Chapter 21 – Hydra: You're Not Loyal! (Please vote and favorite!)
The night was thick and utterly silent.
Eustass stared at the doorframe; outside stood a squad of armed men.
He wanted to see exactly what these people were plotting.
Before they came in, he had already used his phone to dial the number Coulson left him that morning.
To deal with S.H.I.E.L.D., you naturally use S.H.I.E.L.D.
What could be more entertaining than watching dogs bite each other?
Bang!
An armed operative kicked the door open and burst inside; the rest followed right behind.
"Hands up. Come with us—no tricks!"
A soldier stepped forward, rifle barrel inches from Eustass's head.
"Alright, alright—whatever you say."
Eustass nodded and moved along.
His phone stayed hidden beneath the sofa.
They marched Eustass away.
Meanwhile, a short while earlier…
Coulson was cruising in his beloved Chevrolet Corvette, on his way to talk to Stark.
That Joker had simply been too arrogant.
They figured it was time to upgrade their tech.
Just then—
Coulson's phone rang. The caller ID showed the Cornell student from that morning.
"Does he have something to tell me?"
Coulson wondered and answered.
Bang!
A violent kick and a rush of footsteps came through the speaker.
Coulson instantly understood.
The kid had been abducted.
He was silently calling for help.
Coulson's heart sank—if they found the phone, he'd lose the trace.
He braked at once, pulled out a second handset, and had S.H.I.E.L.D. track the signal.
Ear-piece in, he listened to the tech's location updates, checked his pistol, spun the car around, and sped toward Queens.
The leads may change, but Agent Coulson forever works overtime.
Queens.
The Eustass house.
A hood was slipped over Eustass's head as they led him out.
They walked ahead; he strolled behind, unhurried.
The hood was no problem.
Observation Haki let him feel every guard's aura—and even every blade of grass outside.
He settled into the sedan's back seat, calm as ever.
An invisible thread reeled his phone along, cocooned in silk to keep it safe, until it stuck under the chassis.
He was curious—were these people Hydra?
"Behave!"
The Hydra agent beside him clamped soundproof earmuffs over his ears to stop him gauging distance or direction.
Elite operatives can sometimes map a route blind, using only engine sound, inertia, and familiar roads.
The headphones blasted deafening rock; Eustass bobbed his head in delight, leaving the agent dumbstruck.
Was this guy clueless? Didn't he know he'd been kidnapped?
The engine roared and they sped off.
"Could you switch tracks? Madonna would be nice—Taylor Swift, or maybe some Michael Jackson…"
Eustask spoke up.
The Hydra man glared and rammed an elbow into his gut. "Quiet—ow, holy crap!"
He clutched his bruised elbow, hissing in pain.
Frantically he patted Eustass's clothes, searching.
"Oh, c'mon, man, you don't need to get physical—get a girlfriend. I'm flattered, but I only like hot chicks."
Eustass couldn't help wisecracking.
Hanging around with Little Spider had turned him into a chatterbox.
"Damn—why'd you pack steel plates in your jacket, you freak?!"
The agent tried to strip off Eustass's coat while the others stared.
"Don't look at me! There's sheet-metal in there—I'm not into dudes, okay?!"
"So what type of girl do you like—sweet college vibe, mature cougar, or big-budget curves?"
Eustass asked.
Hydra agent:???
How could the guy still talk when he couldn't hear a thing?
"Shut it!"
Another Hydra man rammed a rifle-butt into his belly.
"Ugh—!"
"That huuurts…"
Eustass doubled over theatrically, doing his best to look hurt—though even without Haki the blow barely registered.
…Not long after.
Outskirts.
Inside a warehouse.
The Hydra team hauled Eustass in and yanked off his hood.
"Take a breather; we're waiting for the other squad to bring the second target."
Up on the stairs a burly man sat and spoke coldly.
Eustass plopped onto the floor; with Observation Haki he mapped every Taxi Soldier hidden in the building.
"Hey, can I get those earmuffs back? I was finally enjoying some Madonna."
Eustass asked.
Hydra collective:?
Was this guy brain-damaged?
They wondered if they'd grabbed the wrong person.
Would the Joker really contact someone this unhinged?
Only two possibilities explained his calm.
One: Eustass was powerful enough to slaughter them all.
But squad leader Adonis didn't buy it.
If the kid were that strong, how had they captured him?
I-don't-believe-it.jpg!
Two: he was simply a clueless idiot.
"What can Samuel Sterns do?"
Up on the stairs, deputy leader Achill asked.
"Classified."
Leader Adonis gripped his sub-gun and answered tersely.
Moments later.
The warehouse gate rolled open.
Several operatives walked in.
Moonlight spilled behind them; they faced the room, rifles ready.
But their target was nowhere in sight.
"Chester—where's Samuel Sterns?"
Brady, inside, called out.
"Dead."
The reply was flat.
"Damn it—we wanted Sterns alive; he's another gamma-mutant besides Bronski, not a corpse!"
Brady leapt up, then froze at the answer.
"It was you."
The black team-leader Chester snapped his pistol up in textbook American-speed fashion and drilled Bradyseveral times.
Pfft-pfft-pfft!
The suppressor coughed softly; bullets thudded into Brady.
Chester's men, equally expressionless, whipped up their guns and opened "friendly" fire.
Hydra had never expected their own to turn.
Several agents were hit, blooming crimson as they toppled into crates.
The rest scrambled for cover and fired back.
One agent dragged the bound Eustass behind a stack of boxes.
Seated there, Eustass watched the civil war with amusement.
Hydra fights Hydra—who knew?
Chapter 22 – Hidden Character: The Leader Appears! (Please favorite and vote!)
The warehouse had turned into a battlefield.
Rifles and submachine guns kept firing.
Gunfire flashed, and crimson blossoms bloomed from time to time.
"Damn traitors, you're not loyal at all!"
No matter how the Hydra soldiers cursed, the men opposite them showed no reaction.
Expressionless, they hid behind cover and fearlessly shot at their former teammates.
Eustass sat behind cover, releasing his Observation Hakito blanket the warehouse and the wilderness beyond, sensing everything around.
He could clearly feel the warehouse's aura, the wind brushing grass and trees, even a "Jerry" scurrying through the undergrowth.
A big green-headed guy crouched in the grass, giggling in a crazed, neurotic way as he stared at the warehouse.
Eustass froze.
The Leader?
No wonder the name Samuel Sterns sounded familiar—so it was him!
Before he crossed over, some people guessed Samuel Sterns had only shown up once in The Incredible Hulkbecause he'd later been killed and turned into a S.H.I.E.L.D. specimen.
But that wasn't true.
In reality, Samuel Sterns had been alive and well the whole time.
He even showed up in Captain America 4.
Of course, Eustass didn't know whether that movie ever got finished.
A Black Captain America… like a Black Little Mermaid, it was hard to swallow.
The Leader was using his psychic power to make Hydrafight Hydra.
And Eustass was using Observation Haki to sense the Leader.
Both sides kept killing more and more.
Still, Eustass didn't step out to meet the Leader.
He hadn't seen Captain America 4 and couldn't be sure how overpowered the Leader might be compared to the comics.
Without a countermeasure, walking out would just be sending a super-powered henchman to the enemy.
Not long after.
The only Hydra left on site was Adonis, lying on the ground and coughing up blood while waiting to die.
Eustass sensed the Leader with his Haki while condensing a thread of string in his hand.
