"If you had the chance to jump into the Marvel universe, would you go for it?"
Thomas responded with a nonchalant "Sure," his focus glued to the prompts flashing on the computer screen. Each glitch only worsened his already sour mood.
Dealing with website hiccups was nothing new, but with 400 gigs of games downloaded and almost hitting 97% completion, Thomas was on the verge of success. However, right at this critical moment, the computer glitched abruptly, leaving Thomas feeling as uneasy as a mouse in a room full of cats.
Without a second thought, Thomas forcefully yanked out the computer's network plug. Virus or not, disconnecting the network was the fail-safe way to safeguard the one terabyte of resources on his computer.
Post disconnection, Thomas skipped using the mouse and opted to shut down the computer by repeatedly pressing the power button.
Yet, as the shutdown process was suppose to commence, Thomas couldn't shake off the feeling of madness that was beginning to build because no matter how hard he pressed the power button, the computer remained unresponsive.
"Definitely a bug, but I refuse to believe you won't shut down," Thomas grumbled, expressing his frustration as he unplugged the computer.
To his surprise, even after unplugging it, the computer stubbornly remained active.
Facing this unexpected situation, Thomas decisively grabbed his phone, accessed the Reddit app, swiftly composed a message, and took a screenshot of his computer desktop. His post read, "Got a sudden chance to step into another world. What should I do? Urgent online advice needed!"
"What's the holdup? Just go for it!"
"Don't hesitate, take the plunge!"
"Is this some kind of supernatural thing? I think someone broke out of Castle Peak Psychiatric Hospital!"
"Landlord, can I join your team for this adventure?"
"Buying a spot +1!"
"Landlord needs to upgrade his tech skills..."
"..."
Thomas posted out of habit. In the internet age, sharing experiences on social platforms was commonplace. Transmigration had always been dismissed as wishful thinking, deemed an impossibility. Now, faced with this tangible opportunity, Thomas could feel the excitement bubbling within him. Posting served as the initial release of his intense emotions starting to overflow. After a brief wait to ensure the desktop computer stayed unresponsive, Thomas replied to his own post: "Landlord here, a lone wolf by nature. Not keen on teaming up, so I'm going solo."
With this response, Thomas clicked 'Yes' on the desktop computer.
"Whoosh!"
In the next moment, a suction force emerged from the computer screen, transforming into a black hole that swallowed the computer whole.
The papers around the room fluttered.
"As expected, it's a portal." Thomas's eyes gleamed, ready to embrace whatever awaited him.
Following the suction, Thomas found himself in a room adorned with futuristic and opulent decor.
Virtual projections adorned the walls.
"Ouch, who's cursing at me..." Thomas rubbed his aching head, opened his eyes, and instinctively cursed, "Danm..." as he pushed someone on the ground.
Thomas's mood took a nosedive.
Sure, he found himself in a different world, but waking up next to a man? Not an ideal scenario. Thomas was already contemplating whether to grab a stiff drink and be done with it all.
"Good morning, Master Thomas. It's me, your life manager, Jarvis."
Just as Thomas was grappling with his emotions, a mechanical voice echoed in the room.
"Thomas, what the heck are you doing?" The mechanical voice accompanied the groans of the person Thomas kicked off the bed. The man slowly climbed up and stared at Thomas in silence. A middle-aged man with chestnut hair, a Western face, and a handsome mustache, Tony Stark!
Recognizing him instantly, Thomas muttered, "He deserved it."
The next moment, Thomas sprang off the bed, darted towards Tony Stark, grabbed a tight hold on him, and unleashed a punch to the face.
"Hey!"
Tony Stark, caught off guard, took a punch to the eye, it instantly starting to swell.
"Fuck, Thomas, are you insane? Howard's dying wish was for me to look after you, not for you to beat me up like this, buddy." Tony Stark, annoyed, retorted and retaliated promptly.
The two engaged in a brief scuffle. Fifteen minutes later, they separated and found themselves in a living room. At this point, Pepper Potts, dressed professionally, handed coffee to both men.
"Thomas, did you misunderstand something?" Pepper asked, smiling as she inquired about the reason behind the brawl. "You and Tony got drunk together last night, and I thought it would be convenient for you two to share a bed."
"..." Thomas.
As Pepper clarified things for Thomas, he also pieced together his current situation. He recalled that he had become Tony Stark's younger brother after crossing into this world. He is Howard Stark's son, a child born outside of his marriage. In Marvel's story, Howard didn't accidentally create life, and if he did, it was properly resolved. However, now Thomas had crossed over to become Tony Stark's younger brother, going by the full name Thomas Stark. He owned 10% of Stark Industries.
"What's your deal, always tagging along with me? I never agreed, and somehow you're still here," the man said, "even thinking I'd do that kind of thing to you," Tony Stark added, wearing a serious expression.
"Who knows if you're into guys, and you can't say you haven't been peeking at this handsome young man's body," Thomas remarked, giving Tony Stark a glance.
"You... that's just dirty, just like your scrawny body, how could I want to see that?" Tony Stark retorted, eyeing Thomas.
"So if I were more muscular, you'd check it out, Tony, you really have issues," Thomas replied.
"..." Tony Stark almost spit out a blood.
