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23.8% With Ope Ope no Mi in Hunter x Hunter / Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Iron Man (Part 2)

Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Iron Man (Part 2)

"I hate wizards." Watching Daniel Davis fly away on his broomstick, May's expression turned distinctly sour, while the Captain's face remained impassive.

"Get a plane to my location immediately," Coulson barked into his phone.

"The fact that wizards really exist in this world is unbelievable," Hill remarked from the depths of a secret room in Triskelion headquarters as she watched Daniel fly away on his broomstick, disbelief etched across her face.

"Keep tracking him," Fury ordered, his face emotionless as he observed the scene. After a long silence, he spoke into his earpiece with stern resolve.

"Understood," May's voice replied through the earpiece.

"Finally, the miniaturized Arc Reactor makes its debut." Daniel, seated on his broomstick and trailing a piece of fabric, muttered to himself. 

The kidnapping of Stark and the emergence of the Iron Man suit were significant, but the real game-changer was the miniaturized Arc Reactor. Energy is paramount in both the scientific and wizarding worlds, although wizards measure energy in terms of magical power. 

Even though the Harry Potter world lacks a precise unit for measuring magical power, it clearly differentiates between strengths. For example, if a child tried to use the Killing Curse against an adult Auror, it might only cause a nosebleed at most, failing to be lethal.

In the mundane world, the Arc Reactor's arrival heralded massive changes, though most ordinary people wouldn't directly feel these shifts. 

In movies, such nuances are even less perceptible.

Iron Man suits have existed in the Marvel Universe for a while, with Stark Industries' competitors like Oscorp also delving into similar technologies. However, their suits were impractical without a powerful energy source, often tethered to large cables for power during demonstrations—a clear disadvantage on the battlefield.

The advent of the Arc Reactor solved this energy conundrum.

Despite this breakthrough, Iron Man suits didn't proliferate in the Marvel Universe for several reasons. Key among them was the necessity for an AI system to fully utilize the suits' capabilities. Without AI, operating an Iron Man suit could be less effective than using a tank, especially considering the suits' exorbitant cost.

Post-Arc Reactor, not only could it power the suits but also tanks, planes, and even rockets and missiles. 

It could be argued that tanks, planes, and vehicles might need a redesign to incorporate Arc Reactor energy, significantly enhancing their capabilities.

Hydra's Insight program and their three massive heli-carriers were only feasible thanks to Stark's Arc Reactor and the anti-gravity system.

Given these factors, the rarity of Iron Man suits in the Marvel world becomes clear. Even SHIELD and Hydra lacked the AI to make full use of such technology.

"With an Arc Reactor, I could build an Iron Man suit and use it to take down Voldemort. That would be quite something. But to achieve that, I'd need to launch satellites in the Harry Potter world first." Daniel, contemplating Voldemort battling a swarm of Iron Man suits, chuckled at the thought as he flew on his broomstick.

Living in the Marvel Universe, Daniel had spent his free time studying Iron Man suits and Stark's history. He envisioned two potential designs for his own Iron Man suit.

The first was Stark's model, with a person inside, aided by AI, allowing for highly agile combat.

The second involved remote control via AI, which, while less flexible, wouldn't require a person inside. This option, not needing to prioritize human safety, could be more robust and carry more ammunition, making it cheaper to produce.

For Daniel, with his ability to use an Undetectable Extension Charm, space wasn't an issue.

Human-operated suits required safety considerations and costly materials, whereas unmanned suits didn't need such precautions and could even be designed for kamikaze attacks if necessary.

Unlike Stark, who could afford lavish displays like fireworks made from Iron Man suits, Daniel needed to be frugal. His current resources paled compared to Stark's wealth.

But that was only the current situation. Daniel was confident that his future ventures would eventually surpass Stark's. His ambitions extended far into the cosmos.

Of course, to maintain the integrity of Stark's character, Daniel didn't plan to use Iron Man suits in the Marvel world. But in reality, who cared about maintaining a persona? The main reason was that Daniel lacked Stark's influential background. If he showcased an Iron Man suit, others would quickly try to seize it, along with his AI.

Another reason for sticking to his persona was self-preservation. Daniel's mysterious wizard identity offered significant protection, especially with the fabricated wizarding community backing him up. Although this group was no longer entirely fictional.

This fabricated wizard community was Daniel's strongest shield, akin to why Thor could operate on Earth as an Avenger—he had Asgard behind him.

"There's nothing more dangerous than an educated rogue," Daniel thought, feeling a twinge of pity for the terrorists who had kidnapped Stark. How could they have been so short-sighted to let Stark build the first Iron Man suit right under their noses?