If the Leader tried to control his mind, he'd answer with a bullet-string to the brain first.
Outside the warehouse.
Under the night sky.
Samuel Sterns listened to the noises inside, fell silent for a while, rubbed his tired head, hesitated, then finally turned and walked away.
The day Bronski captured Banner, he knocked out a female officer.
Bronski ordered Sterns to use Banner's blood to turn her into a Hulk-like being.
After it succeeded, Abomination slapped Sterns aside; a drop of Hulk serum dripped into the wound on Sterns's head, mutating him.
But rather than a muscular body, Samuel's mutation gave him a bigger, smarter brain.
Recently, both S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA had been hunting him.
Sterns turned away; he still felt weak and needed time to grow. Once he'd avenged himself by killing those chasing him, he'd lay low for now.
Eustass sensed Samuel walking farther off and retracted his bullet-string.
Not long after.
A corvette stopped in the distance outside the warehouse.
Coulson, gun in hand, slowly approached the entrance.
After observing and confirming all the armed men inside were dead, he finally entered.
Coulson found Eustass and untied him.
"What exactly happened?"
Coulson asked urgently.
"Sigh…"
Eustass let out a breath.
Too bad.
He'd missed S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA tearing into each other.
But at least he now knew about the hidden boss, Samuel Sterns.
From now on he'd have to watch out for the man.
That utterly unreasonable psychic control was too much trouble.
"What's wrong?"
Coulson looked at him, puzzled.
"Seeing so many people die in front of me… it hurts."
Eustass made up an excuse.
Coulson didn't doubt it; after all, the guy was just a civilian.
"Let's go, buddy."
Coulson patted Eustass's shoulder and said.
Under the night sky.
Eustass sat in the corvette's passenger seat while Coulson drove toward the city.
Eustass gazed at the wilderness, not asking Coulson why he'd dared come alone.
Coulson didn't say much either.
Not long after.
Eustass Family home.
"If you get any useful info, contact us. Actually, I'm an FBI agent; if you're ever in danger, I can help."
Coulson pulled yet another fake identity to fool Eustass.
"Don't worry."
Eustass smiled and nodded, eyeing the badge in Coulson's hand—so many covers.
Coulson left; Eustass was about to head inside when the next door opened.
Still-young, sizzling-hot Aunt Mei poked her head out, looked around, then beamed at Eustass.
"You're finally back! Peter said he heard noises next door, so we called the police.
Thank heavens, thank heavens."
Aunt Mei patted her chest in relief.
Eustass felt a warm pang in his heart.
But calling the cops was useless… HYDRA had basically infiltrated both America and S.H.I.E.L.D.
The reason HYDRA acted so arrogantly—later even daring to assassinate the Motherfucker Hero—was exactly that.
"It's fine, just a couple of gun-fanatic kids playing around. Don't worry."
Eustass smiled and waved to Peter, who was peeking out beside Aunt Mei.
"Good night."
"Good night." ×2
Coulson had just left the building when he floored the corvette back to the warehouse outside the city.
The place was already cordoned off; swarms of investigators combed the scene.
"Tap-tap-tap—"
Crisp footsteps approached.
Natasha Romanoff, wine-red hair in loose curls, strode over in black tactical leather and heels.
"Did you question the kid?"
Natasha asked.
"He said he was just tied up here and those guys turned on each other."
Coulson frowned.
"You believe that?"
Natasha's voice dropped; the breeze lifted her wine-red curls.
Coulson shook his head.
"Sir, all the men on site belong to Special Ops Unit Nine."
A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent walked up and reported.
Coulson and Natasha stared at him, stunned.
They were in charge of the New York investigation—how had they never heard of this unit's operation?
"Hold on."
Coulson quickly pulled out his phone and called Nick Fury.
Moments later.
Coulson shook his head at Natasha.
Nick Fury hadn't received any report either.
S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ.
Director's office.
One-eyed Fury sat at his computer, silently staring at the ceiling.
He'd received zero intel about that squad's mission.
He was the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.!
A few months ago he'd hacked Stark's system and made a flashy entrance in front of the playboy.
Now, mere months later, something inside the agency had slipped completely beyond his grasp.
He'd wanted to recruit Iron Man, only to realize there was a mole—someone high-ranking enough to hide things from him.
"Motherfucker! I'll find out who the rat is!"
Fury cursed, clenching his fist…
Next day.
Manhattan.
Columbia University.
In a nearby café, Eustass sat by the window whispering sweet nothings with Helen Cho.
The glass door opened.
A stunning figure walked in, flicking her wine-red curls.
"Tap-tap—"
The beauty strode over in her heels.
"Hello, Mr. Eustass. I'm Natalie Karenina, supervisor of Hasbrode Corporation."
Chapter 23 – Natasha's Shock! Agent Carter! (Please bookmark!)
Natasha was dressed in a crisp black suit.
It accentuated her curves to perfection.
Her wavy auburn hair and bright emerald eyes radiated the poised charisma of a strong woman.
Briefcase in hand, she stood opposite him and smiled as she introduced herself to Eustass.
Eustass glanced over; one look and he recognized her.
But after last time with Coulson, he'd learned the value of keeping a calm, poker face.
The surprise in his heart never showed.
Natasha Romanoff!
Black Widow!
No way around it—this character was just too recognizable.
Back in his pre-transmigration days, his roommate's screensaver had been a Scarlett photo, Scarlett posters on the wall… "Hello, Miss Karenina."
Eustass stood and offered his hand; they shook.
"Just call me Natalie. Shall we sit and talk cooperation?"
Natasha smiled.
"Of course, Miss Natalie."
Eustass beamed on the outside, cursed on the inside.
Black Widow was gorgeous and sexy, but so what?
His deal with Hasbrode had been delayed.
Black Widow definitely hadn't come to hand him money.
They took their seats.
Eustass chatted with Natasha, who never once mentioned the Joker—or last night.
Natasha's tactics were different.
Her plan was simple: pretend to cooperate, then use "cooperation" to talk "feelings."
Feelings were fake; the real goal was to pry secrets out of this kid.
"Sorry, I need to take this call…"
Natasha excused herself and stepped outside.
Helen Cho looked at Eustass, then at Natasha, feeling sure Eustass had been staring at the woman's mouth… "Pretty?"
"Very."
Eustass nodded.
Helen Cho:???
You're really that blunt?
"With a figure that hot, her exes could probably fill a squad, haha."
Eustass laughed; Helen exhaled in relief.
"What were you thinking? For a wife I'd only pick someone like you."
Eustass grinned.
Helen smiled sweetly and pecked him on the cheek.
As a reward.
Keep talking if you're good at it.
"Do you think I'd look nice with my hair braided?"
Helen gathered her flowing hair and tilted her head to look at him.
"Gorgeous—delicate beauty, natural grace, lovely as a flower, brows like paintings, a feast for the eyes."
Eustass chuckled.
Helen strained to follow the idioms; she'd been studying Chinese with him lately.
"Wait, what does 'a feast for the eyes' mean?"
Helen suddenly looked up.
Oh, you perv!
"I'll teach you when we get home."
Eustass smiled; Helen nodded happily.
"Mr. Eustass, are you free tomorrow? Let's discuss cooperation in detail."
Natasha returned and asked.
"Sorry, I've got to fix my car tomorrow."
Eustass replied.
"Then the day after?"