"Forget it, I'll ignore it for now. Tomorrow, there's a weapons briefing in Afghanistan. The Afghan military wants to buy Stark Industries' equipment. Originally, I was handling it, but now my plans were disrupted by you. So, tomorrow's presentation will be left up to you. Its time to go out and make your debut. Since you became an adult, you've never taken responsibility for anything in Stark Industries. You have shares in it anyway, and it's about time you start doing something. You can't just keep sitting at home." Tony Stark glanced at Thomas and said.
"Afghanistan weapons briefing?!!" Thomas's eyes widened as he asked, "Is it about the Jericho missile series?"
"Yeah, it seems you still have some idea of the happenings within the group," Tony Stark smiled and nodded.
"I'm not going."
Upon receiving Tony Stark's response, Thomas, who was reluctant, shook his head. He vividly remembered that Tony Stark was attacked by terrorists during a weapons briefing in Afghanistan and got captured. Even though the circumstances were slightly different this time with Stark Industries, the plot wouldn't change. Even if he wasn't as valuable as Tony Stark, being a part of the Stark family with shares in Stark Industries meant trouble if abducted.
"Why won't you go? Thomas, are you prepared to continue like this, making me handle everything?" Tony Stark said without pausing.
"If I don't want to go, then I won't." Thomas replied.
"No, you have to go this time. Worst case, we'll go together tomorrow, get things sorted out, and if you still refuse, I'll freeze your bank card," Tony Stark declared.
"Damn, you're a piece of work!" Although Thomas didn't know the exact amount in his bank card, a Stark's card surely had quite a sum.
"You can think so. Even though you're an adult now, you know what I can do," Tony Stark smiled.
"Fine..." Thomas clicked his tongue, followed Tony, and stood up before heading outside.
"Thomas, where are you going?" Tony Stark asked instinctively.
"Just stepping out for some air," Thomas replied.
Once outside, Thomas furrowed his brow. Regardless of whether he could go or not, Tony was now his brother. If Tony got arrested in Afghanistan, it might be fine eventually, but it would undoubtedly bring trouble to Tony. How could he help? The best way was to prevent Tony from going to Afghanistan, but success wasn't guaranteed. Tony seemed flashy, but once decisions were made, there was very little room for change.
Lost in thought for a while, Thomas eventually walked out of the villa. Tony really reveled in the luxury of the seaside villa in this residence. It was practically the life of a king. As Thomas surveyed his surroundings, a sudden strong urge surged within him, prompting him to subconsciously look at the ground on the left side.
There was an ant in that spot. When his gaze fell on the ant, an intense urge to swallow overwhelmed him, as if the ant had become incredibly appetizing and his body was acting beyond his control.
"What's happening?" Thomas was startled.
He had zero interest in eating ants or anything of the sort. Yet, the intense urge to swallow was so powerful that he couldn't resist walking to the ant's location, catching it in his hands, and dropping it into his mouth.
"Hey!" Thomas blurted out.
"I've detected the ant gene. Do you want to randomly extract the ant ability?" Much to Thomas's surprise, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Golden Finger!" Thomas's eyes lit up, and without hesitation, he said, "Extract."
"Extracting the ant gene. Do you want to fuse?" The mechanical voice continued.
.
.
.
.
"This might be a powerful gene! This gene should be excellent. What are you waiting for? Start the rapid integration," Thomas replied without hesitation. Figuring out how to help Tony was crucial, especially with Tony's upcoming trip to Afghanistan. Having this ability could potentially alter the course of Tony's impending misfortune to some extent.
"Fusion approved, and the integration will subject the body to certain conditions. Please find a place that is not disturbed, relatively quiet, and safe before integration. Does the host wish to start?" the voice on the other end advised.
"Let's wait a moment," Thomas replied quickly, then briskly walked toward the villa.
"Hey, Thomas, good to have you back. Breakfast is almost ready; what are you in the mood for?" Tony greeted Thomas, sitting on the sofa, casually watching the morning news.
"I won't eat breakfast today; I have some things to attend to. Also, if you hear some strange sounds, don't be surprised," Thomas said, shaking his head at Tony, and then heading back to his room, relying on memory.
"Jarvis, enhance the sound insulation of the room," Thomas said to the air after arriving in the room.
"No problem, Thomas," Jarvis answered.
Thomas didn't notice any visible changes in his room, but there must have been alterations since Jarvis acknowledged them.
He lay down and then tried to open his mouth, asking, "Hey, anyone there? I'm talking; can you hear me?"
"Host, I can hear you," the mechanical voice replied.
"Very good. Immediately initiate the fusion," Thomas commanded. His eyes flashed with determination, devoid of any hesitancy.
"AAAAA..."
Almost immediately after Thomas issued the command, he screamed. The sensation was akin to an all-over itch, and despite his earlier readiness, it became almost unbearable, pushing him to the verge of unconsciousness.
But just as this pain is right on the brink of knocking him out Thomas asked, "Is it safe for me to pass out?"
"The more pain you endure, the more you can boost the fusion of genetic power," the mechanical voice reiterated.
"Ok, I got it." Thomas's feeble voice acknowledged, followed by a surge of determination.
