The next day in Monaco...
"How's the research on cybetronian metal`? Have you found a replacement element yet?" Merlin asked Stark as they stepped off the plane together.
"As expected, you already know everything," Stark replied, taking off his glasses and glaring at Merlin.
"Your case of palladium poisoning is the only one of its kind. Without the data I wrote, Baymax would only have been able to detect your physical condition," Merlin waved his hand dismissively.
Stark glanced toward Pepper, who was walking with the somewhat clumsy Baymax, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. "I've been studying cybetronian metal and made some progress, but different life forms cause irreversible changes to the body. Unless I remove the arc reactor in my chest, my body will only be able to slow the spread of the toxins using chlorophyll. It's not enough for surgery."
Stark shook his head regretfully. "I don't even have the confidence in it myself. I might as well indulge while I still can."
Merlin put a hand on Stark's shoulder. "I'm telling you this because I trust you to keep it quiet. It took a lot of convincing to dispel Pepper's doubts just now."
"Don't worry. I've got a lead on a new element, though. And it's connected to you," Merlin said, shifting the conversation.
"Connected to me?" Stark was taken aback. "How can a new element be related to me? I don't even know about it."
"To be more precise, it's connected to your father, Howard Stark. I've been reading through a lot of his papers published by Jarvis," Merlin explained.
"The old man…" Stark muttered, recalling his father's face. "What does he have to do with it?"
"Your father was a genius, just like you. He was also one of the first to propose the concept of clean energy, though it was ahead of its time."
"I know that, but how is it relevant now? Are you asking me to backtrack?" Stark questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"You said it yourself, times were different back then. The science now has undergone massive changes," Merlin responded. "Why not explore those possibilities?"
"I'll look into it later, but for now, let's focus on having some fun today," Stark shrugged it off, eager to enjoy the day. As he was about to head toward the car, a voice suddenly called out.
"Hey! Merlin! Stark!" Both turned to see Justin Hammer enthusiastically waving from the street, quickly making his way over.
"Come on, let's ride together!" Hammer said, pulling both Merlin and Stark toward his car in a familiar manner, not showing any signs of animosity toward Stark. Stark sighed, removing Hammer's arm from his shoulder.
"No thanks, we're waiting for someone," Stark replied, as Happy appeared, noticing someone encroaching on his job.
"Sir, please step back," Happy said firmly.
Hammer tried to play it off. "I'm friends with your boss, relax."
But Happy refused to budge, keeping his professional stance. Just then, Pepper approached, followed by Baymax.
"Miss Pepper—no, I should say President Pepper! That doll next to you is adorable," Hammer greeted her, noticing Baymax.
"Hello, I'm Baymax," the robot politely waved.
"Is this your latest product?" Hammer asked, surprised by Baymax's appearance.
Pepper quickly responded, "Let's talk about it once we reach the venue." She packed Baymax back into the box and climbed into the car.
Merlin took the passenger seat, and they all headed to the arena.
---
At the rest area near the stadium, many prominent figures had already gathered. Monaco, renowned for its racetrack, also attracted crowds with its luxurious casinos and tourism. People were placing bets on today's race drivers, much like a horse race, and in this environment, millionaires were mere "poor people" in the grand scheme of things.
After entering the venue, Hammer discreetly pulled Merlin aside.
"Merlin, Hammer Industries really needs someone like you. If you're interested, I can make you president," Hammer said earnestly.
Merlin ignored the flattery and responded, "I accepted your invitation because I'm willing to join Hammer Industries. But I'm not interested in developing armor. My focus is on bionics and space-based weaponry."
"Bionics? Space-based weaponry?" Hammer was caught off guard by Merlin's ambition. After a moment, he cautioned, "You're still young. This kind of research requires substantial resources, more than even building armor."
Merlin cut him off calmly, "I know my limits. But if you don't trust me, feel free to decline my offer."
"No, no, I trust your abilities! That's why I keep inviting you," Hammer quickly reassured him. He knew that letting a genius like Merlin slip away would be disastrous for his company.
"Good. I'll await your formal offer. Don't let me down," Merlin extended his hand.
Hammer eagerly shook it. Despite a few regrets about not securing Merlin's armor designs, he was thrilled to have recruited such talent. "Welcome aboard! I'll get the contract ready for you soon."
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