California, Malibu, Tony Stark's seaside villa.
Tony sat glumly at the workbench, pinching a small Acorn that gave off a faint green glow.
It was the Acorn Necklace Oaks had given him.
To his left was a small Holographic Display, marked with a line of text.
"Blood toxin level: 10%."
"Jarvis, how are the Expo preparations coming along?"
"Yes, sir. All preliminary work has been completed. This year-long scientific and industrial event will begin as scheduled in one week."
Jarvis displayed the progress of all preparations for the Stark Expo on the Holographic Display, and Tony nodded in satisfaction.
"This time, we'll make a splash in Queens. I've already picked a site for the new Stark Industries headquarters building, right in Manhattan...
We'll be moving soon, Jarvis."
"But sir, regarding palladium poisoning, we have tried every possible solution. None of the known elements can replace palladium.
Dr. Oaks's miraculous Acorn is already the most effective method available, but it can only delay—
If the Acorn were not so effective at suppressing the poisoning, your blood toxin level should now be approaching 20%.
Furthermore, palladium accumulation is not linear. Without the Acorn, your blood toxin level would certainly exceed 90% next month."
Jarvis's exhaustive and unromantic data made Tony frown involuntarily as he muttered to himself:
"...Yeah. This time, the trouble is serious. I don't know if there's enough time."
"Sir, perhaps you could call Dr. Oaks. He may have a more effective treatment."
Jarvis's suggestion made Tony let out a long breath.
"Jarvis, I can guarantee with absolute certainty that Oaks himself has a treatment far more useful than this little Acorn.
But as long as the Reactor remains in my chest, palladium poisoning is inevitable."
"But sir, if you stop using the Battle Suit, the toxins released