16

"And why the sudden generosity?" Liam asked.

[Since the host has crossed the A-class evaluation, any game with a sequel can now be accessed in the future.]

"That's good to know. Wait, are there other privileges once I finish a game with an S-class or higher rating?" Liam was now more curious.

[It will be revealed once the host achieves that result.]

"Hmph. One day I will," Liam vowed, though he himself didn't believe it. These NPCs were a nightmare, and their high intelligence didn't help him at all. He had died more than 40 times just to the orcs, who were mere brutes. If it had been human NPCs, he would undoubtedly have faced traps in an open-world game.

"I will continue to Shadow of War."

[Accepted. Good luck in your journey.]

Though Liam was a bit disappointed about the lack of rewards for now, he looked forward to the next day so he could start Shadow of War. The wraith abilities were far cooler than what he could use currently, and this game would only hone his skills further.

The Next Day

Liam and his friends returned to New York. Stark had allowed them to take the private jet home as a farewell gift. Phil also expressed his sadness at not being able to accompany them to New York, as he loved the city—and it was where his beloved car, Lola, was kept.

Liam also left BT with Stark, who would investigate and figure out more technology from the Titan and then funnel it into the company. Both Stark Industries and Marvel Company. Yes, Liam had decided to name their own company Marvel.

On the way, Liam's parents were very happy and proud, while Chris and Bonnie's parents were incredibly grateful for being allowed to have shares in the company. They knew this meant they were set for life.

"Dad, does this mean I won't have to go to university?" Chris asked.

"You wish. You'll complete a course in business management so you can help your friend here. Otherwise, you'll just squander all the money on drugs and women if you don't do any work," Chris's mom said bluntly, not allowing his dad to answer here.

"Mom, don't say it like that," Chris replied, not embarrassed by her words but seemingly concerned about her perception.

"Our family has a history of drugs, and this is necessary for a better future," Chris's mom added. Her words made the atmosphere a bit awkward, but Mason quickly tried to change the topic.

Chris's family did, indeed, have a history with drugs. Her own brother had died of an overdose, and her father had been an abusive alcoholic. This was why Chris's mom was so strict with him. She ensured he had the right friends and showered him with love and attention. Bonnie's parents, on the other hand, had been even stricter. But now, after learning they were rich, Liam had a feeling Bonnie would finally be free from her family's burdens.

A Month Later

Liam and his family didn't move to a new home, but his friends' families did. They relocated closer to Liam's family, as it was a good area and they'd found a great deal. For Liam, the past month had been quite the journey. He had been fighting and dying repeatedly but was progressing quickly in the story while getting accustomed to his new wraith abilities.

Now, he was using a spear as well and had to learn combat with this weapon, even though it was exclusive to his wraith form.

Meanwhile, a major change had occurred at Stark Industries. Obadiah was accused of treason, as he had allegedly provided weapons and logistics to enemy countries and terrorists. Tony had uncovered the truth and involved both SHIELD and the FBI.

One day, they stormed Obadiah's office, and he was arrested. Surprisingly, he managed to get bail, but the trial had begun, and he wasn't allowed to leave the country. He also had to report to the police department daily.

Tony was particularly angry that Obadiah had been granted bail, so he vented his frustration by visiting terrorist camps himself. Unlike the original story, his new armor was far superior. He unleashed hell on several terrorist groups, including in Gulmira, where he destroyed everything in his path.

Thanks to advanced armor and material technology provided by BT, the Air Force didn't even detect him on radar. However, SHIELD managed to obtain some pictures of his exploits.

"Man, this guy Phil has been such a nuisance. He shows up and starts asking questions. I'm tired of people now," Tony complained after enthusiastically calling Liam to talk about his recent adventures.

"Are you mad that he's bothering you, or that he's trying to get cozy with Pepper?" Liam asked. Tony immediately turned to look at Yinsen, who subtly moved his head, pretending to know nothing.

"Yinsen, you're banned from entering the garage for a week. No, make it four days," Tony said. Liam laughed, feeling sorry for Yinsen, who had snitched on Tony despite knowing better.

Yinsen could only nod in acceptance.

"Did you find an alternate power source?" Liam asked, referring to Tony's arc reactor. Tony dodged the question with some nonsense, which was indication enough that he hadn't. According to Yinsen, though, there was still time, and Tony had been working hard to find a solution.

Meanwhile, Obadiah received a call from Russia. Someone had reached out to him, promising to provide everything he needed to take revenge on Tony—if he was willing to accept the offer.

Of course Obadiah jumped on the offer and made routes for this new person to land in America. He might have been in bail but that didn't mean he had lost access to all of his money even though many of his accounts were frozen. The person who had offered to help Obadiah was, as expected, Ivan Vanko. The other traitor.

Since his father was banned from America, by extension he too was. Thus he needed a channel to come to America, in the exchange that he would help him to take revenge on Tony.