"Nope, I'm busy then too."
"Call me whenever you're free."
Natasha smiled, slipped him a note, and shot him a wicked look before leaving.
Eustass only smiled—she was just flirting, he didn't take it seriously.
He was busy training.
He had no time to entertain this siren.
Natasha left the café, got into her sports car, and drove off.
She put in an earpiece and pressed it:
"Find out Eustass Mola's daily habits—what does he like?"
"Understood!"
An intel officer's voice answered.
"Eustass Mola's biggest hobby is… working out."
Natasha waited while driving, then blinked. "That's it?"
"That's it."
"Impossible!"
Natasha shook her head; no normal person lacks desires.
Good food, fun, drink, women—he must like one of them, right?
"If we're stretching, he's had quite a few ex-girlfriends—five or six."
The intel officer sat in the S.H.I.E.L.D. office, staring at the list on his screen. "Oh, hell—one of our Agents once dated him. How old was he then?"
Natasha fell silent for a long moment.
Too much information… "Can we reach that Agent? Try rekindling things and get her to fish for intel."
Natasha suggested.
If an Agent already had ties with Eustass, maybe she herself wouldn't need to step in.
"Not a great idea. When they were together… Eustasswas only fifteen."
"F***?"
Natasha slammed the brakes.
A scene flashed through her mind.
The female colleague on leave at home.
Then—bang!
"FBI, open up!"
That colleague really had guts… "Say no more—I get why they broke up."
Natasha rubbed her temples; what kind of nutjob coworkers did she have?
"Contact her."
…Café.
Eustass left with Helen Cho, dropped her at school, then hit a gym to train.
In the gym, Eustass gripped a hundred-jin barbell in each hand, doing strength work.
Rock music blared from his phone nearby.
He glanced over.
The phone lay on a piece of equipment.
Unknown number.
After finishing a set, he set the barbells down slowly.
Two hundred-jin barbells hit the floor; nearby muscleheads stared in envy.
Eustass wiped his hands and picked up: "Hello, who's this?"
"Eustass, it's me—Sally. Can we meet?"
He looked up, nodded.
At the gym entrance stood a tall blonde in a white suit, backlit, waving.
Well, he'd grown up fast.
And reborn in America, how could he not sample the local enthusiasm?
So he'd dated a few girls here.
They'd all split, and he figured he'd never see them again.
"New number?"
He walked over, smiling.
Sharon Carter stood at the door, eyeing the two hundred-jin barbells, mouth twitching—when had he gotten this strong?
"Work reasons. Walk and talk?"
Sharon smiled. Back then the number—and the name Sally—had been disposable.
Chapter 24 – Little Spider: No Head-Patting! (Please Favorite!)
Back then she had discussed the profundity of Chinese with him.
After learning Eustass's age, she felt a bit of regret… "Alright."
Eustass nodded.
He had no idea who she really was; after all, blonde girls… he was pretty face-blind.
And Sharon's role in the Marvel movies wasn't that noticeable, so he genuinely hadn't recognized her.
The two of them walked outside together.
Eustass chatted with Sharon, mostly just humoring her.
A good horse doesn't graze on old pastures.
She'd been the one to break up back then; he couldn't be bothered to win her back.
"I heard you're making money taking photos of Joker?"
Sharon asked.
"Well, a guy's gotta eat."
Eustass smiled. "Why do you ask?"
"I work at the New York Daily now, content editor."
Sharon smiled, handing him her work badge.
"I've been there; never saw you."
Eustass looked at Sharon; she looked embarrassed. "Just started?" he pressed.
"Ah, yes."
Sharon nodded with a smile.
"Treasure it, then. You didn't even finish high school."
Eustass said, whether encouraging or teasing even he wasn't sure.
Eustass was already suspicious—someone nearby was watching them… Natasha had just disguised herself as a Hasbro executive when an ex-girlfriend he hadn't seen in years showed up, hoping to rekindle things.
Too many coincidences… Sharon gave an awkward laugh; back then she'd been undercover near the Eustass Family, investigating an organization.
In the process, she got to know this resilient Eastern boy.
One thing led to another… and they clicked instantly.
At the time her fake identity had been a part-time girl who'd dropped out of high school.
"Anyway, break's over; I'm off to the gym."
Eustass waved and jogged toward the gym.
Sharon Carter watched him in silence, glanced at the nearby lookout posts, and waved.
The hidden Agents quietly withdrew.
Inside the gym.
Eustass kept working out; he knew he was under surveillance.
But he was just a good-looking dude whose strength happened to be a tad greater, who loved snapping photos for cash.
As long as he didn't slip up during this period, he'd be fine.
The only problem was how to get his Thread Clone past the infrared scanners.
He'd need to discuss it with his wife, Helen Cho.
Sharon walked into the gym, sat opposite him, watched him train, and tried to patch things up.
"I already have a girlfriend~"
Eustass said with a grin, shutting her down.
"Want me to find you a new one?"
Sharon teased.
"My hometown has a saying: a good horse never turns back to graze."
"F***!"
Sharon stamped her foot in anger.
She—niece of S.H.I.E.L.D. founder Peggy Carter, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent.
And he compared her to grass?
"Hey, love your blond hair—natural? Let's be friends~!"
A mo** approached, whistling at Sharon.
"Scram!" ×2
Eustass glared, swept a leg and kicked the guy to the floor.
Sharon, in heels, followed with a kick to the man's head.
Eustass gathered his things to leave; Sharon hurried after him, her heels leaving little red dots on the floor.
They exited the gym.
Just as Eustass was heading to the university to pick up his girlfriend, Sharon caught his arm:
"So… taking photos for money is fine, but maybe pick another subject? That Joker's brutal."
Eustass looked at her and nodded.
Once the real Hasbro staff came to cooperate later, money wouldn't be an issue.
It would be time to completely separate his everyday life from his super-heroic one.
That was also for Helen Cho's safety.
"Got it."
With that, Eustass pried her hand off and walked away.
Sharon watched his tall silhouette recede, a sudden pang in her heart.
Such a great guy—if she hadn't run off back then because she feared he was too young…
…he'd be her boyfriend now, right?
Every time she returned from a dangerous mission, she'd have a tall, handsome boyfriend waiting to give her a sense of security.
Eustass was actually already outstanding.
Over two meters tall, burly, and as handsome as the reader-dads, attractive to all genders.
Owned a New York apartment, held Stark Industriesstock whose value kept soaring.
And he himself was a Cornell alumnus.
By ordinary standards, Eustass's résumé was stellar.
"Marrying someone like him and living a quiet little life—that's the dream… I envy Helen…"
Sharon sighed.
As a child she'd grown up on Aunt Peggy's stories, longing to be a lone heroine as gallant as young Peggy.
But once grown, she learned that gallantry was backed by danger and bitterness.
After countless perils, Sharon yearned for the warmth of a small home… Eustass arrived at the campus and picked up Helen Cho.
He could fully understand Sharon Carter's mindset.
After weathering storms, most people crave a safe harbor.
He hid his identity not out of fear.
He simply didn't want the peaceful life he and Helen Choshared to be shattered.
Eustass and Helen Cho returned home together.
"By the way, how's your materials science coming along?"
Eustass asked.
"Spent a few days and got the basics down. Why?"
Helen Cho looked at him, puzzled.
"I was playing an FPS today and wondered what could block infrared—if the game added that element it'd feel way more realistic and exciting."
