After briefly experiencing the smart features of Tony Stark's villa, Charles couldn't help but admire the advanced technology.
Tony, with Charles, and Parker curiously observing their surroundings, headed straight to the underground laboratory.
Upon arriving in the lab, Charles couldn't help but take in the chaotic scene. He also noticed a mechanical leg on one of the workbenches, sparking his curiosity about the progress of Tony's Mark II.
Tony made his way to the virtual control console and asked, "Charles, have you managed to assemble my old Mark I suit?"
Charles sighed and replied, "Tony, I don't have skilled mechanics at my disposal. Your Mark I is still just a pile of parts."
Hearing that it was still in pieces, Tony expressed his regret, saying, "That's a shame; it's my first suit and has some collecting value."
"But if you'd like, you can give it to me. I can have my AI assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S., assemble it for you and return it as a collectible. However, I won't provide the energy core."
Charles immediately agreed, "That's settled then; I'll give you the parts later. As for the energy core, Tony, you don't think I need to wear that thing for battles, do you?"
Considering Charles's powers and his summons, Tony agreed that there was no need for Mark I in battle.
With Tony's guidance, the virtual projection of Mark II appeared on the control console.
"Charles, take a look. This is my latest concept," Tony said with pride. "The previous Mark I was too rudimentary, with limited resources, equipment, and time constraints. It didn't meet my standards. But this... this is closer to what I envisioned."
Charles agreed, "It looks great. Mark I was a bit rough around the edges."
Curious about Tony's plans for Mark II, Charles asked, "So, Tony, once you complete this, do you plan to sell it?"
Tony immediately responded, "No, I won't sell this one. It's my personal project and doesn't belong to Stark Industries."
Charles understood Tony's sentiment and didn't press further. He simply said, "That's a wise decision. These suits pack quite a punch and aren't suitable for ordinary folks."
Tony raised an eyebrow and asked, "Ordinary folks? Charles, are you implying that there are many non-ordinary people out there?"
Charles nodded, hinting at the existence of other extraordinary individuals but refrained from elaborating. He simply said, "Yes, this world isn't as simple as it seems. I believe you'll come to understand that in the not-so-distant future."
"Enough of the side talk. How's the progress with your Mark II compared to Mark I? It's not just a boot, is it?" Charles inquired, pointing to the leg armor on the workbench.
Tony chuckled and explained, "As you know, technological advancements take time. Mark II isn't completed yet. However, once it's finished, I'd be up for a friendly challenge to see who's superior."
"Compared to Mark I, I've improved the power system and flight stability system, which allows for single-person flight."
Charles couldn't help but think about the scenario of plummeting from high altitudes. He knew that this world might be similar to Earth-199999, but it wasn't the same, and the consequences of such a fall could be disastrous.
He raised a concern, "Tony, have you considered the issue of freezing at high altitudes?"
"High-altitude freezing?" Tony paused for a moment, realizing he hadn't thought about it.
Charles elaborated, "Yes, high-altitude freezing. You might want to consider adding some titanium alloy to the armor during the Mark II construction to prevent it from freezing."
"Imagine flying at high altitudes, and the armor ices up, causing equipment malfunctions and short circuits. You'd end up freefalling from ten kilometers up, and the impact, even on a sandy surface like before, could turn you into a pancake."
Tony shivered at the thought and said, "Thank you for the reminder; I can't even imagine that scenario."
Charles didn't dwell on it further and moved on to his departure. He said, "Tony, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back."
However, Tony hesitated for a moment and then said, "Charles, I actually have something I'd like to ask you."
"I'd like to propose a next commission – to have Parker protect me for a month. What do you think?"
Parker was taken aback by this sudden request. He hadn't expected such a warm welcome and a dedicated commission from this guy, which was quite unusual when he was in the Leaf Village.
Charles asked Parker, "What do you think, Parker?"
With both Charles and Tony looking at him, Parker raised his head and said, "Lord Charles, I'll follow your command. I have no objections."
Charles nodded and accepted Tony's offer, saying, "Alright, Tony, I'll accept your commission. However, the fee won't be low. After all, a month is quite long."
Tony replied confidently, "Charles, do you think I'm short on money? Let's make it a flat fee of $10 million."
Charles shrugged, realizing that Tony had money to spare, and agreed, "Fine, Tony, I accept your commission. Parker will be responsible for your safety for the next month."
Charles immediately purchased a blank mission scroll from the system store, wrote down all the mission details, and handed it to Tony. He said, "Sign it and make the payment. Parker will take care of your security for the next month."
Tony didn't waste any time and signed the scroll, instructing J.A.R.V.I.S. to transfer $10 million to Charles's agency's account.
Charles took the mission scroll and tossed it into the mission hall. The mission was rated as C-level and offered 500 reputation points, 50,000 copper coins, and one ordinary treasure chest as a reward.
Afterward, Charles located an empty space in the laboratory, retrieved all the parts of Mark I from his storage space, and said, "Tony, I'm entrusting you with Mark I. It's the number one item in my collector's room. Please don't forget it."
Tony, now holding Parker in his arms again, looked at the scattered pieces of Mark I on the floor and smiled, "Don't worry, once J.A.R.V.I.S. assembles it, I'll have it delivered to your agency."
"That Number One collectible, I have to admit, Charles, you have great taste."
After some brief small talk, Charles took his leave. Although he didn't obtain what he had initially wanted, he had accepted a C-level mission and received a $10 million reward.
He had also gained insight into the progress of Iron Man's suit, which he considered a decent outcome.