Chapter 40: Tony's Mission

"It's a very good idea, and the prospect of using this thing is indeed promising. You boy, you remind me of myself when I was young," Tony cast an appreciative look at Peter.

Pepper also looked at Peter with a smile, marveling at the genius of this young child. As Iron Man's capable partner, a large part of the information Iron Man had about Peter actually came from Pepper. So Pepper knew Peter no less than Iron Man did.

But at 15 years old, attending just a public school. This showed that his achievements today were entirely due to his own talents and hard work. Even though Iron Man seemed to be ignoring Peter, in fact, he had always been paying attention to him, especially his school life. 

Iron Man knew what Peter was studying by borrowing things from the school laboratory in the name of Stark's internship project, but he didn't expose it and just donated some money and experimental equipment to Midtown High School. Unexpectedly, before his donation was received, Peter gave him a surprise.

"I didn't expect you to actually bring something over, so I'll open an account for you at the September Foundation. Then, the research funds and money earned will be placed in it, and you can control it yourself," Tony said in a somewhat casual tone.

Peter's two studies are of course insignificant to Stark Industries' large business. But he and Pepper saw Peter's talent in scientific research. And based on their previous observations of Peter, they also knew that he had a kind character and upright views. With superpowers, the first thing he did was help others instead of doing whatever he wanted. This was enough to illustrate a person's character and outlook.

This was also the reason why Iron Man had directly given Peter a spider suit worth nearly $10 million before. Yes, nearly ten million, not the millions Peter thought. Several million is just the price of the suit and some high-tech equipment inside. The artificial intelligence in that suit was an independent AI specially made by Iron Man, not a clone of his F.R.I.D.A.Y.

This AI alone was enough to make many people go crazy.

"Pepper, I'll leave these to you," Tony pushed his share to Pepper. 

Pepper picked up the two plans and their samples and stood up: "Okay, I just work hard, who made you the BOSS?"

She looked at Peter again: "This guy did it on purpose. In fact, we knew it when we came up, so don't take it to heart."

Peter nodded quickly.

Tony looked at Pepper with some dissatisfaction: "Hey, why did you say that? You have to let this little guy know that you can't break into private residences. Let him remember it."

Pepper rolled her eyes at him, turned and left.

Tony reached out and tapped on the table, then grabbed a ball of data and threw it to Peter.

Peter was a little confused. At this time, the suit on his body flashed a few times. 

Tony said: "You are more capable than I thought, so I unlocked some of the locked functions in the suit for you."

Peter chuckled, scratched his head, and felt quite accomplished after being praised by Iron Man.

"However!" Tony paused and continued, "This is not enough. Kid, do you want to unlock all the functions and fully own this suit?"

Peter nodded vigorously. Of course he did! Before, it was at best borrowed. And now, according to Iron Man, the ownership rights had truly been given to him!

Tony said: "Some guys have appeared in Brooklyn recently. The weapons in their hands are very similar to the technology of the Chitauri army that invaded New York a few years ago. We suspect that someone is secretly manufacturing weapons in this area. The Secret Service is investigating this matter, but I don't really trust them. I can trust you though, right Peter?"

"Yeah!" Peter became a little excited.

"Very good," Tony patted Peter on the shoulder, "Let's see how you perform."

"Leave it to me, Mr. Stark!" Peter said solemnly, this was the first serious task given to him. He must do it well!

"Okay, you can stay here for a while. There is a holographic game console over there. You can also play for a bit, but remember to go home early," Tony stood up and prepared to leave.

In fact, he had been quite busy recently. Because the previous members of the Avengers, Captain America and Falcon were judged as criminals along with the Winter Soldier for shielding suspects. Originally, there was some room for change in this matter, but then a big battle at the Berlin Airport eliminated that possibility, and they were completely removed.

Since Hawkeye and Wanda were on Captain America's side, they were also included in the list of criminals and were expelled from the Avengers. Black Widow also became a criminal and was removed from the team because she let Captain America and the Winter Soldier go without permission. 

War Machine, on the other hand, was seriously injured by Vision and is still unconscious. Even if he wakes up, it will be difficult for him to fight in the armored suit with his lower body paralyzed.

As for the remaining Thor and Hulk, one returned to Asgard, and the other disappeared during the battle with Ultron.

Even Vision, because of Wanda's arrest and the guilt of accidentally injuring War Machine, always looked absent-minded.

For a time, only Iron Man was left among the Avengers. What kind of alliance is one person? The left hand joining the right hand?

This was also the reason why Iron Man contacted Peter. In fact, he originally wanted to observe Peter for a while longer before deciding whether to formally recruit him into the Avengers. After all, Peter was too young, only 15 years old. 

However, Peter's keen insight and reasoning ability when he first met him, his field control ability and combat wisdom in adapting to the situation during the battle at the Berlin Airport, and his outstanding research ability just demonstrated, quickly raised Iron Man's evaluation of Peter.

Only then did he decide to give Peter a try on matters that should not have been left to Peter in the first place, as a test. If Peter could really complete this test, then he would personally invite Peter to become a real Avenger!

"Mr. Stark," Peter called to Tony.

"Is there anything else? I've been a little busy recently," Tony said, meaning to let Peter keep it brief.

Peter said: "I wonder if you can let me work as a trainee researcher in one of your biological laboratories."

Tony looked at Peter deeply, raised his wrist, and tapped a few times on the holographic screen that popped up on his watch.

"Well, there happens to be a small biological laboratory that is vacant. Just do whatever you want to do. If you need anything, just apply. You have the September Foundation account."

"Thank you, Mr. Stark."

"You're welcome. Is that all?"

"Yeah."

"I'll go then, see you later." Tony turned around and left casually.

(End of chapter)