Chapter 197: Tony: I Really Didn’t Mean It

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The bus horn sounded, breaking the morning silence.

Coulson clutched the Potter family shampoo tightly, his eyes gleaming with the joy of possession. But his vigilance had increased; he had to cherish this bottle and prevent the bald scientists in the research department from snatching it again. Those researchers were shameless and might steal it under the guise of research. The worst part was, he couldn't refuse their demands, not even with the director's help.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The bus horn sounded again, reminding Coulson that all the deaf-mute people had been picked up. At this moment, he saw Lockhart put down the phone and walk over quickly.

"Professor Lockhart, thank you for your gift. We will take care of the deaf-mute people. Please send me the identity information of your students, their avatars, and names. I will handle it for you," Coulson said.

Lockhart nodded slightly, smiling. "Thank you, Coulson. If you have time, come by the Vientiane Book Cafe for a visit. Don't forget to bring the magic card. You can't enter without it."

Though Coulson didn't fully understand, he nodded, planning to study the magic card later. He then exchanged a few more words with Lockhart before saying goodbye.

As the bus drove away, Lockhart snapped his fingers. In an instant, a white light flashed in the eyes of the deaf-mute passengers, sealing all memories of Lockhart and Ian. They would believe the bus drivers had rescued them.

Lockhart nodded slightly, feeling the backlash activate in their minds. He wasn't worried about them leaking his information—they were deaf and mute, making it hard to communicate. But knowing Lockhart's details was a danger for them; many would use cruel methods to extract information. By modifying their memories, Lockhart ensured SHIELD wouldn't dig too deeply. His influence on SHIELD would protect these people from further harm.

Thinking of the phone call, Lockhart's brows furrowed. Tony Stark had contacted him, claiming progress in synthesizing gold galleons and requesting a meeting at his villa instead of the Vientiane Book Cafe. His curiosity piqued, Lockhart decided to meet Tony.

He waved his wand gently, opening a portal to Stark's villa.

Morning, Stark Villa

Tony was debugging his latest anti-Lockhart armor. Standing before a large force-measuring machine, he instructed Jarvis to begin the first round of testing.

"Okay, sir. 3, 2, 1..."

Boom!

Tony punched the target, which shook and made a loud noise. He repeated this twice more before Jarvis reported the results.

"Sir, the hits measured 2.9 tons, 3.1 tons, and 3.3 tons. The current maximum power of the armor is about 3.1 tons per punch."

Tony nodded, satisfied. He was about to test his speed when Jarvis reminded him, "Sir, we have contacted Professor Lockhart through Agent Coulson. He has agreed to come to the villa."

Tony paused, a smile creeping onto his face. "Be ready to turn on the magic jammer and give our wizard professor a surprise."

"Ready at any time, sir," Jarvis replied.

Tony lowered his arms, preparing for a flight test. Dazzling white lights emitted from his palms and feet, with additional wind power devices opening on his arms and thighs. The armor floated in the air, ready to fly out of the villa.

Suddenly, Tony noticed a circle with sparks forming nearby. The scene within the circle changed to reveal Lockhart, who had just called him. Tony, startled, saw Lockhart and reacted instinctively.

Zhi! Zhi! Zhi!

"No, Professor Lockhart, leave quickly!" Tony panicked, firing a laser at the ground near Lockhart and shouting warnings.

Lockhart, seeing Tony in his armor, instinctively raised his right hand. The silver bracelet on his wrist activated, forming a red flame-colored shield. The laser hit the shield, making a sizzling sound. As Lockhart replenished his magic, the shield's brilliance returned.

Tony canceled the laser, apologizing, "I'm very sorry, Professor Lockhart. It was a reflex seeing space teleportation for the first time. I didn't mean it."

Lockhart put away his magic items, looking at Tony in his armor. Without replying, he stepped through the portal into Stark's villa hall.

"Tony, I'm here. You mentioned progress on the Gold Galleon project. What is it?" Lockhart asked calmly.

Tony, contemplating his response, nodded slowly. Whispering to Jarvis, he instructed, "Turn on the magic jammer at maximum power, covering the entire villa."

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