Chapter 4 Kamar-Taj

A month later, Jarvis was putting the finishing touches on his laboratory after transferring all the technology from the ship. He had new scanners and nanomachine manufacturing machines, but the most valuable were the alloys and all the knowledge stored in the database: chemistry, physics, biology, and human history.

"Tony, it's time to stop working," Sprite said in front of him.

For the past month, whenever Tony wasn't eating or doing something important, he would sit in the metallic chair of his atomic-level matter reorganizer, trying to turn iron dust into vibranium. So far, all the results had been unsuccessful. However, molecular analyses of the remains indicated that he had succeeded with some material fragments, so he just needed to keep practicing.

Tony wore the interface helmet on his head and couldn't see Sprite, but he could already imagine her annoyed expression.

"Sprite, despite your appearance, always remember you're not a child. Now get back to work and stop bothering Maya. Remember I'm not a biologist, and we're relying on her help until we find a better method," Tony reprimanded.

Tony already had a method in mind, but rushing things would be better. Maya was excited too; when they told her that Sprite and Makkari were biodroids, she left her job at Extremis Corp and returned to her former lab. She also wanted to invite some medical colleagues, biologists, chemists, and others, but Tony stopped her.

Sprite let out an audible sigh and kicked the ground. Tony thought this childish behavior might be the reason why the Superman of their group paid her no attention, but it would be an unnecessary comment. They got along well.

"Tony, you've matured," Maya said, approaching him and laughing. Tony huffed, as did Sprite. Maya laughed even more.

"Come on, Sprite, the new cell scanner is already installed, and the sequencer is amazing. Tony, you should make this technology available to the rest of humanity," Maya said with excitement.

"I have more pressing projects in mind, especially one that will make roads obsolete and revolutionize the world of transportation, even space travel," Tony said.

"That sounds more important, but we can seek help," Maya said with a sigh.

"And it will all end up buried under confidentiality for the sake of national security," Tony replied. "No, no independent company has the power to prevent the government from blocking them. I'll release this technology, and then my lawyers will deal with the consequences. Only that way can we get these technologies out on the market, and all of humanity can enjoy them. The government can choose to fight me or accept the military part of the technology," Tony explained. Maya sighed.

"This damn country," Maya said and took Sprite away, dragging her due to the audible friction forces.

Tony smiled. Maya had no idea what a damn country was like. In a damn country, the government would put a gun to your head and force you to march to a base, where you'd be enslaved with no rights. This country cared about legality, and if you had enough economic or political power, you could fight in a civilized manner. It wasn't a perfect system, but it wasn't a damn country either, and it was the best the planet could offer…

Tony received a call on his direct line, and as he activated the screen to see Fury looking at him with a furrowed brow, he knew what the situation was, given that Fury was in a desert.

"Stark, what are you up to now?" Fury asked, his image showing him seated in the matter reorganizer machine.

"Fury, you watch too many movies. This isn't a brain-control machine," Tony said with a smile. Fury breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't know he would soon get a mind control artifact.

"So, what are you doing?" Fury asked.

"I'm harnessing my brainpower and our main advantage. This is an atomic-level matter reorganizer or MRMA. If it works, it'll give us all the vibranium we need. That way, all your agents will have a vibranium nano-suit, bulletproof and energy-resistant, even against falls," Tony explained. Fury smiled.

"That'll be useful," Fury said.

"Fury, remember our agreement. Keep your people's hands off my tech, or our deal gets canceled on the spot. I understand the need to defend national security, but I also grasp the danger of my developed weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or organizations like Hydra," Tony warned.

Tony had handed over Extremis' manufacturing facilities to S.H.I.E.L.D., except for the upgraded version, and his armor repair and maintenance facilities, under the management of Xion, a semi-AI, Jarvis' and Sara's sibling.

"Your tech is secure. We don't want to lose our technological edge," Fury said. "Now, I have something for you…"

"Did you find a hammer you can't lift in the desert?" Tony quipped. Fury blinked and then nodded.

