Iron Man explained, "Helen and I creatively combined vibranium with organic biomaterials, allowing this body to possess both the hardness of vibranium and the limitless potential of a living organism."
"In the future, he'll definitely become a new superhero, capable of rapid learning and adaptation."
"Lock, once you leave, we'll have another strong ally in the field."
Lock nodded slightly. "Have you chosen a name?"
"Ultron!"
Iron Man and Helen said at the same time.
The name Ultron—a symbol of creation and mystery—reflected both their innovation and the infinite potential of this new lifeform.
Both Tony and Helen were clearly pleased with their choice.
But Lock shook his head.
Given how much he'd altered the timeline already, Ultron might never be born the same way.
The being before him could only be Vision.
Even so, Lock wasn't entirely sure if Vision could truly come into existence.
In the original timeline, Vision's life came from the Mind Stone embedded in his forehead—his consciousness awakened only after Thor's lightning activated him.
He was a true, living being—utterly different from Ultron's cold artificial intelligence.
Now, the Mind Stone wasn't in Lock's possession, and Thor wasn't even on Earth.
The conditions for Vision's creation simply didn't exist.
And even if Lock did have the Mind Stone, he would never waste its power.
If Vision were alive, Lock wouldn't cruelly tear the stone from his head…
But before that point, there was no such moral burden.
He would never give up an Infinity Stone.
Helen noticed Lock's disapproving shake of the head. This man had been going against her ever since he stepped into the lab, as if dissatisfied with every part of her work.
She couldn't help asking, "What do you mean by shaking your head? You think the name isn't good?"
Lock said plainly, "The name Ultron sounds unlucky. Why not change it to Vision?"
"You—!" Helen nearly exploded.
Did she not even have the right to name her own creation?
He wanted her to change it just because he said so—and his reasoning? Luck? Fate?
It was absurd.
Helen was a scientist. She refused to let some mystical nonsense interfere with her research.
So she said coldly, "Mr. Lock, you are not the inventor. You have no right to change the name."
But Iron Man suddenly said, "Since Lock suggested it, why not… change it to Vision?"
"NO!!!" Helen's voice trembled with anger.
Who was this man named Lock? Why was everyone circling him as if he were some prophet?
He had no sense of professional boundaries, and yet everyone deferred to him!
"Tony, I'm the lead creator! The naming rights belong to me—no one can change that!"
In the scientific world, the first author always had priority in naming discoveries. Tony knew that.
Still, he hesitated and said, "Helen, if Lock insists, there's probably a reason."
"Reason?" Helen laughed bitterly. "His 'reason' is bad luck? Tony, you're supposed to be one of the most rational minds on Earth—and yet you're acting superstitious!"
Lock said calmly, "Dr. Helen, the 'bad luck' I'm talking about concerns you. If he's named Ultron, I'm afraid your life will be in danger."
Over the years, Lock had grown sensitive to the laws of the Sacred Timeline.
If this body gained life while called Ultron, then fate itself would push events toward that path—toward destruction.
In the original timeline, Ultron had casually killed Dr. Helen Cho with a laser blast.
A brilliant scientist, one of the smartest minds alive, is dead in an instant.
But if it were Vision instead, the flow of fate would bend differently—safer, closer to the peaceful version Lock remembered.
Of course, Helen didn't believe a word of it. Her fair face turned red with fury.
She glared at Tony. "Tony, is your friend threatening me? If this continues, I'll call the police."
Quicksilver said arrogantly, "It's useless. My idol always does what he says."
Before he could finish, there was a smack!—Lock slapped him on the head.
"Shut up," Lock said lightly. "Wanda, take care of your brother's impulsiveness. He's only causing me trouble."
Quicksilver grumbled but took a step back, whispering to Wanda, "Sister, see how nice he is to me just because of you. Don't miss your chance."
Growing up under Hydra's control, the twins had never known normal life.
Lock, who could scold and joke freely, felt more human to him than most of the so-called "heroes" he'd met.
"Dr. Helen," Lock said gently, "I'm sorry. My friend is impulsive. Please don't mind him."
Helen's temper was soft by nature, and after Lock's calm apology, much of her anger faded.
She was about to respond kindly—until his next words made her bristle again.
"However," Lock added, "I still insist the name must be changed. Otherwise, it will bring great danger."
To him, whether it was Vision or Ultron was just a matter of timeline and consequence.
This was too important to compromise.
"No! Absolutely not!" Helen's patience snapped. "Tony, I have the creative rights to Ultron! If your friend keeps interfering, I'll take this to court and reclaim full ownership."
Her voice rose. "And believe me, Tony, there are plenty of corporations who'd support me against you—especially for something like this!"
Tony was caught in the middle. He trusted Lock unconditionally, but as a scientist, he also knew Helen deserved respect.
He looked around for help—and found Pepper watching quietly.
Of everyone here, only Pepper might defuse the situation.
Even if she didn't like Helen, she couldn't bear to see Tony in such a bind.
Pepper finally spoke. "Dr. Helen, Lock… how about we set the naming issue aside for now? Once the project's done, maybe the being itself can choose a name."
Tony immediately nodded. "That's… actually a good idea. Helen, what do you think?"
Helen bit her lip. Technically, Tony was the financier and co-creator—she couldn't openly defy him.
She finally exhaled and muttered, "Fine. We'll decide later."
But her bright eyes still glared daggers at Lock.
Lock only smiled faintly.
A woman who looked this beautiful when angry?
He figured it was fine to let her stay mad a little longer.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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