Chapter 92: Mark 40

[Third Person's PoV] 

After Mei went home, Tony decided to call it a night. He yawned, feeling the weight of the late hour.

"Melissa, you coming or what?" he called out.

"Not tonight, unfortunately," she replied, her tone teasing, though her eyes were focused intently on her work.

Tony froze, just staring at her. "Ah... alright, but don't stay up too late. We still have the internship tomorrow."

"Uh-huh..." Melissa murmured, barely paying attention.

Tony smiled, shaking his head. He knew exactly what it was like to be that absorbed in something. With that, he headed to his room, collapsed onto the bed, and was soon fast asleep.

As he slept, Melissa glanced toward the lab's exit and whispered, "So, Jarvis, is he asleep?"

"Like a baby, Madame," Jarvis confirmed.

"Good," Melissa nodded, then began darting around the lab. "Although I said this was mainly my idea, it's something I came up with while reviewing some of Tony's files... particularly something called the Pym Particles."

"Hey, Friday, do you know why Tony doesn't use it? I mean, his research is complete, isn't it?"

"It's the potential and the consequences that worry the boss," Friday explained. "He mentioned that the quantum realm is a place of undiscovered possibilities, where the tiniest mistake can get one killed—or worse, trapped in the quantum realm forever. The boss wanted to be sure he was strong enough to face any danger the quantum realm might pose before using it."

"I see... Well, what I'm doing is a bit different. I've already done the research and ran it by Jarvis. Everything will go as planned... I hope," Melissa muttered nervously, then steeled her resolve. "Jarvis, initiate the prototype schematics," she commanded, her fingers dancing over the console.

"Right away, Madame," Jarvis responded as the holographic display materialized before her.

Melissa's eyes narrowed with determination. "Friday, bring up the Pym Particles research. I want to cross-reference it with the new nanotech formula that's been developed."

A series of equations, blueprints, and quantum data appeared, hovering in the air. She analyzed them, making quick adjustments and modifications. The combination of Tony's research and her innovations would push the boundaries of what their suits could do.

As she worked, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of nervousness. She knew the risks. What she was about to do was uncharted territory, even for them. But the potential was too great to ignore.

"Jarvis, what are the odds this could go horribly wrong?" Melissa asked, half-joking but with a hint of genuine concern.

"Based on the current data and simulations, the risk is minimal. However, the unpredictability of the quantum realm adds an element of uncertainty," Jarvis replied.

"Perfect," Melissa muttered with a small smile, more to herself than to the AI. Uncertainty was something she'd grown accustomed to. After all, innovation always came with risks.

She continued working, assembling the suit piece by piece. Nanoparticles flowed like liquid metal, forming into sleek, lightweight armor. The integration of her added technology required meticulous precision, and Melissa's hands moved almost too quickly for the eye to follow.

"Friday, let's run a diagnostic on the quantum matrix I created," Melissa ordered, her voice steady despite the late hour.

"Running diagnostic... all systems are stable, but I would recommend caution with the first field test, Miss Shields," Friday advised.

"Noted," Melissa said, though the thrill of what she was about to accomplish outweighed her caution.

Hours passed in what felt like minutes. When she finally stepped back to admire her work, the new suit gleamed under the lab's lights. It looked like any other Iron Man suit, but Melissa knew it was different. It now had the potential to phase through solid matter, slip through defenses, and turn the tide in any battle.

"Alright... let's see what you can do," she whispered, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she imagined the possibilities.

Before she could second-guess herself, Melissa initiated the suit's startup sequence. The nanobots responded instantly, enveloping her in the advanced armor. She felt the familiar connection to the suit's systems, but there was something new—a subtle hum of energy that signaled the presence of the quantum matrix.

She took a deep breath. "Friday, Jarvis... prepare for phase one."

As the countdown began, Melissa couldn't help but glance toward Tony's room. He had no idea what she was up to, but she knew he would understand. This was what they did—pushing the limits, exploring the unknown, and facing the risks head-on.

"Three... two... one..."

And with that, Melissa activated the quantum tunneling protocol. For a brief moment, she felt a strange sensation, like her entire body was vibrating at a molecular level. Then, with a quiet *whoosh*, she phased through the lab's reinforced wall, emerging on the other side unscathed.

Her eyes widened in amazement. It worked. It actually worked.

"HAHAHAHA!" she shouted, dancing around. "Oh yeah! Who's great? I am! Ooh, ooh, ooh!"

She couldn't wait to show Tony. But for now, she had a lot more testing to do. With a determined grin, Melissa turned and phased back through the wall, disappearing into the lab to continue her work.

...

Tony was fast asleep, hugging his pillow with a bit of drool escaping from his lips, lightly snoring.

From the ground in front of Tony's bed, a figure began to rise. It landed perfectly on the floor, and as the suit retracted, it revealed Melissa with a beaming smile.

She went over and began shaking Tony awake.

"Huh? What? You suddenly want some action, you naughty girl?" Tony mumbled, still distorted from sleep.

Melissa rolled her eyes but kept smiling. "Just wake up, you doofus. I have something to show you. I did it! I completed Mark 40!"

"Melissa, for the love of God, couldn't this wait until morning?" Tony groaned in annoyance.

"No, absolutely not. I had to show you now."

"Melissa... I love you with all my heart, but you're a pain in the ass," Tony replied, rubbing his eyes.

Melissa pouted playfully. "Are you coming or not?"

"Yeah, yeah, just give me a sec," Tony said, standing up with a yawn. "You'd have to crack time travel for waking me up like this," he added, still cranky.

"It's better than time travel," Melissa said with a proud smile, causing Tony to freeze mid-yawn.

"Really?" he asked, suddenly more awake.

"Well, no… but I might as well have, considering how much time we're going to save," she said confidently.

Unable to contain her excitement any longer, Melissa smirked at Tony. "I'll meet you down in the lab."

Before Tony could ask any questions, the nanobots began to form rapidly over her body, creating a sleek, purple suit of armor. The material looked like Vibranium, and attached to the suit was a darker purple cape or cloak of sorts.

Just as Tony was about to inquire about the cape, Melissa began to sink through the floor, leaving him standing there with his mouth slightly agape.

As she phased through the floor, Melissa caught a glimpse of Tony's shocked expression. 'Worth it,' she thought, feeling smug about her surprise.

"Uhhh… What the hell just happened? Did I just get woken up by a wraith or something?" Tony muttered to himself, still in shock.

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[Image of Mark 40]

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