Chapter 60: Art is Explosion

In the dimly lit cave, Tony Stark began his final phase of armor construction. He knew time was running out. His hammer strikes echoed rhythmically as he shaped the metal to match his vision.

Meanwhile, after clearing two outposts, Smith Dole finally located what he believed to be Tony Stark's holding site at the edge of a rugged mountain range.

The sun had yet to rise. In the faint morning light, Smith scanned the area using his Power Level Scanner. The site was teeming with weak power signatures. What caught his eye were the large stockpiles of Stark Industries weapons—something absent in other outposts. This, he was certain, was the right place.

Studying the defense layout, Smith was concerned that any direct attack might endanger Tony Stark. Thus, he summoned Pool from his system space.

"Young Master Smith!"

Smith gave instructions:

"Pool, I need you to use henshin-jutsu (Transformation Technique) to infiltrate the cave. Inside, in the deepest chamber, are two men. One of them, Tony Stark, has a glowing circular object on his chest. Your job is to protect him. Make sure nothing threatens his life."

"Understood, Young Master. I'll ensure the target's safety."

Pool transformed into a gecko and slipped silently into the cave.

Smith was determined to secure Tony before he could escape on his own. That way, even if Pepper paid, the favor would be owed to him. He trusted Pool's strength enough that even if the enemies tried to use Tony as a hostage, Pool could buy enough time.

Smith watched Pool's marker on the scanner move deeper into the cave, then nodded.

He raised his hand, summoned a kiko-dama (Energy Blast), and hurled it toward the defense perimeter.

"BOOM!"

The explosion rocked the camp, sending up clouds of dust.

Alarms blared.

"Enemy attack! Defend the base!"

Inside a tent, Zara, the Ten Rings leader, bolted upright, grabbed his weapon, and charged outside.

As the smoke cleared, soldiers caught sight of Smith Dole.

Bullets rained toward him.

"Rat-tat-tat-tat!"

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Sparks flew as bullets ricocheted harmlessly off Smith's body. Some fell to the ground like raindrops.

Stunned by the display, the soldiers hesitated.

Smith smirked:

"Since you've stopped shooting, it's my turn now."

He began throwing kiko-dama after kiko-dama, deliberately avoiding ammo stockpiles to prevent chain explosions.

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"

The blasts sent Ten Rings members flying, tearing through their ranks like a storm.

...

Inside the cave—

Tony Stark was near completion. The armor was ready for final assembly. Suddenly, explosions echoed from outside.

"Ethan, what was that? That sounds like... blasts?"

Ethan pressed his ear to the door.

"Sounds like an assault. Machine guns... explosions too."

Tony's eyes lit up:

"The military? Could they have found us?!"

Just then, a gecko crept through a crack and entered the room. Locking eyes on Tony, it leapt—

Poof!

In a puff of smoke, Pool appeared.

"Tony Stark?"

Tony jumped back:

"What the hell are you?!"

Even for Tony, this floating, talking blue cat was too much.

Ethan stammered:

"An... alien? A meow-star man?"

Ignoring Ethan, Pool addressed Tony:

"Tony Stark, I'm Pool, sent by Young Master Smith to protect you."

Tony stared blankly, confused about who Smith was and skeptical of Pool's ability to protect him.

His armor was almost ready—he only needed time. But the chaos outside suggested he might not get it.

"Who's Smith? Are you from the military? Did your team start the assault outside?"

"We're not military, but yes, that's Young Master Smith fighting the Ten Rings outside."

In the surveillance room, a Ten Rings guard spotted the strange intruder on the screen.

"What the hell is that?!"

"Go check on Stark! Bring that thing back too!"

Three armed soldiers rushed toward the cell.

Pool turned to Tony:

"They're coming. Hide—both of you."

Tony and Ethan quickly found cover behind armor parts and into firing dead zones. Tony used his incomplete armor as a shield. Pool floated above the door, preparing for ambush.

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][www.p@treon.com/euridome]

[Thank You For Your Support!]