Chapter 10

After finishing his conversation with Tony, Adam went to freshen up before heading downstairs with him for breakfast, which had been prepared by the household staff. Noticing that Maria was absent, he turned to Tony and asked,

"Where's Mom? She's not home this early in the morning?"

Tony took a sip of his drink and replied, "Oh, after reading the newspaper and realizing that the incident happened so close to Stark Tower, she got worried about Dad's safety and left early."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Showing off their love again, huh?"

Tony glanced around, ensuring no one else was around, then lowered his voice and asked, "By the way, bro, what's your plan from now on?"

Adam shrugged. "What else? Just keep living my life."

Tony still couldn't understand why Adam was so dedicated to being a superhero and asked, "So you're just going to live a life of hiding your identity? What if you're on a date and something happens? Are you just going to ditch her and run off to save people?"

Adam shrugged again. "I'll think about that when I actually find someone I like."

Tony sighed. "Classic Dad advice—'Act first, think later!'"

Adam smirked. "It's a Stark family trait."

Tony rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I saw that coming. But I do have one request."

Adam looked at him curiously. "What is it?"

Tony grinned mischievously. "Let's take a picture of you in that suit and get your autograph."

Adam gave him a deadpan look. "You're not seriously thinking of using my photo to impress girls, are you?"

Tony nodded without hesitation. "It's called maximizing resources! So, what do you say?"

Adam sighed. "Fine, but on one condition—you have to model for me too."

Tony frowned. "Model? For what?"

Adam chuckled. "You put on that suit Dad made for you, and we take a picture together. That way, we both get something out of it."

Tony was speechless. He had never met someone as shameless as Adam.

Adam laughed at Tony's reaction, then stood up and stretched. "Alright, time for me to head home. There's a lot waiting for Adam Stark to take care of."

Tony got up as well. "Alright, good luck. And remember, if you ever need help, just call me."

Adam smirked. "Of course! Only an idiot wouldn't use free labor." Ignoring Tony's glare, he left Howard's mansion.

Since he had lent his car to Tony, Adam went to the garage, picked out a BMW, and drove back to his coastal villa.

---

As soon as Adam stepped into the living room, a soft, ethereal voice greeted him. "Nice suit, Master."

Adam chuckled. "Thanks, Athena. It was a gift from my father."

Athena's voice carried a hint of curiosity. "I scanned the suit when you walked in. Its technology is far ahead of this world's current level."

Adam paused, then smiled. "Is that so? Looks like Dad really pulled out all the stops this time. As expected from Howard Stark. But let's not dwell on it, Athena."

Athena hesitated before muttering softly, "I wonder if you'll still be this calm once you discover its secret..." Her voice was so quiet that Adam didn't catch it.

Not thinking much of it, Adam carried the case containing his suit into the kitchen, where he stood in front of a mirror. Suddenly, the mirror slid upward, revealing an elevator entrance. Adam stepped inside, and as the doors closed behind him, the mirror returned to its original position—making it impossible for anyone to guess that his underground lab was hidden there.

With a soft "ding," the elevator came to a stop, and Adam stepped out into a beautifully decorated hallway. However, beneath its aesthetic appeal lay deadly defenses—an intricate laser grid capable of instantly shredding any intruder unauthorized by Adam or Athena. The idea had come from a memory flash, so Adam had built it, calling it the "Laser Corridor."

Beyond the corridor lay the heart of the underground lab—a spacious hall featuring a massive screen split into multiple sections, each displaying real-time footage of crimes occurring around the city. Athena had hacked into Stark Industries' satellites and various surveillance cameras to identify situations where the police were outmatched, notifying Adam when intervention was needed.

To the left, three labeled rooms stood—an armory, a laboratory, and a storage room. Their functions were self-explanatory. To the right, Adam had converted an area into a small bar, where he could eat or enjoy a drink while brainstorming new ideas.

Though the setup seemed simple, the items inside were anything but. Various combat suits lined the lab—replicas of the ones from his fragmented memories. A black batsuit resembling the one worn by a so-called "Batman," a red and gold lightning-emblazoned suit inspired by "The Flash," and many others. Though he had recreated them purely out of curiosity and for collection purposes, designing new technology was one of Adam's hobbies.

He had previously attempted to create his own battle suit, but none had fully satisfied him—until Howard gifted him this one. Adam decided to enhance it further, upgrading it into a nanosuit for convenience.

The inspiration for this came from a memory of a green-skinned "Martian" with shape-shifting abilities. Utilizing the advanced technology locked in his mind, Adam got to work in his lab—only to leave moments later, looking visibly confused and unsettled.

In his hands was a peculiar watch. His expression complex, Adam hesitated before picking up the phone and dialing Howard's number, his fingers lingering over the call button but never pressing it.

A hologram suddenly appeared before him—a virtual projection of Athena, modeled as a stunning woman with waist-length black hair and striking blue eyes, dressed in an elegant black evening gown. Concern filled her expression.

"Master, are you alright?"

Adam exhaled slowly. "I'm fine."

Athena pouted. "No, you're not. I told you there was something off about this suit. Its technology matches some of the data you uploaded into my system before, which is decades ahead of anything on this planet. That's why I tried to warn you earlier!"

Adam froze for a moment before smiling bitterly. "I assumed it was just S.H.I.E.L.D. tech… Turns out, this suit holds an even bigger secret. I doubt even my father knows about it."

He pressed a button on the watch, causing countless tiny, glowing purple-blue particles to emerge, forming his familiar S-emblazoned battle suit around him in an instant. Only the mask remained unworn in his hand.

Athena observed him and remarked, "It seems the only part of your suit that was actually from your father is the mask."

Then she asked, "Master, what do you plan to do now?"

Adam stared at the mask in his hands, his expression unreadable. "I don't know… Maybe it's time I ask my father who I really am."

Athena tilted her head. "Is knowing who you are really that important? Maybe that's exactly why Mr. Howard never told you—because he knew it would only bring you pain."

Adam was taken aback but then chuckled softly. "For humans, identity is crucial. But you're right—my father might have had his reasons for keeping it from me. I won't rush things. After all, the memories flashing through my mind might hold the answers I seek."

Athena smiled. "That's the spirit! I don't like seeing you frown—it makes you look so… un-cool!"

Adam smirked. "Thanks, Athena."

Her holographic face turned slightly pink before she quickly changed the subject. "Master, I just received a report—a shootout is happening in Queens. The police are outgunned, and there are casualties."

Adam immediately placed the mask over his face, his tone firm. "Got it. Time for Shadow Knight to make his public debut."

With that, he vanished from the lab.

***

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