Ultimate Iron Man

Now that Natasha was busy with the restaurant job, Tony took a little breather and shifted his attention to the Legion AI. It was completed. The only thing left was to check if it could handle trillions of nanites without harming the user. Besides that, the private yacht also moved away from the location. He was able to get snippets of their conversation, but nothing that useful. It was like they talked in codes, or the communication was encrypted.

"Phew!" Tony stretched his arms. Everything was ready for the next step, but before that, the bet he made with his father about creating the perfect Arc Reactor, well, he already won. He called Howard that day. Within a few seconds, he picked up the call. His face appeared on the screen before Tony. "Hey, Dad. Busy?"

"Nope, I'm free." Howard smiled and asked, "You are a sight for sore eyes. So, you calling me means two things. You either want something or you finally managed to achieve a breakthrough in your project. Which one is it?"

"The second one, of course," Tony replied with an arrogant smirk as he held the Arc Reactor in his hand and showed it to him. "So, can this be the perfect Arc Reactor?"

Howard's expression turned serious and he said, "That's small. What core did you use? What's the energy output?"

Tony's smirk turned into a frown and he started to explain, "Vibranium. And the energy output is 20.2 gigajoules per second. Pretty impressive, right? I mean, it can generate clean and virtually limitless energy. This single one with a little bit of tweaking can run the entire Stark Industries forever with just simple maintenance every now and then. And your expression says I won the bet, huh?"

"That's impressive, son. You won the bet," Howard said with a smile. He was proud of his son. His genius had finally reached a point where the future of humanity was within his hands. He couldn't wait to see what Tony was planning to achieve in the future. His lifelong dream of creating perfect clean energy was finally realized in the form of Vibranium-based Arc Reactors. He asked with a little curiosity, "Is this why you asked for the vibranium?"

"Yup! But I'm also working on another project that needs it as well. Anyway, you do remember about that reward, right?" Tony asked.

"Fine. You'll get your island. Now. tell me about this new project of yours that requires that much vibranium," Howard replied, and he was more than intrigued about what his son wanted to achieve using Vibranium.

"I'll tell you in due time, Dad. All I can say right now is that my research will help humanity beyond their wildest imagination. Just trust me, okay? By the way, how is mom doing?" He asked.

"How do you think?" Howard replied with a question.

"Ah! Angry. I was so busy I forgot to call her," Tony sighed.

Howard knew the reason his son was so busy. After all, it was all the projects his son was working on. He was worried seeing how his son had become a workaholic in recent days. However, he could not do much to stop Tony. In fact, it was one of the happiest times in Howard's life. His son had grown so much within these few months. And he couldn't stop himself from worrying about his son's future.

"Alright, then. I'm off. Talk to you later, Dad."

"You better call her today," Howard warned him as Tony was about to hang up the call.

"I will!" He assured.

Howard could only shake his head in helplessness.

Tony leaned back in his chair, letting out a breath as he glanced at the clock on the wall. "Right. Mom," he muttered to himself, pulling up his holo-screen and tapping to call her. He adjusted his seat as the ringing began, mentally preparing for the lecture he knew was coming.

Within seconds, the call connected, and Maria Stark's face appeared on the screen, her expression a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance.

"Well, well, if it isn't my son who finally remembers he has a mother," Maria quipped, crossing her arms. She wasn't mad, not entirely, but her tone carried the weight of having waited for this call for far too long.

"Hey, Mom. Missed me?" Tony started with his signature charm, flashing a grin.

"Don't you dare try to sweet-talk me," she shot back, but there was a fondness in her voice. "I've been waiting for this call for weeks. Do you know how many dinners I've had to convince myself you'd probably show up for? You didn't. You promised to come home last month, remember?"

"Yeah, I know. I am sorry," Tony admitted, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I've been… busy."

"Busy? Busy with what? Saving the world, inventing a time machine, or building something even more ridiculous?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.

Tony chuckled, shaking his head. "Not that ridiculous. But, uh, you're not far off." He paused, reaching off-screen to grab the Arc Reactor. "Look at this, Mom. The perfect Arc Reactor. Vibranium-based, unlimited clean energy, completely sustainable. Humanity is never going to run out of power again. How's that for busy?"

