In front of Lauf, something incredible was about to emerge! And Ultron, completely absorbed, didn't even glance back, pouring every ounce of his genius into the final stages of his grand project.
When the last process clicked into place, Ultron froze, eyes wide with anticipation.
"Finally… it's done. How about a name?"
A sharp, hoarse laugh cut through the room—but it wasn't Ultron's.
Lauf, frozen by the door, instinctively gripped his massive icicle tighter. From the shadows, a small, rickety figure shifted—revealing a third presence in the lab. Lauf exhaled, half relieved, half confused. He had no idea when Ultron had brought this person in.
"This is simple," the newcomer said, voice calm yet cutting. "It will be called Vision."
Ultron's fists clenched, his eyes igniting a wicked crimson glow. "Hah! Jiang Li, let's see how you handle this next time! You won't be so lucky again!"
"That kid isn't that evil… There's no way he could take down the peak artificial intelligence we've painstakingly created!" Lauf muttered, disbelief etched across his face.
"Dr. Hailun Zhao, you've done enough. Rest now. The rest is mine!" Ultron laughed maniacally.
On the cold metal table, the slender figure that had been inert suddenly stirred. Eyes snapped open, shooting piercing white beams across the room.
Meanwhile, in a quiet Chinese restaurant, Ryuuto was enjoying a hearty meal—until an extraordinary figure appeared before him, smiling mischievously.
"Khan! Tony… seriously, Iron Man, mind your image?" Ryuuto quipped, hairs standing on end at the sly grin he was receiving.
Tony didn't care. "I've got a perfect image! Besides, this is a special visit to see an old friend."
Ryuuto groaned inwardly. "Yeah, making friends with you is always… risky."
Tony, undeterred, grabbed a pair of chopsticks and started eating, mouth full, stabbing at the food as if showing off his casual charm.
"A proper meal, old friend. Not five-star luxury, but still good enough!" Tony declared proudly.
"You're impossible," Ryuuto muttered, taking a depressed sip of wine, letting Tony enjoy himself.
After a few glasses, Ryuuto finally leaned forward, eyes serious. "So… you came to talk about that guy, Gillian?"
Tony froze mid-bite. "You really guessed it? Incredible!"
"Piece of cake. Not exactly hard to figure out," Ryuuto replied, nonchalant, like a breeze passing through the room.
Tony's expression immediately sobered. He scanned the restaurant, ensuring no one was watching, and lowered his voice.
"Jiang Li… that guy is dangerous. Terrifying, in fact. Stay away from him—or get ready to face serious trouble."
Ryuuto raised a hand in acknowledgment. "Understood. I'll handle it if it comes to that."
Tony leaned in, voice grave. "Have you noticed the viruses he's been experimenting with?"
"Yes. Already keeping an eye on them," Ryuuto said, calm as ever.
Tony nodded, respect flashing in his eyes. "He's cunning… a military scientist. We lack evidence to act officially. We'll need to play the long game—catch the big threat without raising alarms."
"I have no patience for politics," Ryuuto said, flicking his ear as if brushing aside the stress.
Tony straightened. "So… if Gillian escalates, you'll step in. Help us take down this threat, together?"
Ryuuto smirked. "Of course. I'll define him if it comes to that. Haha!"
Without another word, both stood. Fists met in a knowing alliance. Ryuuto led the way, striding from the restaurant with confidence and swagger. Tony, finishing his food, was left awkwardly covering the bill.
But Athena's voice suddenly rang in Ryuuto's ear:
[Ding! New Mission: Defeat the ultimate AI, Vision, and claim rich rewards!]
"Wait—again? Do you want me to babysit some 'kid' AI now? What kind of junk program are you running, Shion?!" Ryuuto leapt to his feet, exasperation mingling with excitement. The next storm had already begun…
...
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