Tony looked at this perfect rendering of his Iron Man armor and was immediately speechless. He could not understand how the government had his technology. Did he have a mole? However, only Jarvis had access to this technology. Even if they could salvage something from Obadiah's suit, it should not be so fast or detailed.
"Purely talking about robotics, the suit is nothing special," Edward stated before Tony could wake up from his shock and start talking. However, these words did hit him with another shock.
"However, the Arc Reactor is worth looking at," Edward continued as he thrashed the blueprint for the armor, leaving only the information about the reactor.
"A miniaturized fusion reactor built in a cave and under duress. Now, that is praise-worthy."
"How did you get that?" Tony asked, trying to control his anger. Someone had basically stolen his invention, and the worst part was that it was the US government.
"You can think we've reverse-engineered your armor," Edward stated calmly. "But that's not why I'm here, nor is it important."
"I think it is." Tony could not imagine the horror of the world if the US government could create his suit — that would be truly catastrophic.
"I'm here for three main reasons," Edward continued.
"Are you listening to me?"
"Firstly, it is to speed up things. Time is running out, and some things cannot be dragged out. Secondly —"
"Are you deaf?" Tony held him by his collar.
"Tony, stop." Pepper rushed over to pry him over.
"The Palladium you use for the reactor is poisonous and should be slowly killing you," Edward finished.
"Wait, is that true, Tony?" Pepper asked, but Tony did not answer. He only found out two days ago and hadn't processed the news. Edward walked a few steps to unveil what was covered on the couch.
"Your father discovered a new element. However, he could not create as he was limited by the technology of his time, so he left it to you to finish his work. That element can perfectly replace Palladium, and it will kill you."
Tony stared at him, but Edward continued talking.
"The third reason is for the Avengers Initiative Project." He handed a document to Pepper. "Read it and think about it. Now, Ms Potts, it was a pleasure meeting you. As for you, Mr Stark, have a nice evening."
Edward walked toward the exit, and Pepper wanted to lead him. "No need. I'll see myself out." He left the mansion and entered the back of his vehicle. While his driver led him home, he was deep in thought.
'Dealing with Tony Stark will be a bigger headache than I anticipated.' Most geniuses have a few things in common: opinionated, headstrong, arrogant, and finally prideful. Edward suffered from a similar affliction, but he's learned to control himself — especially since dealing with the other geniuses of the Empire was required.
Unfortunately, it seems Tony was the kind of genius whose ego had to be the largest in the room. At least, it was hard for him to deal with the current Tony Stark. Edward's watch suddenly rang, so he pressed a button to manifest a screen before him.
"Secretary."
"What is it?"
"How did the meeting with Stark go?" Fury asked.
"Not as good as I would want to, but not the worst-case scenario," he replied calmly.
"Is he fit for the Avenger Initiative?"
"As he is currently? That would be a no."
Fury frowned.
"We still have time to observe and evaluate him," Edward continued. "What is Hulk's current situation?"
"Banner is hiding out, and we are secretly monitoring him. I've also led him to the scroll you wanted to give him."
"That's good."
"May I ask what's on the scroll?"
"A meditation method that will allow him complete control over the Hulk," Edward replied.
"Such a thing exists?"
"The world is more vast and complex than you know or can imagine," Edward replied. Fury gave him a side-eye glance with that one eye. It appeared he wanted to say something but stopped himself. The two talked more about the upcoming Avengers and information about locating Hydra.
Kamar Taj:
"Where is Loki?" Edward asked after watching over the clone.
"He's out on a mission," Morgan answered.
"Leave him a message to come see me once he returns," Edward ordered before opening a portal elsewhere.
"Who are you?" asked a beautiful woman in a weary tone.
"I am the Sorcerer Supreme, Edward Bones, and it's a pleasure." The woman stared at him, indicating this status meant nothing to her.
"I believe this is the part where you introduce yourself."
"I don't know who you are and what you want, but leave this place immediately."
"I guess I need to be more direct. I came here specifically for you, Prime Eternal — Ajak."
"How do you know about me?"
"The human world has advanced a lot. You should have paid more attention,' Edward replied.
"And what exactly do you want?"
"My title indicates that I'm Earth's Protector. But the existence of the Eternals has ruined this safety."
"Nonsense. We have protected this planet since the dawn of civilization," Ajak argued.
"Yes, but you forgot to mention the part about raising us like cattle before annihilating us during the emergence."
"How do you know this?" Ajak asked, and before Edward could answer, she rushed toward him. She punched him with her superhuman strength. Before succeeding, chains appeared out of nowhere to tie her. Edward was not surprised by her reaction.
Ajak changed her mind about her mission after being influenced by the Avenger's actions. Currently, she is absolutely loyal to Arishem and her mission. The Celestial Communication Sphere flew out of her body into Edward's hand.
He summoned a few more chains that opened a portal to an unknown destination. After a few seconds, all the Eternals appeared before him in chains.
"Does anyone know what's going on?" Kingo asked.
"Ajak?" Sersi added.
"Druig? Is that you?"
"Don't do anything stupid," Edward said, looking at the mind-controlling Eternal. "I already don't appreciate your actions of mind-controlling humans. Don't make me put you down."
Druig suddenly groaned as blood dripped from his nose.
"Are you alright?" asked Sersi, but Druig did not answer.
"What do you want with us?" Ajak asked.
"With you? Nothing. But I do have business with your boss," Edward replied as a magic circle that covered the entire planet manifested above him. Luckily, this thing was invisible, or the whole planet would enter a state of mass hysteria. The circle released a spatial fluctuation, and a few seconds later, the celestial living at the planet's core was teleported. The magic circle then turned into a sphere.
The other Eternals were confused, except for Ajak, who knew what had happened. "Do you understand the severity of your actions?"
"More than you can imagine," Edward replied before using the communication sphere to contact Arishem, the Judge.
"Ajak, is there a new situation developing?... You're not Ajak."
"Very astute, aren't we?" Edward teased. "I'm Edward Bones, the Sorcerer Supreme, and Guardian of Earth. We need to talk about how your actions have endangered the lives of my people."
Arishem glanced at him before directly disconnecting the communication. Less than a second later, a black hole appeared outside Earth's atmosphere, and the celestial walked out.
"I guess it's easier to communicate face to face," Edward muttered before teleporting before Arishem with the other Eternals with him.