"It was so easy."
He shook his head and carefully set the sports car down.
"Jarvis, calculate the results."
"Based on the muscle contraction and energy output you just exerted, sir, your current base strength is approximately 45 tons. Additionally, the data model indicates your cells are continuously absorbing and converting light energy. Your strength is slowly but steadily increasing."
"Dozens of tons? Not bad. It shouldn't be a problem beating small-time villains." Henry rotated his wrist.
"What about defense? Test it with conventional weapons."
Minutes later, Henry relaxed completely watching images showing his skin remained unmarked after attacks by bullets and small explosives.
"Excellent. Not afraid of bullets or RPGs. Good enough for short periods."
Now, he needed equipment—armor that matched his abilities.
"Jarvis, retrieve all data on Kryptonian technology, especially combat uniforms, that I had given to you before."
Henry sat before the console as countless images and data flashed in the air.
His previous life's memories combined with his current super-high IQ enabled him to process the flood of information quickly.
Soon, he fixed on the image of Faora, General Zod's female adjutant from Man of Steel.
"This is it." Henry pointed at Faora's streamlined, powerful black armor.
"This style is much better than Tony's red-and-gold tin can. But it needs modification."
He began designing on the holographic model.
"First, seal all exposed gaps. I want full coverage—like lingerie worn outside."
"Second, the material will be our newly developed composite titanium alloy with an energy-absorbing gel layer inside."
"Most important, no helmet covering my face. Blocking this handsome face would be a waste."
"Use pure matte black. Handsome and cool—the kind of armor that screams expensive and powerful at first glance."
Like a perfectionist artist, he constantly refined the design.
Time passed unnoticed as Henry dedicated himself to molding the armor.
The lab door slid open quietly, and Pepper entered with a cup of coffee.
"Henry, I knew I'd find you here." Fatigue shadowed her face but her eyes shone bright.
"How's it going, Pepper?" Henry controlled the robotic arm assembling the armor without looking up.
"We got the evidence." Pepper placed a data disk on the console.
"Happy found Obadiah's secret Swiss bank account with huge sums funneling to an arms dealer tied to the Ten Rings. Enough to lock him away for life."
"Well done." Henry praised her.
"And," Pepper continued,
"The military located Tony's destroyed vehicle and the briefcase in the Kunar Mountains, Afghanistan. The briefcase is intact but locked—Tony's biometric authorization required to open it."
"I knew that idiot would mess up." Henry stopped working and faced her.
"At least nothing's lost. When I return, everything will be back on track."
"Return? Where are you going?" Pepper seized the key phrase.
"Of course, to find our runaway patriarch." Henry gestured to the shaping black armor behind him.
"By the way—testing out my new toy."
"You're going to Afghanistan? Alone?" Pepper's face fell instantly.
"Henry, it's too dangerous. You have no clue where he is and rely on just this iron shell?"
"Of course not." Henry smiled and walked to a special alloy plate used for stress testing—ten centimeters thick.
Under Pepper's shocked gaze, he stretched out his right hand and kneaded the hard alloy like dough.
Pepper covered her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.
Oh my God! Did I just see him bend that plate? With his bare hands? How is that even possible?
"You… Henry… you…" she stammered.
"Surprise?" Henry tossed aside the twisted metal and clapped his hands, complaining indifferently.
"Don't make such a fuss. I accidentally joined a Hydra-supervised super soldier program while kidnapped, that unexpectedly succeeded. Their service is lousy, but their product works."
Pepper took minutes to absorb this shocking fact.
Her expression was complex, shock, worry, and deep heartache.
For years she's seen Henry as a younger brother.
She couldn't imagine what he'd endured to become like this.
"Listen, Pepper." Henry shed his joking tone and looked at her seriously.
"Don't tell anyone but you and me. Keep Obadiah's evidence secure and don't act rashly. Once I bring Tony back, we'll make a big surprise."
"I understand." Pepper nodded heavily. "Be careful."
"Don't worry." Henry smiled confidently.
After Pepper left, Henry threw himself back into work.
After hours of polishing and debugging, the perfect armor finally stood before him.
Deep matte black, its streamlined design radiated raw power and beauty.
The surface was plated with fine, dragon-scale-like armor pieces.
The contours perfectly outlined muscles on chest and limbs—less a cold weapon, more futuristic artwork.
Its most unique feature: no helmet, fully exposing the wearer's face.
Henry stepped forward; the armor split at the center as if sensing him.
He stepped inside; fastened nails seamlessly encased him without burden.
Moving, it felt like close-fitting clothing.
"Jarvis, status report."
"All armor systems function normally, in perfect sync with your biological signals, sir. Suggested name: God's Envoy Armor."
"God's envoy? Too childish." Henry grumbled.
"Let's call it Black God Armor. Simple, direct, and impressive."
Unlike Tony, he avoided dramatic entrances by crashing through ceilings—destroying his home was not his style.
Grabbing Tony's Mark II briefcase, Henry donned the handsome black armor and took the elevator to the villa's second-floor viewing balcony.
Night had fallen; the sea breeze was cool, and stars bright above.
Henry stood at the balcony's edge, gazing out at the vast Pacific.
He turned, locking eyes on the warmly lit house.
"Tony, wait for me. Your brother's coming to take you home."
After speaking, he slowly floated upward.
A thunderous bang exploded behind him as a white shockwave formed.
His figure blurred to a black afterimage and vanished from the balcony—silently tearing through the night sky toward the war-ravaged desert far east.