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Hermione shook her head. Smiled: "Don't worry. I'm not using Fiendfyre or that kind of Dark Magic. Just ordinary flames. Will extinguish soon. Won't hurt him."
Dark Magic… Pepper first breathed relief. Then realized she'd heard something incredible. Didn't dare think further.
Though seeing Hermione's violent side for the first time, Pepper wasn't scared. Instead looked at her with more gratitude.
Never expected the one who understood her most, who stood up for her, would be this child.
"Tony, he… sigh…"
Pepper sighed deeply.
Hermione also shook her head inwardly.
No choice. This is the hardship superhero friends and family must bear.
At least Pepper was the only person in Marvel with no ulterior motives who genuinely cared for her. She didn't want her tortured daily by this state of Tony. Still intervened. Hoped Tony would realize the problem sooner.
Thinking this, Hermione snickered. Leaned close and whispered: "Pepper-sis, are you still thinking about this narcissist?"
"So you like him!"
Secret exposed so directly. Pepper's heart skipped.
Seeing Hermione's teasing smile, she reacted. Glared. Said irritably: "Little brat. So young yet teasing adults."
Despite saying this, Pepper still blushed somewhat.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Muttered: "As if no one can tell. I think in this whole building, only you think you're hiding it well…"
Pepper grew more flustered.
After a while, she looked at Hermione again.
"Do you think what we said just now… was too harsh?"
Hermione knew she meant Ethan's death. Gently shook her head: "No."
"Why?"
Seeing Hermione's certainty, Pepper was curious.
"For someone like him, only strong medicine works. Otherwise waiting for him to slowly change—who knows how long that'll take?"
Hermione said lightly: "Don't worry. He'll be fine. And Pepper-sis, did you forget?"
Here, Hermione looked up at Pepper. Said word by word: "I've already seen the future."
Night.
Returning home listlessly, Tony collapsed on the large sofa. Leaned against the backrest. Looked up at the mansion's ceiling two or three stories high.
Today's events gave him extremely strong impact.
He wasn't unaware of Pepper's feelings. Knew she worried for his safety.
Previously he indulged in wine and cover girls. Deliberately avoided true feelings. But today Hermione bluntly pointed it out. Finally couldn't escape.
Now Tony realized how much Pepper silently gave behind him. He didn't cherish it. Failed her feelings. Even dragged her into danger. These matters didn't concern her at all.
I really am a hopeless bastard.
And Pepper's worry was right. He also noticed his self-destructive tendency after the kidnapping.
But every time thinking of Ethan's dying appearance saving him, or people killed by his weapons, Tony's heart ached. Always wanted to atone with his life. That's why he developed the suit day and night. Eliminated terrorists non-stop. Completely disregarding life and death. Until one day truly dying. As if only this could reduce guilt somewhat.
"Find a chance to apologize properly."
Making this decision, Tony stood up. Wiped his face.
But next second, he suddenly widened his eyes. Whole body fell straight to the ground.
A familiar face appeared before him.
"Relax, Tony."
Obadiah put away the sonic paralyzer. Said slowly: "This thing's quite useful, isn't it? Too bad the government didn't approve mass production."
"When I ordered your assassination," his tone relaxed, pulling an extractor from his pocket, "I was still worried about killing a golden-egg-laying hen."
Hearing this, Tony stared at Obadiah in disbelief.
Never expected his always-respected uncle was actually Stark Industries' mole. The one who truly wanted him dead!
Obadiah aimed the extractor at Tony's chest arc reactor. Yanked it out.
"But unexpectedly, you survived. Because you still had to lay one last golden egg for me."
Holding up the fist-sized miniature reactor, watching that azure glow, Obadiah's eyes flashed obsession.
As the reactor left his body, Tony trembled. Face showed pain.
After no response, Obadiah suddenly slapped his forehead. Put away the reactor. Smiled: "Forgot you can't speak anymore. You had Pepper find evidence of my weapon sales—not a good decision. Her professional ability is strong. I originally wanted to keep her."
Hearing this, Tony's expression grew agitated. Veins bulged. Eyes showed endless regret.
Watching Tony's dying state, Obadiah shook his head. Turned and left.
Ten-plus minutes later, Tony finally regained mobility.
But having lost the reactor's magnetism for so long, tiny shrapnel in his chest was drilling toward his heart. He couldn't even stand. Could only crawl out bit by bit.
He knew—if he didn't replace the reactor, once shrapnel fully entered his heart, he'd die.
Fortunately Obadiah didn't expect the storage room still had the crude reactor made in the cave. Should barely work.
Thinking of Hermione's words today, Pepper's disappointed eyes, Tony never had such desire to survive.
Most critically—Pepper was in danger. He had to save her!
Crawling into the storage room with difficulty, Tony already saw the reactor on the shelf. Reached desperately.
As long as I can reach that place, as long as I can reach that place…
But just then, his body finally hit its limit. All strength seemed instantly drained. Whole person sprawled on the ground. Could only watch the reactor within reach. Feel life slipping away bit by bit.
Just as he was about to despair, a voice suddenly came.
"Yo, need help?"
Seeing Tony about to die, Hermione shook her head. Rode the broomstick leisurely to his side. Smiled lightly: "Yo, need help?"
This voice that usually annoyed him, always made him want to bicker—this instant, sounded like heavenly music to Tony.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
Wand flicked. The reactor automatically floated. Aimed at the hole in Tony's chest. Inserted.
The reactor automatically lit. Moments later, Tony sat up sharply. Gasped for air.
Seems he survived.
That was close… Tony secretly rejoiced. No time for leisurely thanks or asking why Hermione was here. He immediately said:
"Hermione, the one trying to kill me is Obadiah. He's already discovered it. Pepper's in danger. I'm going to suit up now. Please go save her first!"
"I know I was wrong. But right now, I can only beg you!"
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