Chapter 150: Turbulent Undercurrents, The Cosmic Cube!

"According to the analysis, the abilities of this ring have only been partially unlocked by that Mandarin you mentioned. After erasing the residual energy he left inside, I conducted a further analysis. Now, about 60% of its functions have been unlocked."

Hank Pym handed the ring to Clark while slightly boasting, "The remaining parts are even more profound. With Earth's current level of technology, even I can't crack it."

"Cracking 60% has already far exceeded the Mandarin's level?"

"That's more than enough!"

Excited, Clark finally followed the tradition of wearing it on the little finger of the left hand, as men do.

Clark remembered the Mandarin wearing it on the ring finger of his right hand.

However, Hank Pym did not specify where to wear it during his explanation of the cracking process, implying it doesn't matter how it is worn.

After all, it's an alien object; who can guarantee that aliens have the same five fingers on each hand as humans do? Unlike the Mandarin who owned ten rings, one for each finger.

Owning just one, Clark naturally chose a suitable position to wear it based on his preference.

According to Western customs, the ring finger is for wedding rings. Clark, still single, certainly wouldn't follow the Mandarin's foolish choice.

Among the other fingers, the index finger signifies being unmarried and wanting to date. Clark, having Hill, didn't want to continue flirting around. He's not a playboy, so there's no need to be so flamboyant.

The middle finger signifies being in a relationship. Hill, a career-oriented woman, didn't want to publicize her relationship with Clark, and Clark decided to respect her choice, so pass.

The only remaining option, the single-status little finger, somewhat fits Clark's single status.

As a piece of high-tech alien equipment, its size naturally adjusts to fit the wearer. Even worn on the little finger, it fits perfectly.

As soon as a bit of Clark's energy was transferred into the ring, information about the ring was immediately uploaded into his mind.

Blood Sky: It has the ability to enhance one's energy and convert it into shock waves.

The name and description of the ring weren't written in Chinese or English, but Clark could understand its meaning intuitively.

After feeling the terrifying power of the ring, Clark couldn't help but sigh, "Luckily, that Mandarin only mastered a small part of the ring's abilities. If he had unlocked it to the extent it is now, I would have been dead in the Middle East!"

Hank Pym proudly smiled, "Aren't you going to try its power?"

Clark shook his head, "Your lab can't withstand the havoc this thing could wreak."

"Then find a safe place to test it, and don't forget to tell me the results!"

"No problem!"

As they spoke, Clark had already opened a portal directly to the outskirts of New York, then activated the capabilities of his Sky-Walking Boots and flew towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Since the last failure of the portal magic, Clark had made some attempts and found the magic still worked perfectly. However, around Tony's seaside villa, there was a zone where portals couldn't be opened or exited.

He couldn't use portals to enter that area, nor could portals be opened within its range to leave.

The only reasonable explanation was that Tony, aware of Clark's portal capabilities, developed a device that could block such teleportations after their fallout.

Though Hank Pym said it was impossible to develop such a device in a short time, in the Marvel world, who can be sure about science?

The energy weapons developed by General Zola using the Cosmic Cube during World War II are still incomprehensible to S.H.I.E.L.D.

Even Howard Stark's creation of Captain America's shield was a mystery, even to himself.

Every individual's inspiration is unique; who can guarantee another genius won't have a breakthrough moment?

Tony's recent appearance undoubtedly falls into the category of a breakthrough. However, Clark wasn't too concerned about it.

As a qualified mage, Clark mastered nearly all the important skills a mage should have.

Such as various martial arts techniques and weapons... With so many signature mage skills at his disposal, he wasn't lacking in support skills.

Clark was in a hurry to find a safe place to test the power of the Blood Sky. Meanwhile, Tony's home welcomed an unexpected visitor.

The Hydra stationed at S.H.I.E.L.D., Father Lama Pierce!

This old fox, upon meeting Tony, first introduced himself and then exaggerated his years of collegiality and camaraderie with Howard Stark, expressing deep regret and anger at his death.

In short, a lot of blabbering.

Until Tony showed clear impatience, Pierce finally got to the point: "Howard's revenge must be avenged, but my position doesn't allow me to get directly involved. What I can offer you is some clandestine support in terms of resources."

Tony's first impression of Pierce wasn't good, seeming too hypocritical.

His relationship with Howard was just average; Tony hadn't even heard Howard mention Pierce's name, or if he did, it was just in passing, certainly not indicating a deep friendship.

Hearing the offer of resource support, Tony was even more disdainful.

As the saying goes, "No good deed goes unpunished." Tony didn't believe Pierce approached him just to help avenge Howard without any ulterior motives.

Tony Stark has never been one to mince words or engage in sycophancy. His disdain was evident on his face, and he bluntly said, "I've already paid the price of three suits of armor to get the government involved. It won't be long before they pressure Clark to hand over the murderer Bucky Barnes."

Shrugging, Tony bluntly stated, "So, Uncle Pierce, I can only take your kindness in spirit."

Pierce seemed to anticipate Tony's refusal. He sighed deeply, then said, "Tony, you're still too young."

Pausing slightly, Pierce continued, "You surely don't think Clark will take the government's pressure seriously, do you?"

Tony frowned, "You mean he'd rather withstand the pressure from the government and public opinion than protect that murderer?"

Pierce chuckled bitterly, shaking his head, "Ten years ago, when he was still rising, Hank Pym fell into a coma due to an accident. The government held a hearing to force him to hand over a fake Ant-Man suit. He claimed he didn't know what an Ant-Man suit was, and the senators couldn't refute him on the spot."

"Although the issue faded away after Hank Pym woke up, it left a severe psychological shadow in Clark's mind."

Pierce, prepared in advance, continued to recount Clark's history to Tony: "A year ago, when he reappeared in the public eye, he first manipulated Stark stocks to amass nearly a hundred billion, then began to heavily invest in the entertainment industry."

"Do you really think he wants to be some Hollywood mogul?" Pierce's gaze sharpened, staring into Tony's eyes, "No! The money he spent acquiring media companies far exceeds his investments in cinemas. Now, a third of the media in the US is in the hands of this Asian young man!"

"Now, do you still think he's afraid of so-called public opinion pressure?"

"As for the pressure from the government..."

"And which senator is clean?" Pierce scoffed disdainfully, "If Clark wishes, he can use his power at any time to spread a senator's scandals across the entire US or even the world overnight, forcing them into suspension for investigation or direct resignation the next day."

"So, while the senators will indeed pressure him as promised, no one will push him too hard, because no one wants to be the first target he chooses."

Hearing Pierce's detailed analysis, Tony fell into deep thought.

Pierce took the opportunity to say, "So, the only justice and limited help the government can offer you is this. If you want revenge, you must rely on your own strength to defeat him! And I, just so happen to be able to offer you such power."

By this time, Tony was already tempted but still pretended to be tough, "If you have such power, why seek cooperation with me?"

"I've told you from the beginning, what I can offer you is help in terms of resources," Pierce said, taking out a prepared briefcase, "We can't effectively convert this powerful resource into combat power, but perhaps you can."

As he spoke, Pierce unlocked the briefcase and opened it towards Tony.

Immediately, a blue glow bathed Tony's face in a sea of azure.

"The Cosmic Cube!"

Seeing this, Tony's breathing became rapid. With this object, he might truly be able to create a suit of armor powerful enough to crush Clark in a short time.

Clark, wait for it!

This time, not only will I avenge my father, but I will also return all the humiliation you've inflicted on me!

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT