Ch.113 Chant His Honored Name!

"Tony, you're here?"

Seeing Tony Stark enter the interview room, Pepper Potts wasn't surprised at all.

Her reaction instantly made Ronan feel something was off.

These two were definitely in on something; otherwise, they wouldn't have this kind of conversation.

Tony Stark nodded, glanced at the interviewers nearby, and tilted his head at them.

"You guys can leave."

"I'll handle the rest of this interview."

He pointed at Ronan and gave orders to the interviewers.

Even though the interview had already ended, no one dared to argue.

Who didn't know their boss's temperament?

In an instant, everyone else had cleared out, leaving only Ronan and Tony Stark in the interview room.

Plus his bodyguard, Happy.

That's right, Pepper Potts had also left.

Seeing the still fairly young Tony Stark, Ronan remained calm.

He was just trying to figure out what Tony wanted.

Without a doubt, Tony Stark must be looking for him—otherwise, he wouldn't have come so late.

Why was Tony looking for him, though?

Could it be he recognized his identity?

That couldn't be it—Ronan had specifically worn platform shoes that day and even clothes he usually never wore.

His voice had also been altered; there was no way his identity was exposed.

So what could be Tony Stark's reason?

"Ronan Yao, right?"

"Did we meet at the entrance before?"

Tony Stark sat in a chair, casually spinning in it.

Ronan squinted slightly, nodded nonchalantly, and pointed towards Stark Tower's entrance.

"Yes, I was sitting downstairs having lunch."

"Saw you driving past."

Even though it was a deliberately orchestrated coincidence, Ronan still said it outright.

He had a solid explanation—nothing to fear.

"Yeah, I saw you. You look pretty decent—just a bit less than me."

"But taste-wise, you've definitely got room for improvement."

Tony Stark smirked, clearly referring to the meal Ronan had bought.

The one he despised most.

Ronan rolled his eyes internally.

You say I have bad taste—fine, I can bear that. But saying you're better looking... Heh.

Next time we meet, I'll let you experience what the face of a national treasure of the East looks like!

"Yeah, my tastes are pretty ordinary—can't compare to some non-humans."

"Oh, by non-humans, I mean people whose minds don't quite match normal humans."

Ronan pointed to his temple and shrugged.

Although his expression made it seem like he was complimenting, the meaning behind his words was far from it.

More importantly, in all of Stark Industries, the only person who disliked that meal was Tony Stark.

Clearly, Tony was caught off guard.

"Alright, let's start your interview."

"You can introduce yourself again."

Tony Stark decided to change the topic.

He didn't know why, but he had a feeling that he couldn't win an argument with this kid.

This thought was ridiculous to him.

After all, when it came to sharp tongues, Tony Stark was top-tier.

"My interview is already over. I was just told to go home and wait for a response."

"Perhaps Mr. Stark should ask the others for their opinions?"

Ronan put on a very humble expression.

Though he spoke politely, Tony Stark couldn't help but hear it differently.

He felt as though the kid was mocking him.

"Can't you introduce yourself again?"

Tony took a deep breath, feeling that this kid was difficult to deal with.

"Sorry, Mr. Stark. Though I'm just a student applying for an internship, asking me to repeat my interview is pretty insulting."

"So, I refuse!"

With that, Ronan stood up from his seat.

His face showed slight anger, but inside he was laughing.

Here it comes, it's here!

The Plan B Ronan had anticipated was appearing in another form.

Now, he'd act as though he was insulted and walk out of Stark Industries.

A perfect plan!

However, upon hearing this, Tony Stark wasn't angry—instead, he seemed a bit stunned.

He hadn't expected that after a few words, the kid wanted to flip the table?

Even Happy, next to him, twitched his lips.

His boss had almost never conducted interviews, and he wasn't familiar with the etiquette.

Asking someone to introduce themselves twice wasn't exactly a good habit.

"Sorry, my mistake."

"Can we sit and talk?"

Just as Ronan was about to leave, an unexpected scene occurred, one that left Happy in disbelief.

Tony Stark... actually apologized?!???

What was going on—was it the end of the world?

Or had Tony Stark's soul been swapped, and now he was someone else?

Happy's eyes widened as he looked between Tony and Ronan.

His eyes almost popped out.

Tony Stark had apologized!

Come look at this!

Seeing this, Happy felt like he had traveled to another universe.

He'd only been injured for a week or so, and it seemed like his boss had changed!

Ronan was stunned as well.

He had seen aliens, aliens who wanted to destroy Earth, and aliens who wanted to destroy Earth but were ultimately converted.

But he'd never seen Tony Stark apologize!

At least, this apology seemed sincere.

Whether others had seen it, Ronan didn't know, but he certainly hadn't!

"Uh..."

"Are you sure you're Tony Stark?"

"Not possessed or something?"

Ronan raised an eyebrow, instinctively teasing.

As soon as he spoke, Tony Stark's face visibly darkened.

