Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

"You're back already? Did Dr. Helen Cho agree?"

Tony Stark looked up in surprise as Kurogai reappeared in his lab. It hadn't been long since the man had gone to speak with Dr. Helen Cho, and yet he was back, cool and composed, as if the meeting had been a simple formality.

"She accepted the invitation," Kurogai replied evenly. "She's packing up her materials as we speak. I came back to settle the payment terms for the energy beam weapon."

Stark raised an eyebrow. He was still mulling over the unexpected success with Dr. Cho, but when it came to business, his focus sharpened. "Alright, name your price."

"I need access to a rare material. You'll help me acquire it," Kurogai said, placing a slim document on the table. "And I want a monthly deposit—fixed—into a designated account. That's the second condition."

Stark took the file and flipped through it. The list was extensive and highly specific—materials that weren't just rare, but obscure, used in specialized engineering, likely for high-level neuro-tech or energy-based systems. "What's this for?"

"Components for a brainwave enhancement interface," Kurogai answered. "Parts of the machine require metals that are difficult to procure through normal channels. You're more efficient at that."

"And the money?" Stark asked, glancing over the pricing chart.

"Operational funding for the lab. I already have the infrastructure, but keeping it running costs resources. You benefit from the tech—I benefit from the support."

Stark sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is a steep price, even for me."

"But worth every cent," Kurogai replied calmly.

Stark stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Yeah… it is. Fine. I'll do it."

"How soon can you gather the materials?" Kurogai asked, voice steady.

"Give me a week. I've got global sourcing channels, but some of this stuff is hard to find."

"Good. I'll return then," Kurogai said, then turned and vanished into thin air, his body shimmering out of existence like heat over pavement.

Stark stared at the empty space where Kurogai had stood, blinking slowly. After a few seconds, he said aloud, "Jarvis, did you record everything?"

"Yes, Mr. Stark," the AI responded in his usual calm tone. "I was able to record the footage, but much of the data defies conventional analysis. Preliminary findings suggest manipulation of space-time, possibly magic."

"Magic?" Stark scoffed, though uneasily. "You're telling me that was magic?"

"By all definitions available, yes. Current technology cannot fully track or explain the mechanics of his teleportation."

Tony frowned, the implications sinking in. There were already threats on Earth, but this—this was different. He felt the vulnerability settle in his chest like a weight.

"Jarvis," Stark said, voice low, "remember that Iron Man suit design I shelved a while back?"

"Yes, sir. You postponed it to focus on the energy beam prototype."

"Well, it's back on the table. Start compiling specs. I need armor that can protect against... people like him."

"Understood, Mr. Stark."

Tony paced the lab, thoughts racing. Kurogai's appearance had changed the game. He couldn't afford to sit comfortably behind his tech anymore. There were powers at play now—ones that science hadn't caught up with yet.

"And once I understand how that energy weapon works," he muttered, "maybe I can integrate it into the armor…"

Kurogai, meanwhile, was already gone, unaffected by Stark's mounting paranoia. Even if he'd known, he likely wouldn't have cared. The deal was struck, and he knew Stark wouldn't dare betray him—not after seeing what he was capable of.

Instead of returning to the lab immediately, Kurogai made a detour to pick up Dr. Helen Cho. Her lab was sealed off from the outside world, and moving her would require someone with Kurogai's unique abilities.

She had just finished packing her equipment when he arrived. Without unnecessary words, they teleported back to the experimental base—an enormous spacecraft orbiting Earth, concealed from conventional detection.

"Jean," Kurogai called as he walked into the command deck. "This is Dr. Helen Cho. She's joining the team. Her specialties are in genetics and regenerative biology. Handle her orientation."

Jean turned, offering a warm smile. "It's a pleasure, Dr. Cho. I've read many of your papers. It's an honor to meet you."

Helen returned the gesture. "Thank you. The honor's mine."

Introductions were brief but respectful. Despite the unusual setting, Helen seemed unfazed—perhaps even excited. Within minutes, she was fully absorbed in her work, seamlessly integrating into the high-tech environment.

Kurogai stood silently for a moment, watching them interact. Progress was being made, and the pieces were falling into place.

But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.

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