Tony's Mission

"A very good idea, and the potential applications for this are indeed excellent. You, kid, have a lot of my old spirit," Tony said, giving Peter an appreciative look.

Pepper watched Peter with a smile, marveling at the young boy's genius.

As Iron Man's capable wife, a significant portion of Iron Man's information about Peter actually came from Pepper.

Therefore, Pepper understood Peter no less than Iron Man did.

He was only 15 years old and attended a public school.

This meant that his current achievements were entirely due to his own talent, ingenuity, and hard work.

Although Iron Man seemed indifferent to Peter, he had actually been paying attention to him all along.

Especially his school life.

Iron Man knew Peter was using the school labs under the guise of the Stark Internship Program to research things, but he didn't expose him. Instead, he simply donated some money and experimental equipment to Midtown High.

Unexpectedly, before his donations were even fully processed, Peter had given him a surprise.

"I didn't expect you to actually bring something over. In that case, I'll open an account for you at the September Fund. Your research funds and any money you earn will be deposited there, and you can use it as you see fit," Tony said casually.

Peter's two research projects were, of course, insignificant to the vast Stark Industries.

However, both he and Pepper saw Peter's talent in scientific research within them.

Based on their previous observations of Peter, they also knew he had a kind character and sound values.

When he gained superpowers, his first instinct was to help others, not to act recklessly.

This was enough to demonstrate a person's character and values.

This was also why Iron Man had gifted Peter a Spider-suit worth nearly ten million US dollars directly before.

That's right, nearly ten million, not the few million Peter had thought.

The few million was just the price of the suit and some of the high-tech equipment inside.

The artificial intelligence in that suit was a standalone AI specially created by Iron Man, not a copy from his Friday.

That AI alone was enough to drive many people mad.

"Pepper, I'll leave these to you," Tony said, pushing his own documents over to Pepper.

Pepper picked up the two project proposals and their samples and stood up. "Alright, I guess I'm destined for a life of hard work. Who am I to argue when you're the BOSS?"

She then looked at Peter. "He's doing this on purpose. We actually knew you were here when you came up, so don't take it to heart."

Peter nodded quickly.

Tony looked at Pepper with mild displeasure. "Hey, why did you have to say it? The kid needs to know he can't just barge into people's homes. Let him learn a lesson."

Pepper rolled her eyes at him and turned to leave.

Tony tapped the table and then scooped up a cluster of data in his hand, tossing it to Peter.

Peter looked a bit confused.

At that moment, the suit he was wearing flashed a few times.

Tony said, "You're more capable than I thought, so I've unlocked some of the suit's locked functions for you."

Peter grinned, scratching his head. Being praised by Iron Man felt quite rewarding.

"But!" Tony paused, then continued, "This isn't enough. Kid, do you want to unlock all the functions and fully own this suit?"

Peter nodded vigorously.

Of course, he did!

Before, he had merely been borrowing it.

But now, according to Iron Man, the ownership was truly being transferred to him!

Tony said, "Recently, some individuals have appeared in Brooklyn carrying weapons that strongly resemble the technology used by the Chitauri army that invaded New York a few years ago. We suspect someone is secretly manufacturing these weapons. The special agencies are investigating this, but I don't quite trust them. I can trust you, right, Peter?"

"Yes!" Peter became a little excited.

"Very good," Tony said, patting Peter on the shoulder. "Let's see what you can do."

"Leave it to me, Mr. Stark!" Peter said solemnly. This was the first official mission he had been given, and he had to do a good job!

"Alright, you can stay here a bit longer. There's a holographic projection game console over there, you can play for a while, but remember to go home early," Tony said, standing up to leave.

He was actually quite busy lately.

Because some of the Avengers members, Captain America and Falcon, had been declared criminals along with the Winter Soldier for harboring a suspect. While there might have been some room for maneuver initially, after a major battle at the Berlin airport, that room disappeared entirely, and they were completely removed from the roster.

Hawkeye and Wanda were also placed on the criminal list for siding with Captain America and were expelled from the Avengers.

Black Widow became a criminal and was removed for privately letting Captain America and the Winter Soldier go.

War Machine was seriously injured by a friendly fire incident involving Vision and remained in a coma. Even if he woke up, with paralysis in his lower body, it would be difficult for him to wear the Iron Man Armor and fight again.

As for the remaining Thor and Hulk, one had returned to Asgard, and the other had disappeared without a trace after the battle with Ultron.

Even Vision seemed distracted due to Wanda's arrest and the guilt of accidentally injuring War Machine.

For a time, only Iron Man remained among the Avengers.

A one-man league, what kind of league is that?

Is he joining hands with himself?

This was also why Iron Man contacted Peter.

Actually, he had intended to observe Peter for a while longer before deciding whether to officially bring him into the Avengers.

After all, Peter was too young, only 15 years old.

However, Peter's sharp insight and reasoning ability during their first meeting, his crowd-control capabilities and opportunistic combat intelligence displayed during the Battle of Berlin Airport, and his recently demonstrated excellent research skills.

This series of performances caused Iron Man's evaluation of Peter to rise rapidly.

Only then did he decide to entrust Peter with something that he originally shouldn't have.

Consider it a test.

If Peter could truly complete this test, then he would personally invite Peter to become a true Avenger!

"Mr. Stark," Peter called out to Tony.

"Is there anything else? I'm a bit busy lately," Tony said, meaning for Peter to get to the point.

Peter said, "I was wondering if I could be an intern researcher in one of your biological labs. I..."

Tony gave Peter a deep look, raised his wrist, and tapped a few times on the holographic screen that popped out from his watch.

"Alright, a small biological lab just became available. Do whatever you want there, and apply for anything you need. You have the September Fund."

"Thank you, Mr. Stark."

"You're welcome. Is that all?"

"Mhm."

"Then I'm leaving. See you." Tony turned and left潇洒ly.