Aside from Obadiah Stane's deal with the terrorists, they had hoped Stark would create Jericho missiles for them. Yet, the difference between a missile and an Iron Man suit should have been evident. If anyone among them had been a bit smarter, Stark might not have survived.

"It looks like we've found him." Spotting the fabric fragment descending, Daniel scanned the desert below and saw a figure trudging along. Adjusting his broomstick's course, he flew closer and recognized Stark, who looked on the brink of collapse.

"Lost traveler, you seem to be in need of some help," Daniel called out with a smile as he flew closer to Stark.

"Water... water..." Stark, swaying and barely conscious, looked up at Daniel on his broomstick without a hint of surprise, mumbling for water before collapsing.

"You really are in a bad shape," Daniel remarked, dismounting his broomstick and approaching Stark. Noticing the Arc Reactor in Stark's chest, he shook his head slightly, then drew his wand and muttered, "Aguamenti."

A gentle stream of water flowed from Daniel's wand, reaching Stark's lips.

After a few sips, Stark regained some clarity, his eyes widening in shock as he recognized Daniel.

"What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you. You've been missing for so long; Pepper is really worried." Daniel smiled.

"No, wait. I think I saw someone flying on a broom just now," Stark recalled, puzzled.

"You mean this?" Daniel pointed to the hovering broomstick, a mischievous grin on his face.

"What kind of new tech is this?" Stark immediately rushed to the broomstick, examining it closely.

"It's not tech; it's magic." Daniel joined Stark, who was inspecting the broomstick with disbelief. He then sat on it and pulled out his wand, conjuring a transparent seat in front of the broomstick.

"Let's talk later. We need to get out of here." Daniel patted the transparent seat, gesturing for Stark to sit.

"Magic? That's impossible. It has to be some cutting-edge technology." Stark, ever the scientist, ignored the seat and continued scrutinizing the broomstick.

"Don't break it. This is the latest model of the Nimbus 2000 series, and it cost me a fortune," Daniel warned as Stark probed the broomstick's tail. 

In the wizarding world, the Nimbus series was the equivalent of a Ferrari or Lamborghini in the mundane world.

After a thorough inspection, Stark finally conceded that the broomstick lacked any advanced technology. "This defies all scientific logic," he exclaimed, baffled.

"It does, but it's perfectly magical," Daniel chuckled.

"Alright, let's go. I don't want to stay in this desert any longer." Daniel remounted the broomstick, signaling Stark to join him.

"Is this thing safe?" Stark glanced at the scorching sun above, then at the broomstick, before hesitantly climbing onto the transparent seat.

"Don't worry, it's certified safe by the International Confederation of Wizards. Absolutely no issues with safety." Once Stark was seated, Daniel waved his wand, and a safety harness appeared, securing Stark to the seat.

The broomstick then lifted off and began its flight. Daniel's wand conjured a transparent umbrella, shielding them from the sun.

Since they were both seated, the broomstick's flight speed was moderate.

Though Daniel could have opened a portal back to New York instantly, he chose not to, to maintain his cover. Similarly, Apparition wasn't an option; Stark's chest injury made it too risky, potentially lethal under the pressures of magical travel.

"Wow." Stark, despite having flown countless times in planes, was exhilarated by the experience of flying on a broomstick.

As they flew at a low altitude, Daniel reflected that Stark was likely airlifted out, given the difficulty SHIELD and the military had in finding him. On the ground, experts in tracking would have found clues long ago.

Daniel's use of magic to locate Stark worked primarily because of the desolation of the desert. In a bustling city, the sheer number of people would have diluted any magical traces left by Stark, similar to how physical tracking becomes challenging with many footprints overlapping.

Magic wasn't omnipotent. In crowded places, traces left by others would overshadow any singular presence, much like trying to find a specific footprint in a busy snowy field.

"Who exactly are you?" Stark asked after his initial excitement faded.

"I'm a wizard," Daniel replied just as their surroundings darkened. Looking up, they saw a black plane overhead with SHIELD's insignia—a Quinjet. The aircraft hovered above them, its ramp opening.

"Hey," Coulson greeted, waving at them to come aboard. Daniel deftly maneuvered the broomstick into the Quinjet.

"Mr. Stark, it's a relief to

 see you safe," Coulson said as Stark dismounted the broomstick, though Stark barely acknowledged him, his focus fixated on Daniel's wand.

"Is this the wand?" Stark asked, eyes wide in astonishment at the wand that had conjured the sunshade.

