A few days later,
Nolan attended a talent exchange conference. The attendees were all prominent scientists, and his main goal was to have a word with Tony Stark.
Lock Technologies was rising fast. While it might not yet have caught Tony Stark's attention, Nolan believed that, given his knowledge of Stark from another universe, forging a connection was not impossible.
At the conference, Tony Stark, without a doubt, was the brightest star in the room.
As the most celebrated genius, even just his name drew admiration from countless people.
Nolan sat quietly in the audience, listening to Stark's pompous words.
From Nolan's perspective, Stark said a lot but meant only one thing:
Everyone here is beneath me.
Classic Tony Stark, Nolan thought wryly.
When Stark finally stepped down from the stage, Nolan walked straight up to him.
"Hello," he said.
Stark's brow furrowed as his path was blocked. His eyes flashed clear annoyance. He was used to people like this and knew exactly how to brush them off.
"No matter who you are, I don't talk to trash I can't even recognize," Stark said, flaring his nostrils with supreme arrogance.
Just as Stark assumed Nolan would leave, Nolan countered calmly:
"Looks like the legendary Tony Stark's intelligence might not quite live up to the hype. Tell me, were all your so-called genius achievements really just your father's work?"
That one sentence ignited Stark's fury.
"Do you know who you're talking to!" Stark barked, glaring at Nolan.
"Of course I do," Nolan replied. "I'm speaking to someone who dismisses others without even knowing their name."
Nolan's words nearly made Stark leap out of his skin.
"Fine. Then you better prove you're not a fool, or I promise you'll regret every word you've just said!"
A faint curve appeared at Nolan's lips.
"Do you know the three key nodes of plasma technology?"
"The three key nodes?" Stark blinked. He had little research in plasma tech, but he had to admit, it was a critical field for the future.
"The three nodes of plasma technology are…" Nolan explained confidently, summarizing the knowledge.
He was certain that, in the field of plasma technology, no one on Earth could even begin to catch up to him.
Minutes later, Stark frowned.
"What's your name? I think you've earned the right to say it now."
Nolan's lips twitched slightly, though his expression remained calm.
"Nolan Locke, founder of Lock Technologies. My company is still new, so you may not have heard of it yet. But trust me, three years from now, this name will be known everywhere on Earth."
Stark sneered dismissively.
"You think you're anyone special? Tony Stark?"
He added, "You've got three minutes. Don't tell me you're blocking my way just to waste my time."
Even a Tony Stark who wasn't yet a superhero, even with a fresh face, could still be unbearable, Nolan mused.
"Of course not," Nolan replied. "I heard Stark Industries is preparing a five-day space experiment. I have some research on gamma particles that I want to test in space, so I hope to hitch a ride."
Stark raised an eyebrow, smirking, already preparing to walk away.
"Your idea's interesting. But what's in it for me?"
Nolan considered a moment before answering:
"An equity stake. This experiment focuses on the controllability of gamma particles. If successful, it could be a major leap for humanity and the potential profits are substantial."
At that moment, someone approached.
"Mr. Stark, controllable gamma particles have already been addressed in many studies. At this stage, humanity doesn't have the qualifications for this kind of experiment because we lack sufficient samples. I can almost guarantee failure.
However, in two months, a solar storm is expected. I've been studying the human genome, and this experiment would allow us to validate findings in space. With Stark Industries' sponsorship, this research could be perfected, potentially unlocking humanity's genetic secrets."
Nolan turned, frowning.
Susan Storm had little public fame, but the man standing beside her, often in newspapers, was none other than Reed Richards.
So he's trying to cut me out, Nolan thought, visibly annoyed.
Even if such tactics weren't entirely unfair, Reed Richards was an insufferable presence.
Stark's own face darkened with displeasure. He knew Richards but had no interest in his research. Now, Richards' tone only irritated him further.
"Am I speaking to you?" Stark asked.
Richards stiffened, clearly not expecting that response. Suppressing a flash of anger, he remained polite.
As a genius, he had pride. Normally, he would have walked away immediately. But he hadn't forgotten he was here to secure investment.
"Mr. Stark, I urge you to consider my proposal. If you see my experimental data, you'll understand its importance to humanity."
Richards spoke patiently, never glancing at Nolan, as if he didn't exist.
Nolan snorted lightly.
"Human genome research? Compared to gamma particles, that seems far less reliable."
