The Pym Particles bullet was fired by Lucas, who quietly controlled the mech. Tony couldn't dodge it because Lucas secretly accelerated the bullet.
After backstabbing Tony, Lucas felt a little uneasy.
It's all Hank's fault. If you were more capable, I wouldn't have to attack my teammate so harshly.
Tony is my dearest friend and brother.
Mephisto, you'll pay for my loss of conscience later.
Quantum Realm.
Tony fell onto a small island.
He observed his surroundings.
On the ground, it was a desolate scene, with only jagged rocks standing tall.
In the sky, giant spherical objects of various colors floated, like stars.
Overall, this space appeared incredibly bizarre and outlandish.
Just as Tony was captivated by this fantastical sight, a crimson portal opened before him.
Mephisto, dressed as an English gentleman, stepped out.
"We finally meet, Mr. Stark."
Saying this, Mephisto removed his top hat and bowed to Tony.
"Allow me to introduce myself."
"My name is Mephisto. The world calls me Satan, ruler of Hell and many other names."
Mephisto? The one who wants my soul?
Tony's expression tightened as he recalled his conversation with Lucas a few days ago.
"It seems you've heard of me, Mr. Stark. Was it that sorcerer Lucas who told you?" Mephisto said unhurriedly.
Neither the unusual expression on Tony's face inside his suit nor his inner thoughts could escape him.
"You might have some misunderstandings about me. Yes, I do want your soul. But I will also offer you a price you cannot refuse. This will be a win-win transaction."
"Telepathy?"
Tony questioned, while simultaneously guarding his mind and using Seraphim Shield to separate Mephisto.
Mephisto was unfazed by Tony's wariness and generously nodded in acknowledgment. "Indeed, I can see through your soul and understand your inner desires."
Mephisto continued, "Mr. Stark, do you want to know the truth about your parents' deaths? They were beaten to death, you know."
Tony's face turned ashen, and he retorted, "Didn't they die in a car accident?"
He knew that what Mephisto was saying was mostly true. All these years, he had been kept in the dark.
Mephisto offered no explanation, merely raised his hand and opened an illusory screen.
On the screen were the souls of Howard Stark and Maria Stark.
With another swipe, Howard and Maria's lives played in reverse.
After learning mystic arts, Tony had mastered mental power and his perception abilities had strengthened. His enhanced perception had helped him multiple times at critical moments.
Now, it also helped him see every expression on his parents' faces as they died—pain, despair, helplessness.
Tony's eyes were bloodshot, almost to the point of madness.
Mephisto seized the opportunity to tempt him, "Stark, sign the contract, serve me, and I can resurrect your parents."
Mephisto painted a very delicious picture for Tony.
In Mephisto's view, Tony possessed immense potential. Once his potential was realized, he could grow into a powerful force in the Hell Dimension, second only to him.
It's not that Tony wouldn't be able to surpass him in the future, but it would be impolite to be stronger.
Tony was somewhat tempted, but he still remembered the teachings from the book—never sign any contracts with demons.
"Plus, your friends and family. After they die, I can bring them to my dimension to continue living." Mephisto raised the stakes.
The screen showed another soul.
Tony secretly suppressed his anger and regained his composure. On the surface, however, he appeared even more hesitant.
He believed that the Ancient One and Lucas would come to save him. Now, he had to rely on his acting to buy enough time.
Time passed, and Mephisto grew a little impatient. He sensed someone prying into this place. It wouldn't be long before that sorcerer arrived.
He was willing to give Tony time to consider, which was a rare show of sincerity, as he wanted to recruit help. After falling from the position of Satan, his power had diminished, and he urgently needed to replenish his forces.
He wanted to use Tony to bait Lucas, so he didn't directly take Tony back to Hell.
During the process of baiting Lucas, if he could tempt Tony to sign a contract, that would naturally be for the best.
Now, Tony was taking too long to consider, which did not align with his expectations.
"Tony, don't agree to him."
A golden light appeared, and a portal slowly opened.
Lucas had arrived.
He had deliberately arrived late.
Tony was not in danger. Instead, he unexpectedly held Mephisto at bay, buying time for the Ancient One to complete the magic array on the periphery.
So, there was no need for Lucas to rush to appear.
Now was the time to appear because the Ancient One's array was about to form.
Firstly, he needed to create some commotion to cover it.
Secondly, he needed to hold Mephisto at a critical moment to prevent him from escaping before the array formed.
Seeing Lucas arrive, Mephisto revealed a sinister smile. "Sorcerer Lucas, we meet again."
The fish had taken the bait.
Lucas returned a smile. "We meet again, Mephisto."
The net was almost ready.
Boom!
After exchanging greetings, Mephisto wasted no more words, launching a crimson energy blast at Lucas.
Lucas moved to Tony's side, the crimson energy following closely. In a fraction of a second, he considered whether to shield Tony in front of him but he gave up on the idea.
Seraphim Shield!
Lucas held his hands flat, summoning an energy shield to block Mephisto's attack. At the same time, he handed a vial of Pym Particles to Tony.
"These are Pym Particles with an amplifying effect. Use them to exit the Quantum Realm."
Tony took the Pym Particles without hesitation and used them immediately.
After using the Pym Particles, his body rapidly restored.
Just then, Mephisto placed his hands in front of his chest, and cupped as if to grasp something.
The next instant, the entire small island was gripped by a pair of large energy hands.
As his body enlarged, it collided with the energy hands, and the restoration process was interrupted, causing Tony great pain.
Lucas leaped into the air, his hands in a grasping posture. With the Vishanti Holy Sword in hand, he slashed at the large energy hands.
The Vishanti Holy Sword and the large energy hands collided, emitting a huge roar. Both disintegrated almost simultaneously, crimson and pale yellow energy scattering.
The fragments were like flames.
The former transformed into Hellfire, continuing to burn.
The latter, like sparks, dissipated in mid-air.
Seizing this opportunity, Tony rushed out, returning to the macroscopic Universe of reality.
Mephisto watched Tony's departing figure, his expression grim.
He had underestimated Lucas.
He hadn't expected him to break his blockade with a single strike.
However, this also indicated that Lucas's soul was immensely valuable.
Although Lucas displayed high proficiency in magic, sorcerers are all squishy. As long as he could get close, he would win.
Changing his strategy, Mephisto charged at Lucas. He intended to use his physical advantage to defeat this sorcerer in close combat.
Watching Mephisto rush towards him, Lucas's face showed panic. He quickly used various spells to block and retreated to create distance.
Mephisto: As long as I get close, I win!
Lucas: If you get close and find that attacking me actually makes you lose health, how can I keep up the act?