By the time Kagura Hitomi left the weapons development base, the sun had already set.
Dots of light spread across the darkening city, illuminating Los Angeles as night came alive.
The streets were filled with the hustle of people heading home after a long day or gearing up for an enchanting night of entertainment.
Before returning to Tony Stark's mansion, Kagura decided to make a detour to a nearby mall that was still open.
Unlike in China, many American stores closed early in the evening.
The fixed work hours and weekends off were strictly adhered to—even in business.
Stores that stayed open until late at night were usually owned by Chinese immigrants.
Of course, large malls had their own hours and were still bustling even after nightfall.
Kagura wandered into a store selling evening gowns, her eyes scanning for a dress suitable for the evening's event: the Stark Industries Firefighter Fundraiser Gala.
The task had come through her holographic UI system, and while the reward wasn't extravagant, the 5QP it offered was enough to unlock a new skill.
A simple ballroom gala? Why not?
If she was going to attend such a high-profile event, she needed an appropriate outfit. Turning up in her assistant's uniform would be embarrassing.
As she browsed through dresses, Kagura used the holographic UI to search for information about the gala.
It was a semi-public event. Besides invited guests, Stark Industries personnel and certain professionals with relevant social credentials were allowed entry.
To be sure she wouldn't be stopped at the entrance, Kagura texted Pepper Potts. The reply came quickly: as Pepper's executive assistant, she was eligible to attend.
"Thank goodness! No need for a complicated plan to sneak in," Kagura sighed in relief.
She chose a dress she liked, paid with cash, and happily left the store with her purchase.
Thanks to whoever's black market funds paid for my new dress! she thought gleefully.
Why not head straight to the venue?
Girls need time to dress up and get their makeup done properly!
Given her current position at Stark Industries, Tony Stark had arranged for company transportation to help her navigate Los Angeles.
A simple call or text summoned a car, though the service charges were deducted from her salary.
While waiting for the car, Kagura strolled leisurely along the street.
She looked up at the deep blue sky where faint stars twinkled.
Seeing stars in a city like Los Angeles was rare, as modern life had long buried the night sky beneath bright lights and a veil of smog.
Only on clear nights could stars peek through the shimmering haze.
Suddenly, a brilliant streak of light cut across the sky.
"Ah, that's Tony Stark, isn't it?" Kagura's silver eyes glimmered with recognition.
The bright trail drew closer—a glowing figure with a long tail of fire maneuvering gracefully through the sky.
It was the Mark II Iron Man suit's test flight.
"So punctual," she murmured.
The dazzling "comet" performed impossible aerial maneuvers before shooting skyward into the clouds.
Watch out for icing at high altitude, Stark, Kagura thought with a smile.
Memories of the original world surfaced—this seemingly insignificant flight test had left a lasting impression on her.
Not because of the technical advancements of the Mark II or the iconic look that would later define Iron Man.
It was because, during that flight, Tony Stark had laughed—pure, unfiltered joy like that of a child.
In the movie's fragmented story, that laughter stood out. Kagura wondered whether Stark ever laughed like that again.
Maybe he did. Maybe he didn't. For someone who shouldered so many responsibilities, such carefree happiness might become a distant memory.
But life should always have laughter, right?
Kagura had vowed to give everyone in this world a beautiful ending.
Ensuring that Tony Stark's laughter wouldn't fade was a worthy goal.
She looked back up at the sky. The trail of the Mark II suit had long disappeared.
Standing firm in this world, gaining enough strength to guide the future towards happiness—that's my mission.
A gust of wind lifted her silver hair, catching the radiant neon lights of the city.
Her figure stood illuminated, becoming a mesmerizing part of the urban landscape.
Suddenly, the honk of a car snapped her out of her thoughts. A sleek black sedan pulled up beside her.
"Miss Kagura, where to?" asked Happy Hogan, rolling down the window.
"I was just passing by, so—"
"Oh, what a coincidence! It's you," Kagura smiled.
"Take me home first. I'll need your help later to get to the gala."
"Got it," Happy nodded. "Hop in."
As Kagura opened the car door, a sudden burst of fire lit up the street.
An iron-clad figure skimmed the road at low altitude before vanishing into the night sky.
"Looks like he's already having a blast," Kagura chuckled, shaking her head as she got into the car.
[TL Note]
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