He couldn't help but turn to Happy, asking, "Am I really that bad?"

When he asked, Happy opened his mouth, hesitated for a while, and finally looked up at the ceiling.

Hmm? Who are you talking to?

I don't know. It seems I just went temporarily deaf. Didn't hear a thing.

Yep, definitely didn't hear anything!!!

Happy's actions only deepened the blow to Tony Stark.

Tony took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

Don't get angry. Don't get angry.

They're just jealous!

I am Tony Stark—handsome, rich, and talented.

These people must be jealous of me!

And this kid in front of him, Tony wanted nothing more than to argue with him properly.

So sharp-tongued at such a young age—weren't he afraid he wouldn't find a job in the future?

However, Tony hid that thought quickly.

I still have questions for him—I still need him.

I'll deal with it after!

"Alright, anyway, I want to ask you about something."

"If your answer satisfies me, I can bypass the internship and make you a full employee."

Tony forced himself to change his demeanor.

Ronan simply curled his lips.

No way. No way.

This Tony Stark was acting way too differently!

No, he needed to test him more!

"I'm still a student—I can't be a full-time employee."

"But if it's just to receive a salary without working, I'd accept that."

Like I always say, only a fool wouldn't take advantage!

Ronan didn't want to be foolish, so he had to milk the rich guy as much as possible.

He needed to buy himself a new computer!

"Deal!"

"Whatever works!"

"As long as you tell me what I want to know!"

Tony nearly gritted his teeth; he felt more and more like this kid was his nemesis.

From their very first encounter, he had sensed that they were destined not to get along!

Just like that person who wore the Iron Man mask!

"Alright, speak."

Ronan shrugged and finally stopped provoking Tony.

He was genuinely worried Tony might just suit up in his Iron Man armor.

"I want to know where you learned about mysticism."

"Is there really such a thing as a sorcerer (Master) in this world?"

Sorcerer?

Hearing Tony ask this question, Ronan's expression visibly froze.

He certainly hadn't expected Tony to ask something like that.

Is there a sorcerer in the world?

Of course, there is—plenty of them, in fact. One of the top two is sitting right in front of you.

And I've played with you multiple times!

Of course, Ronan could guess what Tony was thinking.

During the Battle of New York, his appearance must have made Tony feel threatened.

Then a while ago, when he entered Tony's home and had a "friendly interaction" with him, it deepened Tony's sense of danger.

Well, as far as Tony Stark's condition was concerned now...

Maybe his anxiety had subsided, but he definitely still had PTSD.

After all, it was aliens.

Earthlings had long fantasized about alien civilizations attacking Earth.

And then, just recently, the sci-fi imaginings had turned into reality.

Plus, the appearance of Ronan—a sorcerer—had completely shattered Tony Stark's worldview.

A worldview that held only science, without mysticism, had been repeatedly broken over these months, making Tony sometimes wonder...

Am I just dreaming?

Are these things happening only in my dreams?

"Can I ask why you're interested in this?"

"Did you encounter a sorcerer in your everyday life?"

Although he had a general understanding, Ronan still asked.

Otherwise, solely relying on his guesses could lead to an unfortunate leak of information.

In school, whenever a teacher said, "Tell us your mistake," it led to every student confessing all the bad things they'd done.

It was a terrifying form of psychological pressure!

Back then, they were young and unaware of the teacher's tactics.

Fearing punishment, they confessed everything.

It was painful just thinking about it.

"I read your report from Midtown High. You've had some experience investigating mysticism, especially sorcery."

"But I couldn't find anything related in books."

"So I want to know, where did you get this information?"

Maybe Ronan's question touched a sore spot for Tony Stark.

Even though Tony tried his best to control his expression and divert the topic.

Ronan could clearly see Tony's twitching eye and the evasive glances.

It seemed that the "infinite fall" he experienced wasn't just a simple bad memory.

Thinking about it, it was understandable. Just a few days earlier, Tony had carried a nuclear bomb into space, destroying the enemy's headquarters.

He was hailed as a hero by millions.

And just a few days later, he was toyed with by someone "impersonating" him, with a mysterious move!

And it was in front of the woman he loved most.

An utter loss of face!

That kind of experience—it would've been unbearable for anyone, especially someone as wealthy and proud as him.

It was indeed a terrifying ordeal.

"Uh..."

"Actually, I didn't read it in a book. It comes from some Eastern legends."

"My adoptive mother is Eastern, and you know how Eastern parents often help their kids with homework."

"So, when I wrote this, my adoptive mother gave me some Eastern legends."

Ronan smirked, recalling what he had written a year ago.

He had just been trying to get into school, so he randomly made something up and handed it in.

Who knew it would end up catching Tony Stark's attention?

It had to be said—having an AI like Jarvis made everything so much easier.

Whatever you needed, just search, and you'd find it.

"Eastern legends?"

