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*****
"Oh!? Then why don't you show me?"
Tony looked on with an air of "wait and see," though his eyes were secretly and meticulously observing Fini's every move.
"I have a feeling your chair is about to break, and it's going to make you fall flat on your face!"
The words had just left his mouth when the front leg of the plastic chair Tony was sitting on suddenly snapped. Caught off guard, Tony's body pitched forward. Just as it looked like he was going to take a nasty spill, the repulsor system in his palms suddenly activated, helping him stabilize himself.
Watching from the side, Fini couldn't help but feel it was a pity. With Tony's natural reflexes, he definitely wouldn't have been fast enough; it was absolutely the AI Jarvis who had adjusted his body, otherwise, he definitely would have fallen.
Tony, now standing firmly, had deep surprise flashing in his eyes. He glanced at the broken chair behind him and said stubbornly, "How did you do that?"
"Jarvis, frame-by-frame analysis. What subtle movements did he just make?"
A few seconds later.
"Sir, Mr. Fini was simply talking to you. He did not perform any highly abnormal actions."
"Impossible!"
Looking at the grinning Fini, Tony paused, finally saying with a forced expression, "Fine, I admit you sorcerers have a few tricks, but they're just gadgets."
Fini didn't mind. Looking at the standing Tony, he thought for a moment and asked anyway, "The armor is a success. What are your plans now?"
Tony didn't answer. Instead, he pulled over another stool and continued, "First, tell me more about your Mystic Arts sorcerers."
"How many of you are there? Is it a special organization? Are you registered with the government?"
"I don't know the exact number, but not many. I guess you could call it a special organization. Registered with the government!? Probably not."
Fini felt these weren't particularly important questions and answered based on what he knew.
"Then what is your organization's goal? Ruling the world from the shadows?" Tony continued his 'interrogation.'
"Pah, quite the opposite. Our purpose for existing is to protect the world." Fini shot Tony a glare and then explained, "Earth is actually very dangerous. Dangers on the scientific side are protected by scientific people—like the military, Captain America, or you, and maybe some genetic mutants in the future."
"But dangers on the mystical side are protected by us. If it weren't for my master, the Earth would have ended a long time ago."
"Dangers on the mystical side?" Tony stared at the wine glass in Fini's hand, his gaze questioning.
"Like recovering dangerous magical artifacts from across the globe, or stopping some dimensional ruler who wants to devour the Earth."
"Dimensional ruler!?"
Magical artifacts Tony could understand, but he didn't quite grasp the concept of a dimensional ruler.
"Ugh, it's hard to explain." Fini scratched his head in frustration. After a thought, he said, "Anyway, they're incredibly powerful existences that transcend ordinary levels of life. You just need to know that if one of them arrives, a few nukes won't do a damn thing."
Hearing this, Tony fell silent. Taking the attitude that it's better to believe it than not, he chose to believe Fini—that such enemies truly existed.
In some ways, Tony's personality was like Fini's: he didn't like pinning his hopes on others. If the enemies were truly as described, he realized the iron armor he had built seemed useless; at the very least, he currently couldn't survive a nuclear blast.
He had thought he was becoming a max-level boss who could protect the Earth, but who knew the enemies were that strong? By comparison, the Iron Man suit was just starter gear.
Noticing Tony's expression, Fini worried about scaring him and quickly offered comfort. "But don't worry. With us sorcerers around, that guy can't come to Earth. Plus, my master is here!"
"And what happens if your master isn't here anymore?" Tony retorted. Right now, he trusted almost no one except himself.
"That's why I told you before—she knows time magic. She can see the future. She'll arrange everything before she's gone."
To be honest, Fini truly trusted the Ancient One. He didn't even want her to step down. Doctor Strange's "bargaining" was clearly not as reassuring as the Ancient One's presence. If possible, he definitely wanted to prevent the Ancient One from seeking death.
Tony opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. He felt Fini's ideas were a bit fantastical and that he trusted his master too much.
"Alright, I've told you what needs to be told. What about your plans?" Fini looked at Tony curiously.
He could see Tony's distrust, but what did it matter? If Tony actually managed to build an 'Anti-Dormammu Armor,' Fini would be the first to celebrate.
However, given that Tony's future 'Hulkbuster' track record was hit-or-miss, the hope for an 'Anti-Dormammu' suit wasn't very high.
"My plans..."
There was a hint of confusion in Tony's eyes. Although the iron armor was his hope and goal for correcting his past mistakes, he really hadn't decided what to do now that it was built.
Seeing the conflicted Tony, Fini decided to give him a reminder.
"You could go fight terrorists. Like the ones who took that doctor who treated you..."
"You know Yinsen!?" Before Fini could finish, Tony stood up abruptly, interrupting him. His faceplate snapped shut, and the repulsor in his hand pointed directly at Fini. "Are you in league with them!?"
"Is there water in your brain?"
Seeing Tony's move, Fini responded with a dissatisfied frown. He stood up as well and said, "Yes, I know about Yinsen. I even know the people who kidnapped you. I actually know a lot of things. Does that prove I'm in league with them?"
In fact, Tony realized immediately after speaking that he had been a bit too emotional. If Fini were truly one of the terrorists, he wouldn't have been able to escape in the first place.
But Yinsen was one of the most important people in his life, and he had sacrificed himself right in front of him just a few months ago. Tony had never told anyone about this, which was why he reacted so violently when he heard Fini mention it.
But at this time, Tony wasn't the type of person to humble himself and apologize. He simply lowered his arm and the repulsor, pressing on: "How do you know about him?"
"None of your business!"
Fini said irritably. No one would be happy about suddenly having a repulsor pointed at them; that thing was more powerful than a gun. If it actually hit him while he wasn't equipped with Incursio, it was hard to say if he'd survive.
It was out of trust for Tony that he had de-equipped Incursio earlier; after all, unlike the iron suit which ran on energy, maintaining the armor constantly drained his physical stamina.
Tony's actions just now had undoubtedly betrayed that trust, and Fini's good mood vanished instantly.
"Tony Stark, remember this: everyone has their own life trajectory. Not everyone likes having their life interfered with. Also, no one is obligated to help you."
Having said his piece, the moody Fini didn't wait for Tony to reply. He whispered the word for a portal, opened it, and went home.
He left Tony standing alone in the villa. Tony didn't speak for a long time. Only much later did he slowly say, "Jarvis, I need to find somewhere to have a drink to clear my head. Any recommendations?"
"Sir, your third annual Benefit for the Fireman's Family Fund is currently being held at the Disney Concert Hall. Ms. Potts is also there."
"Alright. Get things ready, I'm going out!"
"By the way, Sir, you were not invited to this party!"
Hearing this, Tony's mood worsened. When did a party he founded stop inviting the host? If he couldn't bully a sorcerer, could he at least go show off in front of some ordinary people!?
It's... Friday already!
(End of Chapter)