Stark's little ploy didn't escape Kurogai's notice, but he had no patience for games. Stark simply couldn't afford the price required to keep someone like him around for protection.

The last time someone had successfully hired him, it involved a deal under the stars—where the price was a lead on the Soul Stone. In exchange, Kurogai had eliminated Ronan the Accuser.

So why had he saved Stark this time?

Simple curiosity. He had been intrigued by the Iron Man suit. That curiosity had driven him to intervene and pull Stark from the jaws of death. In truth, he wanted one of those suits crafted for himself.

"Name your terms," Stark finally said with a sigh. "Let's make another deal. Stay until I finish developing your Iron Man suit."

Originally, Stark had hoped Kurogai would stay without any incentive, but that naïve plan had been shredded the moment Kurogai saw through it. Now, he had to fall back on honesty—something Stark rarely enjoyed relying on.

He was clearly shaken. Recent events had rattled his sense of safety. He already suspected someone powerful was targeting him, and if another being like Kurogai ever came for him…

Well, he wouldn't stand a chance.

"You don't really have anything I want," Kurogai murmured, his eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered.

Stark's value boiled down to two things: his tech and his wealth.

But Kurogai had already made a deal for the suit, and as for the money—it meant little to someone like him.

Oh. Except maybe… that.

He glanced at Stark's chest, his fingers tapping lightly against the metal core embedded in it.

"If you ever develop a sustainable energy source that can fully replace this device," Kurogai said, gesturing at the Arc Reactor, "I want a copy."

Stark blinked, puzzled.

The Arc Reactor was crude—barely functioning and energy-hungry. It wouldn't be until later, when Stark rediscovered his father's hidden designs, that he would create a new element to replace it. But that new element… that was what interested Kurogai.

In this world, unique things often awakened power. And Kurogai wanted to know—could this mysterious element awaken another ring in his Ultimate Eye?

"An energy source to replace this?" Stark asked, confused as he stared down at the glowing core in his chest.

He had never even considered the possibility before. The Arc Reactor was protecting his life—it had saved him. Why fix something that wasn't broken?

Still… if Kurogai asked for it, maybe it mattered.

"Alright," Stark said at last. "You've got it."

He was a practical man. His gut was telling him that keeping Kurogai close—even temporarily—was the right call. The man's abilities were something out of legend. If anyone could buy him time and safety, it was Kurogai.

"Deal," Kurogai said, nodding slowly. "Fair trade."

It cost him little to stick around a few more days. And as a precaution, he had already placed a spell on Stark—a mixture of positioning and protective enchantments, keyed to his own Energy.

Stark grinned. "Happy trading."

At least now, he had a small sense of relief.

"What are you two even talking about?" Yinsen asked, still standing off to the side, thoroughly confused by the strange exchange.

"Nothing important," Stark said warmly. "Right now, what matters is you getting some rest. Thank you, Yinsen. Truly."

In truth, Stark owed the man everything. Without him, he wouldn't have made it out of that cave alive.

Just then, the quiet in the villa was interrupted by urgent footsteps. Pepper Potts and Colonel James Rhodes burst into the room, their faces etched with worry.

"Oh my God, boss, are you okay?"

"Tony, are you alright? What the hell happened?! And… who are these two?"

They had both come rushing at full speed after hearing of Stark's return. Pepper had already called a doctor. Rhodey, ever the soldier, scanned the unfamiliar faces immediately, one hand twitching instinctively near his sidearm.

"I'm fine," Stark said, waving off their concerns. "These two helped me survive. I owe them. Pepper, do me a favor—arrange a press conference. Immediately."

He didn't go into details about Kurogai or Yinsen. It was better that way.

What he was ready to announce, however, was a decision that had been building since his capture.

Stark Industries would shut down its weapons division.

That much hadn't changed. The suffering and horror he had seen had left a mark too deep to ignore. And so, the house buzzed with activity as preparations began.

Not that Kurogai cared.

He had agreed to protect Stark—for a price. Nothing more.

From the shadows of the room, he observed. Silent. Detached. He'd already done his part—now, he simply watched the drama unfold like a bored spectator in the back row of a theatre.

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