Chapter 19: 39%

Sure enough, Alex continued, "But our relationship isn't one of hierarchy; it's a partnership. You'll need to compensate me, and I'll assist you with missions."

Alex emphasized the word "compensate" and decided that once his energy absorption reached a level sufficient to handle the power of the Infinity Stones, he would head to S.H.I.E.L.D. to get hold of the Space Stone.

After all, this was a "compensation," right? Of course, if Loki happened to deliver "takeout" at that time, it would be even better.

As for whether S.H.I.E.L.D. would be reluctant, Alex didn't consider that at all; he believed they would be willing to pay him. They weren't foolish...

Coulson listened to Alex's words in silence for a moment, then reached for the communicator at his ear and said, "This isn't something I can decide. I need to consult my superiors."

Alex nodded.

Coulson immediately contacted Nick Fury, said a few things, then turned to Alex and said, "If you're willing to fully join us, we can help lift the military's warrant against you."

Alex was momentarily stunned, realizing this was a deal.

He flashed a brilliant smile, then approached Coulson and said slowly, "Agent Coulson, or Director Nick Fury, do you think I care about some kind of warrant?"

Coulson continued his exchange with Nick Fury, then took the communicator away from his ear and turned the volume up. A deep voice came from the communicator,

"Mr. Alex, I admit your abilities are formidable, even stronger than Magneto and Professor X, but Colonel Stryker has too many mutants under his command, including those who can neutralize mutant powers. If you encounter such a situation, you'd have no choice! Join us, and we'll negotiate with Colonel Stryker to lift your warrant. How about it?"

Nick Fury sat in his office, confidence on his face as he revealed Colonel Stryker's secret weapons against mutants, confident Alex wouldn't refuse.

After a brief wait, however, laughter suddenly erupted from the communicator, growing louder until it became unapologetic mockery.

"Hahaha, Nick Fury, do you really think I care about any of this? Or perhaps you misunderstood earlier; we're just in an equal partnership. If you're not interested, that's fine."

After all, even by force, he could acquire the Infinity Stones. Working with S.H.I.E.L.D. was just more convenient, that's all.

Nick Fury fell silent. The situation was unfolding beyond his expectations; he hadn't anticipated that Alex wouldn't mind the means to neutralize mutant abilities.

Could it be that he had a way to deal with such means?

No, impossible. He didn't even know the specifics of those means; how could he have a countermeasure?

Nick Fury immediately breathed a sigh of relief, preparing to rescue Alex just as Colonel Stryker was about to capture him. Then, he would fully integrate Alex into S.H.I.E.L.D.

Surely, by then, Alex would have thoroughly considered everything.

So he said directly, "Alright, I agree. From now on, we are in a partnership. If you change your mind later, we still welcome you, but the terms may change by then."

Alex naturally understood Nick Fury's meaning and grinned, "Don't worry, Director Nick. That day won't come."

What effect did mutant abilities have on him anyway? And negotiating with Stryker to lift the warrant? No way.

He was going to take down Stryker.

...

Afterward, Agent Coulson bid farewell to Alex and Stark. His mission was complete, and he had even recruited the Omega Level Mutant. There was no reason for him to stay any longer.

Once Coulson left, Tony Stark reunited with Pepper Potts and led Alex to the top floor of Stark Tower, where he picked up two brand new Ark Reactors from the desk and handed them to Alex.

"This is your compensation, White-Haired Boy."

"Hmm?"

Alex looked at Stark. He hadn't expected Stark to give him a nickname so soon after meeting him.

But he didn't mind; in fact, he found it amusing. Before he transmigrated, Stark had long been deceased, though planning a comeback. Would the revived Stark still be the same Iron Man?

It remained a regret for Alex. Seeing Iron Man alive now felt like stepping into a fantasy come true.

Alex casually picked up a messenger bag from the table, placed one Ark Reactor inside, and then absorbed energy at full power with the other Ark Reactor in his hand.

Seeing Alex pick up the bag, clearly intending to claim it as his own, Tony Stark couldn't help but quip, "You sure ain't shy."

Alex responded, "Well, I did save your life, didn't I, Mr. Big Shot?"

"Mr. Big Shot?"

Tony Stark immediately asked, but as Alex lightly waved his fingers, Tony felt himself being pulled backward by a tremendous force, only to find himself landing in Pepper's arms.

In the distance, Alex, already lounging on an office chair without any regard for being a guest, said to Tony, "You just had a close call with death. Why aren't you over there making out with your girlfriend instead of standing around?"

Tony Stark was speechless. He looked at Pepper, who gazed back at him with tender affection. Through this crisis, they had finally realized their feelings for each other.

The scene before him left Alex somewhat displeased; he didn't want to endure this public display of affection. So, he used "Blue" to send the couple away, staying on the top floor alone to absorb energy.

[ Energy Point +1 ]

[ Energy Point +1 ]

[ Energy Point +1 ]

...

As the template fusion degree continued to increase, the difficulty of further enhancement also rose. Upon reaching 35%, the energy points required for a 1% increase went up again. However, with the Ark Reactor continuously supplying energy, the fusion degree finally reached 39% after several hours.

At this moment, Alex suddenly took off his black blindfold and looked into the distance. After a moment, he grinned, removed the blindfold, and tossed it aside. He then said to JARVIS, "JARVIS, tell Tony I'll be gone for a bit. When I get back, I have something important to discuss with him. I'm sure he's noticed something off with his body."

Without waiting for JARVIS's response, he approached the floor-to-ceiling window. With a slight exertion of his fingers, the sturdy glass shattered instantly.

Alex spread his arms and leaned forward, naturally falling downward. As he neared the ground, he used "Blue" to adhere himself to the wall, lightly pushing off and creating numerous cracks in the wall, then leaped towards a direction with a smile.

There, he would find a sufficiently sturdy target, perfect for experimenting with his newly acquired skill!

°°°

A/N: Pls send stonesss

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