"Found it?" The director froze for a moment, then immediately exclaimed with exhilaration: "You found him?!"
The figure in the holographic projection shared the excitement. Discovering the Immortal Warrior was monumental, and now everyone wanted to know. Could the Immortal Warrior awaken skills from a previous life? Had he obtained the blueprint for the suit? If so, it could accelerate the development of the Federation. The experts' excitement was palpable as the director's assistant handed over a document.
"Director, we have now investigated one-tenth of the federal citizens and identified 453 children around 8 years old exhibiting the patterns. Agents have been dispatched to observe them, but because their memories are still manifesting, they must not be disturbed, and they are unaware of their account names. Once the memory capture completes, we will verify each case individually, then we'll know who the Immortal Warrior is."
The chief exhaled in relief. A full-scale investigation was impossible. One in ten federal citizens has already revealed over 400 8-year-olds with past-life recollections. The efficiency was impressive.
"Excellent. Keep me updated." The director added, "These children must also be protected. The backlash from such an awakening at age 8 can be severe."
The assistant nodded and hurriedly left.
Watching the figure disappear, the chief sighed.
In the stream, online viewers had surpassed 13 million. Not a huge increase, but significant nonetheless.
Tanner's eyes widened. His balance had skyrocketed to over 40,000 Dollars, not counting the bonus.
"Not a fortune yet, but progress is steady." What thrilled Tanner most happened just three seconds ago. He had learned the complete process for constructing arc reactors, start to finish. Theories, logic, and materials all flowed in his mind.
"I wonder how much it would cost to build an arc reactor," He murmured. Being young and recently crossed over, he didn't fully understand the value of some materials.
"There's still a practical problem: how do I, an 8-year-old, obtain these advanced materials? And the gold-titanium alloy, I still have no idea where to source it."
Eyes alight, Tanner recalled seeing purchase posts on the forum before the stream started. Perhaps it was time to try.
Tanner stared at the red screen, stunned. A total of 30,000 Dollars was instantly credited to his account.
"The big guy is strong," He whispered.
Unfortunately, while capturing his past life memories, there was no way to thank the contributor. Otherwise, he would have said in full: "Thank you, big brother, for the reward!"
[ In a high-tech workstation, Tony handed a password chip to Pepper. She held the chip as Tony instructed her to go to the Stark Industrial Building and download the latest shipping lists. ]
[ "If I take it back, what will you do?" Pepper asked. ]
[ "If it's a secret deal, I'll stop it, find my weapon, and destroy it," Tony said without hesitation. ]
[ "Tony, I'll help you with anything, but if you repeat last time's recklessness, I can't," Pepper warned. ]
[ Tony turned away. "I just need the list, not for money, not for contracts, not for anyone to see." He fixed her with a firm gaze. "I have to do this. That's all." ]
[ Pepper threw down the chip. "Then I resign." ]
[ "When I made my fortune destroying obstacles, you were there. Now, when I try to protect those affected by me, you leave me," Tony replied. ]
[ "Tony, this path will kill you," Pepper said. "I can't stop you." ]
[ "If not for this belief, I would have died long ago," Tony said softly, sitting down, "I'm not crazy, Pepper. I've finally understood my mission, and I know this is the right path." ]
[ Pepper sighed and picked up the chip. "You must know that you are my everything." ]
Though brief, the memory fragment moved many viewers to tears.
"With great power comes great responsibility."
"A man can do some things, and fail at others."
"Tony is a man of principle! I support him!"
"This man, I've set my admiration aside for him!"
"I know the dangers, but I will follow my convictions firmly!"
"What about those who claim Tony is selfish? Is this selfishness?"
"It wasn't just Tony who saved the world."
"That's nonsense. Saving the world isn't a single act. He stopped countless conflicts, and that's why he is remembered, why his influence is vast."
"He truly is a hero."
"Who today understands their mission?"
Inside a luxury suite, Elenora lounged in velvet pajamas, staring out the window. On the nearby tablet, Tanner's previous life played. She curled her lips into a sneer.
"Hero? A man who hides inside a tin can still wants to be a hero!"
The king's past life, captured by Elenora, had awakened latent abilities, forming the foundation for ultimate strength in the Federation. After seeing the combat potential of the steel suit, Elenora felt an unprovoked sense of urgency. If the Immortal Warrior had also learned to construct the suit, could she compete?
She scoffed, "Poisoning will kill you, and the suit won't be enough."
She let her hands fall and focused as she attempted another past-life capture.
Tanner's past-life images flashed rapidly, some blurry, some clear. The unfolding scene astonished everyone.
[ In a new basement studio, Tony sat and clapping his hands, "Wake up! Daddy's back!"]
[ Transparent displays lit up, and the holographic projector flickered with data. ]
[ Jarvis said: "Welcome home, sir. Congratulations on the successful fair opening." ]
[ On a wall stood a model of Tony's 4th-generation suit, and Tony eyed the vegetable juice. "How long do I have to drink this?" ]
[ "80 ounces will relieve the palladium poisoning," Jarvis replied. ]
[ Tony pressed a small detector. ]
[ "Check palladium levels. Blood toxicity: 24%!" ]
[ "If you keep using the suit, poisoning will accelerate," Jarvis warned. ]
[ At the same time, Tony's body structure is displayed on-screen. ]
Viewers were stunned.
"This… Tony is poisoned by palladium!"
"Continuing to use the suit will worsen it, yet he must maintain peace."
"Then shouldn't he stop using the suit?"