"Yes, it's a wand, made with a dragon's heartstring core." Daniel handed the wand to Stark, casting a discreet glance at May and Coulson before continuing. "It's my only wand, and it's quite delicate. Please handle it carefully. If it breaks, I'll have to explain to the Ministry of Magic and get a replacement."

___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter


Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Iron Man (Part 3)

"Let Fury eavesdrop all he wants. I wonder how he'll react when they report back with this magical world I've spun for them," Daniel Davis mused with satisfaction, relishing the thought of confusing Nick Fury with tales from a parallel universe.

As he spoke, Daniel slipped his broomstick into his backpack. This act caught Stark's attention. How could such a long broom fit into such a small backpack? Stark's scientific mind grappled with the sheer impossibility of it. "Nanotechnology?" he immediately speculated, seeking a scientific explanation.

"No, it's magic. Don't break it," Daniel replied, handing the backpack to Stark. Despite his curiosity, Stark politely refrained from taking the backpack from Daniel initially. But once offered, Stark eagerly accepted it, abandoning his usual reluctance to take items from others.

The backpack, charmed with an Undetectable Extension Spell, had just enough space to hold the broomstick, though not much else. Unlike a woman's handbag, Daniel didn't need to carry a multitude of items.

"This is impossible," Stark muttered, repeatedly pulling the broomstick out of the backpack and then putting it back in, his disbelief growing with each attempt.

"Your wand," Coulson said, handing the wand back to Daniel after Stark had set it aside.

"Thanks."

"Why isn't the Captain here? Is he avoiding Stark?" Daniel asked, glancing around the Quinjet. Only Coulson and Melinda May were present; Captain America was conspicuously absent, likely staying in the cockpit.

The Super Soldier Serum had not only enhanced the Captain's physical abilities but also his learning capacity. Once just an infantryman, he had become proficient in piloting tanks, operating naval ships, and flying jets after his transformation.

"This is... Chocolate Frogs? Making chocolate into frog shapes... that's a strange sense of humor," Stark commented, rummaging through the contents of Daniel's backpack. Alongside a tablet and various snacks were several magical treats.

Hungry after his long ordeal in the desert, Stark opened a box of Chocolate Frogs, only to jump in surprise as the enchanted candy leaped out of the box, startling him into dropping it. A card tumbled out as the frog hopped away.

"What was that?" Stark asked, bewildered.

"A magical snack. They move like real frogs, so be careful when you open the box." Daniel demonstrated by opening another Chocolate Frog box and catching the frog before it could escape, breaking it in half. "Once it's broken, the magic is undone." He handed the pieces to Stark. "Magic can help you recover some strength. Want me to cast a spell on you?"

"Really? Sure, give it a go," Stark, chewing the chocolate, nodded eagerly. His curiosity about the magical world outweighed his usual wariness.

"Mr. Stark, I think it's best if you go to a hospital for a check-up," Coulson interjected, concerned.

But Stark waved him off. "Come on, do it," he urged Daniel.

"Reparifors," Daniel intoned, casting a rejuvenating spell. For now, he refrained from fully healing Stark's chest injury, considering the emotional significance of the arc reactor for Stark's personal growth—from a playboy to a more focused and dedicated individual.

"That felt good. Can you do it again?" Stark asked, seeming almost addicted to the revitalizing effect of the spell.

"No, I can't. In the magical world, there's a saying: magic isn't omnipotent. You still need to rest properly," Daniel cautioned. While magic could achieve many wonders, some mundane activities, like washing clothes, still needed to be done without it. Even with the Scourgify charm, wizards still had to do laundry, especially intimate garments.

"We're about to land at the base," Coulson noted as the plane descended.

"Got it," Stark nodded, setting aside his fascination with magic for the moment. His recent ordeal had profoundly affected him, making him more introspective than before.

As Stark rummaged through Daniel's belongings, Coulson helped pack them back into the backpack. He handed Daniel the wizard card that had fallen out earlier. 

"Nicolas Flamel," Daniel noted the name on the card. 

"Keep it; I already have this one. And take these," Daniel said, handing Coulson three more Chocolate Frogs. After a moment's thought, he added a fourth one.

The plane came to a halt, and the ramp opened to reveal Colonel James Rhodes, one of Stark's few close friends, rushing aboard.

Rhodes embraced Stark tightly. "You still want to ride your fun Jeep?" he joked, referencing their earlier decision to take different routes back from the Jericho missile demonstration. Stark had opted for a Jeep ride through the Middle Eastern terrain, which inadvertently saved their lives. Had he chosen the helicopter, he might not have survived the subsequent missile attack.