Eustass chuckled.
"Easy."
Helen Cho came over, holding his hand. "Metals, thermal-barrier materials, or layered building materials with internal insulation…"
Eustass listened as she explained, nodding now and then.
His brilliant girlfriend—she could rattle off a bunch of answers to a problem that had stumped him for ages.
"Amazing. So how should I reward you tonight?"
Eustass grinned.
"What exactly does 'a feast for the eyes' mean?"
Helen Cho looked up at him, smiling.
Eustass lifted her into his arms and headed for the bedroom.
"What are you doing?"
Helen Cho asked hurriedly.
"Showing you what it means."
!"
Helen Cho: I didn't study much—don't trick me!
… Outside.
Peter Parker sat in the corridor when a tall figure passed, pulling a suitcase.
"Excuse me, does Eustass live across the hall?"
Sharon asked with a smile.
Peter nodded.
"You are…?"
"Your new neighbor, Sally Carter."
Sharon beamed.
"Hi, Carter sis. I'm Peter Parker."
"Hey, little Parker."
Sharon rubbed Peter's head; he dodged like crazy.
Why does everyone keep patting my head!
Chapter 25 – Stark's Invitation to the Students! (Please Collect!)
Two weeks later.
Evening.
Next door to the Eustass Family.
"Fuck!"
Sharon, wearing ear-muffs and ready to sleep, sat bolt upright and flung the muffs away.
The wall kept vibrating every so often.
Since moving in, Sharon had had to keep ear-muffs ready every night.
By sheer coincidence, her bedroom shared a wall with the Eustass bedroom.
Eustass connected with Helen Cho every single day.
Sharon could hear it all.
She'd moved in two weeks ago—not for any mission, simply to win Eustass back—and had spent those two weeks drowning in vinegar.
"He seems to last a lot longer than before."
Sharon muttered in amazement.
Patting her cheeks, she wondered why on earth she'd said such a weird thing.
She put her ear-muffs back on, turned the bed around, and went back to sleep… Next morning.
"Morning."
Eustass, back from his weighted-vest run, greeted Sharonsitting at the building's entrance.
"Morning. You work out outside all day—don't you ever go to class?"
Sharon asked helplessly. "Listen, you're still young; study more if you want a better future."
Seeing how strong Eustass was, Sharon had once considered recruiting him into S.H.I.E.L.D. as an Agent.
But she'd immediately snuffed out the idea.
She felt he shouldn't live a life of constant fear.
Her own reason for moving here on leave was to escape that life.
"I've already learned it all."
Eustass replied with a grin.
"Then learn a bit more."
Sharon laughed.
"Enough talk—I've got a meeting to attend later."
With that, Eustass walked toward the elevator.
A while later, after breakfast with Helen Cho,
he drove her to campus, then headed alone to a nearby café.
Previously, Black Widow had stalled his deal with Hasbro; recently they'd approached him again and negotiated for ages.
In short, Hasbro wanted to buy out all commercial rights and trademarks to Joker outright.
Eustass flatly refused.
They tried to push the price way down.
Eustass haggled back and forth endlessly… After ages of lawyer-fueled wrangling, the other side finally agreed to a hefty signing fee plus very reasonable profit shares for a five-year merchandising license on Joker.
No choice—just look at any Iron Man event to see how hot Joker was in America.
Half the "Iron Man fans" booed when the hero appeared; when people chanted "Iron Man," part of the crowd shouted "Joker."
Americans like Superheroes?
Get real—the weirder and more rebellious, the better.
Especially someone like Joker, half hero, half villain, and utterly outrageous.
Inside the café,
Eustass finalized the last details with Hasbro and locked down Joker merch production.
From today on, he no longer had to worry about U.S. dollars.
Joker's American fans would supply him with a steady stream of cash.
Much like how, last century, businessmen raked it in with Captain America comics and merch.
As for producing it himself?
Don't be daft—his funds could keep him comfy for life, but they weren't enough to build a factory, let alone the rare channels and time-consuming connections.
He wanted money only to train in comfort and maybe buy a private gym.
He wouldn't waste prime training time and put the cart before the horse.
With the signing fee, Eustass rented a sprawling, decent house on the outskirts and paid to convert it into a private gym.
Half a month later.
"Whoa~ Awesome~"
Standing in the vast, empty gym, Eustass roared in delight.
Echoes bounced around; owning a gym of his own felt fantastic!
From now on, no more rubberneckers gawking at him all day.
He was going to ramp up his training!
"Knock, knock, knock~"
At the gym door, a white-haired old man in a courier uniform, sunglasses, and slicked-back hair shuffled in, envelope in hand, and tapped the gate:
"Excuse me, are you… Yoos-tahs Mola?"
Eustass frowned at the odd pronunciation.
The old guy must be mangling his name on purpose… But when he turned, he froze.
Stan Lee, father of Marvel.
The old man gave him a grin.
"I'm Eustass Mola, not Yoos-tahs; my family isn't that rich."
Eustass answered with a smile.
"Oh, you will be."
The old man chuckled, had him sign for the envelope, and walked off.
Watching Stan's retreating figure, Eustass sighed.
Stan Lee would always live on in the Marvel Universe in every cameo.
He tore the envelope open and pulled out a gorgeous invitation.
"Stark Expo, location: Flushing, Queens."
Eustass read the heading, glanced at the address, and looked at the card again, puzzled.
He knew the Stark Expo was coming up—
but he hadn't bought a ticket.
He flipped it over.
A line of text caught his eye.
"Welcome—students of Cornell University. – Tony Stark."
Eustass understood.
Because of the palladium poisoning, Stark felt he was dying; for the first time he wanted to choose an heir.
Not long after,
Eustass drove back downtown and picked up Helen Cho.
She, too, had received an invitation reading:
"Welcome—students of Columbia University. – Tony Stark."
Helen showed it to him. "Several of my classmates got invites as well, though not many."
"Oh, you got one too?"
Helen exclaimed, seeing the invitation Eustass produced.
"It arrived after I set up my private gym."
Eustass said.
Of course he qualified; he'd long since finished every university course and ranked at the top of his class.
It was just that he'd poured most of his time and energy into boosting his combat power.
On TV, an interview Stark had given months earlier was airing.
"Some people suspect I was involved in the incidents on the highway and the rooftop."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Stark—do you really expect us to believe some guy disguised as you stole products from your own company?"
Russia.
Moscow.
Feathery snow drifted down as trains raced across the white plain, converging like rivers into the vast city via the rail lines.
"I think it's time we faced reality."
Inside a crumbling apartment block,
a small, square television replayed footage of Stark's interview from months ago.
"I'm not hero material; I've got plenty of flaws, I've made loads of mistakes—but…"
"The truth is… I am Iron Man!"
The broadcast looped again and again, the Russian dub overlaying Stark's voice.
On a narrow bed nearby,
Ivan Vanko drank whiskey in grief, watching his father die of despair, anger slowly igniting in his chest.
In the tiny, gloomy room, blueprints on the table bore the words "Stark Industries," "Anton Vanko & Howard Stark," and "Arc Reactor." He smashed the bottle on the floor, threw his head back, and let out a heart-rending roar.
"Aaaaargh—!"
With a sudden turn, Ivan glared coldly at the thief on the screen; the more he watched, the hotter his rage burned.
He would have vengeance—slice the thief in half!
