Conflict from the Past

"Let me reiterate: my wife and I did not die at the scene of that car accident. We were rescued in time. Even so, we were still on the brink of death. Given the level of medical technology at the time, we had no chance of surviving."

Howard paused, giving the reporters time to process what he had said, then continued. "So, in order to preserve Maria's life and mine, Tony urgently developed a human cryonics technology. It could preserve the human body in the state it was in before freezing, as though freezing a person's time itself."

"That way, although Maria and I were dying, we remained alive until Tony developed—or the world advanced enough to develop—technology capable of perfectly treating our injuries."

"That was Tony's idea and method at the time. While we were frozen, Tony continued improving this cryonic preservation technology, striving to preserve our bodies and souls intact."

"You mentioned 'souls.' Does that refer broadly to a person's self-awareness, or to the literal, unproven soul of mysticism?"

Taking advantage of Howard's pause for a drink, the blonde reporter Christine asked curiously.

"You may regard it as both." A mysterious smile appeared on Howard's face. "But the explanation regarding this 'soul' is a core secret of Tony's cryonic preservation technology. I cannot reveal any more. I hope you understand."

"All right..." Christine felt somewhat disappointed, but she knew Howard had already shown her considerable respect by answering her question in the first place. Didn't he ignore the other reporters entirely, answering only her questions?

Christine knew she could not be too greedy or push her luck. Based on her physical relationship with Leon, she could not ask for more.

That Pepper Potts guarded against her like her life depended on it, never giving her a chance to