Levi had grown fond of dressing up 2B, finding it more enjoyable than any game. With her flawless figure and over 1.7 meters height in heels, she was like a perfect mannequin. Levi now understood why so many loved fashion shows—he just needed more models at home. Perhaps a girl group?
Yet no matter how 2B changed at home, she insisted on gothic attire when out. It was her combat suit, clearly tailor-made.
Today was another busy day for Levi. Arriving at the company, he saw Gwen entering alongside him.
"Gwen, you look stunning as always," Levi complimented casually, causing Gwen to blush, recalling her father George's remarks from last night. Her abdomen still ached from yesterday's fight.
"Boss, are we heading to Dr. Otto's lab later?" Gwen asked.
"I know, but first, make me some coffee," Levi replied. He had developed a habit of starting his day with Gwen's coffee. Without it, something felt off.
Gwen didn't mind, quickly preparing his coffee and leaving the office quietly. Before she left, she noticed 2B's glasses, finding her surprisingly refined.
After savoring his coffee, Levi turned to the Red Queen, "Has Tony Stark returned?"
"Not yet," the Red Queen appeared beside him. "He had dinner with a Hollywood actress last night."
Levi felt irked. Here he was, immersed in research, while Tony Stark gallivanted in Hollywood. Was this fair?
His reputation points were rising slowly, unreasonably so. Despite the Osborne Group and Future Technology Group's joint statement of cooperation, it barely stirred interest. People preferred gossip.
"Red Queen, get Tony Stark on the phone," Levi instructed.
Despite Jarvis's attempts to block the call, the Red Queen easily bypassed him.
Jarvis felt powerless.
Tony Stark, still asleep, was jolted awake as the Red Queen cranked up the volume.
"Aaaaaah!" The Hollywood actress beside Tony yelped in shock.
Startled, Tony demanded, "What's going on? Jarvis!"
"It's the Red Queen, sir. Mr. Levi wants to talk," Jarvis deflected.
Tony grumbled, annoyed at being woken, "Is he insane? Damn!"
Awake now, Tony wondered what Levi wanted. Turning to the actress, he said, "Hey, can you leave?"
"Me?" The actress, bewildered, pointed at herself. Were all rich men this heartless? And Levi? Weren't they rivals? Why call so early?
"Yes, this is my room. Should I leave instead?" Tony asserted confidently.
Feeling used, the actress cursed him silently, dressing and heading to the living room.
Tony answered the call, only to be met with Levi's tirade: "Tony Stark, you lazy bum!"
"What?! You're crazy!" Tony retorted, unaccustomed to insults.
"What's wrong? Come to New York and face me! Are you too scared? Run off to Los Angeles, and apologize publicly. Then I might let it slide," Levi taunted.
Such provocations worked on Tony Stark. Levi watched as Tony's face turned red with indignation.
"You're talking nonsense!"
"Jarvis, prepare the crew. We're heading back to New York immediately!" Tony commanded. "Afraid of you? Orders? The military doesn't even know you!"
"oh!" Levi feigned indifference, achieving his aim, then hung up.
"Damn!" Tony cursed, wanting to continue the exchange, but Levi ended the call, leaving him to smash his phone in frustration.
"That jerk!"
If it were someone else, like Justin Hammer, he'd ignore them. But Levi's jabs stung, because Levi had substance.
Tony, still fuming, wanted to vent his anger.
"Sir, she's gone," Jarvis informed him.
"Damn it!"
---
"Otto, are you doing this yourself?" Levi asked, nervous as Dr. Otto prepared in the lab.
Dr. Otto lay in the lab chair, four long mechanical arms beside him.
"It's fine, the Red Queen predicted the outcome," Dr. Otto smiled.
"No rush," Levi advised.
"But we lack lab personnel, so self-experimentation is necessary," Dr. Otto explained. "And... I can't wait."
Levi understood. Having something ready but untested was frustrating.
They retreated, somewhat reassured. The experiment involved a 'non-invasive' brain-computer interface, worn on the head to collect signals via scalp electrodes. It was the least risky option.
Other types—semi-invasive, invasive, interventional—required surgical implantation in the brain.
Dr. Otto attached the non-invasive interface to his scalp.
"Buzz!"
The interface activated, receiving signals and emitting light.
"It feels amazing!" Dr. Otto beamed, controlling the four robotic arms like octopus tentacles, marveling at their coordination.
Instructions transmitted swiftly, almost instantaneously.
As Dr. Otto reveled, the Red Queen appeared beside Levi.
"Master, there's a situation."
"What happened?" Levi asked, serious.
The Red Queen explained, "A tiny AI in Dr. Otto's robotic arm chip tried to control him and infiltrate me."
"What happened next?"
"I eliminated it."