Indra walked out of the president office with Mandarins's files in hand, densely filled with Mandarin's crimes - dangerous activities on certain days resulting in numerous deaths and the like. Yet, his abilities were merely summarized in one sentence: "Possesses various powerful abilities." Various powerful abilities? Wasn't that description a bit too vague? Indra sighed, about to head home when he saw Tony Stark appear before him.
"Interested in grabbing a drink or two?" Tony asked.
"I know some things about Mandarin that the files don't cover," Indra replied, grateful for Tony's earlier help, antidote for Pepper, and clarification of their previous misunderstanding.
Indra nodded, and the two headed to a decent bar. Perfect for drinking or, well, talking business.
"I've crossed paths with Mandarin. He's formidable, and I've suffered greatly," Tony admitted. "But I haven't lost. That's something I need to clarify."
As they entered the bar, Tony began recounting Mandarin's capabilities to Indra, sitting close at the bar counter. Indra could clearly hear Tony's voice.
"He can emit freezing energy, lightning, flames, and even rearrange the atoms and molecules of matter, speeding up or slowing down their movement," Tony explained before taking a sip of his drink.
"He can also emit cutting beams, control the weather, emit various forms of energy along the electromagnetic spectrum, and create powerful gravitational fields."
"I know it all sounds unbelievable."
"Yes, that's what I thought at first too."
"But it's all true. His powers stem from his rings."
"He could easily obliterate a city."
"I know you have Loki's scepter now, which is formidable. But if you can't get close to Mandarin, you won't be able to control him."
Indra smiled, telling Tony, "But you've forgotten, I have absolute luck."
Tony shrugged, telling Indra, "Luck doesn't necessarily mean much."
"I consider myself lucky too. Surviving close calls numerous times," Tony continued. "But luck runs out eventually."
"My superpower is a hundred percent good luck," Indra retorted.
Tony looked puzzled. "Good luck as a superpower? Doesn't sound particularly strong in this world of high technology, aliens, and even gods."
Tony sighed, "I don't want this world to lose a superhero like you. Although you told the president you can handle it alone, if necessary, I'll help you."
Tony took a sip of his drink, then suddenly remembered something. "You said your superpower is luck. Can you prove it?"
Indra looked at Tony, asking, "How do you want me to prove it?"
Tony looked back at Indra, "Do you like playing the lottery?"
With only ten minutes left until the draw, Tony suggested, "Why don't you predict today's lottery numbers?"
"Let's make a bet. If you're wrong, you'll buy drinks for the whole bar. If you're right, I'll treat. Deal?"
In fact, Tony was just making a casual bet with Indra. He knew that with Indra's current status, buying drinks for the whole bar wouldn't be a big deal. He just hoped Indra would take his words about Mandarin seriously. After all, Mandarin was indeed a formidable opponent, scarier than Killian.
"07," Indra casually replied, accepting the bet.
Tony smiled, raising his glass and addressing the bar patrons, "Hey, this round of Super Lotto's winning number is 07. If not, the drinks are on him! If it is, the drinks are on me!"
If anyone else said this, the bar patrons might think it was a joke. But coming from Tony Stark, it was no joke.
The bar erupted into cheers. Someone shouted, "Boss! Turn on the TV!"
The bar's projector immediately displayed the live TV broadcast.
Tony smiled at Indra, saying, "I meant no harm."
"I just want you to know that Mandarin is indeed formidable."
Indra raised his glass, indicating his acknowledgment, and took a sip. "Thanks for the concern."
"Just playing around, as long as everyone's happy," Indra added.
Tony smiled, and everyone in the bar smiled, waiting for the lottery numbers.
Their gazes, however, kept drifting towards Indra.
"Isn't he the inferno? He saved the president;. Would he care about a bit of money?"
"True, someone's buying drinks anyway. We're here to have fun in the bar."
Tony drank his drink, seemingly indifferent to the outcome. Occasionally, he glanced at the big screen.
Super Lotto, indeed, was all about luck. No one could guarantee a hundred percent accuracy in predicting the winning numbers.
Although Indra saved the President, he still didn't know the winning numbers.
"Now, let's announce this round's winning numbers."
The TV announced, and the bar owner wisely lowered the music volume. No one objected; they were all here to enjoy.
"This round's winning numbers: 1223..."
Tony listened to the numbers and took a sip of his drink, saying, "Not bad, got two right."
"2534..."
Tony took another sip, looking at Indra. "Got two more right."
"3501..."
As Indra correctly guessed six numbers, someone exclaimed, "Oh my god! Six numbers right?!"
"What's the last one? Hurry up and announce!"
The bar fell silent, everyone staring at the screen, eager to see the final number.
Even Tony stopped drinking and turned to watch the live broadcast.
"The final winning number for this round is..."
"07!"
"The final winning number for this round of Super Lotto is: **07."
The bar exploded with excitement.
The music suddenly increased in volume!
Tony looked at Indra with a friendly smile, his heart filled with surprise.
Damn!
Was there still time to make a luck bodyguard suit?
Could he make one?
What materials would he need?
??!!!