MC POV
I was about to join the fight when I smashed a robot with a massive ice hammer. After that, I stretched my body casually, and then Anturian spoke to me.
"Master. The AI Jarvis appears to be attempting to establish a communication channel with me."
Hearing this, I frowned and asked, "Does he already know you're an AI?"
"It's uncertain, Master. He might suspect it, but he probably doesn't have a clear understanding of my identity. How should I proceed?"
"Open the AI channel," I replied calmly and curiously as I sat down on the ice and pulled a soda can from my inventory.
Soon, an electronic voice with a slight human touch came through my Omnitrix.
"Are you the Immortal?"
"Yes. And I imagine you're Jarvis, Tony Stark's AI, correct?"
"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm reaching out because I would like to make a request on behalf of Mr. Stark."
"A request? Please clarify," I asked, intrigued.
"In approximately 10 minutes, some robots of unknown origin are expected to breach Stark Tower. While their exact purpose remains unclear, it is suspected that their intent might be to steal data or disrupt the overall systems of Stark Industries. Therefore, we request your assistance. Would that be possible?"
I tapped my fingers lightly. The request seemed intriguing, and I was curious about who this supposed other faction might be. However… it didn't seem personally significant to me. It wasn't related to innocent people or an active ally of mine. It felt more like corporate and economic warfare.
"Well. What exactly is being offered if I assist?"
Jarvis seemed to pause momentarily before responding.
"Mr. Stark has promised a generous reward. He also understands that money might not interest you. With that in mind, he has proposed a meeting afterward to negotiate further."
I smiled. Money interested me to a degree, but not significantly. I had stolen plenty from criminals, and with the help of my insectoid transformations and my AI, I had made various investments and siphoned resources from other criminal factions. However, the prospect of a meeting intrigued me. At the very least, it could lead to an alliance, similar to the one I have with Professor X's mutants.
"Deal. We'll continue negotiations afterward."
As soon as I finished speaking, I closed the communication channel and used my teleportation ability to appear above the doorway to Stark Tower.
....
Upon Arriving at the Scene
As usual, I released my bees to ensure the entire tower was under surveillance. Simultaneously, I directed them to monitor the surrounding area as well. Through them, my vision extended for meters and even kilometers.
It didn't take long for me to spot my enemies. There were 12 robots in total—four manned by people and eight unmanned, all heavily armed. They resembled construction or laboratory robots, painted in a faint yellow color.
Zooming in on one of the robots, I noticed an acronym etched onto it: **I.M.A.**
Frowning, I tried to recall if I had come across this organization in my gathered intelligence, but nothing came to mind.
"Anturian, no need for extensive research just yet. For now, log the acronym **I.M.A** in our database of organizations, individuals, and special events."
With that, I perched atop a small entrance and began humming a Beethoven symphony to myself.
---
I.M.A Group Leader's POV
Our current infiltration team consisted of 12 well-armed robots. Four were controlled by operators, while the other eight operated autonomously in basic combat mode, following my instructions.
Our mission was to steal data from Stark Industries, including blueprints for Tony Stark's latest models and, in particular, his energy reactor. If possible, we were also tasked with uncovering hidden information about Howard Stark's older projects.
"Remember, the primary objective is to gather information. Avoid unnecessary property damage or casualties to prevent excessive attention… though, if necessary, no problem," I instructed, reiterating our institute's philosophy: **science and technological advancement above all else.**
I glanced at the bluish screen before me, which monitored the presence of individuals or machines. We had already breached the security systems, planting small viruses and causing minor disruptions.
"Accelerate," I commanded, signaling the group to activate the thrusters on their suits.
Our movements were swift, but I was forced to halt abruptly. A melody—Beethoven's symphony—echoed in my ears. It was strangely captivating and enchanting, pulling at my focus.
I pressed my fingers to my temples, attempting to massage away the odd headache and the peculiar sensation creeping over me.
"Boss… this music is strange. It's like it's pulling me in," one of my subordinates commented, his voice tinged with unease.
Immediately, I snapped to full alert.
"Be vigilant. This could be a trap. Adjust your frequencies and focus on the objective," I ordered.
But deep down, the melody lingered in my mind, an inexplicable mix of beauty and menace.
I gave instructions, and all the armors activated their sensors and weapons at maximum power as we attempted to pinpoint the source of the music.
Soon, a distinct voice spoke, accompanied by the arrival of a presence.
"Although I didn't exert much force, your resistance to my technique is admirable. Now, gentlemen, I must apologize, but I will destroy you and prevent you from advancing."
My camera immediately focused on the source of the voice and the presence. There stood an individual shrouded in pure darkness and an unusual mist. When I tried to use the scanner to gather information about him, all attempts failed.
The inability to gather any information caused a delay in my response.
"Ice Make: Dome of Ice Roses."
I only managed to hear him say this before a massive, crystalline, bluish circle formed on the ground. In a matter of one to two seconds, countless ice roses grew around us, creating a dome of ice roses. The floor beneath us also froze slightly.
I looked back at the individual, but he had disappeared.
I checked the signals, but no trace of him was found. However, I noticed that two of the eight unmanned robots had turned red. Glancing to the side, I saw that both had somehow been sliced into four pieces each.
A sudden gust of wind struck my armor, causing it to sway slightly. Then, two more signals disappeared.
Sensing the escalating danger, I quickly launched energy blasts and missiles at the ice walls around us. Yet, they did not shatter immediately. I also heard startled cries from my subordinates as they attempted to break through the walls at various points.
"Ice Make: Twin Saber Tigers."
Immediately after hearing those words, two notable presences appeared on my sensors. Two enormous ice saber-toothed tigers materialized, each biting into the upper portion of a robot while their massive claws slashed and crushed another. Two more lights went dark, and another pair of robots began losing power.
Realizing the severity of the situation, I couldn't afford to remain idle. I quickly activated the explosive function on two of the remaining robots and issued a command.
"Use your self-destruct systems to target the ice walls and open a path!"
"Understood!!!"
There was no hesitation in my subordinates' voices. On the contrary, they seemed excited and relieved, as if breaking free from a prior state of fear.
Both accelerated toward the roof using their jet thrusters, unleashing their missiles and energy weapons at full power. Finally, we managed to break through the ice ceiling and flew into the distance, as a massive explosion erupted below us.
I noticed some parts of the ice walls starting to collapse, though the entire structure didn't crumble. Of course, I didn't dwell on it—I just increased my speed, focusing on escaping to a safe distance.
I led the way, with my three subordinates trailing slightly behind.
"Who was that person... and why were they trying to stop us? At least we managed to retreat," I muttered, sighing in relief.
I attempted to reestablish contact with the base—a task I had been trying for some time now. Yet, something still seemed to be interfering with our communications.
"Leader, what are our next steps—"
The voice of one of my subordinates suddenly cut off. I turned to look and froze, my spine tingling with unease at the scene before me.