Tony Stark had devoured a large amount of food, and with each bite, the power within him grew stronger.
The sensation was intoxicating, but suddenly Tony realized that all the food was gone.
"I remember preparing at least a hundred meals for you," Tony said, bewildered. "Where did all the food go?"
Harvey, noticing Tony's confusion, patted his still-flat stomach and replied, "What do you think I was doing while you were eating?"
"Jarvis, prepare more food, at least for four hundred people," Tony ordered. "I'm hosting a feast for Harvey Amberlock today."
Tony, unaffected by the food running out, smiled as he spoke. He would remember Harvey's advice about consuming living beings for faster evolution, but he wouldn't attempt it, even if it meant slower progress.
After all, his lifespan was not limited to the short span of a human's hundred years. He had ample time to grow stronger, pursue his passions, and fully utilize his talents.
"Understood, sir. I'll get started on that right away," Jarvis responded promptly.
Even though it was New Year's Day and finding a chef to prepare such a large quantity of food would be challenging, with enough money, it could certainly be arranged.
"Harvey Amberlock, could you share some insights on evolution with me?" Tony asked, turning to Harvey.
"Honestly, I can't be a reference for you because you and I are different. You might not understand this now, but you will soon."
"This difference doesn't mean you have any defects; you also have an extended lifespan."
"It's just that what abilities you'll master and how powerful you'll become is unknown to me. It all depends on how you discover and develop them over time."
Harvey, having seen Tony prepare a grand feast, had no intention of leaving immediately. He settled down on the couch and continued, "You might not understand why I can't be a reference now, but I can still provide some advice."
"I just want you to share some insights," Tony said as he walked toward the couch. "Also, has anyone else joined the Void besides me?"
"I'd like to interact with others and maybe accelerate my progress…"
As Tony sat down on the couch, he didn't control his strength properly. The couch collapsed under him, and he sank into it.
"Damn it!?" Tony exclaimed, surprised but not in pain, just perplexed.
"There's no need to be alarmed. You're still at the beginning," Harvey said calmly. "You need to learn to control your own power. So, besides your research, you'll need to spend time managing your strength. Otherwise, a slip-up could cause some damage."
"As for companions, apart from you, no other beings have joined the Void yet. But in the future, more will join, and you'll be able to share your evolution experiences with them."
Harvey spoke slowly, watching Tony struggle to get up from the broken couch.
"So, I'm the first one?" Tony asked, incredulously pointing at himself.
Harvey nodded.
"Thank you for your recognition, Harvey Amberlock," Tony said, now truly grateful.
Harvey had mentioned some geniuses who left their mark in history but could not fully realize their talents due to their lifespan constraints.
This meant that Harvey saw him as someone who met the standards of a historical genius.
Although Tony believed he could make his mark in history through his inventions, this opportunity allowed him to write his own history and story over a much longer period.
"Even though I gave you this chance, don't be too formal. Just chat with me normally," Harvey said. "It's natural to want to exchange evolution insights with other peers."
"Although I can't be your reference for evolution, I can tell you which foods and activities can accelerate your progress."
Harvey continued, seeing Tony's eagerness.
"Then tell me quickly," Tony said, no longer being polite. He stood up as there was no suitable seat left.
In Tony's mind, Harvey Amberlock embodied the will of the Void. He would not miss the chance to ask directly from the embodiment of Void's will.
"Evolution in the Void has two paths: one is continuous evolution through absorption and consumption, and the other is adaptation to the environment to achieve different forms of evolution."
"The stronger the life form you consume, the faster your evolution will be."
"For instance, on Blue Star, powerful animals like cows, bears, tigers, leopards, and some large deep-sea fish have more life energy."
"But if you don't want to attract unwanted attention from the Protection Association and other trouble, it's best to avoid eating protected animals."
"Stick to beef and pork, which also provide substantial energy for your evolution."
Harvey patiently explained. Since he had recruited Tony Stark into the Void, he certainly did not want Tony to become a mindless Void creature in the end.
Although becoming mindless might make Tony stronger, a lack of reason would render everything meaningless.
Harvey wanted to make sure Tony understood these important points.
"No wonder you want to make money," Tony said thoughtfully.
Given the amount Harvey ate, if he didn't have some spare cash, he would have to resort to theft.
Although theft wasn't impossible, it would compromise Harvey's ability to stay hidden.
Even though Harvey had been exposed to S.H.I.E.L.D., a being as devilish as Harvey would likely remain hidden if S.H.I.E.L.D. was smart.
"Yes, I make money to enjoy my food and life without attracting attention," Harvey said with a smile, not hiding his intentions.