Tony returned to the second floor to rest for a while, his mind already racing with plans for the next optimization of his armor.
He realized that the optimization needed some minor adjustments, particularly for convenience in putting it on. The third-generation MK armor already had a self-unfolding shell, but it was still not fast enough. Tony wanted to suit up more quickly.
"Maybe I should compress the MK armor into a smaller form… like a suitcase?" he mused.
With a wave of his hand, he brought up a 3D model of the MK armor in the holographic projection. Hours of modifications later, he finally achieved his goal: the armor could now be shapeshifted and compressed into a compact suitcase.
"Perfect!" Tony said, satisfied.
"Sir, if we do this, about 60% of the functions would have to be removed. The weapon and defense systems will be significantly reduced," J.A.R.V.I.S. warned.
Tony waved him off. "No, no, no, this is just the first step. J.A.R.V.I.S., what do we need most right now?"
"Protection. I can't walk around in MK armor all the time. If danger strikes, I need to be able to defend myself and others. That's priority. We can improve later—every journey starts with a first step."
Tony's excitement grew. After pouring a glass of wine, he headed down to the underground garage, which doubled as his storage and private lab. For several consecutive days, he barely left—eating, sleeping, and working with J.A.R.V.I.S. and the mechanical arms to build the portable MK armor.
Though far less powerful than the second-generation armor, it was quick to deploy and sufficient for emergency combat.
Tony suited up and flew to the Avengers headquarters.
The base was busy, and the Avengers and agents alike were surprised by the thin, suitcase-sized armor. Compared to the second-generation MK armor, it looked almost fragile. Natasha, Bucky, and Hulk might easily tear it apart with a single punch.
Bucky, finishing sparring with Natasha, paused when he saw Tony. He wiped his neck, picked up a drink, and laughed: "Tony, are you trying to make us die of laughter? That suit… are you broke?"
Tony ignored the jibes. "Hey, looks aren't everything."
Under the curious eyes of Natasha, Bucky, Barton, Ava, and Psylocke, Tony pointed at his chest. With a precise motion, the thin armor contracted into a compact red metal suitcase.
He held it up like a curtain call, his expression smug.
Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Are we supposed to applaud?"
"Shouldn't you?" Tony asked.
A few perfunctory cheers followed. Tony nodded graciously. Everyone was humoring him, of course.
Natasha, sipping water, mused: "So… you're solving the clothing problem?"
"Exactly. MK III isn't ready yet. I want to integrate this convenience armor into it."
Her eyes flickered, and she asked suddenly: "Have you considered nanotechnology?"
Tony paused. "You mean manipulating materials at the atomic and molecular level, 1 to 100 nanometers?"
"Yes," Natasha replied. She explained how nanotechnology could construct materials atom by atom, inspired by Dr. Drexler's molecular machines. It was highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, chemistry, and engineering.
Tony's eyes lit up. "Of course! Stark Industries has experimented with this, and the Osborn Group too. It's also widely used in the Sanctuary."
Natasha knew Tony's genius could amplify the Avengers' overall power. With nanotechnology, MK armor could not only be highly flexible and compact, but also dynamically switch between weapons, defense levels, and even repair itself—allowing for nearly limitless combat adaptability.
Tony's mind raced with possibilities: continuous upgrades, energy recovery, even the potential to rival gods and supernatural beings.
Bucky grinned. "Our genius scientist has found a new obsession. Guess he'll be holed up in that villa for a year."
The team laughed and began discussing nanotechnology's applications for weapons and armor. Soon, a holographic projection appeared—Agent Hill reporting a supernatural incident.
"Crystal Lake Camp, Centralia, Pennsylvania?" Natasha asked.
"Yes," Hill confirmed. "A series of murders have occurred here since 1958. Recently, thirteen college students went camping—nine died mysteriously."
"The local police found evidence of human activity, but nothing conclusive. Our agents went to investigate and were attacked by a supernatural entity. Eight agents were killed or injured. Ordinary weapons had no effect."
A holographic video played, showing a towering, burly figure in tattered clothing, wearing a hockey mask. Its eyes glowed faintly, moving with teleportation-like speed. Bullets and conventional attacks failed to harm it.
Tony studied the figure. "Height about 1.9 meters, solid build… boxer-type?"
Natasha analyzed: "Strength and speed exceed normal limits. Possibly a teleportation ability. Bullets have no effect. Could it be self-healing?"
"It's spanned decades," another remarked. "Is someone recreating an old pattern of murders?"
Natasha shook her head. "More likely a unique life form. We need to investigate at Crystal Lake Camp to determine if it's human or something else."
Hill confirmed: "Quinjet is ready for departure."
Natasha then contacted Bruce Banner, who was driving back to headquarters. "Holiday's over, Doctor," she said. "We'll wait at Helipad One."
Banner acknowledged, and the team prepared to depart.
End of Chapter)
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