"Do you remember the guy who protects Earth?" Tony asked. Fury nodded. "His realm is called Asgard, and yes, it's the Asgard of legends. Our protector is Odin, the father of all gods, and he's about to pass away, leaving us unprotected as he has two sons."

"One of them is Thor, whom they've currently exiled to Earth for attempting to start a war, not knowing his father is about to die and they can't afford a war.

"The second is Loki, who's behind his brother's exile and wants the throne. He plans to dispose of his brother to take it.

"If you ask me what to do in this case, it's simple: we have enough political troubles on Earth. Let the Asgardians sort out their own affairs while we watch the show," Tony said.

"I agree. I'll tell my people not to intervene. We've also located this Thor, although it's not what I expected," Fury said, sending him a photo of Thor.

"Yes, that's him. Although you shouldn't underestimate him. His father has restricted his powers and reduced his physical strength to that of a regular human. Under normal conditions and with the hammer in his hands, he can wreak havoc. Maintain a diplomatic attitude with him. Also, there'll be a girl there who interests him. If you want to add a powerful ally to the team, Thor might be a hothead, but he's a good person. However, you mustn't make any deals with his brother, Loki. He's unstable and has personality issues. One day he's good, the next he could become a potential genocidal maniac," Tony cautioned.

"I'll keep that in mind. What should I say if either of them asks about the artifact?" Fury asked.

"That's unlikely. Odin doesn't trust any of his children. But in case things don't go as planned, tell them Odin can come fetch it himself. We don't want a fight, but surrendering would mean leaving Earth unprotected," Tony said. Fury pondered for a moment and then nodded. "How's our other project with the extraterrestrials going?" Tony asked.

"We've taken control of their communications. Our purple friend only gets the information we want to give him. Although if he plans a small-scale attack, he'll realice our trap," Fury said.

"Any advantage is good, and he won't dare launch a large-scale attack with Odin nearby," Tony said.

"I hope so," Fury said and ended the communication.

Tony didn't care what Thanos did after the initial attack. He just wanted the Titan to grow confident and send the Mind Stone ahead, as Tony had big plans for it.

As for how he found Thanos' spies, it was simple, as Earth had no communication with other planets. Tracking Thanos' spies was easy, especially because Hydra had already discovered them. While he didn't know who they worked for, Tony did and promptly took control of their communications. They were now under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s surveillance and their communications were being intercepted.

…

A few days later, Fury made an emergency call.

"Stark, the political struggle between Thor and his brother has reached a critical point!" Fury exclaimed, transmitting an image of Odin's armor facing off against five S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who looked insignificant in comparison.

Odin's armor was a colossus, and the shots from their weapons and repulsors left no mark on it. Tony smiled, removed the helmet of the Matter Reorganizer Machine, and stood up.

"What's that?" Sprite asked, running up to his side and observing Odin's armor in action.

"It's an Asgardian weapon that I plan to immobilize temporarily," Tony said, extending his hand to her and to Maya, who arrived behind.

"No way," Maya said, gazing at the armor in awe.

Sprite instantly agreed, and Tony covered himself with his vibranium suit and then his Iron Man armor. The $5,000 suit he was wearing ended up in tatters at his feet.

Tony and Sprite appeared next to Fury, with the holographic screen of the call still active. Fury hung up and pointed to the giant armor half a kilometer away. The armor was slow and couldn't compare to the ones he had designed, but those couldn't harm it either; they could only keep it entertained.

"Can you send it to another galaxy?" Fury asked. Tony shook his head.

"Asgard has a space transport artifact. Don't forget who the previous owner of this thing was. I'd waste my power in vain, as they'd bring it back within seconds. Our only option is to deactivate it, or else we'll let Thor destroy it. This armor can't withstand his hammer. I suppose Odin wouldn't want his creations harming his children," Tony explained.

"Thor isn't here. His friends have taken him away, and he hasn't regained his strength yet," Fury explained. Tony nodded and looked at Sprite.

"Stay with Fury," he told Sprite. "Fury, let me introduce you to Sprite, a recruit for our team," Tony presented.