He hadn't forgotten that while the Fantastic Four were born from a failed space experiment, his own efforts had failed, leading to Victor Von Doom's bankruptcy and ousting from the board.
"Who are you?"
Richards finally looked at Nolan, calm and emotionless.
Clearly, he hadn't ignored Nolan on purpose; he genuinely hadn't considered him worth attention.
"Nolan Locke," Nolan said.
"I don't know him," Richards replied.
"So, Mr. Stark, have you made your decision?"
Stark glanced at Richards, sensing something in his eyes an air of disdain that no one escaped. As someone equally dismissive of others, Stark recognized kindred spirits, though he certainly didn't like him.
"I've decided. Stark Industries will fund the gamma particle project. Uh… your name again? Never mind. Don't waste this opportunity."
Nolan's lip twitched at the audacity. At least his objective was achieved.
He glanced at Reed Richards discreetly, genuinely thankful. Without Richards' poor social instincts, this would not have gone so smoothly.
Richards stiffened.
"Mr. Stark…"
He wanted to argue, but Stark had already pushed him aside and strode off.
"Thanks for your help, Mr. Richards," Nolan said, his voice echoing near Richards' ear, making him even more annoyed.
Richards exited the venue and found his friend, Ben Grimm.
"Reed, did you get the investment?" Ben asked eagerly.
Richards shook his head, frustrated.
"No. None of these amateurs, especially Tony Stark and that Nolan Locke, were interested. Gamma particles? How could that compare to unlocking the human genome?"
Ben patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't worry. For such critical experiments, it's normal for investors to hesitate. Eventually, someone will fund it. Don't be discouraged, Reed. You're Reed Richards!"
Richards nodded.
"Don't worry, I have options."
He clearly underestimated how much his own ability to rub people the wrong way mattered.
As they walked, Richards noticed Nolan emerging.
Seeing Nolan's smile, Richards snorted.
"These people are why human civilization never truly advances."
Ben noticed his gaze and looked at Nolan.
"What's his problem?"
"He used a trivial study to make Stark invest in his research. Look at that face what a petty man!" Richards said.
Even Ben frowned. He trusted Reed more than anyone.
"That's fine. All we need is one chance. Petty people always reveal themselves eventually."
At that moment, they noticed Nolan walking toward them.
"What are you doing here? You're not welcome," Richards said, frowning.
Nolan didn't flinch.
"I'm here for Ben Grimm. What's it to you?"
Richards' face turned red with anger.
"For me?" Ben asked, confused.
Nolan explained:
"I just secured a chance to join a space research project. I know you're an exceptional astronaut, so I want to invite you to join this experiment."
He glanced at Richards as he spoke, testing whether he could recruit Ben. If successful, handling the Human Torch alone would be easier than confronting the entire Fantastic Four.
Unfortunately, Ben glanced at Richards and declined Nolan's offer.
"Sorry, I'm Reed's assistant."
"Ben, let's go," Reed said.
Ben gave Nolan an apologetic look.
As they walked, Ben hesitated.
"Reed, Nolan Locke… doesn't seem like a bad person."
Reed frowned.
"Ben, know your place. Someone who only talks is never a good person."
Reed snorted mentally. Even Ben, the one he trusted most, had been tempted by Nolan.
Meanwhile, Nolan, though disappointed about failing to recruit Ben, had already prepared for this.
Someone like Ben, loyal to his friends, was precisely why Nolan had extended the invitation. One failed attempt was no loss; there would be other chances.
The next morning, Nolan headed to Stark Tower.
This universe's Tony Stark had a similar path to the main universe's Stark, with subtle differences. Those nuances made for a very different Iron Man.
Here, Stark had just survived a kidnapping incident and had not progressed far as Iron Man. He was still his usual arrogant self.
Entering Stark Tower, Nolan came face-to-face with Tony Stark.
"You are…" Stark frowned.
Damn it, Nolan cursed inwardly.
This is the original version of Tony Stark? Absolutely insufferable.
He had no choice but to say:
"Nolan Locke. We discussed gamma particle research just yesterday."
"Oh, it's you," Stark said, rubbing his temple.
He regretted it.
But clearly, regret wasn't something easily acted upon.
He couldn't just kick Nolan out.
"All right. I remember your thoughts on gamma particles. Still, to board a Stark Industries ship, words alone aren't enough. I need something genuinely useful. If you can't impress me, sorry, no cooperation."
Nolan smiled inwardly.
"This guy still needs a lesson."