Chapter 16: Stark Expo part 1

[Third Person's PoV] 

A month after Tony turned nine, the Stark Expo began. It was a grand event where everyone showcased their inventions. Besides inventions, the Expo also featured studies about Quirks. The Stark Expo was an artificial moving island, home to thousands of scientists from all over the world.

Tony and Melissa arrived on the island by private plane, each carrying a suitcase. As soon as they disembarked, they were bombarded with camera flashes from all directions.

"Well, we certainly are popular," Tony said, glancing at his father, who was a few steps behind with his mother, David, and some security guards.

"We hold the most power when it comes to technological advancement. What do you think?" Howard replied.

Tony reached for the glasses hanging from his shirt and put them on. "I think I love being rich."

Melissa tapped the side of her glasses, darkening the tint to protect her from the flashes. "Should I really be seen with you guys?" she asked, a bit nervous.

"Melissa, honey, you've been with us for two years. You're practically family," Tony said, waving off her concern. "Plus, you're doing it wrong."

"Doing what wrong?"

"When in front of reporters, you're not supposed to appear nervous. You look straight forward, chin high, and walk like they matter nothing," Tony said, demonstrating. "See? Just follow my lead."

Melissa adopted a serious expression as she mimicked Tony's confident walk. David's eyebrow twitched as he sighed at the scene.

They soon arrived at their private building, built just for them. Howard turned to Tony and Melissa. "Tomorrow is the official beginning of the Expo. Why don't you get settled down and explore this place a bit?"

"Sure, why not?" Tony shrugged. After settling down, Howard gave them passes to hang around their necks and told them to enjoy themselves.

As they went outside, Tony and Melissa touched the sides of their shoes, activating a metal exterior that extended beneath them to form hoverboards. They rose into the air, gliding smoothly.

"You can never go wrong with a hoverboard," Tony said, a lollipop stick jutting from his mouth.

They flew around, weaving through the crowds, with kids their age looking on in amazement. They soon arrived at a large white building. Friday, their AI, provided them with information about it.

"So this is a museum that shows super-advanced support equipment for heroes," Tony summarized.

"Let's explore it," Melissa said excitedly. They showed their passes, which allowed them early access to the exhibits.

Most displays were robots designed for specific tasks: first aid, rescue, fire-fighting. "Our suits are better," Melissa said.

Tony scoffed. "Is it even a fair comparison?"

They saw powerful excavation tools, jetpacks, large rocket boots, and barriers made to protect against bullets. "Have we made a suit made with simply barriers?" Melissa asked. Tony shook his head.

Tony then smirked. "It looks to me like you enjoy making suits more than I do."

Melissa blushed slightly. "It's just really fun creating new suits."

"I wasn't saying anything bad about it," Tony teased.

As they continued exploring, they gathered many ideas for new Marks. "What about two different kinds of suits: one for rescue missions and one for apprehending villains? They could be Mark 9 and 10," Melissa suggested, seeing glowing blue ribbons restraining a robot.

"Just note everything down," Tony said as they finished exploring the museum. Afterward, they decided to get something to eat.

Tony opted for a simple burger with French fries and a milkshake. Melissa chose pizza with a large soda. Once done, they continued exploring the island and came across a Quirk training ground. Teens in hero suits were competing in various activities like obstacle courses, target practice, and rescue competitions.

Melissa and Tony watched, using the opportunity to brainstorm suits based on people's quirks. "Oh, how about one with the power to control the electromagnetic spectrum?" Melissa suggested.

"That one should be tough but not impossible. It also reminded me that we need to make some that aren't affected by those with magnetic quirks," Tony said.

After growing bored, they decided to call it a day and head back home. "So what are you going to present at the Expo?" Tony asked.

Melissa scoffed. "You're not telling me what this Baymax project of yours is, so I'm not telling you mine."

"Woah, so childish."

"What?!" Melissa glared at Tony, who was teasing her.

"Well, may the best man win," Tony said with a thumbs up.

"I'm a girl. And it's about time someone put you in your place. You might have created something amazing like always, but I created multiple things to defeat you," Melissa said. "I'm sure at least one of those things will be enough to defeat you."

"Quality over quantity, my dear friend."

Melissa scoffed. "I'm going to make some last-minute touches," she said, heading towards her room.

"Sounds like someone isn't very confident in their win if they need to make last-minute touches," Tony teased.

Melissa covered her ears. "Lalalalalala, I can't hear you."

Tony just smiled and shook his head as he also went to make some last-minute checks for the Expo tomorrow.

After he was done, he put the red and purple metal box to the side. He lay in bed and tapped the side of his glasses. They expanded and slowly turned into visors that covered most of his eyes.

He was able to see multiple holograms in front of him that he could manipulate but were visible only to him.

"Let's see what adjustments we can make," Tony said, focusing on the screen.

He typed rapidly, pulling up the latest simulation data and visual models of the Vibranium structure. "Alright, Friday, bring up the atomic configuration and the energy absorption patterns."

The holographic display shifted, showing a detailed atomic lattice with energy pathways highlighted in different colors.

Tony scrutinized the data. "If we modify the lattice spacing and introduce some stabilizing agents... Friday, run a simulation with these parameters: adjust the atomic spacing by 0.02 nanometers and introduce a carbon-based bonding agent."

"Running the simulation now, Master," Friday replied. The progress bar filled rapidly, and the new results popped up on the screen.

"The structural integrity has improved by 12 percent, but it still fails under maximum stress conditions," Friday reported.

Tony went on to try many other patterns and sequences, only managing to bring it up by an additional 3 percent.

"Keep running simulations on your own. If you come across any obstacles, be sure to inform me," Tony instructed.

"Understood, Master. And good night," Friday replied.

"Goodnight to you too, Friday," Tony said as he took off the glasses and went to sleep.

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