Tony vanished and reappeared fifty meters away from Odin's armor, raising his hand to catch it in a spatial barrier, leaving it paralyzed with a blue energy shield around it. The battling armors stepped aside and landed by his side to provide an escort.

"Can you stop it?" Hawkeye asked, wearing his Blue armor.

Tony, feeling as if he were holding a planet, was asking himself the same question.

"If I can't deactivate it in five minutes, we better start running," Tony said honestly, focusing on trying to separate the armor.

The armor also realized his intentions and somehow managed to resist his attempt, beginning to fire at his shield.

"This could take a while," Tony said.

"Hadn't you said that thing could move galaxies?" Hawkeye asked. "How come you can't get rid of a ten-meter-tall armor now?" he added.

"This thing was created to fight gods, and I also warned that its power is limited by its user. Now shut up and let the prodigy handle this god-killing machine," Tony said, annoyed by the distraction as the armor shifted a few centimeters.

Tony felt the Space Gem starting to harm his body as it demanded more power, and Jarvis' alarms began to sound.

"Sir, I recommend an immediate retreat. If the gem's damage extends to the brain, it could affect your mind," Jarvis warned.

Tony stored the Iron Man armor and stuck with the Vibranium nanosuit, which better withstood the heat due to Extremis doing its job and repairing damage in his cells. Extremis would do the same if his brain were damaged, but this organ contained his mind, and it would negatively impact him if his neurons were harmed.

"Damn it, let it go. It's not worth it," Hawkeye said, seeing Extremis in action. He himself was an Extremis super-soldier and knew that when it activated, the damage was massive.

Tony looked at him. Before them stood an armor capable of facing a Celestial in battle. Few things were more worthwhile than this armor.

"Well, maybe it is worth it, but there will always be other opportunities," Hawkeye said, meeting Tony's gaze through the featureless mask of his nanosuit.

"I'm fine. I'm not leaving here without at least an arm from that thing," Tony said.

Tony knew the armor was made of the Asgardian metal called Uru. This metal was even more resilient than Vibranium and had the advantage of enhancing cosmic and divine powers. If he could obtain it, the Space Gem would be much more efficient.

Tony clung to the armor, which continued firing at the enclosing shield while it advanced a few millimeters at a time by force. He knew he couldn't deactivate it, so he focused on dismantling one of the arms. His effort bore fruit as the arm began to fragment, and the tractor force of the armor, which held them together like powerful magnets, began to give way.

"Stark, let it go. You'll end up reduced to ashes," Fury said, who had arrived at his side at some point.

"Tony," Sprite said with concern, but unlike the others, she didn't keep her distance. She covered herself with a Vibranium panther nanosuit and forcefully pulled him away with a hug.

When she hugged him, the power of the gem affected her as well, and the damage to Tony decreased significantly. Fury realized it at the same time that Tony remembered Star-Lord doing something similar.

"Hold him!" Fury ordered his agents as he hurried to touch Tony's shoulder himself.

Hawkeye and the other four touched him, and the temperature dropped immediately. Everything returned to normal, although Tony doubled his power, and the armor could no longer move, and he felt no pressure.

Tony smiled. He had forgotten this, but in the future, Star-Lord did the same.

"Great! Eat dirt, armor!" Sprite declared.

Fury cleared his throat and pointed to a blond man with streaks of lightning running to them. He looked like a magazine model. This was Thor.

"Run, I'll handle this…" the shield opened, and a ray shot out, carbonizing Thor, who didn't even realice what hit him.

"Tony!" Fury scolded, surely thinking of the political repercussions of this.

"It's all right, I've helped him," Tony said and, with his free hand, pointed at the hammer that was already flying towards his position.

As if sensing it, Thor's body rose, and his carbonized hand grabbed the hammer. After a few luminous effects, the god of thunder returned in all his glory. Though Thor ruined the moment, shouting like a child with a new toy. He was still an idiot.

After shouting, Thor charged at the armor and swung his hammer with all his might, but it bounced off, causing no harm to the shield. Tony cleared his throat. Fury understood, and as they didn't need everyone, he released his hand and called Thor.

