Tony hadn't always thought like this. His worldview used to be limited to Earth.
But after joining the Void, gaining an extended lifespan, and studying alien technology, his perspective naturally expanded to the universe.
Indeed, staying on Earth would limit him—restricted by the environment, the materials available, and the research facilities he had. It would be difficult to accelerate technological development and push Earth into the interstellar age, integrating it with the greater universe.
However, Tony was never one to be bound by tradition. If Earth's environment and resources couldn't support his ambitions for new inventions, then he'd simply leave. He'd head into space to seek development.
Tony was confident that as long as he had access to alien technology, he could figure out new inventions to make money and quickly amass wealth to expand.
With his Iron Man suit, a universal translator, and a cosmic communicator, Tony wasn't worried about operating in space.
As long as the language barrier was resolved, Tony knew he could thrive.
Still, Tony was fully aware that to execute this plan, he needed Harvey's help. At this point, aside from Harvey, he didn't have any other way to break into the universe.
Without access to space, his development would be nothing more than a dream.
"Does Pepper agree with all this?"
Harvey raised an eyebrow, surprised by Tony's plan, though he quickly realized what Tony's request was going to be.
"Chatting with you is always enjoyable," Tony laughed. "I haven't explained things to her yet, but we both follow the Void now and have a long lifespan ahead of us. Plus, I won't be gone for long—it's just a temporary separation. Convincing her won't be difficult."
Tony smiled confidently. It seemed Harvey already understood his intentions before he even voiced them.
"You're not worried about Earth's safety while you're away?" Harvey pressed.
"Worried? Odin's still around, isn't he? And the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, is alive and kicking. If anything catastrophic happens, there are still bigger fish to handle it. This is the perfect time for me to explore space."
Tony had already thought through this question thoroughly.
"Fair enough. But if you want to head into space, make sure you've handled everything on Earth first," Harvey said. "And when you come back, I expect you to rely on your power. I'm not going to be your chauffeur."
Harvey's tone was casual, but he knew Tony had ambition. And truth be told, the Void Cult could use funds. Sure, bounty hunting was lucrative, especially for Harvey since it was practically a no-cost operation, but making money through technological development and weaponry would be much faster.
Seeing how quickly Tony advanced in his research, Harvey had initially planned to persuade him to head into space together. Now, it seemed Tony had already reached the same conclusion on his own.
It wasn't surprising. After all, Tony wasn't just a genius inventor—sometimes, he was a bit of a mad scientist with an obsessive drive for technological advancement.
"Troubling you for the ride up? I don't have any other means to reach space, so I'll have to take you up on that. But once I'm there, if I ever needed your help again to come back… well, let's just say I'd be too embarrassed to ask," Tony quipped, tapping his face lightly with his hand in mock self-criticism.
"That's fine. The Void Cult is still in its infancy and desperately needs funding. If you want to invent things and make money, I can provide you with the initial investment for development. When your inventions start raking in the profits, how about a 60/40 split? You get 60%, I take 40%."
Harvey's smile was knowing as if he'd anticipated this conversation all along.
"No need for a 60/40 split. Let's make it 50/50," Tony responded, decisively. "Without you, I wouldn't even be able to get to space, let alone access the alien tech I need. And when I need to buy expensive materials early on, I'll be dipping into the funds you provide anyway."
Tony didn't mince words—he trusted Harvey enough to be candid. He'd gained much from their partnership without Harvey asking for anything in return.
Now that Harvey mentioned the Void Cult's need for funding, Tony saw it as an opportunity to finally contribute.
Besides, if all he did was take advantage of Harvey's help without giving anything back, he'd feel awkward about asking for favors in the future.
Tony was confident that once he got into space, it wouldn't take him long to make serious money.
Worst case, if he couldn't immediately afford a spaceship, he could at least bring back a starfighter. And if he was short on cash by then, he'd borrow a bit from Harvey.
With a starfighter, Tony could guarantee his ability to travel between Earth and space freely.
He was confident that in the eight years remaining until the crisis Harvey had warned him about in 2017, he could rapidly advance Earth's technological development.
Ever since joining the Void, with at least a thousand years of life ahead of him and a growing understanding of the greater universe, Tony's ambitions had transcended the petty distinctions between countries.
His goal now was to use his inventions to lead Earth into the interstellar age, integrating humanity with the advanced civilizations of the cosmos.
But to achieve that, Earth would first have to survive the mysterious crisis coming in 2017.
So Tony had no time to waste. He had to do everything he could as quickly as possible.
"That works for me. I'll be staying on Earth for a while anyway," Harvey said. "I brought back a few gravitational devices for you to study. While you're at it, you should talk things over with Pepper. Once she's on board, I'll take you to space. I don't want to see you two end up at odds over this."
Harvey's tone was serious.
"Alright," Tony nodded thoughtfully. The gravitational devices piqued his interest, but he knew the more important task was convincing Pepper.
Pepper had followed him into the Void based on his persuasion alone.
Currently, aside from Harvey, only he and Pepper were followers of the Void on Earth. The two of them had each other's backs, so Tony had no intention of betraying her trust.
Since Pepper joined the Void, she'd grown more beautiful, her skin smooth and youthful, her body more flexible and supple—a fact Tony had enjoyed discovering time and again.
Still, Tony would have to discuss his plans with her before heading to space.
Not that he was worried. Once he could freely travel between space and Earth, the occasional separation might even strengthen their relationship.
As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.