Maria's eyes widened as she leaned closer to the screen. "Tony… that's incredible." Her expression softened, and a proud smile replaced the annoyance. "Howard told me you'd been working on something groundbreaking, but I didn't think it would be this monumental. I'm proud of you, sweetheart."

Tony's smirk faltered, just for a moment, at her words. For all the accolades and accomplishments he'd racked up, hearing his mother say she was proud always hit differently. "Thanks, Mom. Means a lot coming from you."

"But," Maria said, her tone suddenly sharp, "that doesn't excuse you from ignoring your family. I'm proud of you, yes, but I don't want to see you work yourself to death. You need balance, Tony."

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. I'll do better, okay? Promise. It's just… there's a lot at stake right now. Big projects. Big moves. You and Dad always said to aim high, right?"

Her expression softened again. "Yes, but we also taught you to take care of yourself. Your father and I… we only ever wanted you to have a future where you could live freely, without being consumed by your work."

"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll take a break soon," He assured her, though his tone suggested it was more of a delay than a certainty. "But tell me, how've you been? What's going on in your world?"

"Well, nothing as exciting as Vibranium reactors," Maria teased, "but I've been working on a few charity events. Your father insists on overseeing every little detail, as usual, but it's been keeping me busy."

Tony smirked at the mention of his father's micromanagement. "Sounds about right. I don't think Dad's ever met a detail he didn't want to obsess over."

She chuckled softly. "It keeps him out of trouble, at least. But enough about us. When are you coming home, Tony? We could use some of your charm at these events, you know. A little Stark star power might loosen a few purse strings."

Tony leaned back, rubbing his chin as if he were seriously considering it. "Hmm, charity galas and schmoozing with donors. Tempting. But I think the world-saving gig takes precedence. That being said, I'll see if I can make time—no promises, though."

"Don't tease me, Tony," Maria warned, but her smile betrayed her. "It would mean a lot to have you there. And I'm sure your father would enjoy showing you off to his friends."

"I bet," He replied with a wry grin. "Alright, I'll check my schedule. Worst case, I'll send a hologram of me. Almost as good as the real thing, right?"

"Not even close," She shot back, shaking her head. "But I'll take what I can get."

"Deal," He said, glancing at the clock again. "Anyway, I've got to run. Big day tomorrow, you know how it is. But I'll call again soon—sooner than last time, I promise."

Maria's expression softened again. "You better, Tony. And take care of yourself, alright? You're more important to us than any of your projects."

His usual smirk gave way to a genuine smile. "I will, Mom. Love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart. Don't work too hard," Maria said before the call ended.

Tony leaned back in his chair, staring at the now-empty holo-screen. He let out a deep breath, the weight of his family's concerns settling in his chest. "Right. Balance," he muttered to himself. Then, with a shake of his head, he refocused on the work ahead. There was still so much to do.

...

[Back to the main lab]

Tony stood in his lab, surrounded by the gentle hum of machines and the soft glow of holo-screens displaying complex streams of data. In the center of the room, a sleek container filled with trillions of shimmering, microscopic nanites rested atop a reinforced platform. Beside it, the new Vibranium-based Arc Reactor was securely mounted in a custom-built cradle, its brilliant blue light pulsing steadily, a testament to the raw, limitless energy it generated.

"Alright, boys and girls," Tony muttered to himself, pulling up a 3D holographic interface of the Legion AI. The interface displayed a swirling array of interconnected nodes and neural pathways, the AI's simulated "brain." "Let's see if you're ready to handle the pressure."

He tapped a few controls, summoning two smaller AIs into the system. "Hermes, Elena, you're up. Monitor the integration process. Make sure our new friend here doesn't fry himself or me."

Two voices chimed in almost simultaneously, their tones distinct but cooperative.

"Understood, sir," Hermes said in his crisp, efficient tone. "I will monitor energy distribution and ensure stability within the Arc Reactor."