"Thor, calm down, we can stop this now. Please return to your realm and make sure they don't send any more weapons of destruction to Earth," Fury requested.

Thor seemed to remember that the armor was just a tool and someone was controlling it from behind. He nodded.

"Heimdall!" Thor shouted authoritatively, and a bolt of lightning came down from the sky, and he disappeared.

"I want one of those!" Fury said admiringly.

"It seems too flashy for a spy to me," Tony said. "A simple portal will do," he added as the armor fell to the ground due to an overload in its control system.

Tony had increased his power, and now every part of the armor was vulnerable to the power of the Space Gem. He could disintegrate it, but it was better to leave it intact for study. When the armor fell, the group scattered.

"Thanks, that was timely," Tony said sincerely to Sprite, who watched her handiwork with her hands on her hips.

Sprite shrugged as if it didn't matter, but she didn't know that the power of the Space Gem could be shared. She had jumped to forcefully pull him away because she cared about him.

"We'll take half," Fury declared, interrupting their conversation. Tony removed his mask and looked at him.

"I'll give you an arm, but don't expect to keep it for long. When the idiot and his crazy brother finish their fight, they'll probably remember they left their most powerful weapon here on Earth. And unlike the other one, it's not worth fighting for this," Tony said, as this armor was only advanced technology and some magic.

"We have many qualified scientists," Fury complained.

"Asgardian technology is a blend of magic and technology. Do you have available wizards?" Tony asked. Fury grimaced; his attempts to approach the Sorcerer Supreme hadn't yielded results. It seemed that the wizards didn't want to get involved with any country.

"Do you have available wizards?" Fury retorted, not giving up. Tony smiled with disdain.

"Fury, you're talking to one of the two candidates for Sorcerer Supreme, and in my opinion, the more talented one. I just have to show up before the sorcerers, and they'll receive me as the chosen one. Learning a few tricks from them won't be a problem. I haven't gone so far because I'm a very busy person," Tony explained with superiority. Fury looked at him helplessly.

"Yes, it's as if I were the protagonist of this story and you all my messengers," Tony said with a smile. Fury made several successive grimaces. Sprite laughed. Fury looked at her.

"Don't compare me to you; soon I'll be the protagonist of my own story," Sprite said, her goal being to acquire the skills of all her companions.

Tony ignored them all, detached an arm from the armor, extended his hand to Sprite, and disappeared from the scene, taking the armor with him.

The armor was placed in a warehouse on the second floor of his expanding laboratory, and twenty Jarvis terminals started working on its preparation for scanning. Tony knew he wouldn't get much out of it and looked at Sprite beside him.

"Apprentice, would you like to meet the Sorcerer Supreme?" Tony asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sprite thought for a few seconds about how he addressed her and smiled, taking his hand.

"Sure," Sprite said, and Tony took her hand to appear in his mansion since his suit had been torn apart and he needed another one.

…

After dressing appropriately, they appeared at the gates of Kamar-Taj, surrounded by a neighborhood of somewhat worn mud houses. They were in the Himalayas, facing a massive temple, but the people bustling about seemed not to notice. As they arrived, four monk sorcerers Hurried out and seemed ready for combat, but upon seeing both of them in suits and ties, they stepped back in confusion. Sprite adjusted her tie, and Tony raised an eyebrow at the four sorcerers, who took a step back upon realizing they had no hostile intentions.

"I'm Tony Stark, and this is Sprite of the Eternals. We wish to speak with the Sorcerer Supreme about matters related to Earth's security," Tony explained. He could move within the temple, but it was better not to seem too arrogant and upset the sorcerers.

The sorcerers didn't shake their hands, but they bowed in greeting. Then one of them withdrew, and they stood in silence as they waited.

Beggars approached upon seeing them in suits, and Tony pulled a small stack of hundred-dollar bills from his pocket and gave a hundred dollars to each. The people around them widened their eyes, and the beggars crawled towards him. Tony smiled and began to distribute hundred-dollar bills. By the time the sorcerer returned, he and Sprite had given away about ten thousand dollars.

"Hey, do you dare to cheat in front of a temple? Your hands will dry up," Sprite scolded a beggar who put on a cap and tried to join the line again.

"The Ancient One will see you now," the sorcerer said with a sigh. Tony nodded, and Sprite looked at the people who were still in line.

Tony snapped his fingers, and a hundred-dollar bill appeared for each of those who weren't back in line. His memory was too good for a few extra rags to deceive him. People were shocked and shouted in gratitude as they left. Sprite and he waved as they departed.

The sorcerers blinked at his magic trick but didn't ask anything and led them inside.

Kamar-Taj was a somber place with a traditional Indian design. Tony, who liked technology and the blue tones of metallic lighting, didn't quite fancy it, but it wasn't bad either. The dark floors were polished, and the wooden walls were well-kept, interspersed with mud blocks and traditional decorations.

The sorcerers led them to a circular meditation room with a carpet in the center next to a small table with a copper-looking tea set.

A woman dressed in a yellow monk's robe, bald, and with the Eye of Agamotto hanging as a pendant, nodded in welcome and offered them seats. Five other masters stood beside her, among whom Tony recognized Wong, Kaecilius, and Mordo.

Tony settled on his knees, just like Sprite. The four sorcerers remained behind them, indicating that the Ancient One didn't fully trust Tony to make good use of the Space Gem.

"Welcome," the Ancient One said as she sat in front of them and offered tea.

Tony shook his head, as did Sprite. These people were prepared for battle, and having tea would be foolish. Tony had no doubts about it since the Ancient One wielded the Eye of Agamotto, and the only one who usually wore it was Strange. The Ancient One was more cautious and preferred to use the power of the Dark Dimension instead of the Eye of Agamotto, which contained the Time Stone. She only used it in critical situations.

"Tony Stark, the chances of you seizing the Space Gem and coming here are virtually nil, and none of them are positive. Therefore, you'll understand my caution," the Ancient One explained, then turned her gaze to Sprite. "Your chances of being here are even smaller than his," she added. Tony smiled, understanding the situation.

"The event that brought me here occurred outside of this universe, so it's beyond the scope of the Time Stone and has no relation to any of the possibilities you may have seen," Tony explained, understanding that in this universe, the probabilities of Tony Stark reaching there could only be attributed to the influence of entities as dangerous as they were terrifying.

The Ancient One and her sorcerers seemed surprised. The Ancient One raised her hand.

"Would you mind if I verify this?" she asked.

"Of course," Tony said, holding onto the power of the Space Gem. The Ancient One appeared surprised again.

"I conduct an atomic scan on every person who visits my mansion. I have no problem with security measures as long as they don't inconvenience me," Tony said, and he looked at Sprite, who shrugged, indicating that if he did it, she would too.

"That's unsettling," Wong said uncomfortably.

"In my line of work, there are things that could destroy this world," Tony explained.

The Ancient One nodded and cast a spell as a circle appeared around her and another around him and Sprite, ascending and descending simultaneously. The spell lasted about five seconds, and at its conclusion, the Ancient One seemed visibly relieved.

"That was quick. Could I have a copy?" Tony asked with a genuine smile.

"No," Mordo said dryly. "Magic is not used for parlor tricks," he added.

"Nonsense. Knowledge serves no purpose and is merely a tool in the hands of those who wield it, making facts a responsibility. If it were the tool that determined its use, lawyers would be out of a job," Tony retorted, dismissing Mordo's words.

"It's true, it's an absurd notion. Magic cannot decide its own purpose," Sprite chimed in, as if they were trying to deceive her.

"I mean that its indiscriminate use could bring disaster to our world," Mordo replied.

"Of course, but I already wield power beyond all your magic, and I haven't caused any disasters yet," Tony said.

Magic would be just another form of entertainment for him, no different from his own scientific knowledge.

"Yet," the Ancient One emphasized. "The use of the Space Gem has drawn the attention of many entities to Earth," the Ancient One added.