Fortunately, even though this pain is excruciating, it lasts less than five minutes. Yet, during those fleeting minutes, Thomas felt like he had endured an 18-year-long torture session in hell. His entire body collapsed, numb and drenched in sweat. That sensation was genuinely awful. Especially because the pain, which was beyond something his consciousness could usually endure, made the experience unsettling.
"Thomas, your situation looks dire; should I let Mr. Tony know?" Jarvis's voice suddenly echoed in the room again.
"No, I'm okay." Thomas weakly responded.
"Thomas, are you sure?" Jarvis pressed.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Thomas replied, then mustered the strength to rise from the bed and shuffled towards the private bathroom. This ordeal left him feeling slimy, emitting an unpleasant odor that made him quite uncomfortable. The stench was so overpowering that it almost made him sick.
Ten minutes later, Thomas emerged from the bathroom. Feeling refreshed, he stood in front of the floor mirror, examining his reflection. In the mirror, he saw a handsome mixed-race face blending Western and Eastern features — a sharp, deep pair of eyes, a well-defined nose, and a chiseled face. If this face were to walk into a bar or a nightclub, Thomas felt it would be easy to turn heads.
Additionally, the arms and abdomen in the mirror displayed well-defined muscles, streamlined and powerful. With a bit of exertion, Thomas could feel the strength coursing through his body. This strength surpassed what he felt when he first crossed over, at least several times over. However, this newfound power wasn't well controlled. During the bath, he inadvertently broke the door handle and fumbled with the water controls. Fortunately, Jarvis managed to implement an intelligent water cutoff.
"Based on scientific studies, an ant can lift objects approximately 10 to 50 times its own body weight and transport loads exceeding 100 times its weight. Harvard University entomologist Mark Moffett, extensively researching ants, emphasized their remarkable capabilities. For instance, a field ant's neck could easily support loads up to 5,000 times its weight. At forces equivalent to 350 times the ants' body weight, the neck joint started to stretch, and the body lengthened. The ants' necks ruptured at forces ranging from 3,400 to 5,000 times their average body weight. Ants, in terms of relative strength, emerge as true powerhouses."
Why are these diminutive creatures so robust? Scientists extensively researched and concluded that ants serve as a repository of miniature animal nutrition. Every 100 grams of ants can generate 2929 kilojoules (700 kcal) of heat. Scientists also found that the ant's leg muscles function as a highly efficient "engine." This muscular powerhouse is composed of billions of intricate "small engines," enabling ants to exhibit such extraordinary strength.
Thomas, now equipped with the mighty ant genes, was ready to unveil his strength. As he clenched his fist, he felt the surge of power beneath his carefully chosen attire. "Adapting to this sudden power boost requires a partner; one wrong move, and you could end up harming yourself," Thomas cautioned.
Despite his careful approach, the overwhelming power proved challenging to control, tearing through several sets of clothes.
After a succession of wardrobe casualties, Thomas finally managed to don a pair of sports shorts and a sports vest. He then headed to the villa's gym, eager to put his enhanced abilities to the test.
After stepping into the gym, Thomas set his sights on the dumbbells lined up in order of weight along the wall.
Forget the ten and twenty-pound options; Thomas outright dismissed them. Instead, he zeroed in on the eighty pound dumbbells, effortlessly grabbing one with a single hand and lifting it. Even though Thomas anticipated that his strength had surged enough to handle eighty pounds effortlessly, the reality surpassed his expectations. Holding eighty-eight pounds of dumbbells felt weightless in Thomas's hands.
"Whoosh!"
Thomas briskly swung the dumbbells towards the sky, effortlessly catching them on their descent with one hand.
"The gene extraction has turned this into a breeze." A grin formed on Thomas's face as he tossed the dumbbells a few more times, progressing to the ground with one hundred, one hundred thirty, and eventually the robust one hundred fifty pound dumbbells.
In his memory, Tony had purchased the full set of dumbbells going from ten to one hundred fifty pounds, but they were never of any use.
Under normal circumstances, lifting one hundred pounds would be considered quite a feat. Sixty or one hundred pounds were generally challenging. But now for Thomas, whether it was eighty or one hundred pounds, it seemed like child's play. Only the one hundred fifty pounds pushed Thomas to exert a bit of strength and even with one hundred fifty pounds, Thomas effortlessly executed various throwing exercises.
It resembled scenes from martial arts films where masters would toss heavy stone rocks to hone their skills. The one hundred fifty pound dumbbells didn't truly test the limits of Thomas's strength, but they were the heaviest ones available in the gym.
With a dumbbell in each hand, Thomas performed a variety of throwing exercises, a spectacle that Tony Stark and Pepper Potts had yet to witness and would surely leave them shocked if they did.
This rigorous exercise continued for an extended period. Tomorrow's journey to Afghanistan loomed, and Thomas, having acquired this newfound ability, was determined not to squander time. As Tony insisted, he was now a shareholder in Stark Industries, and attending such events was an inherent part of the role.
Refusing to attend could result in the freezing of his bank account, jeopardizing a considerable fortune. Moreover, Thomas had the added responsibility of ensuring Tony, his brother, encountered no issues.
.
.
.
.
He worked hard for most of the day, deciding to control his strength, but at this point, Thomas is getting the hang of it, finally not tearing through clothes like it's a fashion statement.
Now, reaching this level, Thomas starts to figure out the weird voice in his head and quietly asks, "Who are you, and are you still there?"
