Chapter 250: Lix Meets Tony
Most civilizations, including Mogri, rarely shared their core technologies and data. However, Lix knew that Tony Stark had helped Void Island, the headquarters of the Void Sect, overcome its funding issues. Tony's loyalty to the Void Sect was unquestionable, and Lix considered offering him some valuable resources.
"Introducing technical personnel to Tony Stark?"
"I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that," said Lalatina with a smile.
"A small matter," Lix replied, smiling back.
As they made their way to the dining hall for breakfast, Kael explained the changes that had occurred on Void Island over the past year, detailing the developments in personnel and infrastructure.
Later, Sara began her day at work, as many people had returned to the island, and there was much to record. Although it wasn't time for her shift yet, Lalatina escorted Lix to Tony's lab.
Tony had stayed up working until 4 AM the night before, with plans to wake up around 9 when Lalatina started her shift, so he could get breakfast. However, at 8:20, JARVIS suddenly woke him.
"Mr. Stark, please wake up. Lalatina has brought a guest to see you."
"A guest?" Tony mumbled groggily, glancing at the clock.
"Based on physical characteristics, there's a 97% probability the guest is from Mogri, though I can't identify him with certainty. You should take a look."
Seeing the footage JARVIS displayed, Tony immediately sat up, fully awake. The guest was over three meters tall, muscular, and exuded immense physical power.
"That's got to be Lix from Mogri, the guy Kael mentioned," Tony thought, eyeing the red-skinned, red-haired giant on the screen.
"Should I bring him in?" asked JARVIS.
"Well, he's already at my doorstep. Of course, I'm meeting him," Tony said, quickly freshening up.
Within minutes, Tony was downstairs, ready to meet Lix.
"Mr. Stark, you're up! This is Lord Lix from Mogri, a member of the Void Sect," Lalatina introduced them.
"Lix, I've heard a lot about you," Tony said with a smile.
"I've heard much about you as well, Stark," Lix replied. "Not only have you helped the Void Sect with its finances and technology, but you were the first to discover Void Energy. That discovery has been immensely beneficial to us."
Tony, recognizing Lix's imposing figure, noticed a kindred strength within him and immediately sensed that this was someone he could get along with.
"The Void Energy was already there. I just uncovered it. It's not that big of a deal," Tony said modestly. "Come with me, I've been meaning to talk with you."
"Sure," Lix agreed, following Tony.
Luckily, Tony had designed the lab to accommodate large guests like Kael, and the spacious environment made it easy for someone of Lix's size to move comfortably.
"Do you drink?" Tony asked as they walked.
"Of course," Lix responded without hesitation.
"Lalatina, fetch a few barrels of wine from the cellar and bring them to the top floor," Tony instructed.
"Right away," Lalatina said, relieved that the meeting was going smoothly.
Tony led Lix to the expansive lounge on the top floor. When he built the lab, Tony had considered the possibility of hosting guests like Kael, who were much larger than the average human. So, he had specially designed a grand, spacious lounge with furniture to match their size.
"This floor was built specifically for entertaining guests like me?" Lix asked, marveling at the room's massive furnishings.
"Well, this is Void Island, not Earth. I knew I wouldn't just be hosting people of my size," Tony explained with a smile. "It only makes sense to create a comfortable space for larger guests. Otherwise, you might feel cramped."
"Thoughtful of you," Lix complimented, settling onto a massive sofa designed to accommodate someone of his stature. His arms stretched out comfortably, and a smile spread across his face.
"I've heard about you from Kael. You only return to Void Island once a year?" Tony asked, sitting beside him on the oversized sofa, occupying only a small corner of it.
"I'd love to stay on the island more often, but I have many responsibilities on Mogri," Lix explained. "Kael also mentioned that Earth was attacked by the Chitauri. How did that happen when your planet hasn't even reached the interstellar age? Why would they target Earth?"
Tony sighed and leaned back. "Even though Earth hasn't formally established connections with other planets, it's still part of the Nine Realms under Asgard's dominion. So, attracting alien attention isn't entirely avoidable."