The Essence of Humanity

After seeing the progress bar for destroying the footage fill up, Tony Stark placed his hands on the table, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

He hadn't realized he was covered in cold sweat until then, but Tony Stark knew why.

When people see something mysterious yet beautiful, holding infinite possibilities or abilities, they feel curiosity and excitement.

So, Harvey Anberaka had healed him, and his improved health naturally made him excited.

Furthermore, considering potential future enemies, he believed this was an invincible superpower.

Because as long as Harvey Anberaka was around, they wouldn't have to fear injury too much, as long as they didn't die.

But when people truly encounter the mysterious, which they cannot perceive or understand, yet realize the danger that mystery brings.

The first reaction is no longer excitement and curiosity, but an irresistible fear that arises from biological instinct.

The fear that arose in Tony Stark after personally witnessing Harvey Anberaka heal him.

If the news of Harvey Anberaka possessing this healing ability were to get out.

He couldn't imagine how many people would want to find Harvey Anberaka, seeking treatment for diseases that current technology couldn't cure, or to extend their own lives.

However, in the footage from earlier, Harvey Anberaka hadn't just displayed healing abilities.

There was also a purple energy, whose specific function was unknown but obeyed his commands, and Harvey's fingers were as sharp as blades.

Clearly, Harvey Anberaka also possessed the ability to protect himself; otherwise, he would never have taken the risk of exposing himself to heal him and let him know these things.

"Was the footage destroyed?"

At that moment, Harvey's voice sounded from behind Tony Stark.

"After seeing that footage, I had no choice but to destroy it."

Hearing this, Tony Stark turned around and looked at Harvey, who was walking into the underground research lab, and said with a wry smile.

"I know you might be afraid of me, but don't worry. If I were your enemy, I wouldn't have helped you."

Harvey said calmly upon hearing this.

"Then why did you approach me?"

Tony Stark asked after hearing this.

"Tony Stark, do you speak without thinking before you ask that?"

"Have you forgotten that you contacted me continuously for a month?"

Harvey said, sounding a bit speechless.

Although he had intended to leave an impression on Tony Stark to make it easier to lure him into joining the Void later.

He hadn't anticipated that Tony Stark would be so obsessed, contacting him non-stop.

So, to stop Tony Stark from bothering him, Harvey had picked up the call to see what exactly Tony Stark was up to.

"..."

Upon hearing this scolding, Tony Stark wanted to retort, but after thinking about it, he realized he had indeed been the one contacting him, and for a moment, he was speechless.

"My actions are entirely based on my mood, so you don't need to dwell on it too much."

"Let's talk about your technology."

Seeing Tony Stark about to argue but unable to find words, Harvey decided to let him off the hook and started talking about the armor.

"The latest ones I'm developing are the Mark IV and the Mark V."

"One focuses on combat, and the other is a lightweight, portable type."

"These are the fruits of my labor. At high altitudes, their top speed can reach Mach 2."

"The materials used are from aerospace satellites, making them hard, cold-resistant, impervious to bullets, and equipped with moves like palm repulsor blasts."

Tony Stark's interest was piqued, and he immediately went to the two armors, introducing them proudly.

"In just over a month, you've improved the armors to have such performance. That sounds impressive."

"Your armors should become even more powerful in the future."

"However, this also means that no matter how much you improve them, the greatest weakness of your armor lies within yourself."

"Don't say I didn't warn you. In a fight against an enemy, if you have a weakness that you can't solve but is easily discovered, you could easily lose your life."

Harvey said, gently tapping the armor with his right hand, producing a metallic clang.

"I've thought about this weakness too, but there's nothing I can do about it right now."

"Because no matter how brilliant my mind is, I am still human. I will age, get injured, and I will die."

Hearing Harvey Anberaka's words, Tony Stark didn't deny it and admitted to this flaw.

Piloting the Iron Man armor and flying a fighter jet were not significantly different, aside from his superior technology.

Once the armor or fighter jet he was piloting sustained damage, he would be exposed to the dangers of combat.

There was always a risk of death, which was why his initial idea was to collaborate with Colonel Rhodes.

He possessed an extremely intelligent mind, while Rhodey had extensive combat experience. Their combined efforts could better unleash the power of the Iron Man armor.

Rhodey had previously refused to engage, so Tony decided to pilot the suit himself.

