Soon, the armored vehicle that Happy had arranged arrived at the meeting point, taking Ted and the group to the Afghan airport.
At the airport, Ethan walked over to Ted and his team, shaking Ted's hand. "Thank you for saving me, even though it wasn't really your main goal," Ethan said with a grateful smile.
"Ding!"
A notification popped up in Ted's mind: "Congratulations to the host for successfully adding Ethan as a friend."
"Chemistry lv8 attribute acquired. Do you wish to merge immediately?"
Ted responded mentally, "Merge."
A flood of chemical knowledge rushed into Ted's mind, instantly making him a top chemist. He smiled at Ethan and replied, "Aren't we friends now? It's only natural to help a friend."
Ethan chuckled at that, the mutual understanding clear between them.
"Dr. Ethan, would you consider coming back with us?" Ted asked.
Before Ethan could respond, Tony Stark chimed in. "Ethan already told me he's going back to his hometown to see his kids."
Ted knew the truth, however—that Ethan's family had been killed by militants. He had only said that to give Tony hope for survival. Ethan sighed deeply, his eyes dull. "Tony, I lied to you. My family is gone, killed by those militants. I don't have anywhere to go now."
Ted patted Ethan's shoulder gently. "I'm planning to open a community school in Hell's Kitchen. You could be our science and chemistry teacher. I've got an apartment there with food and accommodations provided. You'll even get insurance and housing benefits. What do you think?"
Before Ethan could answer, Tony interrupted. "Don't listen to him, Ethan. Come work at Stark Industries. I'll set up a lab for you in Stark Tower. Your talents shouldn't go to waste in some community school."
Ted smirked at Tony's remark. "First, take care of yourself and that glowing arc reactor in your chest. If that goes out, we won't need to worry about any of this. Ethan can stay with me for now, and if he ever feels uncomfortable, I'll send him to you."
In the end, Ted and his group, along with Tony Stark, boarded Tony's private plane bound for New York's JFK Airport. Tony's driver and bodyguard, Happy Hogan, greeted them warmly.
As the plane soared into the sky, Quicksilver put on his headphones and took a nap, while Deadpool's dog, Deadpool Jr., enjoyed a meal prepared by the flight attendants—of course, with Deadpool teasing them as he ate. Dr. Ethan and Happy chatted casually, while Ted sipped from his wine glass, watching Tony Stark, now dressed sharply in a suit, a far cry from his tattered appearance in the cave. Ted couldn't help but comment, "Clothes really do make the man."
Tony raised an eyebrow at Ted. "So, Ted, any plans when you get back to New York? And your dog—is it for sale? That thing seems pretty smart. I could study it."
Ted laughed, shaking his head. "Don't even think about it. They're family. None of them are going anywhere."
Tony sighed. "Family... Yeah, I get it." After a brief pause, he asked, "Ted, we're friends now, right? I mean, you did save me."
Ted nodded. "Of course. But let me ask—have you thought about who might want to kill you? Not many people knew about your trip to Afghanistan."
Tony's face turned serious. "You think there's someone in my company? An insider?"
Ted shrugged. "I'm just saying you should watch your back. Whoever wanted you dead isn't likely to give up now. They could target people close to you."
Tony's expression darkened as he instinctively looked at the arc reactor in his chest, then thought of Pepper Potts. "I don't suppose you'd be interested in another job, Ted? Protecting Pepper until we figure out who's behind this?"
Ted smiled. "Your girlfriend already hired us to rescue you. Now you're hiring us to protect her. I'll have to think about it."
"Twenty million," Tony offered.
Ted chuckled and shook his head. "It's not about the money. You'll be back in the U.S. soon, and you'll have other people to protect you. As for the mastermind, I'll find them. Five million. Friendly price."
Tony reluctantly agreed. Ted handed him a slip of paper with his private number. "Call me if you need anything. And if you're really worried about Pepper, you can always have her stay in Hell's Kitchen for a while. She'll be safe there."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Hell's Kitchen? That's one of the roughest neighborhoods in New York."
Ted grinned. "For others, maybe. But with me and my team there, it's the safest place she could be."
Tony nodded but was clearly skeptical. "We'll see about that."
As the plane landed at JFK, Tony was greeted by Pepper Potts, who rushed to hug him with tears in her eyes. "I was so worried!" she cried.
"I'm fine, Pepper. I'm back." Tony embraced her tightly, trying to reassure her.
Ted and his group lingered by the cabin door, watching the reunion. Deadpool, unable to help himself, let out a loud whistle, causing both Tony and Pepper to break apart awkwardly. Ted shot Deadpool a sharp look before stepping forward.
"Ms. Potts, thank you for trusting us to bring Tony back. I'll send the final bill soon."
Pepper smiled through her tears. "I'll make sure it's taken care of."
Tony smirked. "Make sure it's charged to the company."
Ted waved them off, turning to leave. "Good luck, Tony. Keep an eye on your new secretary," he said, giving Tony one last warning.
Ted knew the real game was about to begin—soon, Iron Man would officially emerge, and the Marvel Universe would be set in motion.
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