Giving Away the Rings

"Don't even think about refusing. You saved my life once, so this is what you deserve."

Even after giving away one-fifth of his company's shares, Tony still wore that proud expression.

"Tony, why are you doing this?" Kino wasn't particularly happy about receiving such a generous gift. Instead, he placed the documents on the table and gently pushed them back.

"Didn't I say..."

"Tony, you're a businessman. You're rich, but even the richest person wouldn't thank their lifesaver at such a heavy cost." Kino stared at him with a piercing gaze. "Except for a certain Mr. Li."

"As expected, I'm not cut out for this kind of thing." Tony's expression fell as he admitted the truth.

"That day, I saw that Mandarin's laser beams came from his rings. I want to know whether those rings are with you."

"They're right here."

Kino took out ten gem-encrusted rings and placed them on the table.

"That's right, these are them. Ten percent of the shares is my thanks. I'd like to buy one of the others." Tony looked at the gem-encrusted rings on the table as he spoke.

Buying all of them was impossible, but buying one was no problem.

"Tony, do you know where they came from?" Kino shook his head with a smile.

"What do you mean?"

"These rings are masterpieces of the alien Makluan people. Each one possesses extraordinary power. Tony, how much do you think it would cost to buy one?"

Kino picked up a ring, its dazzling light reflecting in the sunlight.

"Alien technology... Forget I said anything. I never thought there would be something even Tony Stark couldn't afford."

Tony's eyes burned with excitement, but he soon laughed at himself.

If they really were alien technology, their value couldn't be measured in money.

If he could decipher the technology inside them, the profits it generated could easily create a new military-industrial empire.

"Here."

A red ring fell into Tony's hand.

"Wasn't it not for sale?"

Tony looked somewhat blankly at the ring in his hand.

"It's not for sale, but I can give it to a friend."

Kino smiled. He had a good impression of Tony, whether because of his performance in the cave or his willingness to lead the way in the films of his previous life.

Both showed what kind of person he was. Giving away one ring to make a friend was well worth it.

Tony tightly gripped the ring, his eyes filled with surprise and emotion. "Kino, this gift is far too valuable. I... I don't know what to say."

Kino waved his hand. "There's no need to be so formal, Tony. Like you said, friends don't need to keep score."

Tony nodded solemnly. "I'll cherish this gift and do everything I can to uncover its secrets. But I'm still curious. What special ability does this ring actually have?"

"Your ring is the Flame Ring. It contains the miniature heart of a star and can emit infrared radiation or heat. Its intensity is controlled by the wearer.

"Also, be careful when you study it. Don't blow up New York." Kino gave him a cautious warning.

"A miniature stellar core, energy compression technology, spatial compression, and even brainwave connection technology... Such a small ring contains so much technology." Tony carefully put on the ring, instantly understanding how to use it.

"Whoa!"

A half-meter-wide fireball appeared in Tony's hand and danced through the air under his control.

That was the charm of the supernatural.

It also drew the attention of Pamela, Venom, and Frank.

Before Tony could finish enjoying himself, a blue beam struck the fireball in the air. It turned into an ice ball, fell to the ground, and shattered.

"Tony, don't play with fire in someone else's home."

Kino spoke with displeasure.

"Ahem, sorry. I got a little too excited."

Tony looked somewhat embarrassed.

At that moment, Pamela walked over and sat on Kino's thigh.

"Darling, these rings are so pretty."

Pamela's eyes glittered. Few women disliked sparkling gemstones.

"Pick one you like and wear it for now. I'll have an even better one made for you when we get married."

Kino went along with it.

"Thank you, darling."

Pamela kissed Kino on the cheek, happily selected a white ring, and put it on her middle finger.

The Cutting Beam Ring was perfect for making up for Pamela's lack of offensive power.

"Does it look good?"

"It looks great. Anything looks good on you."

The two flirted openly until Venom walked over. Pamela immediately gave up her spot and moved behind Kino, using the back of his head as a cushion.

Venom sat in Kino's arms and raised her hand. Her fingers were slender and flexible, her skin fair and translucent.

"Help me choose one."

Venom smiled sweetly.

"How about this one? The color suits you best."

Kino chose a black ring and put it on Venom's middle finger.

The Black Light Ring could create an area of absolute darkness that seemed capable of absorbing all light. That darkness might be a form of the "dark power" used by the invisibility cloak, the Dark Star, and the Shroud.

"That's beautiful. Here's your reward."

Venom lightly kissed Kino on the lips.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still. Kino felt Venom's soft lips and was filled with an indescribable warmth.

After Venom and Pamela left,

"Rings that couldn't be bought for tens of billions, and you just give them to your women as ornaments. Doesn't it hurt?"

Tony's tone was somewhat teasing. After all, he had also enjoyed the company of more than one woman at a time. He was simply a little surprised by Kino's generosity.

"Not at all, as long as they like them."

"All right, you really are a hopeless romantic. But speaking of which, the power of these rings is truly formidable. Aren't you afraid they'll accidentally cause trouble?"

Tony shrugged.

"Whatever trouble there is, I'll deal with it."

With Superman's power, as long as he didn't provoke certain bigwigs in this world, Kino could basically do as he pleased.

"By the way, I don't know what's gotten into the military lately. They've been secretly capturing mutants, apparently looking for someone.

"If you run into them and they give you trouble, call me. I'll handle it."

News of the military's operations was classified, yet Tony had casually revealed it.

"Thanks for the warning."

With that, Tony said goodbye and left.

He had plenty to keep him busy: developing the Mark II, researching the ring, finding the traitor, and so on. Every one of them was important.

The share-transfer contract was left behind. Tony Stark never took back anything he gave away.

"Pamela, Venom, let's go out and have some fun."

Kino suddenly felt like it. After coming to this world, he still hadn't properly gone out to look around.

"Sure, darling!"

"All right."

Pamela had always wanted to go shopping, so she was delighted by Kino's suggestion.

Venom, meanwhile, didn't really mind. As long as she could be with Kino, that was enough.

"Frank, do you have any recommendations for places to visit?"

Kino turned to ask Frank.

"Young Master, I recommend Manhattan. It's very prosperous, and since the ladies didn't bring any luggage, they can buy some clothes and other things."

"Then let's go there."