[Check-in successful, obtained Eye of Wisdom]
Curious, Jack sneaked into the bathroom to test it out.
He watched as his eyes became as sharp and "sagacious" as a Husky's, brimming with the light of wisdom.
Surprisingly, he really did feel his mind clearing; his head felt light and comfortable.
System: What worries could a fool have? Of course your mind is clear.
After arriving in Moscow, Jack went to the bank and withdrew 50,000 dollars' worth of Rubles, packing them into a large suitcase.
"This is from Betty, but don't get too excited—it's still coming from your bank account. Later, buy a train ticket to Vladivostok, get off midway at Kazan, and finally take a taxi to Yekaterinburg.
And don't forget to mail the mask I gave you back. Got it?"
Banner shook Jack's hand gratefully. "Thank you. If your kids ever want to do scientific research, come to me. I have seven PhDs—anything science-related, I can teach."
Jack smiled mysteriously. "It's fine. We'll meet again soon. Remember to let the big guy come out for a walk more often, and stock up some food for him."
Banner was puzzled, but before he could ask, Jack had already leaped over a dozen meters and landed into the taxi Wanda had hailed.
Banner blinked, unsure if his eyes were playing tricks—did Jack just… trip?
"…Dear, walk slower next time. That fall must have hurt, right? Where are we going to play?" Wanda clung to Jack's arm, acting spoiled. "I remember my father said Russia used to be Red too, but it looks like it failed."
"Indeed, Russia inherited part of the Soviet Union's will," Jack sighed. "But we can't stay long. Otherwise, those two in the Underground Room might starve. Last time I checked, their mental states looked fragile. A few more days without food, and they probably wouldn't survive until we return."
Wanda didn't want to talk about it. She leaned against Jack and, ignoring the red-eyed driver, started making out…
Four days later, back in New York, Jack went straight to the Underground Room. Upon opening the door, he was immediately hit by a stench.
"Ugh! I forgot a gas mask. Wanda, don't go down there—the air's filthy."
Jack donned a gas mask and stepped inside. Seeing the small bucket already composted, he had no choice but to drag up the two men who were too weak to move.
He connected the water hose in the yard, cleaned and hydrated them, then brought out some bread.
Both wolfed down three small buns. They wanted more, but that was all he had. Still, at least their stomachs stopped screaming in hunger.
Ethan lay on the grass, soaking in the sunlight. "Tony, why don't you just admit you were wrong? I don't want to starve anymore."
Tony staggered toward Wanda. "I know I'm responsible. I'll find out why the weapons leaked. If you can't forgive me, you can keep me locked up—but please, let Ethan go. He's innocent, a good man."
Wanda turned her red eyes away.
Jack kissed her forehead lightly. "Baby, we have to face this. Avoiding it isn't a solution, and keeping him locked up forever won't help."
"That's right," Ethan said weakly, standing as best he could. "As I said before, you can't blame the one who makes the blade. A blade can protect people too. You can't blame all the blades just because one killed someone. And…"
Ethan paused, taking a breath. "Don't treat me like this when I've done nothing against you."
Tony interrupted. "Ethan, enough. I'll shut down the Weapons Manufacturing Division and find other ways to maintain world peace."
By now, Tony already had the Mark II's blueprints fully in mind.
Jack suggested, "Wanda, maybe try reading his thoughts. Perhaps he's telling the truth."
Wanda looked hesitant. "I can't fully control my energy. If I damage his brain… turn him into an idiot… that wouldn't be fair."
Tony: !-(›ʘ̆mouthʘ̥̆‹)-!
Jack whispered, "It's fine. Just try very lightly."
Tony swallowed, still fearful, but if it meant getting out and avenging his parents, he allowed it.
"Go ahead… if you can."
Wanda's red energy gathered in her hand and touched Tony's head. Seconds later, she removed it.
(◣mouth◢ꐦ)
"Pah. Disgusting."
She then gave Tony two vicious kicks.
Jack froze. What the hell? Is this Tony different in this world? Did he wrong Wanda? Did he really sell the arms?
Jack asked weakly, "Wife… what should we do with them? Bury them? Dismember and dissolve?"
Tony: (థbeneficialథ)σ "Little girl, don't talk nonsense! I didn't know about the arms!"
Ethan: (థmouthథ✽) "Tony, are you lying? Did you hurt her? Did you really do this?"
Wanda glared at Tony. "He's thinking about those twin cover models he missed before coming here!"
Jack's forehead was black with stress (￢～￢|||). "Still upset? Why not just pluck his 'lychees'?"
Tony: (๑꒦ິmouth꒦ີ)つ "No!"
In the end, Wanda vented her anger on Tony. Ethan, unlucky, was even struck by a bat Wanda didn't grip properly, almost leaving a hole like Tony's…
Jack drove directly to Stark Tower.
Inside Tony's private lounge, Tony and Ethan were eating fruits and desserts. Tony finally got his favorite cheeseburger.
"Oh, I've craved this for so long."
Ethan pushed a cheeseburger toward Jack.
Jack waved him off. "Give it to that cheeseburger enthusiast. He needs it more."
Tony devoured it without ceremony.
"You have no idea. I've been dying for this. All ten days, I wondered what Ethan's cheeseburger tasted like."
Jack quipped, "You didn't try one that passed through Ethan's intestines that night, did you?"
Tony and Ethan froze mid-bite. They spat it out, losing all appetite.
"Better to eat moderately. Starve, then binge, and your stomach won't cope," Jack said with a grin, slicing some fruit.
Tony ignored him. "Better stuffed than starving to death."
Ethan, curious about Wanda, asked, "Where's she gone? Didn't she come up?"
Jack pointed downstairs. "See that storefront without a billboard? That's my agency. Wanda's resting there. She won't kill you anymore, but she doesn't want to see you either."
The door opened. Pepper Potts entered.
She ran to Tony's side. Seeing his bruised, swollen face, her eyes turned red.
Jack interrupted. "Save the emotions for later. Prepare 100 million USD for the rescue fee, 900 million for ransom."
Jack didn't like money, but he needed it now. When the world learns he doesn't eat beef, even the portraits on US dollars would have to be changed.
Pepper gasped. "One billion?!"
"Pepper, give it to him. This is what I owe her."
Pepper caught the keyword. "Her?"
"Stay calm. There's a long story. For now, help me organize a press conference. I have something important to announce."
Tony successfully steered the situation back on track.
"No, Tony, you need a doctor. You're in terrible shape."
"I'm fine. Smelling your fragrance, I feel wonderful. Go, prepare the conference."
Pepper hesitated but was stopped. Jack insisted.
An hour later, downstairs, the press conference was ready. Tony changed clothes and walked down slowly.
Jack and Ethan watched from a distance.
Reporters were eager but restrained; some troublemakers had already been removed.
Tony reached the center of the podium, paused, then sat.
"Sit down, everyone. This way I can see you, you can see me. No need for formality."
The reporters crouched, except one: Eddie Brock.
Seeing this, Eddie wondered if he should stand.
Tony pointed. "Stay seated. You're fine. Casual. You're pretty good—extra question later."
Eddie happily raised his camera in thanks. "Thank you very much."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to [Deadaimbro]for joining my Patreon page!🎉Your support means the world to me. 🙏
You can visit my Patreon page:
Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel
I upload 2 chapters daily on Patreon!
There are 30+ advanced chapters available for you to read.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.