"Host, I am," the mechanical voice replies.
"What exactly are you? Some kind of system?" Thomas asks.
"I'm not a system," the mechanical voice states.
"Not a system, then what are you?" Thomas probes.
"I don't know what I am. All I know is I have to serve my host," the mechanical voice responds.
"Alright, you don't know how you ended up in my body? Didn't you bring me to this world?" Thomas wonders.
"I didn't bring the host to this world. When I woke up, the host was already here," the mechanical voice clarifies.
"Okay, seems like some higher power brought me here. Since you're here to serve me, can you help me like you did with the ant genes? What's your deal, can you only do gene extractions?" Thomas asks, licking his lips.
"Yes, my main function is to help the host extract genes from other organisms," the mechanical voice explains.
"How do you do it? I don't want to eat creatures like I did with the ants. I don't mind eating some things, but some critters are gross. Like the ants, not my cup of tea," Thomas questions.
"No need to eat every creature. The host can kill or capture them, and you can randomly extract their power," the mechanical voice details.
"In that case, why did I suddenly crave ants and gobble them up without thinking?" Thomas furrows his brow.
"That's because I need bio-energy to awaken, so I guided the host to swallow the ants," the mechanical voice clarified.
"Okay, got it. I won't fuss about the ant buffet, but next time, give me a heads up and get my approval. Don't mess with my body like this," Thomas grumbled at the mechanical voice in his mind.
"Yes, host, in the future, there will be no actions without your orders; I won't repeat that behavior," the mechanical voice assured.
"Good, that's what I like to hear."
"Since you're not a system but can chat with me, let's give you a name. So, are you a dude or a chick?" Thomas inquired, rubbing his chin in contemplation. Out of the blue, he threw the question at the mechanical voice.
"I don't have a gender. According to some memories in your head, if I had to pick, I'd be somewhat akin to the spirits you've encountered. I sense that I have a vessel." The mechanical voice explained.
"Huh, a vessel, what's that supposed to be?" Thomas was intrigued.
"I don't know, just a faint feeling. My abilities aren't developed enough yet to fully grasp it right now." The mechanical voice replied.
"Alright then, let's give you a codename since you're neither he nor she, and you're not sure about your vessel. How about S.A.G.E.? You are a super awesome gene extractor. Yep, from now on, you'll be called S.A.G.E.!" Thomas declared.
"Sounds good, host." S.A.G.E. acknowledged.
"So, S.A.G.E., I'm thinking of snagging some genes from other critters. Any bright ideas?" Thomas inquired.
"Right now, the host has strength but lacks speed. I'd recommend merging the speed gene from some living organism. Also, defense, vitality, and the like are fair game. S.A.G.E. can assist in gene extraction, yet extracting genes from other creatures requires bioenergy. And as of today, the host's bioenergy isn't sufficient to support the next extraction and fusion." S.A.G.E. explained.
"Bioenergy shortage? Well, that's a curveball. How do I get bioenergy?" Thomas raised an eyebrow.
"Take down other creatures. The higher the level, the stronger their strength, the more bioenergy you can rake in. According to S.A.G.E.'s scans, the top-tier and easiest-to-find creature on this planet is human. So, the quickest way for the host to keep extracting is to start killing. If you kill ten people, you'll be set for the next gene extraction." S.A.G.E. suggested.
"I get it." Hearing S.A.G.E. suggest that offing people is the fastest route to bioenergy, Thomas instinctively furrowed his brows. Although, in Marvel's world, taking lives was kind of par for the course, it still felt a bit off for him.
Yet, despite his discomfort, Thomas knew he had to face this reality. Having acquired this extraordinary ability and with a trip to Afghanistan on the horizon, he couldn't shy away from such a challenge. If he hesitated to kill now, it could cost him dearly in Afghanistan, especially when dealing with terrorists attempting to snatch Tony Stark and possibly him. In that scenario, not being willing to take a life could mean offering up his own to the terrorists.
"Besides killing people, how many of other kinds of creatures do I need to kill for the next bioenergy extraction, like those ants I chowed down on recently?" Thomas inquired.
"Considering the energy value, an ant provides 0.01 energy to the host, and the host requires one thousand energy for the next gene extraction. The host would have to kill ten thousand of them." S.A.G.E. clarified.
"Ten thousand?" Thomas's gaze turned cold. Though the ratio seemed a bit low, in reality, gathering a thousand bioenergy wasn't that difficult. Ants breed rapidly, with some large colonies reaching millions or even tens of millions. Even smaller ones, having thousands wouldn't be an issue.
Given his newfound status as Tony Stark's sibling, Thomas was not short on funds. Stark Industries, being one of the largest arms manufacturers in the Marvel world, brought in significant profits. Without hesitation, Thomas sought out Pepper, spending a considerable sum to have her arrange the purchase of a plethora of insects like cockroaches and ants. Although Pepper was puzzled by Thomas's peculiar request, she carried it out promptly. During this process, Thomas checked his bank account, and the string of zeros nearly blinded him. His account was teeming with billions. If it weren't for the heightened danger in this world, unlike the typical uneventful Earth, he could indulge in all kinds of extravagance. After all, as the saying goes, money talks.
Following Thomas's orders, a bunch of roaches and ants were sent over to the factory he procured through Pepper.
