"Adamantium? Vibranium?" Tony Stark narrowed his eyes and immediately ordered, "Project the data onto the table!"
J.A.R.V.I.S. instantly displayed the appearance and information of the two metals. These materials were completely absent from the public market and could only be obtained through the black market.
That's because the government strictly forbids private trade of these metals.
They are considered extremely precious—so much so that their value is calculated in grams. Even adding a single gram can significantly increase the hardness of the base metal.
"This Adamantium has no stable source," Tony Stark said flatly, eliminating it from consideration right away.
Though currently cash-poor, Tony Stark still had access to wealth through technology and influence. To him, price wasn't the issue—availability was. If it couldn't be bought, no amount of talking would change that.
"This Vibranium... I've definitely heard of it before!" Tony smacked his forehead, a spark of memory igniting. "That's it! My dad had records of this Vibranium. Didn't he use it to forge Captain America's shield?"
"Correct, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. confirmed. "The information is stored on the data drive left by your father."
"I knew it. That's why this Vibranium looked so familiar!"
Tony immediately began rummaging through the relics Nick Fury had returned to him—his father Howard Stark's personal effects. He eventually pulled out a half-finished Captain America shield. Holding it, he could almost see his father at work, forging it.
"Looks like it's time to finish what Dad started. After all, even that old antique Captain America will be coming back soon. I figure he might need this kind of shield."
Though Tony referred to Captain America as an "antique" with a touch of sarcasm, in his heart—like many Americans—he held deep reverence for the man. A war hero, a symbol, nearly a myth.
Especially in this era of escalating crises and emerging supervillains, Tony knew he'd need strong allies.
And there was no equipment more iconic than Captain America's shield.
"What Dad didn't finish... I'll finish."
Tony set the shield down with purpose, then addressed J.A.R.V.I.S.:
"Scan this semi-finished Vibranium shield. I'll run experiments on it later. Record all data, compare it with the black market info, make the necessary corrections, and get in touch with the Vibranium suppliers. I want all the Vibranium they've got. Every last bit!"
He knew such a demand would drive prices through the roof—but he didn't care. Money was just a number. As long as he held the trump card of clean energy technology, he had access to as much capital as he needed.
What he lacked was Vibranium—a lot of it.
The black market labeled it a "sound-absorbing metal." Reports claimed that no matter how much force was exerted on it, the energy would simply dissolve into shockwaves.
What a coincidence.
This was the ideal material for his anti-Thor armor.
Tony had observed Thor wielding Mjolnir—a weapon capable of discharging not just immense energy but terrifying kinetic force.
Just by visual estimation, Mjolnir's blows could easily annihilate his Mark II armor. Even something as massive and durable as the Iron Monger wouldn't last long under that kind of punishment.
He had to be prepared.
And not just for Thor. Another threat loomed even larger—Rowan.
That monster had destroyed the Iron Monger with a single punch. The memory of it was seared into Tony's brain. It haunted him.
According to Rowan's own journal, there was another powerhouse—someone reportedly equal to or even stronger than Thor.
Tony was inclined to believe it. When preparing for battle, it never hurt to overestimate your enemies.
"In addition," Tony continued, "create two new files: one for the Anti-Hulk armor, and one for the Anti-Superman armor."
"As you wish," said J.A.R.V.I.S. "Both files have been created."
"Also, start compiling any available data on those two individuals from online sources. Add it all to their respective files. I want real-time updates on their capabilities."
"Understood, sir."
"And remind me to create a materials-preparation file for building armor that can operate in outer space. I want my suit to function just as smoothly out there as it does on Earth."
Tony continued, "The armor must be able to handle extreme environments—extreme cold, heat, radiation, whatever. Begin research into compact oxygen generation systems as well. I want the suit to be capable of entering and exiting planetary atmospheres on its own."
He'd just watched the battle between Thor and Loki.
He didn't know where Asgard was—another planet, another dimension—but it clearly wasn't Earth.
For ordinary humans, surviving in such a place would be impossible. So he had to consider combat scenarios beyond the planet.
Compared to the infinite harshness of the cosmos, Earth was a warm cradle.
"Start gathering the latest cosmological research and data," Tony instructed after a moment's thought. "Sort through it, extract the key insights—I don't have time to read through thousands of papers."
"Yes, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. replied.
"Oh, one more thing. Create a new project file," Tony added suddenly. "Call it: Quantum Communication Research."
He explained, "For deep-space communication, traditional electromagnetic waves won't cut it. The speed of light just isn't fast enough. The only feasible method for real-time, long-distance contact is quantum communication—based on entangled state transfer."
Loki's remote control over the Destroyer had sparked more than concern—it had sparked envy.
Tony Stark wanted that capability too.
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