"Daniel, you have a new assignment."
That morning, Daniel had just woken up inside his own 500-square-meter luxury villa when he received a call from Nick Fury.
Don't ask how a Level-5 S.H.I.E.L.D. agent can afford such a mansion.
Back in Los Santos, he owned a dozen houses even larger than this one. This was nothing.
Nick Fury's voice came through the receiver: "I need you to get close to Tony Stark and closely monitor all his recent activities."
"This assignment was originally meant for Black Widow. With her assets, she could approach Stark with far less effort. But she's tied up with an urgent mission, so I can only hand it over to you."
Daniel had heard a little about Black Widow.
Like him, she maintained a perfect mission-completion record, though her efficiency wasn't quite at his level.
Rumor had it that she was a stunning bombshell, admired by many inside S.H.I.E.L.D. Daniel had even heard some fanatic agent claim he would drink her bathwater.
With her looks and skillset, using a honey-trap on a playboy like Tony Stark would indeed be effortless.
But now Black Widow wasn't available, which meant the one executing this honey-trap would be…
"Director, I perform, but not that kind of service!" Daniel blurted out.
Nick Fury: "???"
What goes on in that head of yours!?
"No one asked you to sell yourself. How you get close to Tony Stark is your problem. I only care about the results!"
[NPC Nick Fury has issued you a new mission]
[Mission: Monitor Tony Stark]
[Objective: Go undercover around Tony Stark, monitor all his actions, and report to Nick Fury]
[Rewards: 1000 EXP, +30 S.H.I.E.L.D. Reputation, Random Item ×1, Random Equipment ×1]
"The rewards are really generous for missions related to Tony."
Daniel was basically certain now.
Tony Stark was unquestionably one of the game's major characters, with a key role in the main storyline.
After hanging up, Daniel packed his things and prepared to head out.
If Black Widow were doing this mission, the standard approach would be entering from Stark Industries. She would prepare fake credentials, get hired, then use her methods to replace Tony's female assistant, giving her a legitimate reason to stay close to him.
But for Daniel… that plan failed at the very first step: gender.
Unless he admitted to being a man with a female psychological identity and a hobby for cross-dressing.
Besides, Daniel felt the standard approach was too slow.
So he chose a shortcut.
Malibu, California — 10880 Malibu Point, a seaside mansion.
In the underground lab, Tony was fully focused on adjusting his latest creation: the Mark III armor.
Since escaping death in the Middle East, he had thrown himself into developing the Iron Man suit.
Compared to the Mark I he built in a cave, this new armor was far more complete.
Most importantly, it could fly.
Remembering his desperate sprint for survival, Tony silently swore never to repeat that humiliating experience.
He was even considering adding a Gatling gun to the suit — that day when Daniel annihilated a group of terrorists alone had clearly left an impression on him.
At that moment, the massive wall-mounted TV was broadcasting the news.
"Tonight, the red carpet is set outside the Disney Concert Hall. Tony Stark will be making his third generous donation to the Firefighters' Family Fund. This is usually one of Los Angeles high society's annual events, but as of now, Tony Stark still has not appeared—"
Tony frowned and asked his AI butler, "JARVIS, were we invited?"
"There are no invitation records."
JARVIS's voice echoed calmly.
The news continued: "Given Tony Stark's shocking statements in his recent press conference, some speculate he may have suffered inhuman humiliation while in the Middle East, resulting in psychological and physical trauma. Others believe the Tony Stark who returned may not be the real one—"
Tony's expression darkened with each absurd theory.
What do you mean inhuman humiliation?
What do you mean psychological and physical trauma?
Tony gritted his teeth. "JARVIS! Find out which media outlet this is. Buy it. Then have them broadcast my tabloid scandals on a loop for a whole week! Emphasize my perfect physical and mental health!"
"Yes, sir."
"And contact Happy. Tell him to drive me to that damned charity event immediately!"
Happy was Tony's chauffeur and bodyguard — someone he trusted deeply, almost always by his side.
"Sir, Happy has taken sudden leave today," JARVIS reported.
"Hm? Why?"
"According to Mr. Hogan, he was ambushed earlier. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured and is currently being observed at the hospital."
"Ambushed?"
Tony's brows furrowed. "Who did it?"
"Mr. Hogan says the attacker was an unfamiliar male, with black hair, black eyes, wearing a pink T-shirt and beach shorts."
Tony was baffled.
He knew Happy well — he rarely made enemies. Why would anyone attack him out of nowhere?
While he pondered, JARVIS spoke again: "Sir, an unregistered visitor has been detected at the main entrance."
"Who?"
"A man with black hair, black eyes, wearing a pink T-shirt and beach shorts."
Tony: "…"
I think I've found the culprit.
Tony sneered. "Very good. He actually showed up. Pull up the exterior cameras — I want to see what he looks like."
"Sir… the visitor seems to have already entered."
Tony: "???"
The next moment, a large section of ceiling vanished, and a nimble figure dropped through the hole.
"Found you!"
The familiar line.
The familiar scene.
The familiar man.
Tony stared at Daniel, who was holding a diamond pickaxe, and his face darkened instantly — comparable to Nick Fury's complexion.
"So it's you!" Tony growled through clenched teeth.
"Long time no see."
Daniel greeted him casually, as if he were just stopping by a neighbor's house.
He glanced at the floating holographic screen showing the detailed model and data stream of the Mark III armor.
"The newest Iron Man suit? Looks way cooler than that metal lump from last time!"
Daniel's eyes lit up.
Want. Want it.
Tony's mouth twitched. He immediately ordered JARVIS to shut down the display, then stared at Daniel. "What the hell are you here for?"
Daniel grinned. "Can't you tell? I'm here to apply for the position of your bodyguard!"
Tony: "?"
You look nothing like it!