Chapter 158: Meeting

Thinking about how the previous ten-draw only required 9 energy blocks to solve, Charles felt a pang of regret. 

Gathering 648 more would get him 12,960 coins, enough not only to bring Tsunade to his world but also to open one or two more combat slots. This unexpected result caught Charles off guard.

Looking at the two boxes of energy blocks on the table, Charles decided not to recharge immediately but to consider storing them until he gathered 36 energy blocks.

Although Charles wanted to recharge immediately and recruit Tsunade to his side, he ultimately suppressed the desire to recharge directly.

Having made up his mind, Charles stopped hesitating and directly waved to store the two boxes and the energy blocks inside into his storage space.

As Charles left the meeting room, he saw a news bulletin on the TV in the lobby.

"A-22 Raptor fighter jet crashed during routine flight training yesterday."

"Luckily, our pilot is unharmed!"

"As for the unexpected events in the Gulmira region, it is still unclear who is responsible and what the motive is."

"But I can assure you that the government is not involved in this matter."

Seeing Colonel Rhodes confidently discussing on the news, Charles knew that Tony's Mark armor seemed to have been developed.

Not only Charles saw this news; Obadiah, who was resting at home, also watched the entire news seriously.

...

On the other side, in Stark's mansion- 

Tony had taken off his entire suit and changed into casual clothing.

Pepper Potts argued a few times after seeing Tony's armory full of bullet marks and then left the mansion directly.

Looking at the armor he had taken off, covered in marks and traces of gunshots, Tony instructed, "JARVIS, repair and repaint the armor. How long will it take?"

"Sir, it will take two hours."

"Get to work, JARVIS."

After instructing JARVIS, Tony looked at Parker lying in his kennel and then said, "Parker, your time protecting me is up today. Later, I will arrange a meeting with Charles, and you can go back with him."

After hearing Tony Stark's words, Parker came out of his room, shook his body, and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality during this time, Mr. Tony Stark."

After giving this message to Parker, Tony went upstairs, picked up the phone, and dialed Charles's number.

At that moment, Charles, lying in bed, heard the sound of his phone and picked it up to find it was Tony Stark calling. He answered the call.

"Hey, Charles Doyle!"

"Hey, Tony Stark!"

"Charles, I have already developed the new armor, we should have a little contest. I think tonight would be quite suitable. We won't be going to the desert area this time. The vicinity of my villa is also an option. What do you think?" said Tony.

Listening to Tony's words, Charles became interested and immediately agreed.

"Okay, I'll come over now," Charles replied.

After hanging up the phone, Charles got up, dressed, and went to the front desk to pick up his car keys.

"Iruka, you're in charge here. I'm going out for a while. If a group of people delivers any materials this afternoon, make sure to sign for them," Charles instructed Iruka.

"Understood, Lord Charles," Iruka replied.

After giving Iruka the instructions, Charles drove his car towards Tony's seaside villa.

In a little over an hour, Charles arrived at Tony's mansion. As soon as he parked, he saw Tony Stark and Parker standing at the entrance.

After getting out of the car and walking up to Tony and Parker, Charles smiled and said, "Long time no see, Tony."

Tony's mood seemed somewhat somber, but he managed to smile and replied, "It's been a month!"

Charles glanced down at Parker and was surprised. "Parker, you've gained weight! Looks like you'll need to lose some weight when you get back."

Shaking his head, Parker replied, "There's no way. The food at Mr. Stark's place is too delicious, and there isn't much opportunity for exercise here."

Charles squatted down and patted Parker's head, saying, "It's okay. I believe you'll slim down when you get back."

Tony turned and walked into the mansion, saying, "Come on in."

The two of them, along with the dog, entered the mansion. Tony didn't take Charles directly to the underground lab but instead led him to the living room.

After they settled on the sofa, Tony took out a bottle of 50-year-old Highland Knight single malt whiskey from his wine cabinet.

Opening the whiskey, Tony poured two glasses, placing one in front of Charles on the table, and held one for himself.

"Cheers!" Tony said, downing his drink in one go. Charles was somewhat surprised by Tony's pace but raised his glass to acknowledge Tony and took a sip.

Tony then poured himself another glass after finishing his first one in a single gulp.

Seeing Tony's rhythm, Charles asked directly, "Tony, aren't you supposed to show me the armor?"

"You're really on a drunk driving spree right from the start!" Charles remarked, setting down his whiskey.

Tony held his glass and, with a somewhat heavy expression, said, "Charles, Yinsen is dead"

Yinsen? Initially, Charles didn't recall, but then he remembered that Yinsen was the surgeon rescued along with Tony.

"Didn't he return to his hometown?" Charles asked.

Tony's expression turned solemn, and he said slowly, "His hometown is in Gulmira."

"Last night, I saw Yinsen's figure on the news. He was executed by the warlords of the Ten Rings."

"I was planning to bring back his body today for burial, but he was hit by the enemy's tank cannon..."

Tony didn't finish his sentence, but Charles understood what he meant.

Charles didn't know what to say about this result. Tony had tried to keep Yinsen and even wanted to hire him as a personal doctor and return to New York together.

But Yinsen was determined to return to his hometown, and no one expected his hometown to be the attacked by the ten rings.

Charles lifted his glass and said, "My condolences."

Then he downed the whiskey in his glass, and Tony poured himself another drink.

After two consecutive shots of whiskey, Tony was slightly tipsy and seemed a bit intoxicated.