NOVEL NEXT Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Collaboration with Iron Man
The next morning.
The X-Jet appeared invisibly above Iron Man's mansion.
George unfolded his wings, carrying Wolverine as they avoided the mansion's security and descended directly onto the balcony. Using an unlocking spell, they entered the mansion's living room.
At that moment, Tony Stark, who was sound asleep, was suddenly awakened by Jarvis's alarm.
"Sir, there are intruders in the living room. Should I notify security to remove them?"
"No need, I'll handle this myself… Wait—George?"
Awakened by the alarm, Tony quickly got up, ready to test his newly assembled suit. However, when he checked the footage, he was surprised to see his former savior standing there.
He got dressed, instructed Jarvis to prepare a cup of coffee, and then headed to the living room.
"The incredible magician—what a surprise to see you again, especially in my living room."
"I know who hired those terrorists to attack you."
George skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.
Tony's expression immediately turned serious: "Who?"
"Obadiah Stane!"
George's blunt response made Tony's pupils shrink.
"How can you be certain it's him?"
"Because I'm a mutant with telepathic abilities. I've previously used my powers on Obadiah Stane."
George replied in a calm tone.
Tony smirked: "I suspected you were a mutant. I thought there were no mutants left in this world, but it seems I was mistaken."
At Tony's level, the government's attempts to hide such truths were ineffective. While he hadn't paid much attention to mutants before, he had a basic understanding of their existence.
After witnessing George's abilities during their last encounter, Tony had been suspicious. Following that, he had done some research and learned a great deal about mutant history.
"And this guy—if I'm not mistaken, he's the famous Wolverine. So, are your claws really like a cat's?"
Turning to Wolverine, who was smoking a cigar and casually sipping Tony's expensive liquor, Tony joked.
Wolverine didn't respond verbally. Instead, he raised his right hand, quickly extended his three claws, then slowly retracted two of them, leaving only the middle one—effectively flipping Tony off.
"Alright, no more drinks for you next time."
Turning back to George, Tony said: "Let's hear it. You came all this way to deliver such vital information. What's the catch?"
From his brief interaction with George, Tony had gathered that he wasn't the type to help others without reason. Adding to that, Tony had recently discovered George might have ties to the Lyon family.
"You don't doubt the truth of my information?" George asked, slightly surprised.
He didn't expect Tony to trust him so easily after meeting him only once.
Tony sank into his couch and replied: "First, you saved my life. Whether it was for money or not, I doubt you'd go out of your way to deceive me.
Second, with your abilities, you could've leveraged me for greater benefits back then. Instead, you simply made a small profit from the stock market.
Lastly, I already suspected Obadiah might be involved. If I were gone, the company would be his. And those missiles sold to terrorists—who else could authorize that but him?"
Back in the cave, Tony had doubted Obadiah's intentions but hesitated to accept the truth due to their years of friendship. However, during last night's gala, Tony overheard that Obadiah had joined forces with the board to strip him of his position. That confirmed his suspicions.
"You're sharp," George acknowledged.
George wasn't surprised by Tony's response. He didn't consider Tony Stark a fool. If not for his foreknowledge of events, George wouldn't have the upper hand.
"I do need your cooperation on a matter, and I also need you to make something for me."
"Making something is fine. As for cooperation, you'll have to tell me the details first."
George had saved Tony's life, even if it was partially for money. Tony felt grateful and was willing to help as long as it didn't violate his principles.
"No problem. Here, take a look at this."
George handed Tony a USB drive. Tony plugged it into the living room's projector.
Soon, a video began playing on the wall, showing evidence Gabriela had secretly recorded in the Mexican lab, exposing the inhumane experiments conducted there.
After watching, Tony's expression darkened. He was appalled that such a cruel lab existed, forcing women to give birth to mutant children and raising those children to be killing machines.
"Tony, to be honest, I was also one of the lab's experiments—originally designated as Subject 757. My genes are fused with those of multiple mutants.
I escaped the lab with other children and sought Logan's help to reach New York. But Alkali Transigen has relentlessly hunted us down ever since.
That's why I want to work with you to destroy Alkali Transigen and stop them from conducting such horrific experiments on innocent children."
George skillfully mixed truth with lies, focusing on Alkali Transigen's atrocities while omitting details about the mutant school or Professor X.
Sure enough, with video evidence and George's account, Tony had no doubts. He slammed his hand on the table and declared: "I'll help you destroy Alkali Transigen!"
'Done,' George thought, smiling as Tony gave his affirmative answer.
Knowing Tony Stark's character, George was confident Tony wouldn't stand by after learning about Alkali Transigen's actions, even without his persuasion.
"By the way, I need you to make something for me before we act."
George described his requirements for a wand-like object.
"Can you make it?"
"A metal rod that can channel a unique energy? Not too difficult, but I'll need to test the energy first to design it properly."
Tony pondered for a moment before replying.
George nodded and handed Tony a marble infused with his magical energy.
"It's this type of energy."
"Alright, follow me."
Tony took the marble and led George and Wolverine to his basement.
After some testing, Tony announced: "It's doable. Based on my calculations, combining these materials into a special alloy should meet your requirements."