"Oh, oh, I didn't expect the selection team to divide so perfectly, 50 and 50, without any input from us." Kyle sighed, looking at the registration forms, surprised by the even distribution of defenders and clearers.
He had anticipated a more uneven division, thinking there would be more of one category than the other, and that he and Gasco would need to step in to adjust things.
"Master, do you want me to take them to prepare for their tasks now?" Gasco asked, eyeing the hundred newly-formed team members, eager to get started.
Since Walter Company isn't open to the public, ordinary people are blocked from entering the lower three floors of the building, which stands at a towering 56 stories.
"Of course, the team uniforms are in the storage room on the second floor. There are exactly 100 sets, and the weapons are on the 19th floor of the company—just take them straight there."
Kyle directed Gasco, his mind clear on the arrangements. The last batch of weapons he'd secured from Obadiah Stane had been waiting for this moment.
With the team armed, Kyle no longer worried about various organizations infiltrating Walter Company. Internally, the Red Queen would monitor everything, ensuring that even forged information couldn't escape detection.
"Understood. I'll take them up right away," Gasco responded, then paused to turn back toward Kyle. "By the way, Boss, I'll need a driver to take you to your exam. It's in about an hour."
"Boss, we need to go, it's time for your exam," Alice said, arriving in her red car.
Kyle, who had been distracted by a game on his phone, reluctantly put it away and got in the car. He could've resisted, but the difference in power between him and Alice made it feel pointless. However, exams weren't something he worried about. His memory had greatly improved since coming to this world. While it wasn't photographic, it was strong enough that memorizing things after reading them a couple of times wasn't difficult.
---
The night arrived quickly.
"Gasco, I have a task for you at tonight's party," Kyle said as he returned to the manor after the exam.
Finding Gasco in the backyard practicing Maga, Kyle led him to a dilapidated wooden house, an old relic from his father's time.
"This is where I need your help tonight. I need you to install this on Obadiah," Kyle said, pulling a small box from a nearby shelf.
Inside, a few discs, roughly the size of coins, sat waiting.
"These were bought by my father to spy on some of his more... problematic relationships. Unfortunately, his plans never came to fruition. But I've repurposed them," Kyle continued.
These were the same devices his father had once intended to use on a woman he suspected was unfaithful. However, that plan had failed, and Kyle had since dealt with the women who had tried to challenge his family's wealth, ensuring they would never be a problem again.
"Obadiah... No problem, leave it to me!" Gasco replied confidently.
Kyle handed him three bugs, stating that only one needed to be successful. The last time Gasco had met Obadiah, the man was untrained, so it wouldn't be difficult to slip the device onto him.
Once Gasco left to prepare, Kyle returned to his room and powered up his computer. As expected, the Red Queen's figure appeared on screen.
"Queen Red, are you sure you can prevent Jarvis from detecting you?" Kyle asked, rubbing his sore wrist from all the test writing.
The eavesdropping software on the bug was the key to their operation. Once installed on Obadiah, the Red Queen could access it without being detected—so long as it remained a simple operation.
"Don't worry, Boss. This is a simple eavesdropping procedure. Jarvis won't detect it," the Red Queen replied confidently.
Kyle had met Jarvis after gaining popularity online, but Jarvis wasn't self-aware enough to detect the Red Queen's presence. While the Red Queen couldn't execute major alterations to systems without being detected, a simple eavesdrop was no issue.
"Good. Then I'll leave it to you," Kyle said with a satisfied smile.
His true goal was the Ark Reactor in Tony Stark's possession. The technology was invaluable, and Kyle wasn't interested in a finished product—he wanted the core technology, the secret that could never be replicated by mere technicians. After all, Tony Stark's genius was not something many could match.
"Master, it's time to go," Gasco called, knocking on Kyle's door.
"Coming," Kyle replied, grabbing his suit off the bed and quickly dressing. At 1.7 meters, he was much shorter than Gasco, but the suit fit him perfectly, though he still preferred the comfort of casual clothes.
The venue for the party was at the most luxurious hotel in New York City. It was a gathering of high-profile entrepreneurs, all worth millions, so the venue was fitting.
"Boss, over here!" Alice called, waving enthusiastically when Kyle arrived at the hotel.
She was dressed in a white dress, her hand carrying a briefcase full of who knew what.
"Why is she here? Did you arrange this?" Kyle asked Gasco, unsure if he should even get out of the car.
Gasco shrugged, explaining that Alice had seen the invitation and volunteered to come along.
"Alright, then. I guess I'll just have to accompany her," Kyle said, resigned. "But if the mission isn't completed tonight, I won't let you off the hook."
With a slightly tragic expression, Kyle got out of the car, ready to deal with Alice's presence. He had to restrain her to give Gasco the freedom he needed for his task.
Gasco, watching Kyle reluctantly enter the party, shook his head with a small smile. Although Alice was older than Kyle, he believed their connection was genuine. True love could conquer all, and Gasco was more than happy to play matchmaker.