"Got it, boss," Elena added, her voice warm and slightly playful. "I'll keep an eye on Legion's neural activity and make sure the nanites don't go rogue. Let's hope your new toy plays nice."

Tony smirked, his fingers flying over the controls as he finalized the configuration. "Don't jinx it, Elena. Alright, step one... Activate the energy feed."

Hermes reported instantly. "Energy feed initiated. Vibranium core output is stable at 20.2 gigajoules per second. Nanite containment field is holding."

Tony glanced at the containment screen. Trillions of nanites were dormant, their silvery forms suspended in a state of perfect stillness, awaiting activation. He took a deep breath, the magnitude of what he was about to do hitting him for a moment.

"Step two... Connect Legion to the nanite interface," Tony said, his voice steady. He tapped a final command, and the holographic display of Legion AI expanded, its neural pathways lighting up as the connection was established.

"Connection established," Elena confirmed. "Legion is online and actively interfacing with the nanite control grid."

Tony's gaze flicked to the diagnostic display. So far, so good. "Alright, Legion, let's see what you've got. Begin synchronization with the nanites. Slow ramp-up to full control. Let's keep this gentle."

The AI's voice was calm and deliberate, its tone reflecting the sophistication Tony had poured into its design. "Acknowledged. Synchronizing with nanite swarm. Progress: one percent and climbing."

As the process began, he monitored the data streams with laser focus. The nanites started to shift within their container, moving in synchronized patterns that reflected Legion's growing influence. Each movement was deliberate, almost hypnotic as if the tiny machines were a living organism responding to a higher will.

Hermes reported. "Energy consumption has increased by 15 percent, but the Arc Reactor is compensating without issue. Power levels remain stable."

"Neural activity within Legion is stable as well," Elena added. "No signs of overload or instability."

Tony nodded, his confidence building. "Good. Keep an eye on the energy draw. If it spikes past 30 percent, we pull the plug. Let's push to 50 percent synchronization."

The nanites moved faster now, forming intricate shapes and patterns within the containment field. Tony couldn't help but marvel at their precision. They were more than machines. They were an extension of his genius, a tool that could change the world. And a tool to remove the infinity gem from his head and save himself.

"Synchronization at 50 percent," Legion reported. "Nanite control grid is fully operational. No anomalies detected."

Tony exhaled, relief washing over him. "Alright, let's kick it up a notch. Full synchronization. Let's see if you can handle the whole swarm."

The room grew tense as the process accelerated. The nanites flowed like liquid mercury, shifting and reforming in mesmerizing patterns. The Arc Reactor glowed brighter, its Vibranium core effortlessly powering the massive swarm.

"Synchronization at 80 percent," Legion announced. "Neural load is increasing but within acceptable parameters."

"Energy consumption is holding steady," Hermes reported. "No spikes detected."

Tony's heart raced as the progress bar inched closer to completion. "Come on, Legion. Show me what you're made of."

"Synchronization at 100 percent," Legion finally said. "Nanite swarm is fully integrated and under my control. All systems are stable."

Tony let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He glanced at the data readouts, every indicator glowing green. "Well, I'll be damned. You did it, Legion. Hermes, Elena, give me a full diagnostic report."

"Diagnostics complete," Hermes replied. "Nanite control grid, Arc Reactor, and AI systems are operating at peak efficiency. No anomalies detected."

"Everything's smooth on my end too," Elena added. "Boss, I think you've got yourself a winner."

Tony grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Damn right I do. Alright, Legion, stand by for further commands. Hermes, Elena, great work. You've earned a virtual pat on the back."

The AIs responded with their customary efficiency, but Tony was already lost in thought. He stared at the shimmering nanites, imagining the possibilities. Medical breakthroughs, environmental restoration, even space exploration—this was more than just a project. It was a revolution.

But for now, he had one thing on his mind: what to test next. Smirking to himself, he muttered, "Let's see just how far we can push the boundaries. I need to start live subject tests. Using rats or other small animals isn't an option. I need human test subjects... Goons and terrorists would do just fine. Time to create a suit."

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[Read over 15 advance chapters] [No double billing]

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