"I know, but those entities would come regardless. That's why I'm preparing to face them," Tony said. The Ancient One frowned.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Odin is about to die, and the Asgardians will face their Ragnarok cycle. Soon, we won't have protection, so keeping the gems hidden is pointless and will only bring us more trouble," Tony explained, as the sorcerers looked surprised.

"Without Asgard, Earth will certainly be in danger, but that possibility hinges solely on the death of one of the most powerful beings in this universe," the Ancient One said calmly, showing that she didn't bet on Odin's demise. Tony shrugged.

"Believe what you want, it's not important. I'm not here for that; I'm here to ask for your help. First and foremost, I need to study the armor Loki sent to Earth before Odin remembers its existence and claims it. Its technology is impressive, and Asgardian magic is mighty. What interests me the most is the Uru metal and how it enhances magic," Tony raised his hand before the sorcerers could reject his request.

"I'm not asking you to work for free," Tony said, reaching into his personal vault and pulling out a syringe filled with orange liquid. "This is Extremis. You've probably seen it in action already, though it hasn't been publicly released yet. This is its complete variant, Super Extremis. From its name, I think you'll understand why I haven't launched it yet, unless things drastically improve on Earth."

"This formula is even superior to the super soldier serum, providing eternal youth, super-fast regeneration, and enhancing all physical abilities of a person, although not to the extent of the serum. It focuses more on cellular regeneration than on skill evolution.

"If your sorcerers use Extremis, their physical and survival capabilities will multiply by a hundred. But that's not all I'm offering," Tony said, crossing continents again by bending space and producing a necklace of black coins. "This is a Vibranium nanosuit, resistant even to some heavy weapons. If combined with the Extremis super soldier serum, it will make them virtually invulnerable. Additionally, due to its design, it facilitates mobility, is flexible, and there will soon be enough to equip many," Tony explained.

"And are you willing to sell them to us?" the Ancient One asked.

"I'm the richest man on this planet, money is not a priority for me. The actual cost of a dose of Super Extremis doesn't exceed a hundred dollars. As for the Vibranium nanosuit, I had to invest hundreds of millions of dollars, but that was only enough for a few experiments. The Vibranium I plan to use for the next generation of suits won't cost me more than common iron, so these suits, in addition to their technology, wouldn't be costly either. I'm willing to provide them for free, as it's something I can fund. Even if you're not willing to assist me at this moment, I'm ready to sponsor you with these items, just as I've done with S.H.I.E.L.D.," Tony explained.

"We cannot help you," the Ancient One said disdainfully, showing interest in taking the Extremis.

Sprite grimaced and looked at her disapprovingly, but neither of them tried to stop the Ancient One, who was clearly attempting to test them.

"This Super Extremis injection will work on any human being, but I cannot guarantee its effectiveness on other species. The doses I'll provide will depend on the orders from your order's leader. I won't interfere with your internal workings in any way. As for the suits, as I mentioned before, it will take some time, as Vibranium remains an issue," Tony said as he reached into his vault and pulled out a meter-long suitcase that, when opened, contained dozens of doses of Extremis.

"My only condition for the use of these serums is that they must be administered by me. I cannot allow this to fall into the black market," Tony explained. The Ancient One frowned and handed back the syringe she had taken.

"So, you'll give up the study of the armor you've acquired?" the Ancient One asked, suspiciously. Tony smiled.

"Of course not," he said, looking at Kaecilius. "I understand that the masters of this place have a certain degree of independence. Unless the Sorcerer Supreme explicitly forbids it, if one of you decides to help me, the others won't oppose it," Tony said.

Sprite laughed mischievously; she enjoyed deals that were hard to refuse.

"That's true, but we all stand with the Ancient One. We cannot offend those who protect the Earth in this way or place our magic in your hands," Mordo said, almost growling. Tony completely ignored him.

"Do you want your son and wife back? Help me, and in the future, they'll be by your side, I guarantee it," Tony said. Kaecilius was paralyzed, and even the Ancient One and the others were stunned.