Later in the day, after finishing his workout routine, Thomas cleaned up, packed a bit, and was all set to head to the old factory where Pepper had sent the purchase of the insects.
"Hey, buddy, what's gotten into you today? Instead of taking it easy after sparring with your brother, you hit the gym hard. I don't mind the workout, but why all the secrecy? We're not allowed to check it out. Also, Pepper mentioned you dropped a wad of cash, having her buy you a junkyard and loads of ants. What's the deal with all that? You ain't setting up your brother for some prank, are you?" Tony Stark inquired when he intercepted Thomas in the living room.
"Wow bro, those two matching black eyes kinda make you look like a panda," Thomas quipped, giving Tony Stark a quick glance.
"..." Tony Stark was left speechless.
Ignoring the curious Stark, Thomas proceeded out the door and hopped into his car. Guided by the directions provided by Pepper, he made his way to the waste factory.
Upon arrival, he used the key provided by Pepper to open the door and activate the power. In the central area of the factory, several sizable boxes covered in black caught his attention. Moving forward, Thomas removed the black cloth to unveil a multitude of ants and cockroaches neatly contained in various receptacles. Despite the organized packaging, the sheer sight of them induced a sense of unease, even for Thomas, who wasn't particularly bothered by insects.
Ten minutes later, Thomas left the waste factory satisfied. All the ants and cockroaches met their end in a blaze. Though the method was ruthless, it beat the alternative of death by crushing, at least for him.
After securing the factory, Thomas locked the door and prepared to leave in his sports car. Just as he was about to depart, a cacophony of revving engines and raucous shouts pierced the air. A gang adorned in vibrant hair, clad in leather jackets, wielding sticks and chains, emerged from the distance, riding motorcycles to encircle Thomas.
Observing the approaching threat, Thomas involuntarily furrowed his brow. It wasn't fear that gripped him, but rather bewilderment about how these individuals had tracked him down in this remote location, far from prying eyes. The waste factory he acquired through Pepper was tucked away in a relatively secluded spot.
.
.
.
.
"Kid, take your clothes, give us your wheels, and hit the road!"
"At this ungodly hour, you're bringing your sleek sports car to this secluded spot for a joyride. I wonder if you know this is our turf!"
"He's not exactly top-shelf, but still pretty good-looking. I'm into handsome dudes like you, oh..."
"..."
The rugged crew had surrounded Thomas, and amid various laughs, remarks were thrown his way. It was clear they weren't taking him seriously.
"Scram, I don't have time for you." Thomas scowled at the rowdy bunch, his voice slicing through the night air.
"Oh, man, quite the temper you got there." A guy rocking a red cap, a glint of mischief in his eyes, hopped off a motorcycle. He brandished a baseball bat in his right hand, slapping it against his left hand while chuckling toward Thomas.
With a quick approach, he stood beside Thomas, not waiting for any response. Without hesitation, he swung the bat downward at Thomas.
"Go go go…"
The surrounding tough guys cheered, thinking Thomas couldn't possibly dodge the attack from the cap-wearing youth. Yet, their enthusiastic cheers came to a sudden halt. The baseball bat, thrown by the cap-wearing youth, was caught effortlessly in Thomas's hands.
The youth in the cap was taken aback, locking eyes with Thomas, his expression turning sour. Not only did he fail to land a hit on Thomas, but he also ended up making a fool of himself in front of the onlookers, a real blow to his pride. The cap-wearing youth growled, attempting to snatch the bat back from Thomas. However, to his disbelief...
It wouldn't budge!
Despite exerting 90% of his strength, he couldn't reclaim the baseball bat from Thomas's grip, leaving him utterly flabbergasted.
"Hahaha, Tom, you're not doing any better than last night, can't match the strength of this pretty boy."
"Tom, you got a messed-up sense of humor, get some help, don't make a fool of yourself!"
"..."
The mocking laughter from the onlookers only added insult to injury for the jacketed youth. Frustrated, he gripped the baseball bat with both hands and swung back. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't wrestle the bat away; it seemed to be rooted in Thomas's hands.
"Hey..."
Despite the jacketed youth's persistent attempts, the bat remained firmly in Thomas's grasp. As the situation unfolded, the other tough guys nearby began to sense that something was amiss.
"Kid, let it go!"
"I didn't expect you to have some fight in you, but messing with us is no joke, let go!"
"Kid, for daring to resist, there's a price to pay!"
"..."
Four of the tough guys abandoned their underground vehicles and approached Thomas, hurling insults as they prepared to take him down. When they were ready to strike, Thomas glanced at them, then followed the hand gripping the bat and swiftly disarmed the jacketed youth. In this vulnerable state, the youth couldn't break free, so Thomas planted his right foot and sent the youth flying.
"Puff!"
The youth in the jacket coughed up blood, crumpling into a shrimp-like shape mid-air. After flying for five or six meters, he came to a stop, twitching on the ground. Blood continued to spew from his mouth, revealing some expelled internal organs.
"Sh*t, he actually did it!"
"Damn, let's get him!"
"..."
The bewildered tough guys then turned their weapons towards Thomas, seeking revenge for their fallen comrade.