Chapter 26: 26. The Industrial Expo and the new element! (Please vote for monthly tickets! Please vote for recommendation tickets!)
Several days later.
New York, Queens, Flushing.
The site of the Stark Expo.
Eustass and Helen Cho, having received invitations, arrived at the site together.
Also accompanying them were many outstanding students from famous schools around the World, all of whom were invited by Stark.
Of course, some were Iron Man fans who bought tickets to attend.
Suddenly.
In the sky above.
A figure colored in red and gold quickly descended. Eustass looked up.
He sensed Iron Man the moment he jumped out of the plane.
"DUANG~!"
A firework soaring into the sky suddenly struck the iron man armor, bounced off, and exploded on the side.
"Deng!"
A clear metallic clang rang out, and the iron man armorinstantly landed, crouching in front of the platform.
A group of girls wearing red Iron Man Suit-style bikinis immediately surrounded Stark and started dancing.
The platform rotated, and mechanical arms extended, systematically disassembling the Suit's parts.
Stark, dressed in a suit, faced the numerous students and countless Iron Man fans present, spreading his arms wide to welcome them.
As Stark waved, the cheers at the venue erupted into a passionate wave.
Who doesn't love Iron Man? He gathered the two greatest loves of men: iron and beautiful women.
The people present didn't know if they were cheering for the iron or for the Iron Man Suit bikini beauties... "It's good to be back. Did you miss me?"
Stark, with his back to the crowd, asked with a smile, ready for a stylish turn.
"Tony, Tony, Tony!"
People continuously repeated his name.
Stark was very Happy with his back to everyone; he enjoyed this moment, even though he was close to dying.
"Joker, Joker, Joker!"
Suddenly, someone shouted a different name. Starkturned around and shrugged helplessly.
"I didn't expect Joker to have so many fans. Could someone please refund them? They aren't my fans~"
Stark said with a laugh, and the entire venue burst into laughter.
Even Joker's fans developed a good impression of Stark.
For no other reason than two words: rich!
Below.
Eustass stood in the crowd, embracing Helen Cho, watching Stark speak on the stage.
To be honest, he really admired Stark.
Stark could be said to be the Superhero with the strongest personal charisma in the Marvel series.
He didn't have a superhuman physique, but he possessed extraordinary intelligence.
He didn't have the greatest strength, but he bore the greatest responsibility.
The reason people liked Stark wasn't because of how rich he was.
Rather, it was because of his sense of responsibility and his intelligence.
Eustass fought for rewards, but he wouldn't genuinely hurt the Superheroes.
After all, he was just grabbing a reward and giving the Superheroes some exercise; the true responsibilities still needed to be borne by them.
Stark spoke for a long time.
His extravagant gesture of offering free tickets earned him massive cheers, and no one argued with him anymore.
"Because no one dares to face me head-on during my most glorious period!"
"Oh oh oh!"
"Tony Tony Tony!"
"We love you, Tony!"
Stark waved his hand, signaling for silence. The people at the venue immediately quieted down, watching him intently.
Joker is too aloof and arrogant; most people actually prefer Tony.
"This has nothing to do with you, nothing to do with me, nothing to do with any of us!
What's important is legacy. This is about what we can leave behind for future generations. So, starting next year.
For the first time since 1974, the best talents from different regions and companies around the World.
The most outstanding minds will pool their resources and share their vision.
To create a brighter future. Therefore, I want to tell you... this is the Stark Industrial Expo. Welcome!"
After Stark finished speaking, he played a video of his father, Howard Stark.
"Technology can bring everything: better lives, healthier bodies..."
On the big screen.
Howard Stark was demonstrating the Stark Industrial Expo model.
Eustass stood below, holding his phone, recording the presentation.
The secret to replacing the palladium element lies within this model.
Soon after.
The Expo ended.
Eustass quickly pulled Helen Cho's hand and rushed toward the back exit.
Stark walked out followed by his bodyguard, Happy, who quickly helped shield Stark from many fans.
"Mr. Stark, Mr. Stark!"
Eustass hurried over. Happy tried to stop him, but couldn't... Eustass was over two meters tall and had grown several more centimeters in the past few months.
Moreover, he was covered in muscle, like a human tank.
Forget Happy, even the Lakers' Shaq couldn't stop him.
"Hey, hey, hey, you can't go through."
Happy quickly tried to block him.
Not far away, an old man wearing overalls and having white hair, closely resembling Stan Lee, stood there:
"Oh, young people these days are really fierce."
"Mr. Stark, I'm your fan. Could you give me a copy of the Expo's initial model data? I really love this Expo!"
Eustass quickly said.
The video can only scan two-dimensional data.
Many secrets of the new element are hidden within the three-dimensional model.
"Oh, and you are?"
Stark asked curiously. This kid was really tall.
"From Cornell University."
Eustass laughed.
"Oh, hello, kid."
Stark shook hands with Eustass. "Happy, give the man a copy of the model data."
"Oh, alright."
Happy quickly rummaged through his bag, found a flash drive, and handed it to Eustass.
They only brought this one copy, as they hadn't expected anyone to actually be interested in Howard's old model.
"Thank you, you are my idol."
Eustass said with a smile.
"Shouldn't your idol be Yao? Haha, just kidding. See you later, kid."
Stark patted Eustass on the shoulder, turned, and quickly left.
"He's really tall."
Stark complained to Happy as he walked.
Eustass walked toward Helen Cho and left the venue with her.
"Isn't Joker your idol?"
Helen Cho asked him, confused.
"No, you must have misheard."
Eustass laughed.
Admiring an idol in the past doesn't conflict with knocking down that idol now.
Besides, by giving the Superheroes pressure, they will only become stronger later. He is promoting the growth of heroes; he is a good guy!
Getting into the SUV, Eustass took out a reader, checked the flash drive once, and eliminated any potential hidden dangers.
Then he scanned the 3D data of the Stark Expo initial model.
"Wife, I need your help with something."
Eustass spoke.
"Tell me."
Helen Cho was overjoyed to hear him call her 'wife' and was willing to agree to anything he asked.
"Study this 3D model and remove the unnecessary elements."
Eustass handed her the flash drive.
"Why?"
Helen Cho looked at him confusedly.
"What does this model look like to you?"
Eustass handed her a laptop. The software he wrote scanned the Expo model data and automatically drew a structural diagram.
"Oh~"
Looking at the structural diagram, Helen Cho's expression was startled. "Old Howard truly was an unparalleled genius!"
Chapter 27: Stark's Wonderful Metaphor! (Please Collect!)
Eustass drove back to his residence.
He and Helen Cho went upstairs, briefly greeted Sharon, and then went home to get busy.
Eustass hung the large screen he recently bought on the wall, then connected it to his computer, displaying the scanned 3D model data of the Expo on the screen, slowly rotating.
Due to financial constraints, ordinary families like theirs didn't have access to holographic projection technology.
"The atomic nucleus should be here."
Helen Cho pointed at a spot on the model on the screen, then moved aside.
Eustass moved his fingers, and the model on the screen adjusted.
"A little more to the side, yes, yes, yes... make the atomic nucleus bigger... remove the small path, remove the tree decorations..."
Helen Cho observed the structure of the model to find patterns, while Eustass manipulated the data, removing unnecessary elements to get the results she wanted.
Next door.
Sharon Carter was about to rest, closing her eyes. After a while, she felt something was off today.
