Just as Director Egghead was planning to establish a human-run magical institution under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s control, Iron Man Tony Stark had just regained consciousness from deep anesthesia and slowly opened his tightly shut eyes.
At this moment, the iconic "LED light" in his chest had vanished, replaced by a patch of neatly sutured skin.
Clearly, after the battle with Aldrich Killian, this self-proclaimed genius had come to understand many things.
For instance, he was Iron Man not merely because he wore an Iron Man suit, but because of his powerful sense of responsibility and mission, as well as his brilliant mind.
So, he had resolutely bid farewell to the past and removed the shrapnel in his chest that had constantly threatened his life.
At the same time, Tony Stark once again recalled the words Ethan had said to him before dying.
"Cherish your life. Don't waste it..."
"I didn't waste my life!"
After a long silence, Tony Stark was finally able to respond with a clear conscience to the man who had personally remade him.
Just as he was about to call for a nurse to give his parched mouth some water, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure standing in the hospital room and smiling at him.
It was none other than Ethan, the man who had appeared countless times in his dreams.
To make sure it was not a hallucination, Tony Stark hurriedly rubbed his eyes hard.
The stabbing pain from his surgical wound made him realize that he was not dreaming. He really had seen this old friend with whom he had once shared life and death.
"You look like you're recovering well, Tony." Ethan took the initiative to greet him with a smile.
"Oh my God! Ethan... Is it really you? You didn't die?" Tony Stark's face filled