Thomas's eyes flashed with determination, followed by a fierce shout. While yelling, he swung the baseball bat in his right hand. Though lacking any formal fighting skills, Thomas understood the basics of dropping someone with a bat – a truth he felt confident in.
Now armed and strong, he leveraged these advantages.
"Hey!"
A cry rang out as the iron rod of one assailant clashed with Thomas's bat. The forceful swing disarmed the attacker, causing the weapon to slip from their grasp, the impact tearing open their hands, and blood flowing freely.
"Hey!"
However, while Thomas swiftly incapacitated two with his bat, the other two assailants pressed on. As he sent two flying, the remaining attackers redirected their assault. Thomas managed to evade one with a deft sway, but the chain in the other's hand struck him square in the back causing a sudden pain. Fortunately, the ant gene extraction had strengthened his body, granting decent resistance against a direct hit. Still, Thomas seethed with anger.
"Son of a b*tch!"
In pain, Thomas twisted his body, landing a forceful blow with the baseball bat on the assailant's shoulder. The audible 'crack' of breaking bones was followed by the victim collapsing to the ground, howling in agony.
"Get lost!"
Witnessing his foe's demise didn't quell Thomas's fury. He swung his right heel, sending the man hurtling like a ball. Blood spurted from his mouth as he landed seven or eight meters away, convulsing on the ground.
With this assailant dealt with, Thomas shifted his gaze to the side. The one he hadn't managed to hit, now visibly pale, was a golden-haired thug. When he looked up, fear was evident in his trembling legs.
"Don't, don't come over..."
Despite his attempt to appear tough, the golden-haired thug waved the chain at Thomas, screaming in terror.
"Humph!"
Thomas snorted, advancing with his baseball bat. He closed the distance quickly, causing the golden-haired thug to tremble even more.
"I'll kill you, stay back!" The golden-haired thug, desperately fighting fear, brandished the chain and shouted.
"Hey!"
Thomas's baseball bat expertly deflected the chain, closing in rapidly. He leaped with agility, smashing the bat down on the man.
"Hey!"
The sickening sound of breaking bones echoed as the man's shoulder took the hit. His body 'thudded' onto the ground, writhing in pain. The intense agony led to unconsciousness. However, even as his opponent lay unconscious, Thomas showed no mercy. He swiftly propelled himself towards the remaining two iron-wielding thugs who were still recovering from being flung away.
"Run…"
Seeing Thomas's relentless pursuit, the two thugs didn't dare to stick around. They sprinted away, shouting for assistance.
"Screw this, give us a hand!"
"Yeah, run him down!"
"..."
The group consisted of five motorcycles, with an additional person on each motorcycle besides the driver. So in addition to the earlier five thugs, there were also five thugs on the motorcycles still. Witnessing Thomas's prowess, they were shocked and alarmed but decided against fleeing. Instead, they aggressively revved their engines, ready to confront Thomas.
The fastest among them was a red-haired youth in a black jacket.
"You're dead meat!"
The red-haired youth accelerated on his motorcycle, catching up to Thomas. He screamed, the throttle roaring wildly as the motorcycle bore down with lethal intent. Thomas, realizing the impending danger, swiftly dodged the oncoming attacker. However, just as he avoided one threat, another motorcycle came hurtling toward him. Forced to dodge again, he barely evaded the collision. Yet, despite eluding two vehicles, three more motorcycles remained in pursuit.
"Not as tough as you thought, huh? Time to meet your match!"
"A real cowboy, dodging motorcycles!"
"..."
As Thomas continued to dodge, the taunts from the pursuing thugs echoed in the air.
"HAA!"
As they jeered, Thomas spotted an opportunity. With a mighty throw, he hurled his baseball bat at the lead thug on the motorcycle. The force behind it knocked the thug off balance, causing him to tumble off the bike. As he fell, the motorcycle careened out of control.
Seizing the moment, Thomas unleashed a roar. With a single hand, he lifted the fallen motorcycle. As it hung mid-air, he swung the bike towards one of the approaching motorcycles, sending it careening off the road.
The other thugs, witnessing this incredible feat, felt a sudden chill down their spines.
In particular, the thug who had followed closely behind experienced a moment of terror. Despite desperately slamming on the brakes, it was too late. Thomas, wielding the lifted motorcycle, charged forward, colliding with the thug's motorcycle with tremendous force.
Following the impact of the motorcycle wheel delivered by Thomas, the guy couldn't escape the ensuing attack. He suffered a fate similar to his companion, propelled into the air along with the motorcycle.
Thomas acknowledged that, despite his genetic enhancements from the ant genes, he hadn't reached the level of some ants that could lift two hundred times their weight. Nevertheless, his strength surpassed that of ordinary people, making one-handed motorcycle lifts a simple feat.
Cars, placed by his side, felt conquerable. In the Marvel world, such strength wasn't extraordinary, given the abundance of mutants and the experiments conducted by eccentric scientists.
"Retreat! Get outta here! This guy's a freaking monster..."
"Dang, he's one of those mutant monsters from the news reports..."
"..."
The two on the motorcycle and the two rescued thugs were awestruck, their faces etched with fear. Cursing their predicament and each other, they hastily abandoned the idea of facing Thomas and sought an escape. Mounting the motorcycles skillfully, the thugs sped toward the fallen comrades, intending to carry them away.
