In the following days, Daniel assumed the role of Tony's bodyguard, reporting to the seaside mansion on time every single day.
At first, Tony wasn't thrilled about the arrangement—until the incident two days ago.
A few stock market investors, driven insane by the crash, somehow broke through the mansion's basic security. Wielding cleavers, they stormed into the living room, screaming that they were going to chop off "little Tony" to make soup.
If Daniel hadn't descended like a divine soldier and taken down the lunatics in a few swift moves, Tony would've been one step away from becoming "Toniette."
After that day, Tony became completely obedient—no, enthusiastically cooperative—even requesting Daniel's protection.
He could afford to lose his life, but "little Tony" was irreplaceable.
"Daniel, I've already bailed them out. You can continue your undercover mission safely."
"Village Chief, I always trust your work."
"My name is Coulson."
"Okay, Village Chief. No problem, Village Chief. Goodbye, Village Chief."
Daniel hung up without hesitation.
Those "mad investors" were, of course, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Daniel had personally invited.
Otherwise, how could normal people break into a billionaire's mansion like it was a public park?
To Daniel's surprise, the agents' acting was so convincing they nearly gave Tony psychological trauma.He even suspected they had part-time jobs as actors or extras.
At the moment, Daniel was lying comfortably on a luxurious sofa—the type that doubled as a bed—legs crossed, flipping TV channels while devouring a steaming hot pizza.
He looked more like the mansion's owner than Tony.
Fresh from debugging the Mark III, Tony walked up from the underground lab smelling of machinery, only to witness this scene.
Especially seeing Daniel eating his pizza.
He was seconds away from coughing up blood.
Was this a hired bodyguard or a landlord?!
"Give me a slice!"
Tony snatched a huge piece from the box and took a big bite.
Daniel didn't mind and casually asked, "Is your battle suit done?"
Tony straightened with confidence, though he couldn't resist adding, "If those lunatics hadn't rushed in the other day, not giving me time to put on the suit, you wouldn't have had a chance to step in."
Daniel chuckled."You think putting on the suit gives you invincibility frames? Who's gonna wait politely for you to finish transforming?"
"I'll solve that issue soon enough!"
Tony choked on his pride but didn't back down.
After finishing his slice and wiping his hands, his expression turned serious.
"Right, I need your help."
"What's up?"
"Remember that batch of Stark Industries weapons I had you blow up in the Middle East?"
Daniel nodded. "I remember. You ran so fast that day your pants were practically falling off. Hilarious moment."
Tony: "…"
Resisting the urge to smash a pizza box over Daniel's head, Tony continued:
"I suspect someone inside the company is colluding with terrorists and selling weapons under the table.I need you to sneak into my office at headquarters and use this to copy all recent weapon shipment records."
Tony handed Daniel a small silver USB.
"Why don't you go yourself?" Daniel asked.
Tony sighed."Because I shut down the weapons division, which hurt the board's interests. They united and issued an injunction banning me from HQ. I can't even get through the main gate."
"Then why not ask your assistant?"
"No. This mission is too dangerous. If Pepper gets targeted because of this, I'd never forgive myself."
Daniel: "…"
So it's fine if I get targeted?
New York — Stark Industries Headquarters
Daniel stepped into the lobby, filled with sharp-suited employees. Security was tight.Tony's office was on the top floor, accessible only by a special elevator.
Tony had given him an access card, but walking straight into the elevator under so many eyes would be difficult.
"Too many people. Acting openly isn't ideal."
He had no choice.
"I'll have to use that."
Daniel walked into the men's restroom, locked himself in a stall, and pulled out a flesh-colored hood from his game inventory.
It was the Disguise Mask.
The mask adhered to his skin and reshaped itself, transforming into the face of none other than—
Obadiah Stane.
Then Daniel clipped the Bow Tie Voice Changer onto his collar.
"Perfect."
Adopting Stane's posture, he walked out of the restroom.
"Mr. Stane, good afternoon!"
Employees immediately greeted him respectfully.
It felt… pretty good.
Daniel cleared his throat and imitated Stane's voice:"Hello, everyone. Thank you for your hard work!"
The employees froze.
Something… felt different today.
But they answered quickly, "It's no hardship at all, sir."
Daniel nodded seriously.
"Good. Since it's no hardship, all of you can voluntarily stay and work overtime today.I trust your loyalty and enthusiasm for the company."
Employees: "???"