With the Skrulls' technological advantage of several million years, wouldn't it be possible for him to impersonate a human genius?
Then he realized that it was a completely different matter.
Human technology has reached a unique stage, marked by explosive growth in tech branches, uneven tech levels, imaginative tech creativity, and scarce implementation methods.
In simpler terms, most of the human scientists have reached a level of being incompetent yet eager to experiment. Of course, this "incompetence" is in comparison to Skrull technology.
To this Skrull scientist, the abilities of human scientists aren't so great. Still, their determination was strong, their records may not be extensive, but they had plenty of ideas. Their research quality was third-rate, but their stubbornness was top-notch.
At first, in order to play the role of Iron Man, the smartest human genius, this Skrull researcher had been using his knowledge to answer various human questions.
It was just like taking an exam with all the answers on hand. All of his answers were correct and had been tested over and over by the Skrull Empire. He didn't see a problem with what he was doing.
As long as he could answer all the challenging questions, wouldn't he be the world's greatest genius?
Then he realized, humans are an interesting race.
Their purpose for asking Stark for answers wasn't to use those answers to practice and improve human technology. Instead, they took these answers to challenge Stark and prove that they were the brightest scientists.
The moment the counterfeit Iron Man gave a set of data, more than a dozen scientists took this data and pointed out various inaccuracies. When the counterfeit Iron Man gave the research results from this set of data, another set of scientists stated that the experimental conditions did not match the solar system's environment.
As previously mentioned, counterfeits are always unsure of themselves. Eager to prove themselves, the Skrull scientist had to readjust his thesis according to the Solar System's environment. But as soon as he did, another group of scientists pointed out various errors in his argument's basic structure.
"What's going on, Stark? You didn't even clearly explain the handling method for my equipment in the instructions. Isn't it normal for it to blow up?" Otto's voice came from the phone.
"If you didn't sound exactly like Stark, I would have really doubted if you were him. The conclusion you gave me last time, you didn't even write the preamble, how am I supposed to read it?"
"Also, what did you write in the example I asked you for last time? All that mess, how am I supposed to show my students? If they learn the format of your academic papers, I might have a brain hemorrhage from frustration..."
With a sigh, Otto said, "Even the basic format of the paper is wrong. If that venomous Reed knows about this, he would definitely laugh out loud... forget it, if you're really tired, go take a rest."
After Otto hung up the phone, the counterfeit Iron Man, teeth gritted, flung his phone onto the laboratory table, completely disregarding his disguise and saying exasperatedly, "A basic paper format?? I gave them all the right answers! Can't they just copy them?!"
As the counterfeit Iron Man was getting angrier, another phone call came through. This time, it was Reed's voice, saying:
"Look who it is, isn't it the smartest man in the world, Tony Stark? What did I find? In the documents you just transferred, you even got the symbols wrong. Don't you know the difference between full-width and half-width symbols?"
"Oh yes, you are the world's most brilliant scientist, but perhaps...hmm... you lack in terms of grammar. Of course, it doesn't matter, it doesn't affect your academic level. I'll send your paper to the publisher right away, so everyone can admire Tony Stark's academic achievements."
The fake Iron Man hammered the table hard and said, "Reed, listen, my conclusion is correct, why do you care about..."
However, a scoff from the other end interrupted him. Then the voice said, "The conclusion is correct! Is that all you aspire to be! I ask you, out of the 26 laboratories, whose conclusions aren't correct??"
The fake Iron Man opened his mouth and found himself unable to retort.
Although presently, there were 26 laboratories connected to the Stark Building, each with its own focused research, there was no doubt that they were all staffed by the greatest human scientists who rarely make mistakes.
"If you are only satisfied with getting the right conclusion, then I must say, perhaps the title of 'Greatest Human Scientist' may need to be passed on. I don't dare to carry the title, but a person who only seeks correct results is even less qualified to carry it!"
With a "thud", the phone was flung away. The fake Iron Man collapsed onto his chair, covering his forehead and trying to recall how Stark had done it in the past.
In the past, he hardly ever searched his memory because he felt with all the answers, posing as a genius was foolproof. However, realizing now, he could still make common mistakes. If this continued, he would be exposed.
During his search, the fake Iron Man was stunned to realize that Stark indeed deserved the title of the most genius human scientist. He is not only a genius but also an incredibly hard worker, or one might say, manic.
How did Stark manage to lead all the genius human scientists, have them work collectively on Solar System development, yet still stay ahead of everyone juggling management and research?
The answer is, he was constantly occupied.
At Stark's Lab, Stark never rested for even a minute. His life-sustaining armor could provide all of his living conditions, he didn't even go to the bathroom.
Being busy for more than 40 hours straight without eating, drinking, using the bathroom, or diverting his attention were all very normal. It could even be said to be a routine. In Stark's memory, his record for maintaining such a state lasted over 100 consecutive hours.
Seeing this, the Skrull scientist gulped. He realized that he might not just possibly be exposed but was already exposed. After all, Jarvis was watching him at all times.
However, there's still a chance for salvation, as long as he behaves like the real Stark and works tirelessly.
This Skrull scientist, who had achieved such high success in his original empire, also did it with talent and sweat.
He felt that he could not achieve Stark's level of madness before because he did not have his life-sustaining suit. Now that he has it, he can do it too.
A day later, Nick Fury, who was in his office checking the losses of various warehouses, received a phone call. It was the furious scream of Iron Man from the other end:
"I quit!! Whoever wants to do it can do it!!"