Chapter 57: Tony's Determination

Malibu, California, Tony Stark's seaside villa.

Tony sat somewhat gloomily at his workbench, holding a small acorn emitting a faint green light in his hand.

It was the acorn necklace given to him by Oaks.

Beside his left hand was a small holographic display with a line of text on it.

"Blood toxin level: 10%."

"JARVIS, how are the preparations for the expo going?"

"Yes, sir. All preliminary work has been completed. The year-long scientific and industrial event will start as planned in one week."

JARVIS listed the progress of all the preparations for the Stark Industries Expo on the holographic display, and Tony nodded in satisfaction.

"This time, we'll kick things off in Queens. The new Stark Industries headquarters building has been chosen, right in Manhattan... We'll be moving there soon, JARVIS."

"But, sir, we've tried all possible solutions for palladium poisoning. None of the known elements can replace palladium. Dr. Oaks's miraculous acorn is the most efficient method, but it can only delay—"

"If it weren't for the acorn's powerful inhibition effect on the poisoning, your blood toxin level would be close to 20% by now. Moreover, the accumulation rate of palladium is not linear. Without the acorn, your blood toxin level would definitely exceed 90% next month."

JARVIS's unromantic detailed data made Tony frown and mutter to himself:

"...Yeah, this time it's a big problem. I don't know if we'll make it in time."

"Sir, perhaps you can call Dr. Oaks. He might have a more effective treatment method."

JARVIS's suggestion made Tony heave a sigh of relief.

"JARVIS, I can be a hundred percent certain that Dr. Oaks's personal treatment method will be much more effective than this little acorn. But as long as the reactor is in my chest, palladium poisoning is unavoidable."

"But, sir, if you stop using the armor and run the reactor at low power, the rate of toxin release can be reduced. The acorn can completely prevent your poisoning from getting worse. And if Dr. Oaks really has a more effective method, there may even be hope of eliminating the poisoning."

"You know that's impossible, JARVIS. I am Iron Man. The armor is a part of me. Our efforts together during this time have brought the world into the longest period of peace. The U.S. government can continue to play politics in Congress without doing anything, but that's only because when I am at my peak, no one would dare to challenge me."

"All I want is to see that peace I desire, to guard it together..."

"But, sir, your life..."

"JARVIS! I am the superhero Iron Man! I would rather die gloriously than give up the power to protect peace because of a mere non-lethal threat!"

Tony's voice was surprisingly calm, even surprising himself.

"Sir, your determination is admirable."

After a moment of silence, JARVIS spoke again:

"But why do you refuse to seek Dr. Oaks's help?"

"I'm not refusing Oaks's help."

Tony put on the acorn necklace and shrugged.

"With the help of the acorn, I still have at least two months, and even after two months, I'm certain that as long as that guy Oaks is around, I won't be able to die even if I want to die— But I'm Tony Stark, a genius. I don't want to be a useless person who can only survive with the help of others, even if that person is my friend."

A touch of pride flashed across his face, and it seemed that a terrible determination surged through Tony's body.

"Seeking help without being pushed to the brink. It's not my style.

I'm already receiving help, and if I can't solve the problem myself, it would be too unworthy of the title 'the greatest genius'!"

"But, sir," just as Tony's momentum was building up, JARVIS's untimely voice interrupted, "last time, you actively requested Dr. Oaks's help to deal with Obadiah."

"Hey, JARVIS, I did that to protect Pepper. I can't act on impulse!"

Tony's mouth twitched, "And I even used the arc reactor as a way to show gratitude!"

"That puts my mind at ease, sir."

JARVIS's tone seemed to be cheerful, "When you can't hold on any longer, I will directly contact Dr. Oaks for you."

"..."

"Sir, there's a call from Dr. Oaks."

"Don't say anything unnecessary!"

Tony rubbed his face with both hands, then answered the call, adopting a relaxed tone, "Hey buddy, did you receive my invitation?"

"Hey Tony, of course. The Stark Industries Expo, it's a grand event that hasn't been held since 1974."

Oaks was clearly very interested in it, "But unfortunately, it's not quite in line with my field of expertise. However, Dr. Yinsen is very interested.

We'll be there on time, but I have contacted you about other matters this time."

"Hmm?"

"Do you have any research equipment related to gamma radiation?"

Oaks's voice instinctively lowered, "The more professional, the better."

"Gamma radiation?" Tony was momentarily stunned, but he still instinctively blurted out, "Hey buddy, are you kidding? What research equipment do I not have? Even if I don't have it now, I'll definitely have it tomorrow!"

"...Alright, it seems like I've found the right rich guy. But I need...to conduct it in secret, ok?"

Tony rubbed his chin, his eyes filled with a desire to explore, "When did you become interested in gamma radiation? That's not an area that an average physicist can handle. Are you finally planning to pursue a Ph.D. in physics?"

"No, I just need to study its effects on cells in conjunction with my plant modification experiments."

Oaks casually made up a reason, but it wasn't far from the truth, "I just don't have the connections. Dr. Yinsen isn't very convenient, and I don't want to owe any favors to S.H.I.E.L.D.—I'll send you the equipment list to your email."

"Okay, I'll get it to you tomorrow."

"Deduct the cost from my dividends."

"Of course, I will."

Tony heard that Oaks on the other end seemed to fall silent all of a sudden, and he couldn't help but quip, "Don't worry, cost price."

"...Are you doing okay lately?"

Oaks's abrupt question made Tony break out in a cold sweat on his forehead, "Huh? Me? I'm fine, very fine. Why do you ask?"

"That's good. Melinda mentioned that the number of gossip news about you has significantly decreased recently, and I thought something might be wrong with you..."

"Hey! Wow! Oaks, you little rascal!"

Oaks's peculiar tone almost caught Tony off guard, and he shouted, "You dare question me, a super old driver! It seems like I need to find a time to throw you a private party. Don't worry, I'll definitely select at least ten experienced and top-tier beautiful women to serve you exclusively!"

"Ah...that's not necessary. Just eat the necklace if it really doesn't work..."

"Shut up! I just need to wear it! Hurry up and send me the email! Hang up!"

Tony hung up the call, letting out a sigh of relief. Several seconds later, a bitter smile appeared on his face.

"Sir, Dr. Oaks... "

"He probably sensed something."

"Sir, I mean Dr. Oaks's email has arrived."

"..."

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