"Why aren't they connecting anymore?"
Sharon wondered curiously.
The next day.
The faint morning light streamed into the room.
Eustass was sound asleep on the sofa in front of the computer, with Helen Cho sleeping in his arms.
On the huge screen on the wall beside them.
A blue, complex-structured model of a new elementrotated on the screen.
Helen Cho, still a university student, with Eustass's help, spent an entire night finding the clues left by Old Howardand constructing an alternative to palladium.
After a long time.
The two finally woke up.
"So hungry..."
Helen Cho hugged Eustass's arm and pecked him.
"I'm hungry too... Let's go out and buy some food."
Eustass said.
"Okay."
Helen Cho nodded groggily; she was exhausted after staying up all night.
Eustass was relatively more energetic, after all, their physical constitutions were different.
He walked to the computer, saved all the data and models, and put them into his USB drive.
Their home computer hadn't been connected to the internet all last night.
After all, America... those who know, know.
Soon after.
The two bought a lot of food and returned, eating breakfast in the room, with Tom and Jerry playing on the large screen on the wall.
Next door.
Sharon was directly woken up by the chaotic sounds of the Tom and Jerry cartoon.
She glanced at the wall speechlessly. Why were her neighbors so childish?
No connection, time to watch cartoons.
She turned on the TV.
As soon as she turned it on, there were three 'dong dong dong' sounds of a small gavel.
The TV was broadcasting the latest news.
Next door.
At Eustass's home.
Jerry Mouse, being chased by Tom Cat on the large screen, suddenly disappeared.
In its place was a chubby, big face of someone in a Washington court, facing the camera.
"Rather than looking at that pig face, I'd still prefer to watch 'Duck Neck Jerry'."
Eustass joked.
Helen Cho looked at him blankly. What was 'Duck Neck Jerry'?
Eustass smiled.
He told Helen Cho a story about a unscrupulous vendor.
Helen Cho nodded.
"Mr. Stark, can we continue where we left off? Mr. Stark, please turn around."
On the screen.
The Senator vigorously pounded his gavel.
The camera panned to Stark, who was leaning over and chatting with Pepper below.
"YES, honey~"
Stark turned around, looking playfully at the Senator.
"Hahaha~"
In the courtroom, everyone was amused by Stark's playful demeanor.
"Do you possess a proprietary weapon?"
"I do not!"
Stark and the pig-headed man argued about whether he possessed a proprietary weapon.
"Then what is that?"
"A high-tech prosthetic limb~"
On the other side of the screen.
Eustass and Helen Cho, eating breakfast, were amused.
Stark and the pig-faced man argued for a long time about the iron man armor.
Helen Cho looked at the Senator on the screen with disdain.
"This guy is truly detestable. Why does he want to take other people's things? What a bandit!"
"Don't complain, that's just how they've always been."
Eustass laughed.
Helen Cho nodded thoughtfully.
In America, there were only two reasons why that pig-headed man on stage dared to provoke Stark like that.
One was that the person had a terminal illness and was about to kick the bucket; otherwise, he would be crazy to provoke the head of Stark Industries... The other was that someone was backing him.
For example, an entity with strength comparable to Stark Industries.
That's impossible. Hammer Industries is just a third-rate rip-off; without Stark Industries closing its weapons division, Hammer Industries wouldn't stand a chance.
Hydra?
Eustass speculated in his mind.
The Senator wanted to take the core technology of the iron man armor from Stark, and Stark used a vivid example to refute him.
Stark's general meaning was that if he gave the technology to the other party, wouldn't he become like those girls standing on the street in those lively little songs?
Then Stark slammed the table, mocking the pig-faced man as a 'Burial Expert'.
The whole room burst into laughter.
The Senator was infuriated and quickly invited a "weapons expert," Justin Hammer, the owner of Hammer Industries.
Eustass finished eating and got up to go exercise.
"Not watching anymore?"
Helen Cho looked at him curiously.
"There's nothing good to watch. Hammer is just a novice boss of a third-rate weapons dealer. Is he Stark's opponent? Don't make me laugh, he's just a clown."
Eustass said, then left the house.
"Clown~"
Helen Cho turned off the TV and then went to study the new element model.
She had figured out something, but she felt that the difficulty of manufacturing it was a bit high.
That afternoon.
Eustass drove Helen Cho to his private gym.
It was filled with all sorts of equipment.
"This is?"
"My gym, for you to do experiments."
Eustass said, and Helen Cho cheered, jumping up and clinging to him, happily showering him with kisses!
Being able to personally create a new element was an extremely exciting event for Helen Cho, who was determined to become a female scientist.
She was going to be recorded in history!
As for Eustass, he just didn't want to see Motherfucker Hero showing off Howard's stuff to Stark.
Showing off what? Everything was left by Stark's father, so how did it become a favor from you, the one-eyed man?
Although he had beaten Stark, Stark was still his idol.
For Motherfucker Hero, he only had contempt.
Of course, by presenting the discovery to Stark in advance, he and Helen Cho could also receive a sponsorship, or even a collaboration.
After all, Helen Cho wanted to research scientific projects, and the share he got from toy manufacturers for merchandise was just a drop in the bucket... Alas, one dollar can stump a hero!
Originally, he lacked a private training ground, and after having Helen Cho as his wife, he also lacked a private research institute.
He could only intercept Stark's patent~
Chapter 28: Helen Cho Creates a New Element, AgentCarter Halts S.H.I.E.L.D.!
Helen Cho drafted the plans, and Eustass supplied the missing materials—using his Professors' channels to buy several hard-to-get items.
Helen also contacted her advisor and Professor Elizabeth, using their connections to obtain tools and materials ordinary people could never acquire.
The faculty were hugely optimistic about the pair and pulled every string they could.
Time flew.
Eustass smashed walls in the empty gym while Helen trailed behind, laying cable… He hoisted a massive pipe onto one shoulder, carried it to the marked spot, set it down and locked it in place.
Helen hurried over to debug the hardware; with his hands free, Eustass debugged the software.
Knock-knock-knock~
A knock came from the closed door.
Eustass, still cradling the colossal pipe, glanced at Helen who was troubleshooting.
"The Professors?"
Helen asked.
Several Professors had realized something big was afoot from the materials ordered and had been angling to join in.
Academically, at least, their mentors were people worthy of the utmost respect.
"Let me check."
Pipe on shoulder, Eustass walked over; he could sense it was Sharon outside.
One shoulder holding the pipe, the other hand opened the door.
"Whoa—easy, you scared me."
Sharon feigned surprise, stepping back.
As a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent she'd long known what the two were up to.
But Eustass's vigilance had kept anyone from sneaking a peek.
"Need something? We're running a small research project."
Eustass said.
"O-oh, right. I was just passing by; I like basketball and thought I'd shoot some hoops—didn't realize it was a lab in here."
Sharon gave an awkward laugh.
She wanted to warn them that eyes were already on them.
First Eustass is abducted by a mystery group, now he's tinkering with something bizarre—S.H.I.E.L.D. would be crazy not to be curious.
If not for Sharon running interference, investigators would have barged in long ago.
"We're almost-MIT admits; a little science project isn't weird, right?"
Eustass grinned, pipe still on his shoulder.
"Not weird at all. Carry on—and remember to file your patent first…"
Sharon smiled, turned and left.
She'd delivered her warning; any fallout, she'd handle.