"Damn!" Mordo accused, being the first to recover. Sprite burst into laughter, and Tony rolled his eyes.

"I won't use a single gram of magic, nor perform dark rituals, witchcraft, or anything of the sort. This is pure science," Tony said with annoyance. "Kaecilius, here you'll only find peace and acceptance. That's good, but it's not what you want. Magic cannot bring your family back, and if it does, it will be a bittersweet victory. Trust me, you won't want that.

"But I can bring your family back, and you don't need to pay any high price for it. Just help me in the defense of this planet and make it a safer place for them to return to," Tony boldly proposed. Kaecilius looked at the Ancient One.

"You said I would find answers," Kaecilius said.

"Answers that will lead you towards peace," the Ancient One reluctantly admitted, as Kaecilius couldn't care less about peace. This guy was willing to strike a deal with a demon because he believed it would bring his family back. Kaecilius clenched his teeth and looked at him.

"Do you want to learn magic?" Kaecilius asked.

"I possess overwhelming magical talent, but I don't have the time for it right now. I'll do it later. How about we work together for a while, and then you decide if it's prudent to teach me? Even if you don't, I'll fulfill my part of the deal as long as you assist me with matters that require magic," Tony offered.

"I will help you," the Ancient One declared, ending the negotiation. Kaecilius and the other sorcerers looked at her, not comprehending. "You still have to fulfill your part of the deal," the Ancient One continued, and Kaecilius sighed in relief.

Tony understood the Ancient One's intentions. Since she couldn't prevent him from getting the help he needed, and considering that he would likely gain access to magic in the future, it was better to proceed cautiously and have her oversee this collaboration herself. Tony, of course, wasn't going to reject the offer, as the Ancient One's magic was unmatched compared to Kaecilius, due to her knowledge.

"Being rich is great," Sprite quipped. Tony agreed and nodded.

"We'll try out the Extremis and the nanosuits when they're ready," the Ancient One said with a weary sigh.

Mordo clenched his teeth, but the rest of the sorcerers looked at the Extremis suitcase with expectant expressions. Their work wasn't easy, and in most cases, the forces they faced were much more powerful, so having backup was always appreciated.

Tony stood up and extended his hand towards the Ancient One, but she stood up and with a gesture, opened a portal to his laboratory. This was a clear warning that he would always be under her supervision. Tony smiled and, along with Sprite, stepped through the portal, followed by the Ancient One, Kaecilius, and Wong. However, when the other three tried to cross, a spatial barrier prevented them.

"Mordo is openly hostile towards me, so he's not welcome in my house. As for the others, I don't know them, and I hope they can forgive me," Tony said as the Ancient One raised an eyebrow.

The three rejected sorcerers looked at him in astonishment, but the Ancient One nodded and, with another gesture, closed the portal. Wong blinked.

"I wouldn't strike deals with you," Wong said, looking at him coldly.

"I understand, but you wouldn't be scandalized by things you don't understand. Mordo is too radical; putting magic in his hands was a mistake," Tony said, heading towards his matter reorganization machine.

"This is the first thing I need your help with. The function of this machine is to create a structural model of the matter introduced into it. I already have the best scanners I can get and I've even hacked technology, but I'm having issues with the scanning methods. The model it creates isn't accurate enough, and although over time I'll be able to correct the flaws in my calculations, I believe it would be faster if you help me," Tony explained.

"What depth of scanning do you need? This technology seems to have very few limits in terms of molecules," the Ancient One said, taking a step forward and performing a spell.

"Atomic level is sufficient," Tony explained.

The three sorcerers looked at him in astonishment, but the Ancient One soon came up with the answer.

"You want to use this to create Vibranium," the Ancient One said. "This is your version of the philosopher's stone, a machine capable of turning lead into gold," she added more for her two fellow sorcerers than for him. Kaecilius and Wong looked at her in amazement.

"I've had some success, but it doesn't exceed one percent. It's not an acceptable ratio; I need to improve the precision of the structural model, and I believe you can help me with that.

"That's impossible; transmuting matter is a miracle that only a god can perform," Kaecilius said, surprised.