"Get me the details of those who protected me," Stark requested solemnly, surprising Rhodes with his seriousness.

"Sure, but first, let's get you to a hospital," Rhodes suggested, aware of Stark's ordeal.

"No need. I need to get back to New York immediately," Stark replied, nodding at Coulson before heading to his private jet.

"See you around," Daniel waved to Coulson and May as he followed Stark. For now, he would hitch a ride on Stark's jet back to New York.

"I'm fine. Heading back to New York. Set up a press conference and get me a cheeseburger," Stark instructed Pepper over the phone as they walked.

News of Stark's safe return quickly spread throughout New York, sparking a mixture of relief and frustration. 

"Useless, all of you," Obadiah Stane raged, yelling into his phone at the terrorist leader. Stane had meticulously orchestrated the Middle East trip to trap Stark, even convincing him to go personally for the Jericho missile demonstration. Had Stark chosen to enjoy his usual luxuries instead of the desert trek, things might have been different.

In response, the terrorists sent Stane two videos: one showing Stark imprisoned in the cave and another of their discussions with Stane. They demanded three times the original ransom, threatening to release the footage online if he refused. Furious, Stane smashed his phone and wrecked his office before regaining his composure. He had no choice but to comply to prevent his ruin.

As news of Stark's return buoyed Stark Industries' stock, Daniel excused himself to the bathroom on Stark's jet to make a call. He instructed the Red Queen AI to execute a series of strategic trades.

"After this, I wonder how many on Wall Street will be jumping out of windows," Daniel mused, watching the rapid rise in Stark Industries' stock. "Stock markets are risky; caution is crucial."

Few would anticipate that upon returning to New York, Stark would announce the closure of Stark Industries' weapons division. Though he couldn't manipulate the markets before due to the late notice of Stark's disappearance, Daniel wouldn't miss this opportunity. Even using his personal funds, the profits would be immense, measured in billions.

"Unfortunately, the Arc Reactor's design is too complex. I'll have to find a way to acquire the manufacturing method." Daniel had discreetly used his Op-Op Fruit abilities to examine Stark's chest reactor. Its intricate design gave him a headache. Despite his knowledge of magic, Daniel wasn't a physicist. Given his magical studies, reaching the level needed to replicate the reactor through conventional learning was implausible. He'd likely need to explore other avenues, such as obtaining the design from Whiplash.

The miniaturized Arc Reactor, despite its small size and Stark's seemingly rudimentary construction methods, held immense technological value. Even Whiplash, who recreated it using similar methods, demonstrated its sophistication. While Obadiah Stane, with numerous scientists at his disposal, failed to replicate it, Stark had managed to build it in a primitive cave setting.

Stark's private jet landed at a military base rather than the usual media-filled airport. But as Stark stepped out at Stark Industries' headquarters, swarms of reporters descended. Only with Happy Hogan's security detail did Stark and his companions navigate through to the press conference room.

True to his character, Happy handed Stark two cheeseburgers as soon as he exited the car. Stark devoured the first in a few bites.

After briefly embracing Pepper Potts, Stark walked to the podium. To the surprise of the gathered reporters, he didn't take his place at the microphone but instead sat in front of the stage. Happy quickly repositioned a microphone for him, and the reporters, disregarding the cleanliness of the floor, followed his lead and sat down.

Taking a few gulps of water after finishing his second burger, Stark finally spoke into the microphone. "I'm here to announce that Stark Industries will cease all weapons manufacturing. We are exiting the arms market." With that, he dropped the microphone and walked off.

"Mr. Stark!" the reporters erupted into a frenzy, trying to chase after him. Happy and the security team struggled to hold them back.

"Tony must be joking. He's still recovering from his ordeal," Obadiah Stane hastily grabbed the microphone, attempting to downplay Stark's declaration. But the reporters ignored him, focused solely on Stark.

"Tony, have you lost your mind?" Stane caught up with Stark upstairs, blocking his path.

"I've made my decision."

"But how do you plan to justify this to the board?" Even though Stark held the majority control in Stark Industries, the interests of other major shareholders couldn't be ignored.

"I'll handle it," Stark dismissed Stane's concerns with a wave, continuing on with Pepper.

Nearly dying from his own company's weapons had profoundly impacted Stark. The memory of Yinsen, the doctor who saved him at the cost of his own life, and the horrors inflicted by Stark Industries' armaments weighed heavily on him.

With

 the Arc Reactor technology at his disposal, Stark felt unburdened by the board's expectations. For investors, profit is the bottom line, and Stark's ventures would ensure returns, regardless of the industry.

___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter


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