Tony, at least outwardly, seemed calm and was currently analyzing something. "Who are you, and what do you want?" Hearing his question, I smiled softly, though it wasn't visible. "This is the first time we've met, Mr. Stark. Or if I may be rude, Tony. However, I gave you a gift a few months ago—something that, I don't know, might have been useful during your kidnapping."
Upon hearing my statement, he remained silent for a moment, and I felt somewhat frustrated by the armor that made it impossible for me to see his facial or body reactions. I wonder if that's how my enemies feel… or perhaps it's worse in my case, given that there are no discernible details about my identity.
"Are you the Immortal? The supposed vigilante?"
"Ding! Correct," I said in a light and playful tone, and Tony seemed to finally understand, but still asked, "How did you know about the kidnapping? And why did you help me?" He questioned more pointedly while I felt the scanners of his armor trying to analyze and identify me. However, with this level of technology, it's impossible to bypass my divine power, let alone the existence of my armor, mask, and so on.
At that moment, an angry shout came from behind, followed by the sound of bullets and other medium- to long-range attacks. "Stark!" Uncle Obadiah had already gotten up from the shove I had given him and began attacking my ice shield, though it should hold for a bit longer. I also placed my hand on it to increase its durability and slightly rebuild the ice.
Tony had also turned his attention, but I decided to answer and refocus him. "Well… I didn't know about the attack, and I only gave you the item as a gift."
It was true that I had no idea about the kidnapping—I was simply fulfilling a mission. "As for why… you could say one of the reasons is that I believe you have a bright future in helping people and advancing positive technologies, just as your father did when he helped Captain America during World War II."
That was partly true. I found it quite reasonable to help him, hoping his father's influence as a key figure in 20th-century history could guide him. And, of course, there was Peter idolizing Tony, not to mention the most obvious reason: the system's mission.
"And I was somewhat right. At the very least, you've created a versatile and powerful technological suit, and so far, you've only used it to protect people, not for selfish or egotistical reasons. As for the future… that will depend on how you conduct yourself." I spoke with a slight smile, though there was a subtle hidden threat in my tone.
In truth, if his technology became globally widespread for any reason, I wouldn't take any special action. After all, in other worlds, such processes are part of a civilization's evolution, especially with the existence of powerful alien civilizations like the Asgardians and Frost Giants. Not to mention the mutants, which complicate things further.
I would only interfere if he directly harmed innocent people. As for indirect harm, I preferred not to get too involved.
Hearing my words, he remained silent. I didn't speak either, turning to look at Obadiah, who was now near the ice wall, which was about to break. After all, I hadn't recast the spell; I was merely reinforcing and rebuilding it.
"Don't overthink it. For now, I'm just helping you. And don't you think it's better to eliminate your first enemy?"
Upon hearing my words, Tony finally snapped out of it and nodded. "Yes."
"Do you already have a strategy?" I asked, and his voice came back with much more confidence than before, even with a slight arrogance in it. "Of course."
"Great. I'll give you a little help." I smiled and, ignoring the nearly breaking shield, made a giant leap, positioning myself above Tony's armor and in mid-air above him. I clasped my hands in his direction. "Ice Make: Cage!"
With the formation of my magic circle, a cage of dense ice trapped his armor. Afterward, I used wind power to keep flying, observing the rest of their battle from the air. The actions I took helped delay Obadiah slightly and allowed the rest of the fight to proceed more smoothly.
In the end, Tony's suit was still heavily damaged, and he was bleeding slightly. However, none of it compared to his uncle—Obadiah's massive armor was destroyed, and he was gravely injured, to the point where his final breath was drawn here. A slightly dramatic farewell scene, filled with jealousy and bitterness, followed.
As the battle ended, I approached Mr. Stark. "Well, you seem pretty hurt, huh?" "Ha... not worse than my—uh, I mean Obadiah." He spoke in a strange tone, a subtle loss hidden in his words. I lightly touched his shoulder and remained silent.
A few minutes later, my bees sent me information that cars with eagle symbols, along with police vehicles and other government institutions like the CIA, were approaching. "Tony, I have to go. We'll have company soon."
