Magic Plus Armor - Got Potential?

"Hero of all humanity? God Among Men? And some alien creature calling itself the God of Thunder..."

As Tony learned more about the massive changes that had swept the world during the month he'd been kidnapped, even with his mental preparations, he couldn't help but feel utterly shocked.

"Hah, what a joke!"

"That bastard gets painted as a hero of humanity—are those politicians brain-dead?"

What baffled Tony most was that the man who'd kidnapped him was being hailed by governments and media as the savior of all mankind.

"Sir, based on information gathered from the internet, Superman's popularity has topped the charts in every country since his appearance, crushing countless Hollywood stars..."

"His approval rating is over 99.9999%... The vast majority say his existence has made their lives better."

"Some even claim that as long as he doesn't destroy Earth, he can be called a hero of humanity, citing classic comic events like Injustice Superman..."

"Enough. I don't want to hear any more of this guy's heroic deeds."

Tony's face turned stern as he cut off J.A.R.V.I.S.'s report.

"I just want to know—what weaknesses does this guy have in the comics?"

Even though Superman had only kidnapped him and forced him into labor without actually harming him, Tony had to prepare for another encounter.

The Nanotech Armor was his future research direction.

But relying solely on ordinary nanotech armor was nowhere near enough to stand against a powerhouse like Superman.

So studying Superman's weaknesses was an essential step.

"Sir, the comics introduce several weaknesses for Superman, including but not limited to Kryptonite, a Red Sun, mental manipulation, magic, and his own inherent kindness..."

"Kryptonite? That's nearly impossible to find on Earth—if it even exists."

"Red Sun? That can be simulated, but I have no idea if it'll actually work."

"Mental manipulation? Forget it, that's out."

"As for his inherent kindness... does that guy even have any?"

Tony was deeply skeptical.

"Hmm, and magic. But does magic really exist in this world?"

Before the kidnapping, Tony would've scoffed at the idea of magic. Now, though, he desperately hoped it was real.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., do a global search with 'magic' as the keyword..."

"Magic plus a tech armor—that might have some potential."

"I want to see if magic really exists, and if combining it with nanotech armor can actually stand up to that guy..."

"Sir, I should remind you that Mr. Superman has superhuman hearing. Everything you're doing right now might be..."

"Damn it, J.A.R.V.I.S., why didn't you warn me sooner!"

Tony panicked and looked out the window. Seeing no familiar figure flying toward him, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hah, that guy's already thinking about pointless resistance."

"But let him mess around. In the end, I'll be the one benefiting."

"Magic armor? Sorcerer Supreme Iron Man? Honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing you in that suit, right hand holding a Magic Whip, left hand a Magic Shield—what a bizarre sight!"

"And I'm even more curious about how satisfying it'll be to tear that thing apart..."

Peter stopped eavesdropping on Tony's villa, a grin of anticipation curling at his lips.

Anyone with half a brain could guess that Tony was naturally restless. After being kidnapped, it'd be out of character for him not to stir up trouble.

After all, that very trait was what made Tony into Iron Man.

But in this universe, Tony's fate had already changed. Becoming Iron Man might not be the end of it.

"Next up, I need to keep improving the suit."

"The key is the first-generation Ant-Man, Dr. Pym, and his Pym Particles..."

Peter slowly mapped out his next steps. Dr. Pym and his Pym Particles were the linchpin.

Honestly, some of the black tech in the Marvel Universe was beyond human comprehension.

The Pym Particles Dr. Pym had developed were one of those absurd technologies—even more unbelievable than nanotechnology.

They could shrink the distance between molecules, reducing massive objects to microscopic sizes.

They could even let a person slip into the Quantum Realm. That wasn't just technology anymore—it was more fantastical than magic.

"But there's no rush for the Pym Particles. It's not like they're going anywhere."

The reason Peter had sent Tony back to his villa early was to prepare for Dr. Pym's arrival.

After all, Dr. Pym and the Stark family had some unresolved misunderstandings. If they worked together, they'd probably end up fighting.

Moreover, Tony's contributions to the Nano-Suit's technology were pretty much over by now.

There was basically no need for Tony in the follow-up research anymore.

Of course, if they really needed him for something, they could just kidnap him back.

"But before dealing with Dr. Pym, it seems I need to handle Doctor Octopus first..."

In Peter's mind, the image of Doctor Octopus with his four metal tentacles slowly surfaced.

At the same time, at Doctor Otto's home.

Doctor Otto, just released on bail from the police station, returned home in dejection.

"Dear Otto, are you alright!"

His wife, who had been anxiously waiting at home, rushed to him the moment she saw him and asked with concern.

"Rose, I'm fine. They classified the explosion as an experimental accident. Luckily, no one was hurt."

At that moment, Doctor Otto's face was filled with exhaustion.

"But my experiment failed, and with it, my lifelong dream has been completely shattered."

Beneath the exhaustion, the grief and pain of the failed experiment were even harder to hide.

They had poured almost everything into this experiment. Bringing endless energy to humanity was his lifelong dream.

But now, with the experiment's failure, his dream had been crushed.

"It's okay, Otto. You have to pull yourself together. At least we're still alive, and we still have a chance to continue the experiment and fulfill our dream!"

His wife comforted Otto, ignoring the strange mechanical tentacles behind him as she slowly embraced him.

"That's right, we're still alive. We still have a chance!"

"There was no error in my experimental process. I accounted for everything—the radiation, the energy, even the potential gravitational effects."

"The reason the experiment failed is that the equipment wasn't sturdy enough to withstand such immense energy."

"If we can find stronger materials, then I can conduct an even larger nuclear fusion experiment."

His wife's encouragement lifted Otto's spirits again.

"Soon, before the eyes of everyone, we will forge a brilliant star with our own hands."

Otto gazed at the dazzling night sky and the moon hanging at the horizon, speaking slowly. The tentacles behind him swayed as if celebrating.

"The sun's radiance will bloom in this city."

"Eternal light will completely illuminate this starry sky!"