Kapitel 112: Ch.112 Not Good, It's a Trap!
Although Tony Stark used the somewhat arrogant term "kid," Ronan wasn't bothered at all.
After all, during the fight against Thanos, his contribution was far beyond average.
He should be considered one of the MVP candidates.
No, he was the MVP!
And more importantly, this was all part of Ronan's plan.
Since he was already messing with Tony Stark, what harm would it do to let Tony have some fun?
Unlike Ronan, Tony Stark seemed a bit confused.
"Jarvis, since when did we allow people to sit and eat at the Stark Tower plaza?"
"Contact Happy, ask him how he's handling security work."
As expected, just as Ronan had predicted, Tony Stark had such a petty tendency to be annoyed by anything associated with what he disliked.
Judging by the expression on Tony Stark's face, Ronan had succeeded.
"Mr. Stark, I've identified the individual."
"Ronan Yao, sixteen years old, a freshman at Midtown High School."
"His grades are just slightly above average, and his purpose here today is to participate in an internship interview."
Jarvis quickly provided a complete report on Ronan's identity.
The more Tony listened, the more confused he became.
"Yao? Eastern origin?"
"With grades like this, why was he selected?"
"Aren't we supposed to be recruiting only the top talents at Stark Industries?"
"What is the department head doing?"
Tony Stark scrolled through Ronan's academic records, finding it hard to believe that this average student could pass Stark Industries' initial screening.
He found it difficult not to suspect whether the department head had been bribed.
"He is not from the East; he was adopted by someone named Gu Yao."
"Furthermore, his ability to pass the initial screening was actually your decision."
However, Jarvis quickly slapped Tony Stark in the face with the truth.
Hearing that, Tony Stark grew even more confused.
"My decision?" Tony Stark couldn't help but ask.
He didn't remember anything like this.
"Indeed, according to the records, during the alien invasion of Earth, there was an incident involving a young man wearing an Iron Man helmet."
"The abilities he displayed cannot be explained by our company's technology."
"But historical records have labeled these abilities as 'sorcery.'"
"So, at that time, you gave the order to recruit individuals with expertise in the field of mysticism."
Jarvis played footage of Tony Stark's actions back then.
Including the appearance of the "Little Iron Man" during the Battle of New York—his entrance, fighting, and his eventual departure.
There was even footage of when Tony met "himself" and that "Little Iron Man."
"I remember that—I did give that order back then."
"But what does that have to do with him coming for an interview?"
"Why do I have no recollection of this?"
Tony Stark frowned. The earlier parts, he knew.
Recruiting talents from the mysticism field was normal.
But interviewing a kid—did this kid have expertise in mysticism?
"A few nights ago, you were sorting through and analyzing collected information related to mysticism."
"At the end of it, Miss Potts suddenly came in, and you told me to handle everything—arrange a meeting with them, if possible."
"Later, I noticed that this individual was scheduled for today's interview, so I didn't remind you again."
Jarvis, like a loyal butler, explained the entire situation to Tony Stark.
And he was also a butler with an excellent memory.
Hearing this, Tony Stark curled his lips as he suddenly recalled the situation.
He was indeed worried at the time about Pepper Potts finding out that he was still researching these matters.
So he had hurriedly hidden everything.
And that night was one of those dark nights with the moon and flowers in full bloom.
Mmhmm, ahem ahem.
Tony Stark quickly pushed those memories aside—they were pleasant, but certainly not something to tell others.
"So you're saying that this kid Ronan is a talent in the mysticism field?"
Tony Stark clearly didn't believe it.
How could such a young person be a talent in that field?
The reason mysticism was mysterious was precisely because few knew about it, right?
How could an ordinary student be knowledgeable about it?
"According to past records, Ronan once wrote an investigation report about mysticism for Midtown High's entrance test."
"Although his knowledge was very shallow, some of the theories led his teachers to believe he had potential."
"As a result, Ronan was admitted to Midtown High."
"Of course, his grades were just barely on the pass line."
Jarvis pulled up some more records.
Midtown High, as a prestigious school, was not only a choice for wealthy families but also had many underprivileged students with excellent character and academic performance.
To determine eligibility, they conducted such a test.
"Just barely on the pass line?"
Tony Stark stepped out of the elevator, went straight to the bar, and opened a bottle of wine.
After pouring himself a glass, he pulled up Ronan's investigation report.
Most of the theories in it were things Tony Stark had seen before, since after encountering that "Little Iron Man," he had Jarvis organize some information on mysticism for him.
He had even been researching it just last night.
Couldn't sleep at all!
One description in Ronan's investigation caught Tony Stark's interest.
"The mysticism imagined by people is perhaps like the sorcerers in games and movies."
"They can not only summon fireballs and lightning with a wave of their hands, but also cast forbidden spells and destroy the world when unhappy."
"However, according to my research, I've found that historical accounts of sorcerers rarely depict them this way."
"Most of them are very low-key, dedicating themselves to rigorous training and not caring much about the human world."
"Perhaps this is related to the mass persecution of witches during the medieval period, leading them to mostly hide among ordinary people, indistinguishable from the common folk."
"Perhaps they are the neighbors who say good morning to you every day, or maybe they are the shop owner down the street."
"Of course, they are more likely to live in isolation, hiding in remote places away from human habitation."
This paragraph didn't have much information, but it mentioned a guess of Ronan's.