"Are there depictions of sorcerers in Eastern legends?"

Tony Stark's interest was piqued.

Ronan squinted. He wasn't about to let Tony Stark have it easy.

"There are, but very few."

"As I mentioned in my report, they supposedly have the power to change nature itself, yet they are discreet, blending in with ordinary life."

"But when someone threatens their safety, they don't hold back."

"Of course, that part was just my own speculation."

Ronan raised an eyebrow. This wasn't just a subtle warning—it was an outright threat.

Clearly, the last warning hadn't made Tony give up.

In that case, Ronan needed to think of another way to make Tony give up for good.

What method would work...

Oh, right!

That bald-headed guy!

"Why would you make that kind of speculation?"

"Or, what is that guess based on?"

Tony Stark caught on to the key point in Ronan's words.

And it was precisely what he wanted to know.

"It's simple."

"If they exist, why is there only vague information about them?"

"For that entrance test, I practically looked through every domestic record about sorcerers."

"But most of it sounded like children's tales."

"So I made a bold guess."

"Those who knew the truth either were coerced into silence or had been eliminated."

Ronan shrugged as though it was just common sense.

After saying this, Tony Stark was left speechless.

Yeah.

If sorcerers really existed in this world, why was there only vague information?

Ronan's explanation seemed plausible—either forced silence or elimination.

"Do you have any other insight about sorcerers?"

"If you need anything, I'm willing to make a trade."

Tony thought for a moment, trying to pry something out of Ronan.

However, Ronan wasn't interested in Tony's stuff.

Besides money, Tony's most valuable possessions were two things.

One was the Arc Reactor in his chest.

The other was his Iron Man suit.

Without the Arc Reactor, the suit was nothing more than scrap metal.

And as for the Arc Reactor itself, unless Ronan exposed his identity as a Kamar-Taj sorcerer, there was no way he'd get it.

As for money...

Ahem, Ronan wasn't the kind of person who would bow for a few coins.

"Twenty thousand, twenty thousand dollars."

"I just need a few pieces of useful information!"

Maybe seeing Ronan in thought, Tony Stark made a grand gesture, offering a price.

He even took out his checkbook from his pocket, wrote down the number 2 and several zeroes, and signed his name.

Twenty thousand?!

Ronan couldn't help but curl his lip.

Twenty thousand? What an insult.

"Sorry, I don't know much."

Ronan shook his head in refusal.

"Fifty thousand!"

Tony raised an eyebrow, tore up the first check, and filled out a second one.

Ha. Fifty thousand?

Ronan swallowed and looked away.

This gesture fully expressed his disdain.

"One hundred thousand!"

"I just need you to share a tiny piece of useful information!"

"If you agree, the hundred thousand is yours!"

Tony increased the offer again.

A hundred thousand?

You, the CEO of Stark Industries, one of the wealthiest people in Marvel, the Iron Man himself—you offer just a hundred thousand?

And who am I?

The number one male fist of Kamar-Taj, the next Sorcerer Supreme, someone who's fifty-fifty against Thanos, who calls Kang the Conqueror "brother," who beat Sekiro with one hand.

And you're offering me a hundred thousand?

"I can only give you one piece of information for that one hundred thousand."

Ronan looked seriously at Tony, taking the check from the table.

"Go ahead."

Tony's expression also turned serious.

Finally, he'd get the information he desperately wanted.

"Before I say anything, I need to remind you of something."

"When I was little, I heard stories of a person attempting to steal the sorcerer's legacy and being executed by one."

"That scene would occasionally appear in my nightmares."

"So, I hope you, dear (idiot) person (pig), don't end up losing your life over this."

Ronan's expression was stern, giving Tony Stark an early warning.

You will get beaten—

Oh no, you will definitely get beaten.

Because the one beating you is me!

"Hoo."

"Go on."

Tony exhaled lightly, signaling he was ready.

Seeing Tony insist, Ronan shook his head but spoke up.

"Tell them to leave first—I'll only say this to you."

"As the sorcerers say, 'The magic must not be shared among six ears.'"

Ronan glanced at the others.

Tony paused but quickly understood what "not shared among six ears" meant. He nodded at Happy and the others.

Happy looked at Tony, then at Ronan, as if to say, "I've got my eye on you," before opening the door and leaving.

Now, the room was just Ronan and Tony Stark.

"Go on."

Tony was visibly nervous now.

He wanted to understand what could be so important.

"I once heard from the elders that to ask for a sorcerer's help, one must perform a ritual."

"At 12:01 midnight, alone, after bathing and putting on clean clothes, you need to find the highest spot in the area and kneel down."

"And then chant his honored name sincerely."

"'One not belonging to this world;'"

"'The sole Supreme above the heavens;'"

"'Master of mystic arts, ruler of all realms;'"

"After you chant his name, the one you wish to meet…"

"Will appear!"

A/N: Been re-reading Lord of the Mysteries lately, so here's a reference lol