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Chapter: Light-Cast Iron Man

A few days later.

In the laboratory of Stark Industries, Tony Stark meticulously debugged sophisticated armor components. These components differed significantly, emitting a faint golden glow from materials previously unknown.

Light-casting components.

These precise machines emitted a holy brilliance, infused with the power of holy light.

The Golden Hand, a secular branch of the Silver Hand Knights, which later evolved into the Golden Hand Investment Company, had been major shareholders of Stark Industries since its inception. Over the years, their collaboration had birthed numerous remarkable inventions.

Tony had long harbored the aspiration to create a light-casting suit. However, the complexity of such a suit far surpassed that of ordinary ones, leading to repeated failures.

It was only with the recent return of Steve Rogers that Tony found renewed inspiration. Despite Steve's lack of technological prowess, his wisdom as a Paladin well-versed in the ways of Holy Light provided crucial insights.

Inspired by Steve, Tony finally achieved a breakthrough. It seemed his dream of a light-casting battle suit would soon become a reality.

With the light-casting suit, Tony could almost consider himself a Paladin.

In his quest, Tony had forsaken many of life's distractions, particularly since his relationship with Ms. Pepper had become official. Yet, this disciplined focus still left him uneasy. When Steve mentioned that Paladins abstained from "multiplayer sports," Tony chose a different path—becoming a Paladin capable of participating in these sports through his inventions.

"I think it's ready," Tony exhaled, gazing at the scattered light-cast battle suit components before him. He then spoke, "Jarvis, help me suit up."

"Of course, Mr. Stark," replied Jarvis in his familiar, polite tone.

This artificial intelligence assistant was named after Tony's old housekeeper, Jarvis, and shared his predecessor's politeness, humility, elegance, and easy-going nature.

Each time Tony heard Jarvis's voice, he couldn't help but reminisce about the old butler who had long since passed. From a young age, Tony's father Howard had been distant, leaving much of Tony's care to his mother and the old housekeeper. This upbringing had fostered a deep bond between Tony and his trusted old servant.

Under Jarvis's guidance, the scattered components of the light-casting battle suit levitated off the table, circled in mid-air, and one by one affixed themselves to Tony, forming a complete golden battle suit.

The process resembled something out of Saint Seiya—a warrior donning a sacred, golden armor.

"Stunning!" Tony exclaimed, admiring the golden light-cast battle suit now adorning him.

Tony had initially contemplated designing a suit that emitted light throughout its entire structure, but practical considerations had led him to abandon the idea. Now, the light-casting battle suit featured its own internal and external lighting effects, enhancing its appeal.

"Hahaha!" Tony soared into the sky, relishing the sensation reminiscent of piloting the Mark 2 suit.

"Boom—" With a thunderous sonic boom, Iron Man effortlessly broke through the sound barrier.

"As expected of a light-casting battle suit—more than twice the speed of its predecessors," Tony remarked with astonishment as he circled through the sky.

"Mr. Stark, shall we investigate the disturbance?" Jarvis interjected suddenly.

"Let's go," Tony responded decisively, turning towards the location Jarvis had indicated. Soon, a clock tower came into view.

"There they are..."

Three figures stood atop the weathered clock tower. One sported a masked suit adorned with a spider logo—a familiar sight.

Undoubtedly, Spider-Man.

The figure confronting Spider-Man stood upon a flying apparatus, clad in green armor. His youthful countenance bore a twisted, ferocious expression, marred by visible lesions.

Dragging Gwen Stacy alongside, he glared fiercely at Spider-Man and accused, "Peter Parker... I considered you a friend, yet you betrayed me!"

Spider-Man shook his head, attempting to explain, "Harry, I only wanted to protect you..."

"Look at me now," the young Green Goblin growled, his voice dripping with bitterness, "You destroyed my hope! Now, I'll shatter yours with my own hands!"

With that declaration, he hoisted Gwen into the air.

"No, Harry!" Spider-Man cried out, his inability to fly leaving him helpless as Harry Osborn ascended with Gwen.

"Feel what it's like to lose everything!" the Green Goblin shouted, releasing Gwen from the heights.

Gwen's terrified scream pierced the air as she plummeted towards the ground.

Spider-Man swiftly shot webs to secure Gwen to the rooftop, then leaped towards her, desperately trying to save her.

Yet, the Green Goblin would not relent. With a surge of green light from his flying apparatus, he rocketed towards Spider-Man. In the ensuing collision, Spider-Man missed his chance, watching helplessly as Gwen slipped from his grasp and fell.

"No—"

At this critical juncture, a golden rainbow streak shot across the horizon, intercepting Gwen just in time and safely catching her.

The streak gradually slowed, revealing a figure clad in a golden steel battle suit. Though its appearance differed, its identity remained a mystery to those below.

"Tony Stark!" the Green Goblin clenched his fists in frustration.

Iron Man delivered Gwen into Spider-Man's arms, then turned to face the Green Goblin, shaking his head in disappointment. "You're Harry Osborn from the Osborn family? I'm sorry to see you like this."

Harry roared, attempting to charge Iron Man.

However, he was clearly outmatched by the light-casting suit. With a simple gesture, Iron Man fired a radiant beam from the suit's palm.

"Boom!" The beam struck Harry's chest, sending him crashing to the ground.

"Thank you, Mr. Stark," Spider-Man said gratefully, embracing Gwen.

Tony regarded him with surprise. "How did you know who I am?"

"..." Spider-Man hesitated briefly before replying, "Everyone knows."

"I see," Iron Man nodded thoughtfully. "But I don't know your identity yet. I'm curious— who is Spider-Man?"

After a moment's hesitation, Spider-Man removed his mask, revealing the face of Peter Parker. He spoke shyly, "I'm Peter Parker."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're not still a child?"

Peter chuckled awkwardly. "Well, technically I'm over eighteen."

Tony shook his head with a smile. "Eighteen is still quite young."

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