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"How long will it take to make?"
George's eyes lit up; he had only wanted to test the waters, but now it seemed there was real hope.
"Two minutes. What size and color do you need?"
Tony inquired.
With the machines in his workshop, even complex Mark armor could be produced in just five hours. A simple alloy rod would only take a minute or two.
After thinking for a moment, George replied, "If possible, how about this?"
"Hmm, that's not too difficult, but it might take a bit longer," Tony said after considering George's request.
In truth, George's requirements were quite simple. Since the rod could be made of alloy, and it wouldn't amplify magical power but rather save casting time, there was no need to create it in the form of a small wooden stick.
If convenient, he could easily make a wand shaped like a ring for easy portability.
He could also craft a sword-like wand, which could serve as a wand and, when necessary, be used to strike with magnetic force.
Lastly, he envisioned a large and hefty super mace for when he needed to use giant magic and couldn't carry a ring; it would allow him to cast spells while still being effective in melee combat.
Unfortunately, he couldn't find suitable materials to make a proper wand. Otherwise, a small wooden wand would be ideal, as it was the best shape developed by wizards over millennia, with the most mature techniques to maximize magical power.
For now, he had to settle for alternatives.
While waiting for the various wands to be completed, George asked Tony, "What are you planning to do about Obadiah?"
"First, we need to find evidence of Obadiah's crimes. However, he has temporarily removed me from my position in the board, so I can't enter Stark Tower.
I just informed my assistant; she will head to my office shortly to hack into the company's system and copy all the shipping lists. We should be able to find evidence against Obadiah.
Once we confirm he's selling weapons to terrorists, he'll spend the rest of his life in prison."
Tony confidently outlined his plan.
George nodded; it was indeed a good idea. He turned to Wolverine: "Logan, have you ever worked as a bodyguard? If so, follow Tony's assistant and ensure her safety."
"Bodyguard? I've done that too many times. I remember one time I was protecting a young lady, and it ended up with me in her bed, resulting in her father chasing me for a whole year."
Wolverine recalled his youthful days while puffing on a cigar.
Upon hearing this, Tony's expression stiffened. He turned to George and said, "I think it might be better to have you handle the protection of my assistant."
"I don't mind at all," George replied after a moment of consideration.
He wasn't worried about Wolverine causing trouble for Pepper; it was just that Wolverine's face was highly recognizable to certain people, like S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
Moreover, Wolverine could be impulsive at times, which might lead to a commotion. It was safer for George to take on the task.
Before long, Pepper arrived at the mansion. George also received the newly created alloy ring and fused Professor X's hair into the wand core using a spell, beginning the process of making the modified wand.
"Flavido!"
After putting on the newly crafted alloy ring, George pointed at the nearby wastebasket while reciting the incantation. In an instant, the wastebasket transformed into a small cat that meowed adorably.
"The magical effect didn't amplify at all, but at least the casting speed isn't any slower than a normal wand, so it meets my expectations."
"Tony... are you sure your friend is really a magician?"
Just as Pepper and Tony stepped out of the room, they caught sight of George using a transformation spell to turn the wastebasket into a cat.
Tony paused for a moment, then explained, "Well, you know how magicians' tricks are often unbelievable, like making doves appear. He just happens to be better at transforming things into cats. Besides, if you're ever in danger, he can use his magic to help you escape."
Not wanting to worry Pepper, he didn't disclose George's true identity or their subsequent plans.
"Alright, Mr. Magician, I'm counting on you," Pepper said, still somewhat skeptical about Tony's explanation. Magic tricks, like pulling doves out of hats, existed, but she felt that what she was witnessing now was different.
How could George, as a magician, protect himself? Did he have some movie-like tricks up his sleeve, like in Now You See Me?
"Glad to be of service," George replied with a smile, instructing Wolverine to stay behind and protect Tony before getting into the car with Pepper to head to Stark Industries.
Once in the car, he entered a meditative state.
The journey from Malibu to Stark Tower in Manhattan would take several hours. Rather than waste time, he decided to focus his attention on his two other selves, who were learning magic in different worlds, thereby increasing their learning efficiency.
Pepper intended to strike up a conversation with George during the ride, but seeing him with his eyes closed, she decided not to disturb him.
As Tony's personal assistant, she was aware of everyone Tony interacted with.
Even when various women stayed overnight, she handled everything afterward. Aside from Dr. Ethan, who came back with Tony, this was her first time encountering one of Tony's friends whom she didn't know.
As they neared noon, the pair finally arrived at Stark Tower.
However, upon entering the first-floor lobby, they were stopped by a somewhat balding middle-aged man.
"Ms. Potts, do you have a moment? I'd like to have a word with Mr. Stark."
"You're that... agent Phil Coulson from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. I'm currently busy with something urgent; could you wait here for a moment?"
Pepper recalled who the middle-aged man was and responded somewhat dismissively.
At this point, George also turned his gaze to the man, internally noting, "Agent Coulson; he must be the S.H.I.E.L.D. level 8 agent, Phil Coulson."
He recognized this S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. If he remembered correctly, this guy was a fan of Captain America and had been stabbed by Loki during the Chitauri invasion, only to be revived later by Nick Fury using Kree blood.
After sizing him up briefly, George averted his gaze, as he had no intention of interacting with this global organization.
Not to mention Nick Fury's typical behavior—if he were to learn of their existence, he would undoubtedly take appropriate measures, just like he did with the Inhumans.
The crucial point was that the current S.H.I.E.L.D. was better described as "Hydra Shield," as a significant portion of its agents had been developed into Hydra operatives.
"Alright, Ms. Potts, I'll wait here for you," Coulson replied cheerfully, unfazed by her dismissive tone. He smiled and settled back onto a nearby bench, leisurely reading the newspaper.
However, as George and Pepper walked away, Coulson quietly fixed his gaze on George.
(End of Chapter)