She only feared that the moment they produced something groundbreaking, someone would storm in and snatch it away.
Don't be shocked—S.H.I.E.L.D. routinely claims inventions are "too dangerous," confiscates them, hires the inventors, then leaves them high and dry; they're masters of the empty-hand scam.
If S.H.I.E.L.D. were clean, Sharon would kneel and call Eustass "Daddy"!
Sharon left.
Eustass closed and locked the door to avoid further interruptions.
"Install the last section, then help me lift the Acceleration Pipe."
Helen said.
Eustass locked the final pipe segment, secured the junction, slipped two fingers under the pipe and casually lifted it.
Helen slid supports underneath and started leveling.
"Perfectly level—good to go!"
Both donned anti-glare goggles; one finished aligning the pipe, the other booted the system software.
"Initializing Mobile Accelerator!"
Helen stood at the computer and hit the key.
"Roger that, wifey~"
Eustass gripped the valve wheel one-handed and began adjusting the angle.
The laser accelerated down the pipe.
A prism bent the beam, slicing the distant basketball hoop clean off; the steel frame crashed down.
Under Eustass's steady one-handed control the laser shifted onto the core.
They still couldn't fabricate a mini arc-reactor like Stark's, but Helen had her own way of storing the new energy element in a small container—only slightly bigger than Stark's, given it was student work… The core sparkled; Helen was ecstatic.
"I think we should look into nanotech next."
Helen said.
Eustass shot her a glance—the regeneration cradle had been Helen's brainchild.
Stark's nano armor had only been designed because of something she once said.
"You've got it."
Eustass nodded. "Me, I'm still a few billion brain-cells short."
Power cut; the core stabilized.
Eustass vaulted over the pipe, installed the core inside.
Then handed it to Helen.
Honestly, hijacking Stark's new element sounded simple; in reality it was insanely hard—the tech, theory, understanding, and hands-on skill were the real crux.
Left to himself, Eustass would've been helpless.
Helen's knowledge was the key.
Helen and Stark proved to future generations that knowledge truly is power!
"W-what do we do next?"
Helen trembled with excitement, hands shaking.
They'd traced clues Old Howard had left, but she had built the very first new-energy core—its significance was anything but ordinary.
She couldn't not be thrilled.
"File the patent, then partner with Stark Industries."
Eustass said.
"I—I mean, why not do it ourselves?"
Helen blurted, pacing excitedly.
"We can't protect the patent."
Eustass replied.
Helen calmed, reason returning.
Patents sounded nice, but conglomerates that wanted them had endless ways to squeeze the rights out of you.
In America, naivety was dangerous; the place was brutal.
"Then let's go meet the assistant at Stark Industries."
Helen clutched the core, eyes shining.
"Not assistant—she's CEO now."
Eustass showed her a news headline on his phone:
[Stark Industries' New CEO Virginia "Pepper" Potts Accompanies Former CEO Tony Stark to Monaco F1 Grand Prix…]
…Eustass and Helen rushed to their advisors, used connections and cash to fast-track the patent, booked flights, and sped to the airport.
Patenting first meant they'd never lack money again.
Jetting off fast kept the home-grown vultures at bay.
Outside the airport.
A sports car screeched sideways, blocking several black sedans headed for departures.
Sharon Carter raised a submachine gun at a sedan window:
"Out of the car, where d'you think you're going, baby~"
Back seat.
An FBI Agent reached for his weapon; a bullet whipped from a nearby rooftop and shredded a tire.
"Listen, you should get out. For that monthly paycheck, why risk your neck~"
Sharon laughed.
More sedans raced toward the airport.
A gunshot cracked.
Tires burst on those cars, one after another.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. teams slammed brakes, vehicles skidding.
Sharon watched the plane lift off and smiled.
"Sharon Carter, you and your partner report to HQ."
The voice of Nick "Motherf—" Fury crackled in her earpiece.
Sharon's smile froze; for the man she liked, she'd probably be answering to her superiors.
Chapter 29 – Two Students Hand-Craft a New Element, Ivan's Revenge! (Please add to your library!)
On the plane.
Eustass had Observation Haki fully active, scanning the aircraft for agents of any organization.
America represents a consortium of interests.
The instant he and Helen Cho filed patents for the new element—and for the crude reactor core—
"key players" backed by various financial groups ordered their departments to move in secret, aiming to snatch the pair.
A slightly well-off, unconnected Eustass and a penniless, unconnected Helen Cho.
Some people thought they could squeeze the two, "request" the patents, or make them "vanish" and then grab the tech.
That's America—ruthless.
Yet Eustass wasn't afraid of them; he feared a clash would expose him as the Joker, turning him into public enemy number one and dragging Helen down with him.
Inside every man of steel beats a tender heart that must never be broken.
"Monaco hasn't its own airport, so we'll fly into Europe, land first at Nice Côte d'Azur in France, then either hire a helicopter for a few hundred francs or grab a cab—or train—to Monaco."
Eustass laid out the plan; days earlier he'd handled every detail and exchanged the cash they'd need.
He wasn't a tycoon, but a spur-of-the-moment trip was still easy enough.
"A taxi?"
Helen, who'd never been to Europe, stared in confusion—taking a cab to another country?
"What's wrong with that?"
Having toured Europe many times, Eustass didn't grasp her doubt.
"Is it even possible? A cab to another nat—"
Helen looked up, pouting at him.
Eustass burst out laughing.
"It's only about fourteen kilometers."
He pecked her cheek and grinned.
"Ah…"
Only then did Helen realize how close European countries are.
"So if we ever drive around Europe, we might accidentally cross a border?"
"Pretty much."
Eustass nodded. Nice, France.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.
The departure lounge.
"Move! One target: Eustass Mola; the other: Helen Cho. Here are their photos—grab them!"
A suit barked into his phone. "These two belong in Hammer Industries; if they won't join, drag them back!"
Multiple American conglomerates had dispatched their European teams for the kidnapping.
The tycoons wanted golden geese, not lambs-turned-wolves edging in on their cake.
However shameless the method, it was standard tradition—business as usual.
Hammer Industries especially coveted Stark's tech for ages.
With the new element and crude reactor core, they could challenge Stark Industries' dominance… An American airliner touched down.
Hammer's men tensed, ready to abduct.
Eustass and Helen completed arrival formalities and headed out.
The hunters scoured the terminal, unaware their tracking was a joke next to his Observation Haki—NPCs versus a cheat-level player.
Outside the airport.
Eustass chartered a private helicopter and sped straight for Monaco.
Hammer's flies still buzzed around the terminal… The French pilot gushed that it was romantic to hire a chopper just to fly his girl to the Monaco Grand Prix.
Eustass and Helen exchanged a puzzled look—romantic? They were just in a hurry.
Soon they hovered above the Monaco F1 circuit.
"I'll drop you nearby, pal—good?"
"OK!"
Eustass agreed.
The helicopter passed the snaking track; below, the harbor bristled with luxury yachts.
Eustass eyed the yachts enviously—he'd love a boat of his own.
But for a start-up it was still a painful splurge.
He clung to the door, gazing longingly at the super-yachts.
Helen noticed, patted his hand:
"Once our company's on its feet, I'll buy you one for your birthday."
"You're the best, wife-to-be."
He kissed her.
"Whoa-whoa~"
The pilot beamed the universal "mother-in-law" grin.
When the couple parted, he snapped forward, whistling innocently.