"If you think you can just hit someone and run, think again." Thomas hurled the motorcycle he held towards the thugs.
"Boom!"
The impact propelled the vehicle more than ten meters, colliding with one of the motorcycles. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves through the air, launching both the fallen thugs and those on the nearby motorcycle into the sky.
"Uh…"
Thomas's pupils constricted as he instinctively shielded his face while retreating. The realization hit him – the explosion occurred when he threw the motorcycle, causing the petrol tank to ignite. He hadn't anticipated the explosion, as he believed the motorcycle was safe when he lifted it. However, the connection process might have leaked gasoline.
.
.
.
.
After the explosion ceased, Thomas briskly approached the aftermath of the motorcycle blast. Four lifeless bodies lay scattered, bloodied, and disoriented, a stark reminder of his first lethal encounter. A wave of nausea hit him, an unwelcome reaction to the reality of having taken lives.
This wasn't his initial intent. When he swung the baseball bat, the goal wasn't to end lives, but circumstances had thrust him into a situation he couldn't reverse. Suppressing the urge to vomit, Thomas shifted his gaze to the remaining violent thugs sprawled on the ground. He steeled himself, acknowledging that the line between non-lethal and fatal had blurred.
His reluctance to kill vanished; the threshold had been crossed. Determined to eliminate any remaining threats, Thomas swiftly approached the incapacitated thugs. Picking up an iron rod from the ground, he delivered swift, fatal blows to each of them. Stacking the lifeless bodies together, he placed the fallen motorcycle on top. Moving to a distance, he tossed another motorcycle onto the pile.
"Boom!"
The resounding explosion and ensuing flames marked the destruction of the evidence. Thomas took a deep breath, retrieved the car key, and drove away.
Confident in escaping scrutiny, Thomas considered the improbable investigation by any authorities. As a member of the Stark family, a Stark Industries shareholder, and with strong ties to the M country's military, he had the resources to handle any fallout. The preemptive attack by the thugs justified his actions as self-defense. In the Marvel world, where superheroes occasionally resort to lethal force, agencies like SHIELD and the CIA were likely to cover up the incident, provided Thomas demonstrated his abilities.
…
Thomas returned to the seaside villa from his earlier escapade. Upon arrival, he found Tony Stark in the lobby, engaged in conversation with a blonde.
"Hey, Thomas, you're back," Stark greeted him with a nonchalant smile. However, as he noticed the traces of blood on Thomas's body, Stark's expression shifted. "Man, what happened to you? You look like you've been in a brawl. Did you get into a fight?"
As he inquired, Stark released the blonde from his embrace. After exchanging a few hushed words, the disappointed blonde reluctantly left the villa.
When the blonde departed, Tony Stark cast a serious and dignified look at Thomas "What happened to Thomas? Why do you have so much blood on you?"
"I killed," Thomas replied bluntly as he took a seat on the sofa opposite Tony Stark.
"Hey, kill! Man, today's not April Fool's Day, are you sure you're not pulling my leg?" Stark squinted at Thomas.
"Well, I didn't lie to you; I did kill," Thomas responded, his brow furrowing. Reflecting on the recent events, he felt a lingering discomfort. While he had prepared himself for the possibility of taking lives when he decided to accompany Tony Stark to Afghanistan, the abruptness of the actual act left him uneasy.
"How can that be true? What happened? Give me the details. Also, where did this happen? Why didn't you call right after the incident? You should have contacted Pepper immediately. I'll get her to handle the aftermath," Stark said, turning to Thomas. He then addressed the room, "Jarvis, get in touch with Pepper."
"Yes, sir," Jarvis replied promptly.
"It went down outside the factory Pepper bought for me today. When I left, I encountered a gang on motorcycles. They started a brawl, and I ended up taking their lives," Thomas explained.
"Man, you expect me to believe this? You're not just making up a story, are you? A gang of violent thugs? I mean, no offense, you keep in shape and all, but your combat skills aren't exactly superhero-level. How could you take down a whole gang unless... did you grab some of Stark's heavy-duty weaponry before going out," Stark remarked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.
"I've got solid fighting skills." Thomas retorted.
"You pulled a sneak attack," Stark declared, exasperated.
"That's one way to put it..." Thomas shrugged.
"Well, I knew when you left that you'd get into trouble, I would've made you stay home. Next time, just give me a heads-up before you head out." Tony said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. "But, buddy, don't stress about it now. Go to your room, take a shower, and get some sleep. I'll have Pepper handle the aftermath, and I won't let the FBI hassle you," Stark assured him in the end.
"Yeah," Thomas acknowledged before leaving the hall. As he exited, Pepper entered, ready to take Tony Stark's instructions.
Tony Stark wasted no time and promptly instructed Pepper to handle the situation as described by Thomas. Upon hearing Tony's directive, Pepper, though initially surprised, swiftly took action, efficiently carrying out Tony's orders. As Tony Stark's life assistant and secretary, she possessed the skills and knowledge required to manage such situations effectively.
In alignment with Thomas's belief, while killing may be a significant event for ordinary citizens, the Stark family had the means to handle it, especially when framed as a legitimate defense. Both Pepper and Tony Stark were confident in Thomas's honesty. Just ten minutes later, Tony reviewed Pepper's responses, glancing up at the second floor of the villa. According to Pepper's report, a group of violent individuals had indeed met their demise outside the abandoned factory purchased by Thomas. The live photo sent by Pepper revealed the gruesome aftermath and signs of an explosion, leaving Stark intrigued about the mysterious circumstances of Thomas's involvement.