"Well, I do have a bit of help to make up for my mortal shortcomings," Tony said humbly.

"I'll need to see the machine in action," the Ancient One said, not refusing to collaborate with him. In fact, she seemed interested in seeing if it could work…

The alarms in the laboratory started blaring. Tony frowned; this wasn't a planetary threat alarm but a scientific research alarm.

"Sir, Dr. Banner is currently at Culver University," Jarvis reported.

Tony smiled and extended his hand. Some holographic screens appeared, showing Banner and Betty Ross. He had placed spy cameras in Stern's laboratory. Once located, Tony moved Dr. Banner and Betty Ross to his own laboratory, leaving a surprised Stern behind. He also transferred all the blood samples in cultivation from Stern's storage to his own. He had located him before, but he didn't plan to intervene until Hulk appeared. Now, he didn't have to wait anymore.

"Welcome, Dr. Banner," Tony said.

"Tony Stark!" Dr. Banner exclaimed, surprised.

"The pleasure is mine. Welcome to my personal laboratory. Allow me to introduce you," Tony said, looking at Sprite. "She is my accomplice, Sprite," Sprite nodded. "And these are the representatives of the forces of sorcerers that protect our world from magical and extradimensional threats: the Ancient One, their leader and Sorcerer Supreme, and her disciples Kaecilius and Wong," Tony introduced. "And of course, these are Dr. Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, and Dr. Betty Ross," Tony concluded.

"Hello," Sprite greeted.

"Would you like to know why you're here and how you got here?" Tony asked. Banner and Betty managed to nod after a few seconds. Tony smiled.

"Well, the reason for bringing you here is to offer you, not a cure, but absolute control over your power, including Hulk's memories. As for how, I possess a cosmic treasure that allows me to move any object through space in this universe, as long as I know its position and the place I want to take it," Tony explained with a smile, as solving Banner's issues only required using the Mind Gem to merge him and Hulk into one person.

Banner and Betty were too surprised to say anything.

"Well, you must reflect on all of this. I'll take you to the sitting room. Let Jarvis know if you're hungry," Tony said, sending them to a comfortable living room in his mansion while they regained their composure.

"Where were we?" he asked the Ancient One, who smiled.

…

Three hours later, Banner and Betty called him. Tony found them inspecting a Jarvis terminal.

"Tony, this is incredible, it's an autonomous armor. I thought it was a fictional invention," Banner said as he appeared.

"There was evidence of its existence everywhere, but S.H.I.E.L.D. has been erasing and continues to erase anything uploaded to the network, as I've granted them exclusive use," Tony said. "You didn't come across them during the commotion you caused on campus because I asked them not to intervene, and we were busy with other matters of planetary security," Tony explained as he poured himself a drink.

"What does this intelligence agency want from me?" Banner asked, tensing up. Tony took a sip and shook his head.

"I don't work for S.H.I.E.L.D., they work for me, taking care of keeping the planet safe. They have their shady business, but they're more reliable than the military. I've thought about sending you with them while I look for a cure or control for you. They need manpower now, and they'll be happy to have you on board. Don't worry about Hulk; if you lose control, I'll send you to some desert until you calm down," Tony explained.

"It's good to know," Banner said with a grimace.

"It also has legal advantages. S.H.I.E.L.D. can have you walking down the street without the military even raising an eyebrow," Tony said.

"And what does Tony Stark gain from this deal?" Betty asked.

"I've already gained my profits. Stern was cultivating Dr. Banner's blood, and I've kept all the samples. With them, I'll be able to create a new and improved super soldier serum, which will serve to enhance S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Their current power is not enough to keep Earth safe from the most dangerous enemies of this and other universes," Tony explained. Betty and Banner looked at him in astonishment.

…

After hearing his proposal, Banner went with S.H.I.E.L.D., and Tony placed a bracelet on him that would warn him if he was about to transform into the Hulk, to send him into space. Although Tony had said it would be to the desert, he wanted to conduct some experiments on the resilience of this phenomenon.