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For the first time… the very first time.
Stark Tower.
Tony was still puzzled. Why did the video play normally before, and then suddenly the screen went black?
However…
Because this video's timeline takes place before the Battle of New York, he figured Ivan Vanko's problem could also be resolved.
What he was most interested in now was the next famous scene about to play.
What is "The Rebel Son, Mark XLII"?!
Why on earth did I make a suit of Iron armor for no reason?
Instead of making armor that protects me…
I made a rebellious suit!??
Could this be the legendary Anti-Tony armor!?
Tony chuckled to himself.
His own absurd thought made him laugh.
This shouldn't be happening.
I believe in my abilities!
The screen should display another title soon.
But… come to think of it…
Have I already made suit number 42?
During the Battle of New York, I only had suits 6 or 7.
Time really flies.
I've made over thirty suits in such a short period, huh?
The Battle of New York must have had a huge impact on me.
At that moment, the screen lit up.
The video continued.
[In the laboratory.]
[Tony recalled the moment during the Battle of New York when he jumped from the building and summoned Mark VII.]
"You need to wear the corresponding bracelets on both hands. Then go through scanning, identification, and other procedures, and finally, Mark VII will assemble onto you."
[Although he eventually got into Mark VII, there was hardly enough time.]
[Later, fully suited and controlling Mark VII in flight, he hovered only three or four meters above the ground.]
People below would get singed by the suit's thrusters.
To better control the armor's assembly, Tony implanted a miniature sensor on his arm.
[Basically, he just needed to wave his hands.]
[The suit could be summoned at will.]
J.A.R.V.I.S. spoke up.
J.A.R.V.I.S.: "Sir, I must remind you, you haven't slept for three days straight."
Tony ignored him.
[He clapped his hands and looked at the display cabinet filled with suits. Clearly, there were many more.]
[Tony: "My little buddies, I am delighted to announce that you're about to meet a lively, energetic little brother.
Now, Mark XLII, the prodigal son of this armor line, begins testing!
J.A.R.V.I.S., play some music!"**]
Music started. Tony swayed to the rhythm, becoming playful.
[When the music reached its climax, Tony thought the moment was right and waved at Mark XLII, whose parts were still scattered.]
[Mark XLII didn't respond.]
Tony waved again, still nothing.
He frowned, muttered something, and tapped the hand that had the micro-sensor implanted.
(Bang! Bang! Bang!)
Tony assumed everything should be fine and waved again.
[Finally, Mark XLII reacted.]
The parts from his left arm flew rapidly to Tony's hand.
Tony waved his right hand.
The right arm parts also smoothly attached to him.
Tony smiled confidently.
[Tony: "Alright, looks like we're almost done, let's go!"**]
[At that moment…]
[The right leg of Mark XLII rotated in the air and connected to Tony's right leg from behind.]
"Oh, unexpected, huh? Not bad."
Tony agreed.
[Suddenly…]
More and more parts flew into the air, scattering like bullets throughout the lab.
[Luckily, Tony's left arm was already connected to the suit, or else all the parts would have flown everywhere; he couldn't handle them all at once.]
Tony hesitated: "Maybe a bit fast… slow down, just… slow… a little slower…"
(Before he could finish speaking…)
A piece shot straight at Tony's head.
He ducked just in time.
[He had barely stood up and was about to shout "Stop!"]
[Mark XLII's crotch slammed into Tony's groin.]
[Tony doubled over in pain and took a few steps back.]
Stark Tower.
Watching this, Tony could only feel a dull ache in his lower region.
Ouch~~~
Looks painful!
He truly deserved the title "Rebellious Son, Mark XLII"!
Why is it flying everywhere?!
Asgard.
Thor saw the suit rushing straight at young Tony.
His face twitched involuntarily.
Even as a god of Norse mythology, hitting someone exactly in the center is really difficult.
[Tony inhaled sharply in pain.]
[Before he could react, a part moved behind him, and with a dull thud, Tony was thrown forward.]
[Luckily, Tony activated the thrusters midair to maintain balance.]
[Tony: "Hehe, could you be gentler with me?"**]
It seemed like the suit "heard" him. Once Tony landed safely, the remaining parts assembled smoothly.
[Finally…]
Only the helmet remained.
Tony stared at the fierce-looking mask but wasn't afraid.
[Tony: "Don't do that, I'm not scared of you!"**]
As if responding, the helmet shot toward Tony, slammed into the center of the table, and flipped over.
Tony performed a graceful flip.
[Helmet on, landed stylishly!]
[Tony: "I'm the best!"**]
But before he could even enjoy it for two seconds…
[The last piece of the armor hit him from behind.]
Tony didn't react.
He was knocked over.
The armor fell to the floor.
[Tony lay on the ground, looking disheveled.]
At that moment…
J.A.R.V.I.S. spoke just in time.
J.A.R.V.I.S.: "Sir, it seems you are enjoying your work as much as ever."
Stark Tower.
Tony's expression was complicated.
This was Mark XLII standard.
Why did each generation get worse?
It shouldn't be like this.
A high-quality, AI-assisted suit…
Why does it now feel like a self-inflicted handicap?!
By the way…
When has J.A.R.V.I.S. ever been this personable?
Even sarcastic.
I wonder…
If I built a robot just for J.A.R.V.I.S. and injected his consciousness into it,
What would it be like?
Would it argue with me every day?
Tony couldn't help but imagine that scene.