The symbiote had spun Tony around a few times, leaving him in a disheveled state. Based on its initial displayed abilities, the symbiote was several times more powerful than the Mark 85. This was evident in its speed, defensive capabilities, and a range of offensive tools like its nanoweaponry. To showcase its unique traits, it had even morphed into a particle cannon and fired upon him. Tony clearly remembered a large hole appearing in his chest, only to instantly heal. He hadn't even felt any pain...
Upon returning to the villa, Jarvis had thoughtfully prepared the test data. "Sir, here is the data you requested." "This... symbiote brought by Mr. Lin Feng," "It has perfectly integrated all the devices of the Mark 85, it's simply incredible." "Indeed incredible..." Tony murmured, looking at the series of red-marked data on the computer screen. As its host, he could clearly feel the changes in his body. Although known as Iron Man, unlike other superheroes in the Avengers, Tony relied on his intellect and his suit. He lacked the powerful physical constitution of other heroes. Therefore, he suffered from common human ailments like backaches and pains. Not to mention the lingering injuries on his wrists from frequent battles. But Tony felt that now, apart from inexhaustible energy, all the old injuries and minor ailments were gone. It was a feeling of health he had never experienced before.
"How is it, Tony?" Lin Feng asked with a smile, holding his wine glass. "Do you still want me to take it away for you?" Tony didn't answer. After a long silence, he sank onto the sofa. To be honest, almost no ordinary person could refuse the benefits offered by a symbiote, especially one that had eliminated its drawbacks. Tony sighed and rubbed his temples. "Let me consider it, Lin!" "I'll give you my answer tomorrow..." Tony didn't make an immediate decision, preferring to take some time to think. If it were in the past, Tony would have refused this thing without hesitation. He disliked enhancing himself through external means; he only trusted himself. Tony had his own pride and convictions, and the symbiote's method of rapid power augmentation through external forces went against his nature and will. Only the Mark suits he created himself were entities he could fully trust. Only the Mark suits were completely under his control.
Tony first wore a Mark suit in a cave, a makeshift prototype created for survival. The second time he wore a Mark suit was the happiest, most carefree moment of his life. Back then, the Mark suit was more like a large toy to him, and he reveled in his pride and joy over creating such an advanced piece of work. However, the third time he donned the Mark III, it was to follow his heart and resolve a terrorist conflict. From that moment on, the combination of him and the Mark suit gained a new name – Iron Man. That marked the beginning of "with great power comes great responsibility." He had always believed that with his own effort and talent, he could solve any problem. His above-average intelligence and understanding of technology gave him a constant sense of superiority, even pride, in both life and combat. Of course, he had the right to be proud.
But the invasion of the Chitauri and the appearance of the mythical figure Thor jolted his perspective from the small Earth to the vast universe. For the first time, he realized that threats weren't confined to Earth. For the second time, a greater threat originated from the vast expanse of space. He even had a friend beside him who could traverse time and space. His power completely defied scientific understanding, repeatedly challenging Tony's scientific convictions. These extraordinary beings made Tony feel his own insignificance, or rather, humanity's insignificance. His prized suit couldn't withstand a single punch from Lin Feng! And in the universe, there were countless beings like Lin Feng. Tony had often pondered, what if the next catastrophe struck and Lin Feng wasn't around, or the enemy was so powerful that even Lin Feng couldn't resist? Who would protect Earth then?
Tony believed that destiny was always in one's own hands. So, when Lin Feng brought him future technology, he worked day and night, trying to fully grasp and improve these technologies as soon as possible. Although the information Lin Feng revealed suggested he would live well for the next few years, the future was not set in stone. If a truly insurmountable disaster ever occurred, Tony couldn't guarantee his own survival. From the outset, he never intended to be a mere Avenger; he wanted to be a precursor. When disaster struck, he wanted to retaliate with overwhelming force, not seek revenge after everything was destroyed. Knowing about Morgan's existence made it impossible for him to go into battle and seek revenge with the same abandon as before. He faltered, perhaps not the right word. But he was genuinely afraid of perishing in some future catastrophe due to his insufficient strength.
Dying wasn't the terrifying part; he was afraid of not being able to witness little Morgan's growth, of not being able to bicker with Pepper anymore. If he were to die, Pepper and Morgan would lose their protector. Could he possibly expect Lin Feng to be there day and night, protecting his wife and daughter? Obviously not. So Tony hesitated, his mind in turmoil, his thoughts in disarray. His pride and sense of responsibility clashed, pulling him in opposite directions. The vast living room was dimly lit. Lin Feng had already left after Tony asked for time to consider. He sat quietly on the sofa, frowning, lost in thought. After an unknown period, the strange head slowly emerged from his shoulder. "I don't understand..." the symbiote looked at the human before him with confusion. Its voice broke Tony's reverie.
"Don't understand? What don't you understand?" Tony raised an eyebrow, fixing his gaze on the bizarre parasite. He no longer felt fear towards this symbiote and met its eyes directly. "I can sense your inner conflict," the symbiote stated. "Humans parasitized by our kind can become, in a sense, immortal beings. Powerful strength, a lifespan beyond ordinary humans, and even freedom from illness. Shouldn't this be the ability every human dreams of?" "And the price for this power is merely eating a bit more chocolate." "I don't understand why you would hesitate in the face of such power." The symbiote's words caused Tony to sigh deeply. He looked down, echoing the symbiote's words. "Yes, why am I hesitating? Should I accept this power or not..." The atmosphere fell silent once more.