Chapter: 77

"Next, I will invite a special guest from a faraway place to introduce the origins and details of the exposition. Please welcome my father, Howard!"

As Tony's voice fell, the image of Howard Stark began playing on the large screen behind the stage. He said, "Science and technology can achieve everything, a better life, a healthier body..."

This footage was recorded by Howard Stark during the Stark Expo in 1974. It outlined his visions for the possibilities of future cities, but was limited by the technological constraints of that time.

Just like the Arc Reactor, a prototype was designed as early as 1967, but due to insufficient technological means and scientific support at the time, Howard Stark could only construct a massive prototype machine. In terms of size, cost, and energy efficiency, it couldn't compare to Tony's first-generation miniature version created in a cave, let alone the current Arc Reactors.

Many of Howard's ideas, even by today's standards, seem like fantasies. That's why he expended significant manpower and resources to hold the Stark Expo at that time, gathering the world's top talents to collide ideas and generate sparks of thought to solve seemingly impossible challenges.

However, limited by the era, even with the gathering of global top intellects, there still existed ideas and creations that Howard couldn't realize in his time. The purpose of recording this video was to pass on his ideas and beliefs. He believed that there would be more prodigious talents in the future who would live in the best of times and solve the scientific challenges that the scientists of his time yearned to overcome.

He hoped that this person, when the time came, would be able to share knowledge, exchange wisdom, and continue to inspire the next generation of explorers on this exciting and endless path.

In today's era of information explosion, when knowledge is easily accessible, such a prodigious talent emerged, and not just one but two individuals were born at the same time. They are Howard Stark's son, Tony Stark, and his grandson, Mark Stark.

Tony did fulfill his father's expectations and revived the long-discontinued Stark Expo after Howard's passing, sharing his profound insights with people around the world.

While the video played on the big screen, Tony and Mark made their way to the side of the stage. Taking advantage of the audience's attention being captivated by the content on the screen, Tony discreetly took out a portable toxic detection device from his suit pocket.

"How have you been lately?" Mark noticed his actions and leaned in to ask.

Tony didn't say a word but placed the detection device in front of him.

Seeing the displayed numbers on the screen, Mark was surprised. He didn't expect the palladium content in Tony's blood to reach a two-digit percentage. "What's going on? Haven't you been entering the nutrient hibernation pod regularly for physical repairs?"

Tony shook his head. "No, I haven't entered the nutrient hibernation pod for body repairs in a month. Because I know that as long as there's that safety net of the hibernation pod, I can never fully devote my focus to the development of the new element. In that case, when will I ever be able to break free from the reliance on the hibernation pod?"

For the past few months, ever since JARVIS completed the compatibility test between all the elements and the Arc Reactor and regretfully informed Tony that there were no matches among the existing elements, Tony began researching the synthesis of a new element to replace palladium. Unfortunately, after over a month of attempts, Tony was still clueless and making no progress.

In order to push himself to the limit, Tony cut off his retreat and stopped using the hibernation pod for physical repairs a month ago, hoping that by doing so, he could force out all his potential in a life-or-death situation.

"So, any progress? At the cost of sacrificing your health, have you achieved any results?" Mark asked coldly, feeling that Tony didn't value his own body enough to take such a risky approach.

"No..." Tony answered somewhat guiltily. "At first, I tried experimenting in the virtual lab, but after a while, that feeling of emptiness and silence, as if no one was there, started to make me feel uneasy. So, I went back to the lab in the garage to continue my attempts. But as you know, these things often come down to luck. Maybe I'll succeed tomorrow?"

... ...

As Tony spoke, his voice became increasingly guilty. "Okay, I'll start using the hibernation pod regularly. Just don't tell Pepper." Seeing the threatening look in Mark's eyes, Tony admitted his defeat.

Seeing that Tony was willing to change course, Mark couldn't help but sigh in resignation. He felt like the responsible adult, while Tony was the mischievous troublemaker that gave parents headaches.

However, out of concern of Tony resorting to extreme measures, to prevent him from doing something foolish, Mark decided to give him some hints. "If you're at a loss, why don't you go back and take a good look at the materials and notes left by grandfather? When I was younger, I came up with many good ideas inspired by my grandfather.

That Arc Reactor on your chest that's putting you in danger, wasn't it originally grandfather's idea? Maybe he wanted to teach you something, pass something on to you, and it's hidden within his past notes, waiting for you to discover."

"..." Tony fell into deep thought and didn't respond. It seemed like he was immersed in some memories.

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