Chapter 3: Sparks Fly

The blue glow of the System interface illuminated Tony's face, a stark contrast to the dimly lit workshop he'd commandeered in the Stark mansion. 50 SP. It felt like both a fortune and nothing at all. The Shop was a dizzying array of options, a digital Sears catalog for the budding interdimensional superhero.

"Okay, System, show me what you've got," Tony muttered, scrolling through categories that ranged from "Basic Tools" to "Exotic Materials (Unidentified)." His eyes lingered on a blueprint labeled "Low-Level Energy Shield – Prototype." Tempting, but too expensive. He needed something practical, something that would help him now.

Finally, he settled on a blueprint: "Advanced AI Assistant – Ver. 0.1." It cost 30 SP, a significant chunk of his savings, but the potential benefits were enormous. A rudimentary AI, even a far cry from JARVIS, could be invaluable for research, analysis, and even managing the System itself.

[Purchase Confirmed: Advanced AI Assistant – Ver. 0.1 Blueprint]

[Remaining SP: 20]

[Blueprint downloaded to Host's memory.]

The information flooded his mind, a complex web of code and algorithms that, thanks to his enhanced intellect, he could surprisingly grasp. It wouldn't be a quick build, but it was doable.

"Alright, lottery time," he said, a grin spreading across his face. He had 20 SP left. Might as well test his luck.

[Lottery System Activated]

[One Spin: 10 SP]

[Spin? (Y/N)]

Tony hesitated for only a moment. "Y."

The interface transformed into a spinning wheel of fortune, filled with icons representing various items and skills. It whirled, blurred, and finally slowed to a stop on a… book icon.

[Congratulations! You have won: "Lexicon of Multiversal Lingua Franca – Vol. 1"]

Tony stared at the description. "A… book of languages? Seriously?" He sighed. "Well, at least it wasn't a 'Rusty Spoon of +1 Dishwashing.'" He had 10 SP left, he want to try one last time.

[Lottery System Activated]

[One Spin: 10 SP]

[Spin? (Y/N)]

He press, "Y."

[Congratulations! You have won: "Strange Metallic Alloy Scrap"]

[Remaining SP: 0]

He examined the new notification. A small, palm-sized chunk of metal materialized in his hand, accompanied by a System notification:

[Item: Strange Metallic Alloy Scrap]

[Description: A fragment of an unknown metal alloy. Possesses unusual properties. Further analysis required.]

It was dull gray, surprisingly lightweight, and felt strangely warm to the touch. He had no idea what it was, but the System's description piqued his interest. This could be something… significant.

With his newfound blueprint and the mysterious scrap, Tony got to work. He gathered components from around the workshop – discarded circuit boards, spare wires, a high-powered processor he'd "borrowed" from one of Howard's labs. The AI wouldn't be housed in a sleek holographic interface, not yet. It would be a clunky, Frankensteinian creation, but it would be his.

As he worked, he initiated his research. He accessed the Stark Industries internal network (easily bypassing the security with a few lines of code he'd instinctively known, another perk of the System), and began digging. He focused his search on anything that deviated from his memories of the MCU and the 616 universe.

He found it. Or rather, them.

The first discrepancy was subtle: news reports of increased activity by a shadowy organization known as the "Serpent Society." In the comics, the Serpent Society was a group of snake-themed villains, usually more of a nuisance than a global threat. But these reports hinted at something… different. They were involved in corporate espionage, technological sabotage, and even whispers of human experimentation. Their methods were ruthless, their goals unclear.

The second discrepancy was more alarming. Hank Pym, the brilliant scientist who, in most timelines, would eventually create the Ant-Man technology, was focused entirely on robotics in this universe. He was a leading researcher in artificial intelligence, working on advanced cybernetics… for Stark Industries. There was no mention of Pym Particles, no shrinking technology.

Tony leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. The Serpent Society, acting like a more technologically advanced HYDRA… Hank Pym, not as the future Ant-Man, but as a Stark Industries roboticist… This wasn't just a variant universe; it was a drastically altered one.

He was still processing this information when the System chimed in with a new notification:

[Quest Alert!]

[Quest: Corporate Sabotage]

[Description: Investigate and prevent a planned sabotage attempt on a Stark Industries prototype power generator.]

[Reward: 100 SP, +2 INT, Skill: Basic Hacking]

[Failure: -50 Reputation with Stark Industries, Damage to Stark Industries Property]

Tony blinked. "A quest? Already?" He looked at the details. The sabotage was scheduled to occur at a Stark Industries facility on Long Island… tonight.

"Well, so much for a quiet evening," he muttered. He glanced at the half-assembled AI, wires and circuits still exposed. It wouldn't be ready in time. He'd have to rely on his own skills, his wits, and… maybe that strange metallic scrap.

He grabbed the scrap, a sudden idea forming in his mind. He wouldn't be able to build a full suit of armor, not yet, but maybe he could create a… a gadget. Something to give him an edge.

As he began modifying a discarded arc reactor prototype, incorporating the strange metal into its core, he heard footsteps approaching. He quickly minimized the System interface and tried to look busy.

Maria Stark entered the workshop, her expression a mixture of concern and exasperation. "Anthony, your father is looking for you. He's… not pleased about the missing processor."

Tony winced. "Right. About that…"

"And what is that?" Maria asked, gesturing to the sparking contraption on his workbench.

"It's… a project," Tony said vaguely. "Research. You know."

Maria sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Just… try not to blow up the house, okay? Your father has enough gray hairs already."

"No promises," Tony said with a grin. He felt a surge of affection for Maria. She was different from the distant, sometimes cold figure he remembered from the movies, warmer, more understanding.

"Dinner will be ready soon," she said.

"I will be there." He said.

As Maria left, Tony turned back to his project. The arc reactor sputtered, then surged with a bright, blue light. Sparks flew, literally. He grinned. It was a start. He had a quest to complete, a world to save, and a System to master. He was Tony Stark, and even at eighteen, in a universe he barely understood, he was ready to make his mark. He just hoped he wouldn't short-circuit the entire Eastern Seaboard in the process. He still need to face howard later.