The pilot found a good spot and landed.
As they climbed out he called:
"You're minutes from Monte Carlo—have a great trip and, uh, good luck making babies!"
They turned, stunned; the pilot gunned the chopper and fled.
Helen blushed, head down, avoiding Eustass's eyes.
Remembering business, they hurried toward the trackside hotel.
The F1 race hadn't started yet.
In the hotel, tycoons clinked glasses and networked.
A short while later.
With university friends' help, Eustass had pre-bought tickets; he led Helen inside just as Stark arrived.
Eustass pulled out their suitcase and ducked into a restroom to suit up in gear Helen had built.
High-tech battle wear—he found it hilarious.
How had the case cleared customs?
A Thread Clone had carried it into the cargo hold… Helen never pried into her boyfriend's affairs.
Even after marriage, she'd give him plenty of personal space.
Over-control kills relationships.
The race track.
Stark cheerfully commandeered an F1 car; the driver hurled his helmet down and stalked off.
The live feed swapped "DEFILIPO" for "Stark" in fifth place.
Hotel restroom.
Suited up beneath his clothes, Eustass stepped out in time to see third-rate arms-dealer Hammer being interviewed by Stark's old flame.
Nearby, Mr. Musk sipped a drink, gaping at the screen.
He glanced at Eustass, did a double-take, then checked his phone.
"Oh my—this World's insane: two students hand-craft a new element!"
Musk was stunned—America was about to have a blockbuster show.
Moments later.
An orange-clad crew member breached protocol, strode onto the track, tore open his overalls to reveal a miniature arc reactor in his chest.
Whiplash stood on the asphalt, long hair whipping in the wind, head cocked, eyes fierce.
The devices in his hands extended into energy whips; the core powered up, searing the wiring stitched inside his suit.
"Crackle-crackle!"
Lightning danced along the whips. A red No. 6 car screamed toward him; the driver stared in horror. Before he could react, Whiplash lashed out—one strike.
The nose exploded; the car flipped, sparks spraying.
The chassis split, rolled, and showered sparks as the crowd screamed.
Chapter 30 – Stark: Since when are Arc Reactor Cores everywhere? (Subscribe please!)
The Blue Race Car sped forward. Stark stared at Whiplash ahead, his face paling in shock.
Ivan Vanko whipped his electrified lash down at the blue car, cleaving the entire hood in two.
Like the previous racer, the blue car tumbled away, slammed into Red No. 6, and flipped into the distance.
Inside the cockpit, Stark tore off his helmet.
Upside-down, he watched Ivan Vanko stride toward him, whips in hand. Panic surged as Stark frantically fought the safety harness, kicking a leg free.
Stark tumbled to the ground—thank heavens, his legs were still attached.
Anyone would've been terrified by that lash, but he had to think of a silent escape—fast.
Another racer screamed in; the driver slammed the brakes to avoid hitting him.
Two cars behind couldn't react. Startled by the sudden swerve, they smashed into each other—chain explosions rocked the track, flames roaring skyward.
Officials were contacting the Special Forces… Happy was driving Pepper, a suitcase-armor in tow, to rescue Stark.
Without Stark's authorization, no one could use his armor!
Ivan split Stark's car again. Stark crept up behind with a steel plate and—BONK—clanged it off Ivan's head.
Ivan's whip sent the plate flying, then lashed the fallen Stark again and again.
Crack!
Crack!
Crack!
The little electric whip cracked sharp and whistled through the air.
Crack!
Stark yelped, legs splayed, hands on the asphalt, torso flung back.
His crown jewels had almost become history.
Ivan spun and struck; Stark leapt, but the whip clipped his shoe. Off-balance, he face-planted into the overturned roof.
Ivan kept swinging, lashing at Stark.
His head rang from the Impact, yet his mind stayed sharp. He sprang, rolled, came up running.
At the same instant Ivan's whip cracked onto the fuel-soaked tarmac.
BOOM!
The blast hurled Ivan back two steps; the car became a fireball with Stark shielding behind it.
Before Ivan could look cool, Happy arrived, ramming him into the safety fence.
Stark was already atop the mesh.
He glanced at the dazed Ivan and jumped down.
Pepper, faced with the danger, reacted like any normal person would.
Screaming—"Are you insane? Ahhh!"
From the back seat she fought to steady her racing heart, yelling at Stark in fury.
She was scared out of her wits!
Suddenly Ivan revived, one whip shearing the door off, the next slicing the sedan in half.
Brutal and silent.
"Oh my God! Ahhh!"
Pepper clutched the suitcase armor, shrieking nonstop.
"Hurry—come on!"
Stark shouted, reaching for the armor.
Stop screaming or he'd be dead…
A white Impact blast shot in, slamming Ivan aside and flinging him away.
Stark stared, stunned.
A tall man in a Monkey King Mask strode forward, shirt off, revealing wiring rig like Ivan Vanko's.
Only the power core in his chest was bulkier, cruder.
Twin output units in his palms converted core energy into Impact blasts. Just as Ivan stood, a pinpoint blast flipped him again.
Stark, grateful yet stunned—since when were Arc Reactor Cores so common?—planted a foot on the case, yanked the warped armor to his chest; with a metallic clang the Iron Man suit enclosed him.
He side-kicked the sedan, pushing Pepper clear of the fight.
There was someone he could never allow to be hurt.
He spun, palm-cannon aimed—only for a blazing white whip to cleave down atop the Mark V helmet.
Zzzzt!
Inside the armor
Stark's HUD flickered and jittered.
The next instant
another Impact blast roared in, blasting Whiplash away.
Agh!"
Howling, Whiplash rose, cracking his whip at the mystery giant—
and missed, Impact-smashed once more.
With Observation Haki, Eustass sensed every micro-movement, predicting Whiplash's next strike, while Whiplash couldn't tell where the next blast would come from.
Whiplash's head slammed into a wreck; ignoring pain, he lashed at Eustass.
"Watch out—move!"
Stark yelled, rushing in. Eustass sidestepped the whip and fired point-blank.
The Mark V ducked; Stark marveled at the man's speed.
Eustass blasted Whiplash into the air, then darted in, fist crashing into the downed villain's head.
One punch dazed him; with the next he tore the reactor core free.
Special Forces swarmed in, pinning Ivan Vanko.
Ivan, hating the interloper, tried to spit blood—
Eustass punched him out cold.
"Mr. Stark, your tech isn't one-of-a-kind anymore."
Eustass twirled the core, grinning.
"You've built one too?"
Stark's face darkened.
He'd thought his case unique.
"Yep. My wife and I are every bit the geniuses you are."
Eustass boasted shamelessly—though the real brilliance was Zhao Helen's.
He'd handed her the Iron Monger core to study; she'd quietly crafted her own, borrowing its design and adding her twists.
It was still in its infancy, nowhere near Stark's refined iterations.
"I'll sue you for infringement, you little copycat."
Stark had recognized the kid's voice from the Expo—
which college, what name—he didn't memorize men's names.
"Then keep playing with Palladium. We've got a safer, better element—shame."
Eustass smiled and turned to leave.
"Hey hey hey—hold up, kid. How do we cooperate?"
Stark spread his hands in surrender.
Eustass tossed Ivan's core to him. "We'll talk details later."
"Damn—I actually caved. The new wave shoves the old onto the beach."
Stark mangled the Chinese idiom Jarvis had just fetched, muttering in complaint.