It didn't take him long to understand what I meant, and before I left, he asked, "Is there a way for me to contact you?"
Hearing his words, I paused for a moment and handed him a device. It wasn't the same type of technological badge that could function as a watch, like the ones I'd given to Daredevil or Spider-Man. It was smaller, with fewer functions, more restrictions, and security measures. The specific encoding and system functions were personally designed by me, using an alien from a superior, ultra-technological civilization via the Omnitrix, with the help of my AI from the extremely advanced Kryptonian race. These aspects left me confident in dealing with Mr. Stark's AI and intelligence.
"This device only has contact with me. It's bidirectional but comes with restrictions. If you try to hack or invade its system, it'll explode. It's not the official symbol of my little group, but it's still useful."
He seemed like he wanted to ask something, but I didn't give him the chance. I snapped my fingers, and the ice walls shattered into a small show of snowflakes and frost. "I have to go. Good luck with what's coming, and remember to keep the item safe. Kai Kai." And my body disappeared from the spot.
Still sitting on the ground, Stark looked at the small button with a green symbol in his hand and secretly tucked it into his pocket. Soon, various vehicles arrived, and men began to step out, surveying the scene. Among them, someone I knew well approached Stark. Wearing dark sunglasses and looking more government-like than anyone else. "Hello, Mr. Stark. Seems like we meet again under rather inconvenient circumstances. As I've introduced myself before, I'm Coulson."
…
After leaving the scene, I teleported back to the car and then silently returned home. Along the way, I communicated with my love, who assured me that I didn't need to worry, as he was getting a ride with an aunt from the lab. I insisted several times, but Peter seemed to know I had something to take care of, and in the end, he insisted on the ride. At the very least, I negotiated a romantic dinner as his reward, and we agreed to go out tomorrow.
Back at the base, I deactivated my power, took off my mask, and lowered my hood. I cracked my knuckles slightly—the mission and today's event had been so easy that I wasn't tired at all. Grabbing a refreshing sip of lemon Italian soda from the fridge, I checked the system mission.
---
**Mission:** An Iron Monk Can't Harm the Innocent!!
**Objective:** Help ensure that the destruction from the battle doesn't harm innocents or cause more damage. Preferably, intervene minimally in the battle.
**COMPLETE**
**Reward:** Small Pet Pack (includes 6 "beings" with no significant combat capability).
**Description:** In a clash of technological armors, the innocent mustn't be harmed! As a hero, it's your duty to help! Go, Immortal, and receive your little helpers as a gift.
---
"Receive the reward," I said, and the system notifications appeared.
Seeing the reward, I was surprised and first summoned the droids. Two slightly beige-colored robots appeared before me. They stood in a formal posture and raised their hands in salute.
"We greet the master. I am D-1."
"I am D-2."
I smiled, satisfied. I noticed that both had two basic energy weapons behind their backs, just like their counterparts, which was a good thing since, besides utility functions, they could provide some defense. Since they were system items, even if destroyed, they wouldn't die for real and would recover. Given their power level, they could remain deployed indefinitely.
After they disappeared, I summoned the other four. This time, four small creatures appeared before me. They had tiny tufts of hair on their heads, wore overalls and goggles, and in the center of their overalls was a green symbol with a sword and shield crystal, representing my vigilante/protection group. Two of them had two eyes, while the other two only had one large eye.
"Bello!!" the four greeted me.
They were a bit strange, but also cute. Out of the four, I intended to leave two here in the hideout, while the other two I left in the system space to stay with me all the time to help with small tasks. Despite being a bit silly, the minions are quite useful and efficient, with a reasonable level of intelligence. After all, they helped build Gru's large base and laboratory, and I intended for them to assist with some minor tasks as well.
Regardless, I informed the four of them about this, and we agreed to take turns. After that, I assigned some tasks to the six individuals and explained some of the base's workings. They, especially the minions, would also help me improve the base and its various aspects gradually.
With all of this done, I decided to head home and rest.
"Ah... I'll also have to inform Daredevil and Pet about the new helpers at the base," but I decided to think about that later.