly. ]
The audience erupted as viewers skyrocketed almost instantly. By his second flight, more than 1.5 million watched. When he declared he could fly, two million had already tuned in. Keyboards clattered wildly, and the pen in the hand of historian Johan slipped again. The director's face changed suddenly as the phone beside him rang.