Despite Stark's usual carefree demeanor, he took this matter more seriously than anyone else. It was precisely why he had spent countless months locked away in his underground workshop, crafting numerous suits of armor.
However, powerful as they may be, these suits were limited to Earth's boundaries. Facing the prospect of future space-level wars, they would prove to be inadequate.
This was the root of Stark's current anxiety.
"So, do you have a solution?"
Stark asked with earnest hope in his eyes. His greatest challenge lay in the realm of energy.
The most convenient and powerful energy source in the world was the nuclear reactor embedded in Stark's chest, but even that was insufficient to fuel his ambition to protect the entire world.
Powerful as it might be, it was still confined to Earth's surface, incapable of supporting space combat. Only a more formidable energy source could fulfill that need.
Stark fixed his gaze on Han Yu, scrutinizing his face for any hint of deception, wondering if he was merely bluffing.
Yet Han Yu's handsome features, with his slightly narrowed eyes and slightly upturned lips, exuded an air of relaxed confidence. He didn't flinch from Stark's intense stare.
"Money? Name your price. How much for your technology? A hundred million dollars? A billion? Ten billion? Or even a hundred billion? Whatever you say, I can afford it!"
Seeing Han Yu hesitate, Stark assumed he was considering the price and eagerly offered his own valuation.
Han Yu's calm demeanor contrasted starkly with Stark's agitated state, which seemed perfectly normal to him.
Han Yu rubbed his chin, pondering his request.
Money? He didn't need it. The three hundred billion silver coins he had acquired in the Hidden Leaf Village could be converted into any currency through the Grocery Store system. In Earth's terms, that amounted to nearly three billion dollars in his account.
While that might not be a staggering amount on Earth, it was more than sufficient for Han Yu's daily needs. Unlike other wealthy heirs, he didn't intend to squander his fortune. He aspired to stand atop the myriad worlds, and indulgence was not part of his plan.
"What should I ask for?"
Han Yu was at a loss for a moment, considering whether to request Iron Man's armor or the nuclear reactor.
Having recently acquired the Green Lantern Ring, these Earthly artifacts held no allure for him.
Just as Han Yu was grappling with his decision, a voice echoed in his mind.
"Special Task Triggered: 'Recruit a Clerk'!"
Han Yu's eyes widened with excitement. A special task? These were the most lucrative assignments issued by the system!
The beauty of a special task lay in the fact that the rewards were indefinite. The higher the completion rate, the better the rewards; conversely, a lower completion rate would result in lesser rewards.
But Han Yu was a "cheater" among players, a time traveler who knew the Marvel universe like the back of his hand. From the moment he saw this task, he already had someone in mind.
That someone was the super-robot, Ultron!
"Nice!"
As soon as the task appeared in his mind, Han Yu made up his mind. With a light chuckle, he said, "I don't want your money. Instead, help me create a game. I'll provide the concept, and you handle everything else."
This request left Stark bewildered. What was this? The value of what he sought couldn't be measured in mere money, yet Han Yu was equating it to the creation of a game?
As he pondered, Stark's face twisted into a fierce scowl, his temper flaring up instantly. He strode forward in three giant steps, grabbed Han Yu by the collar, and roared, "Are you f*ck*ng with me? I'm not in the mood for jokes. Do you have what I want or not?"
His voice was menacing, and his face was flushed with anger, revealing just how desperate he was.
"Release your grip."
Han Yu's voice, devoid of emotion, seemed to come from all directions despite issuing from his mouth. An aura that was completely out of sync with his age emanated from him, causing Stark to instinctively let go.
Swallowing hard, Stark felt a flicker of fear in his eyes. He had sensed a commanding presence in this young man who was over a decade younger than him.
Straightening his clothes, Han Yu's voice remained laced with a smile, though devoid of warmth. "This is your last chance. Decide for yourself. I won't force you."
Indeed, this was Han Yu's intention. As a time traveler, he didn't want to constantly traverse different worlds. Bringing a game from his previous life would make his existence in this world more fulfilling.
Han Yu could obtain game concepts from the Grocery Store system, but creating the game would require the cooperation of a local gaming company.
He was confident that once the game was released, he would become one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. The gaming market was immense, and in this world filled with superheroes and supernatural beings, a good game could effectively help people unwind.
Staring at Han Yu's unwavering smile, Stark sensed a presence that was far beyond what a mere twenty-something could possess.
"Alright, I'll do it."
After some hesitation, Stark agreed. It wasn't because he found the condition harsh; it was too simple to be true.
"That's settled, then."
Seeing Stark's agreement, Han Yu summoned several strands of visible green energy, which condensed in his palm.
Even Tony Stark, a member of the Avengers, gaped in amazement as he had never seen anyone substantiate energy and manipulate it with such fluidity.
Within half a minute, the green energy transformed into a crystal-clear green ring, similar to the one on Han Yu's finger, hovering in his palm.
"Here's what you wanted. Take it."
Han Yu opened his fingers, and the ring, under his control, drifted over to Stark, wobbling slightly.
Stark quickly extended his hands to catch the ring as it landed in his palm.
"What...is this?"Stark was baffled. The method of condensing energy into a ring-shaped object with a mere gesture was nothing short of mystifying. He couldn't just take it and leave without understanding more.
"It's a Green Lantern Ring. To know its full capabilities and the energy it contains, you'll have to study it yourself," Han Yu chuckled.
As one of the powerful artifacts in the DC Universe, even a subordinate ring like this would undoubtedly surprise Stark with its latent energies.
Grasping the Green Lantern Ring tightly, Stark spoke earnestly to Han Yu, "If this works, you can tell me anything you need. I'll do my utmost!"
Before leaving, he exchanged phone numbers with Han Yu and left a bank card with thirty billion dollars inside, telling Han Yu to spend it freely.
With that, he hurriedly bid farewell to Han Yu and rushed off to the Avengers Tower, eager to delve into the wonders of the ring.
A wave of Han Yu's hand, and the bank card flew into his grasp, hovering in mid-air, supported by an invisible mental force.
"Go for it, Stark. My mission's success depends on you," Han Yu murmured.
Meanwhile...
Stark sprinted all the way, reaching the Avengers Tower in just ten minutes. He rushed straight to his workshop and immediately began studying the green ring he had obtained from Han Yu.
"Jarvis, scan this ring thoroughly and compare it to my current nuclear reactor."
"Yes, sir," replied the AI Jarvis.
Stark intently watched the screen as the data merged, his expression shifting constantly.
"Sir, the calculations show that the energy intensity of this ring surpasses your current nuclear reactor and could potentially replace it entirely!"
"Replace it completely?"
Staring at the data on his computer screen, Stark's eyes widened. He never imagined finding a solution to his problem in a small general store.
Unconsciously, Stark's gaze fell on a white business card lying aside. Its content was simple, consisting of only two lines:
"You Have a General Store"Han Yu
This card had mysteriously appeared on Stark's desk. He never brought such things into his underground workshop. Checking the footage from the studio's cameras, he saw that the card had materialized on the table without warning.