Chapter 80: The Tech-Enhanced Wand
Just as George was pondering how to find a substitute for wand wood in this world, Wolverine called via video.
"George, a silver robot-like thing just flew out of Stark's mansion. It was fast. Here's a photo I managed to take."
Wolverine sent over a somewhat blurry photo.
"It seems he's made some progress."
Looking at the photo of the unpainted Mark I armor, George realized that Tony Stark had successfully developed the groundbreaking Iron Man suit after his period of seclusion.
"Maybe he can help with this."
A thought crossed his mind, and he began to form a plan.
"Logan, I'll have Isa pick you up soon."
"What? No more surveillance and protection?"
Wolverine looked puzzled.
George nodded:
"No need. Come back and rest. We'll pay him a formal visit tomorrow."
His idea was simple. Since he couldn't find suitable wand wood at the moment, why not leverage the advanced technology of this world to create a wand shaft using scientific methods?
He didn't expect this wand to amplify his magic like a traditional wand. He just wanted it to function normally, allowing him to cast spells without the slow hand gestures and making magic useful in combat.
At this stage, the only person he knew who could potentially achieve this was Tony Stark.
Coincidentally, Tony Stark had just completed his Iron Man suit, and George's plan to counterattack A.I.M. and eliminate the threat posed by Dr. Sanderson Rice could now move forward.
Previously, George had kept a low profile and avoided confronting Dr. Rice because he wasn't strong enough.
Back then, a single X-24 and a sniper posed a significant threat to them.
But now, even without using magic, his magnetic control alone could easily handle such threats.
His magical abilities had also grown significantly. He had mastered dozens of spells, including some advanced ones.
He had even begun learning Giant Magic and Light Magic.
Overall, his strength had increased more than tenfold.
Moreover, he wasn't alone. With Wolverine restored to his prime and Tony Stark's assistance, the plan was virtually foolproof.
Don't underestimate Tony Stark. Even with the first-generation Iron Man suit, it had supersonic flight capabilities and a variety of high-tech weapons for ranged attacks.
Unless facing an enemy who could counter his abilities—like George—most superheroes wouldn't stand a chance against him.
Since Dr. Rice had cloned Wolverine, it was possible he had cloned other mutants. If they delayed too long, Dr. Rice might unleash something even more dangerous.
Instead of waiting for the enemy to strike, it was better to take the initiative. George had been considering this for a while.
If he could create a functional wand, they would set out immediately.
After ending the call, George had Isa fly to Tony Stark's private mansion in Malibu, California, to pick up Wolverine, who had been hiding nearby.
Shortly after Wolverine left, Tony returned in his Iron Man suit, crashing through the roof of his mansion and destroying a luxury car worth millions of dollars.
After removing the suit and applying an ice pack, Tony looked at the simplified Arc Reactor his assistant Pepper had packaged for him, feeling a surge of emotion.
Sitting in his workshop, he said to his AI, JARVIS:
"JARVIS, take note. During the flight above 40,000 feet, the primary sensors malfunctioned, and there were issues with the shell pressurization. I think it might be due to icing."
"Sir, your observation is astute. If you intend to venture into space, you must improve the shell material."
JARVIS offered a suggestion.
Tony thought for a moment and ordered:
"Contact Cisco and ask them to redesign the shell material. Use the gold-titanium alloy used in the Seraphim tactical satellites. This will meet the structural requirements while maintaining the power-to-weight ratio."
"Understood, sir. Shall I display the graphical specifications as requested?"
"Yes."
"The rendering is complete."
"The color scheme is a bit too flashy."
Tony shook his head as he looked at the golden Iron Man suit on the computer.
Using all gold made it look too ostentatious, which didn't suit his taste.
"My mistake. You've always been understated and modest."
JARVIS's response carried a hint of sarcasm, but Tony didn't mind. He glanced at the red sports car nearby and said:
"Add some red from that car."
"Certainly. It complements your understated image. Coloring complete."
In seconds, a sleek red-and-gold Iron Man suit appeared on the screen.
Tony examined it and nodded in satisfaction:
"I like it. Begin assembly."
"Starting automatic assembly. Estimated completion time: five hours."
"Have you found any information on George?"
Tony suddenly remembered something and asked.
After returning, he hadn't shared any information about George with anyone, not even Pepper, as per his promise to George.
But out of curiosity, he still wanted to know more about the man who had saved him.
"No, sir. I've searched for all individuals named George, but none match the description you provided."
"Maybe that's not his real name?"
Tony hesitated, then ordered:
"Check the records of everyone who bought Stark stocks after my incident and sold them before my return."
"Right away, sir."
Moments later, a list of names appeared on his computer.
Tony skimmed through it and was immediately drawn to one name.
"Leon... This guy bought so much. Look up his information."
There were many people who met the criteria. When Tony's incident occurred, many had doubted Stark Industries, causing the stock to plummet. However, given Stark Industries' long-standing success, there were still loyal investors.
But someone buying such a large amount at once was unusual.
"Even if it's not him, there must be a connection."
Seeing Leon's photo and profile, Tony began to form some theories.
At that moment, the TV in the workshop broadcast breaking news:
"The red-carpeted Disney Concert Hall is ablaze with lights tonight, hosting the third annual charity gala for the Firefighter Family Foundation, initiated by Tony Stark.
The elite of Los Angeles high society have gathered here, a constellation of stars.
The event's founder, Tony Stark, recently caused controversy with his unfiltered remarks at a press conference and has since disappeared from the public eye.
Some say he's suffering from post-concussion syndrome and has been bedridden for weeks..."
"JARVIS, don't wait up for me."
Tony put down the ice pack with a grim expression and left the workshop. Tonight, he would make an appearance to prove he wasn't bedridden!
(End of Chapter)