Over here, Nick Fury said without giving Stark any face, "Really? You think your password can keep an agent out?"
Stark choked, then said irritably and with some embarrassment, "At least you could show me—and my host—a little more respect, soldiers!"
"Hey." Aeo couldn't help grinning. "You weren't like this at Bruce's house!"
He was referring to their first meeting. "You practically tore Bruce's house apart back then."
Even Tony, thick-skinned as he was, couldn't help feeling a little awkward. "That was, uh... Hey, sorry. We didn't know who you were back then, did we? But things are different now..."
"Are you already close friends with him now?" the King of Agents asked shrewdly. "Even after learning his identity?"
Never mind Stark's displeasure. Aeo didn't feel like giving them the time of day, either. "Tony, now that everything's taken care of, I think I should head back." He shot a taunting glance at Hill and the other agents, whose nerves were on edge.
"Someone here doesn't want me around."
Stark shook his head. "Listen, I know that before, I... You know what I'm like—impulsive, reckless, and not very likable! But now..." Ignoring the ugly expressions on Fury and the others' faces, Tony Stark went on.
"I hope we can be friends, like Bruce and I!... Thank you for everything you've done for me! I mean it. Thank you, my friend!"
Aeo smiled.
"Don't mention it, my friend!"
Ignoring Nick and the others, who had come and gone in a flash, Aeo paused, then said, "I really have to go, Tony..."
"I'll see you out." Perhaps because they'd cleared the air, Stark looked more relieved and relaxed. "J.A.R.V.I.S..."
"No." Aeo shook his head. He glanced around Iron Man's world-famous mansion and said pointedly, "You should clean out the stuff in your basement first. It's not safe to leave it there."
Stark wasn't stupid. He quickly understood what Aeo meant. Thinking of how quickly Nick and the others had shown up, he realized he'd been under surveillance. His expression darkened at once. "You're right. It's time to clear out the rats in my house!" After a pause, he asked, "So how are you getting back? Maybe..."
Then he had a wild idea.
"How about I give you a Mark V?"
"Huh?"
Seeing the boy's astonished expression, Stark grew even more enthusiastic. "I know you can fly, but it looks like you're not ready to reveal yourself yet. With one of my suits, getting around won't be a problem anymore!"
"Wait." Watching Iron Man ramble on like a salesman, Aeo was amused, but also a little touched. Saving his life had been worth it. Still, he had no intention of accepting the gift. That would only make S.H.I.E.L.D., led by Nick Fury, and the Federation military even more suspicious of him. After all, Hydra had tried to use the government as a pretext to seize his Iron Suit just a few days ago. If another person suddenly started flying around the world in an Iron Suit, they'd lose their minds. So, with some reluctance, Aeo said, "Tony, I appreciate the offer, but that would only make some people even more suspicious."
Stark thought it over and sighed. "Then I'll have Pepper arrange a plane..."
"No." Aeo had a sudden idea. "Hey, Tony, don't you have several cars in your garage? Why not give me one? I'll drive it back to Gotham City..."
Tony nodded indifferently. "All right, as long as you don't mind the long drive."
"No problem. I've got plenty of free time lately. I can take it slow."
Seeing that Aeo was set on it, Stark had no choice but to take him to the garage. Luxury sports cars of every kind were parked all over the place by their billionaire playboy owner, silently proclaiming just how rich the man before them was.
"Pick whichever one you like."
"..."
"I mostly just look at the cars I buy, you know. I drive the Iron Suit now." What a rich guy.
"I'll take this one." Since Stark didn't seem to care, Aeo pointed to a white Hennessey Venom GT.
Stark glanced at it and casually tossed him the keys to the million-dollar supercar. "She's yours!"
With the wind in his hair, Aeo drove along, whistling cheerfully.
With its white body and sleek design, the handsome, sunny-looking boy could almost pass for a carefree playboy from a rich family. But...
"...Tch. This is no fun." The Federation's sparse population and vast open spaces were on full display along the way. There was nothing but deserts and wilderness everywhere, so the boy couldn't even find anyone to show off for.
Besides, after his initial excitement wore off, the power of Imperial Gene Modulation began to show. Aeo gradually grew calmer, and the excitement simply faded away.
"..."
Bored out of his mind, Aeo couldn't help asking, "Hey, Bruce, what are you doing?"
The communicator relayed his words in real time through Wayne Enterprises' communications satellite to Bruce, who was in Gotham City.
"Hm?" Bruce Wayne, who was looking up some information online, smiled faintly.
"What? Tired of playing and ready to come back?"
"...I helped Tony solve a problem, and now I'm driving from California to Gotham City!" The boy's answer left even the usually composed Bruce at a loss for words. California to Gotham City? How long would that take?
"Forget it, never mind. I've still got a while before I get back to Gotham City. Bruce, got anything interesting to tell me? I'm bored to death!" the boy said, driving the luxury supercar as he talked.
After two crackles of static, Bruce did reply. "Nothing fun, but I've noticed something... interesting over the past couple of days."
"What?"
"Have you seen the news?" Bruce's voice was low. "Our neighboring city, Star City, has produced quite a remarkable figure."
For some reason, the name of the city sounded familiar to Aeo, as if he'd heard it somewhere in a past life. He couldn't help asking, "I've been busy helping Tony make the new element he needs these past few days, so I haven't had time to watch the news. What happened?"
"Do you have your phone with you? I'll upload some information to you." Seeing that Aeo was interested, Bruce decided to send him the details directly.
"Wait." He freed one hand and took off the over-ear communicator. After pressing something, a holographic interface appeared above it. "Okay, send it over."
"..."
As Aeo looked at the images and information Batman had sent, his mouth fell wider and wider open.
"This is..."
"What?" Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"...Nothing." Aeo was deep in thought. After a moment, he said, "Hey, Bruce."
"I'm here."
"When I get back, let's pay a visit to this... Oliver Queen!" A flash of intensity crossed Aeo's eyes.
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