Harvey's earlier words were naturally spoken to remind Tony Stark that his physical body was vulnerable.

"But only now? Does that mean you have a solution?"

Now that Harvey heard this, he glanced at Tony Stark and spoke.

"I want to enhance my body to improve the suit's biggest weakness, which is to research genetics."

"However, before developing a gene therapy without side effects that is suitable for humans, the testing process would inevitably violate ethical principles."

"That's why I've never ventured into the field of genetics."

Tony Stark also shared some of his thoughts upon hearing this.

"Tony Stark, what do you believe truly defines a human?"

Harvey's eyes flashed as he heard Tony's words, and he asked.

Perhaps some people, possessing powers beyond those of ordinary humans, wish to suppress them and blend in with humanity, hoping not to be seen as outsiders but as human beings.

But in reality, even without superpowers, distinctions exist among people, such as wealth and power.

Countless individuals, relying on the little power they hold, seek to gain every advantage and hoard wealth.

Human nature is selfish and greedy; given an opportunity, people naturally desire more and seek to control more.

And when one has such an opportunity, failing to seize and utilize it, instead deceiving oneself by deliberately suppressing one's abilities to appease the weaker, hoping to be treated as an ordinary person.

In Harvey's view, such a notion is merely foolish and mediocre.

Although he had possessed the Void's power for nearly three years without truly contemplating it, it was only after Nick Fury's reminder.

After a period of reflection, he realized that his power originated from the Void, and he accepted his current self.

"What you desire? Are you referring to men or women?"

Tony Stark asked, wanting to understand what kind of desire Harvey was referring to.

"My question makes no distinction between men and women; it's about what humans fundamentally desire."

Harvey turned around, met Tony Stark's gaze, and said with a smile.

"Human nature cannot be generalized into a single category, as different people have vastly different desires and needs."

Tony Stark pondered this for a moment before replying.

"Some humans are arrogant, some are insecure, some are kind, some are selfish, but those are differences in personality, not essence."

"The essence of humanity is the desire to survive. To survive, humans crave power and use it to obtain more of what they want."

"Vast knowledge, formidable strength, high-ranking positions, or even countless different talents – anything that sets one apart from others is power."

"Throughout history, across the world, societies have predominantly been patriarchal, but there have also been instances of women reaching the highest positions."

"This indicates that women also desire power, but it was historically more difficult for them to obtain it, hence their rarer appearance."

"However, once someone possesses an identity or status slightly superior to others, they will consciously or unconsciously differentiate themselves."

"They disdain associating with those far inferior to them, perhaps even finding it shameful to interact with them."

"History is replete with such examples, and neither you nor I are exceptions."

"Do you still believe that human essence needs to be specifically categorized by gender?"

Harvey said this as he looked at the Iron Man armor, speaking slowly.

"..."

Tony Stark wanted to retort, but upon careful consideration, he found himself unable to pinpoint a counterargument.

Indeed, people's personalities differ, but fundamentally, it's about survival. After surviving, one craves more.

For instance, a superior living condition, a higher social status, or various other things.

"Are you suggesting I defy human ethics?"

However, considering that Harvey Anberaka was discussing these matters with him, Tony Stark paused and realized something, speaking with a hint of emotion.

"I never said that. I'm merely pointing out the essence of humanity."

"As for what you truly think, I have no idea."

"While the essence of humanity is survival and the pursuit of more power."

"However, when you seek greater power, ask yourself if you are truly prepared."

"If you are not mentally prepared, choosing to remain cautious is not a bad thing."

Harvey's words were like a siren's call, subtly eroding some of Tony Stark's ingrained beliefs.

While it might not yield immediate results, when Tony Stark craves more power and overcomes his current greatest weakness.

Then, this wavering will influence some of the decisions and actions Tony Stark makes.

"I've already had dinner from you, so I won't be having a late-night snack here."

"I'll help you clear the palladium poisoning, but while this is a casual act, it doesn't mean I'll always help you clear it if you get palladium poisoning again."

"So don't rely on luck. Make good use of the extended time you have now and strive to find a new element to replace palladium to solve the root problem of palladium poisoning."

Harvey said a few words as he looked at Tony Stark, who was lost in thought, then turned and left.

Tony Stark was left alone in the underground research lab, his eyes constantly flickering, his mind racing.

Second update.