Seeing the first box that Tony unwrapped, Smith wasn't surprised at all — that cave-made arc reactor had saved Tony's life. But when Tony reached for the second box, Smith was a little curious, since this didn't happen in the original story.
Tony opened the second package, revealing a small box. Inside was a perfectly round stone about the size of a baseball, with an inscription: "It's said no man can refuse such a naturally perfect stone."
Tony picked it up, rolling it in his hand — it really was perfectly round.
Even though the gift wasn't expensive, Tony found it thoughtful, since it was naturally formed and not man-made.
On the side, Smith's eyes widened slightly. If he wasn't mistaken, that stone was a Dragon Ball.
Even though it was currently in its dormant stone form, he could still recognize it instantly. He hadn't expected Pepper Potts to just happen upon one by chance.
Smith teased with a smile:"Lucky guy — that's a rare kind of gift."
Tony placed the stone back in its box, smiling smugly."No way, don't tell me there are actually people who've never gotten a gift like this?"
Smith curled his lip — well, he actually hadn't even gotten a straight stick as a gift before.
Tony went back to his computer and said:"I need to tweak some data, to perfect the Mark II."
"Jarvis, make a note — main sensor fails above forty thousand feet. The pressurization system is also problematic, probably due to icing."
Jarvis quipped:"Sir, your intuition is as sharp as ever. If you're planning to fly to other planets someday, perhaps we should upgrade the exhaust system too."
Smith raised an eyebrow."Maybe one day you will fly to another planet. That'd be quite the idea."
Tony chuckled and continued:"Contact Sythes Corp, order chassis materials at the standard spec, and use Celestial-grade gold-titanium alloy from the Seraphim satellites. That should improve both power-to-weight ratio and frame strength."
"Understood?"
Jarvis replied:"Yes, sir."
Tony then casually sipped his chlorophyll juice. Seeing this, Smith frowned slightly — so he was already drinking chlorophyll to counter palladium poisoning?
Smith said:"Tony, has it already gotten to this point?"
Tony looked up, confused."What?"
Smith pointed at the juice."Chlorophyll. If I'm not mistaken, that's to counter palladium poisoning, right?"
Tony glanced at his chest reactor, waved dismissively, and said:"Not as bad as you think. Just minor toxicity. Dilute it early, recover early."
"I'm sure I'll find a replacement element soon. For now, it's just a stopgap."
Seeing Tony's confident tone, Smith didn't press further. He knew that within a year or so, palladium poisoning would threaten Tony's life. But since that time hadn't yet come, he didn't feel the need to push him. As for the new element, Smith intended to tell Tony before SHIELD could step in — a favor to be owed.
Then Jarvis chimed in:"Sir, would you like me to display the color preview?"
Tony waved."Let's see it."
At that moment, the lab's TV cut to a news broadcast.
"The Disney Concert Hall's red carpet glitters tonight, bustling with excitement…"
"The third annual charity gala for firefighter families, hosted by Tony Stark, is underway."
Tony tilted his head at the screen."Jarvis, did we get an invite?"
"No record of any invitation, sir."
The reporter continued:"Los Angeles' elite are all gathered here under the stars…"
"The host has been absent from the public eye since his controversial press conference…"
Onscreen, a picture of Tony from that press conference flashed.
"Some say he's bedridden with post-concussion syndrome…"
"In any case, he's unlikely to appear tonight."
At that, Tony pulled off his helmet faceplate and scowled."A party without the main star? That's not right."
"Smith, wanna come to the gala with me?"
Smith thought for a second before nodding."Will there be food?"
"I'm a little hungry."
Ever since merging with Saiyan blood, Smith's appetite had skyrocketed, easily fifty times what it was before. John Wick had even once asked if eating that much was the key to getting stronger.
Tony laughed."It's a gala. Of course there'll be food and drinks."
Smith gave an OK gesture, signaling no problem.
Jarvis then spoke up:"Color render complete."
The gold-plated armor appeared on the display.
Tony frowned."That's way too flashy."
Smith smirked."Whoa, gold? Tony, that really suits your persona."
Jarvis added diplomatically:"My apologies — you are always so modest and understated, sir."
Tony glanced at his red-and-gold sports car."Fine. Add some of that car's red."
"Of course, sir. Much more subtle."
Watching Jarvis work, Smith felt a twinge of envy — though he reminded himself Bulma would build him something similar someday.
Meanwhile, far away in the Assassins' Brotherhood lab, Bulma sneezed, though she didn't know if it was a cold… or something else.
Tony downed another chlorophyll shot while admiring the newly colored armor."I like it. Start the paint job."
"Auto-assembly and painting underway. Estimated five hours to completion."
Tony glanced at his watch and quipped:"Don't wait up, darling."
Then, taking Smith with him, he climbed into his Audi R8 and sped off toward the gala hall.
(End of Chapter)[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome][Thank You For Your Support!]