Despite the obscure aspects of the situation, Tony chose not to press Thomas for details. Thanks to Pepper's efficient handling, the incident was resolved seamlessly, sparing Thomas from any further scrutiny. Thomas was left undisturbed to take a shower, enjoy a good meal, and rest through the night.
…
The following morning, both Tony and Thomas were awakened by Pepper; they were scheduled to fly to Afghanistan for a weapons briefing.
"Tony, Thomas, you need to pick up the pace; the plane's ready and waiting."
Seeing Thomas and Tony get up, they took their time washing up, prompting Pepper to gently urge them forward. As per the plan, she was supposed to wake up Tony Stark and Thomas more than an hour ago. However, knowing they needed their rest, she allowed them to sleep in. Now, with time ticking away, their leisurely pace threatened to make them miss the agreed-upon departure time.
"No rush, what's the hurry? We aren't trying to sell Stark Industry weapons, this time, the Afghan military has requested equipment from us. It's not about selling, it's already sold; there's no need for urgency." Thomas remarked while washing up, addressing Pepper.
"Thomas, though you've never been part of our Stark Industries activities, I must say, you're spot-on. As long as the pieces fall into place eventually, they need not hit the panic button," Tony Stark added, finishing his outfit with a grin.
Pepper was left momentarily speechless.
"Hey, Tony, did you arrange for any bodyguards or private security to accompany us to Afghanistan?" Thomas suddenly asked Tony.
"Bodyguards and private security? Aren't those folks just a nuisance? Plus, this time, we've got Colonel James Roddy with us. Once we touch down, we're meeting with the top brass of the Afghan military. No danger at all. You really think there's anything that could put our lives at risk under these circumstances?" Tony Stark responded, eyeing Thomas.
"True, but Afghanistan isn't exactly a walk in the park. Armed groups are lurking around. Who's to say we won't be targeted once we're through? We're one of the biggest arms manufacturers out there. If they come after us, it's a huge win for them," Thomas pointed out.
"In such a case, don't worry. Everything will be smooth sailing. It's just a routine press conference. The Afghan military will make sure nothing goes sideways," Tony Stark reassured.
"Sure, we won't have trouble with the Afghan military, but what about after the weapons trade? That's where the most risk is, during the departure." Thomas emphasized. " I'm concerned. You know I got attacked last night, and now I'm on edge. That's why I'm pushing hard to bring in professional bodyguards to Afghanistan. Also, we're not short on portable attack weapons in Stark Industries, let me bring some, I don't have any weapons. I won't feel comfortable without one, and besides us, I strongly demand that the bodyguards be fully armed," Thomas asserted.
"... Thomas, you got stabbed yesterday. I know, but this setup is too much." Tony Stark looked at Thomas with wide eyes.
"What's the exaggeration here? Other arms dealers, wealthy folks, basically everyone of a certain status and level arrange things this way. Just look at Obadiah, whenever that guy travels, it's not uncommon to have a lot of bodyguards. I also own a 10% stake in Stark Industries. I want to get some bodyguards, It doesn't seem too excessive for my status." Thomas emphasized.
"Well, I suppose if you insist, I'll go along with it. But, Thomas, don't you find this a bit embarrassing? I've been to many conferences, and I've never taken such precautions. It's about prestige and not seeming too paranoid." Tony Stark commented.
"Cut it, Tony. I seriously question how you've survived till now. Luckily, I've kept a low profile. I don't venture out much, and people outside don't pay much attention to me. If I were as high-profile as you, walking around without bodyguards, I'd have been killed long ago," Thomas retorted, looking at Tony Stark.
"Tony, I think Thomas has a point. It wouldn't hurt to have some bodyguards accompanying you. I trust Colonel Roddy, but when you're in other countries, there might really be people trying to target you. The FBI closely monitors you and provides secret protection, but other countries might pose a different challenge," Pepper added.
"Fine, fine, let's go with what Thomas suggested," Tony Stark conceded, shaking his head. He followed Pepper's lead, letting her make the arrangements and grabbing some burgers to eat on the plane.
In this scenario, Thomas, Tony, and Pepper arrive at a private airport well in advance. A private plane was already parked there, and James, in military uniform, stood waiting inside the cabin for Tony and the others.
Unlike the original story where Tony Stark went with James, Now, not only is there Thomas stay silent, but there are also 16 men dressed in black. These sixteen individuals, dressed in black shirts, appeared ordinary, but they had undergone rigorous training.
It was at this moment that Thomas and the others reached the airport, inside Stark Industries, within Obadiah Stane's office. Obadiah realized the opportunity he had when he learned Thomas Stark was accompanying his brother Tony Stark to Afghanistan.
"Excellent. I was prepared to take Tony alone, but having Thomas tag along is an unexpected bonus. Even though he doesn't actively participate in the group, being Howard's son and holding a 10% stake makes him part of the game. Even if he's just dead weight, it's a shared burden. No need for him to come back," Obadiah Stane said with a cold smile, then issued an action command through an anonymous email.