Rhodey received a satellite call from the heart of the desert, and it was Tony Stark calling.
Overwhelmed with joy, Rhodey drove the helicopter, swiftly transporting the special forces to the signal's origin.
Upon arrival, Rhodey and the special forces found a group of robbers' corpses scattered on the sandy dunes outside the gang's base.
Inside, Tony, clad in steel armor, conversed with a man in a necromancer's robe with a shattered visage.
Seated comfortably, Fang, the necromancer, engaged Tony in a riveting discourse about his future: "Let me tell you, you will lead a life of misery. To save half the universe, you will snap your fingers and sacrifice yourself. Goodbye."
Tony's face hardened in defiance: "No, I don't believe it! I can't be that selfless!"
Why would I do that!?
I should be thinking about spending a romantic evening with a cover model!
Not sacrificing myself to save the universe!
Fang's excitement grew with Tony's resistance, "Don't believe me? Go back and ask Phil Coulson about a baby named Tesseract. It's the Space Gem, one of the Infinity Stones I mentioned."
Approaching Rhodey, Fang remarked, "The more you try to avoid fate, the more it will chase you."
Tony's mental defenses wavered. Before Rhodey's arrival, this eccentric had recounted his entire life, including his father's achievements and his own background.
Worse still!
I'm actually serious about my future!
Fang noticed Tony's resistance peaking and confidently asserted, "Oh? You think I'm talking nonsense? When you return, you'll buy a ring and prepare to propose to Pepper Potts!"
Tony's panic surged. He didn't want Rhodey, his closest friend, to hear the necromancer's prophetic words!
Because!
The first person he wanted to see after his safety was Pepper Potts!
How can this lunatic predict the future!
"Fine, I believe you! This is insane!" Tony exclaimed, his composure breaking.
What Fang said was uncannily accurate!
Tony dared not contemplate the necromancer's predictions, fearing they might all come true.
As per the lunatic, he would experience Pepper Potts' loss at least three times in the future.
Tony realized that Pepper, his companion for over a decade, was now the sole beacon in his life.
I cannot lose her.
Fang chuckled, pleased with the dark progress bar's rapid ascent.
Breaking Tony's spirit seemed to hasten the absorption of dark energy—an intriguing development!
Approaching, Rhodey asked Fang, "Who are you?"
Grinning, Fang replied, "I'm Fang, a native of China. I'm providing psychological counseling for Tony, who's been through a lot lately."
If tormenting the mind counts as counseling, then I must be excelling.
Tony composed himself and told Rhodey, "Take Fang and Yin Sen; I want to go back."
Being imprisoned for three months was bad, but listening to this lunatic recount his life was worse.
Rhodey, though puzzled, followed Tony's order, "You can remove the armor and board our safest gunship. There won't be another incident this time."
Tony nodded wearily, saying nothing more.
Humming a tune, Fang walked toward the armed helicopter.
Tony prepared to board the helicopter, helped by Yin Sen, while Rhodey, wearing a smile of relief, supervised the battlefield cleanup.
As the helicopter took off, Yin Sen assisted Tony in removing the steel armor.
Now seated across from Fang, Tony's face was partially illuminated by the sunlight, creating a mysterious aura.
Recalling Fang's revelations, Tony found them difficult to refute.
It felt like he was contradicting himself by trying to deny them.
Feeling conflicted, Tony leaned forward, gazing at Fang with earnest curiosity.
Fang, noticing Tony's earnest expression, asked, "What's on your mind?"
Struggling to articulate, Tony eventually asked, "Pepper Potts?"
Tony's eyes revealed his eagerness to know about his and Pepper's future.
The helicopter fell silent as everyone awaited Fang's response.
Rhodey, in the front co-pilot seat, turned in shock, his curiosity piqued.
Tony having a sweetheart was more astonishing than his kidnapping!
Rhodey, wondering if he was hallucinating, gazed at Tony's focused expression under the sunlight.
It's true!
I'd rather believe my eyes are playing tricks on me!
Yin Sen, next to Tony, listened intently, not wanting to miss a word.
Fang, sensing Tony's unspoken question, asked, "Married with a daughter. You live happily."
Tony breathed a sigh of satisfaction, his eyes shining with hope, contentment, and longing.
This satisfaction was tinged with complexity—a mix of happiness and uncertainty.
Tony's gaze conveyed a profound sense of longing and happiness.
Seeing Tony so content, Fang smiled sincerely, "You will die when your daughter is about to enter elementary school."
Tony sprang up, fists clenched, face flushed with anger: "You damned lunatic! Can't you let me cherish the happiness I've sought all my life!"
[Progress bar +5%]
Fang, pleased with the rapid progress, remarked, "A true warrior faces harsh realities. Be a warrior, Tony."