He speculated that people with mystical abilities were hiding among ordinary folks.
Anyone around could be a powerful sorcerer.
Similar to a phrase Tony Stark read in an ancient Eastern text while researching mysticism a few days ago.
"Great seclusion is hidden within the city"?
This was an interesting point of view.
Ronan hadn't said whether these sorcerers were extinct or where they were.
But he gave Tony Stark a direction to think about.
Should he investigate the strange phenomena occurring in daily life? Perhaps more investigation would yield unexpected discoveries?
More importantly, Ronan used a specific term in the report.
He used the term "master" to refer to these individuals instead of "magician."
There's a difference between "Master" and "Magician."
To many, so-called magicians were nothing but performers.
The former title piqued Tony Stark's interest.
"What time is the internship interview today?"
Tony Stark closed the report and asked.
"Three in the afternoon, sir."
Jarvis replied.
Tony Stark sat on the couch, gazing at the bustling New York skyline, thinking about recent events.
Especially when he played the footage of his other self appearing, over and over again.
Apart from the changes brought by time, Jarvis couldn't detect anything different.
This made Tony Stark ponder.
Is time travel really possible in this world?
And who exactly was that sorcerer?
Tony Stark contemplated for a moment, then downed the wine in his glass.
"Jarvis, tell Pepper to attend the interview personally."
"If that kid shows up, notify me."
"I want to meet this…"
"Ronan Yao!"
Meanwhile, inside Stark Industries.
Ronan walked through the building, observing the latest decor.
It had to be said, ever since the weapons division had been shut down, Stark Industries' public image wasn't as glamorous as it used to be.
Back in the day, being America's number one weapons manufacturer, their profits were akin to printing money.
But now, the weapons division had transformed into a private research department for Tony Stark's new weapon designs and no longer sold to outsiders.
Naturally, their revenue dropped significantly.
However, the invention of the Arc Reactor gave Stark Industries a new lifeline.
Using the Arc Reactor as a base, Stark Industries created various products, earning substantial profits.
For example, new clean energy was just the beginning.
In other areas, Stark Industries had already started down the research path, ensuring they remained ahead of other companies indefinitely.
Of course, this wasn't Ronan's perspective.
It was the guide employee who introduced them to the company.
There were about a dozen students from Midtown High participating today, but only one or two would be chosen.
To demonstrate "human care," every company arranged a tour to showcase its corporate culture.
After all, not being chosen today didn't mean they wouldn't be chosen in the future.
The tour served as a form of exhibition for those who weren't selected.
Once someone has developed a good impression of the company, that impression can make a difference in future job choices.
This world allows for the existence of geniuses, but it also allows for the existence of ordinary people.
Top-notch jobs may need geniuses and scientists, but most tedious tasks require ordinary people.
So, cultivating goodwill early can shape someone's perception to some extent.
Why not do it?
After all, Stark Industries was still a capitalist entity.
Even if its owner was a superhero.
During the employee's introduction, Ronan even saw the first Arc Reactor from Tony Stark's chest.
It was displayed in the middle of the exhibition room.
And for some reason, Tony even displayed the one stolen by Iron Monger as well.
There was clearly some personal sentiment there.
With ongoing explanations, the group of over ten arrived on the 17th floor.
Among them, only Ronan and Gwen Stacy were freshmen, while the rest were juniors and seniors.
Compared to the former pair, the latter had less time left.
They were more desperate for opportunities.
The biannual recruitment events were the most valuable opportunities for them.
They were about to go to college, and most of them weren't from wealthy backgrounds.
They weren't poor, but they weren't wealthy either.
Not everyone was like Ronan or Gwen Stacy, one with a family of hidden wealth and the other with a father who was the famed police chief of New York City.
For the others, going to college mostly meant taking student loans.
Entering adulthood with heavy debt—although most American students faced this reality—if there was an opportunity to attend college without a loan, with someone helping with tuition, then that opportunity had to be seized.
Understanding the seniors' desperation, Ronan decided to "be generous" and offered to be the last interviewee.
The further down the line, the less patience the interviewers would have, and the lower the chance of being selected.
This way, when Ronan's turn came, the interviewers would likely be completely out of patience.
He could accomplish his plan subtly and without suspicion.
Such a clever little brain!
Sure enough, when Ronan offered to take the last spot, the others looked at him with gratitude.
Everyone knew the further back you were, the less chance to shine.
Ronan really was selfless!
No way—when they got back to school, they would have to spread the word, whether they were selected or not.
Ronan was still single, right?
The order of interviews went smoothly. However, Ronan was surprised to see Gwen Stacy quietly move past him to sit at the back of the line.
Hmm? Competing with me for last place?
What's the meaning of this?
Ronan silently walked past Gwen again and sat in the last spot.
Gwen glanced at Ronan, opened her mouth as if to say something, but Ronan raised his right index finger to his lips and winked at her.
After doing all that, Ronan went back to casually browsing his phone, as if nothing had happened.
He had just bought this new phone, and he wanted to show it off.
The interview process was as Ronan had expected—very smooth.
The students called in before him were either overjoyed or disappointed, with some even crying.
It was a true display of life's ups and downs, of happiness and sorrow.
But being a rich kid, and the future inheritor of the Sorcerer Supreme's legacy, Ronan was completely different.
What's bad about having capable elders?
Money to spend, a house to live in, and eventually just lying back and taking it easy.
A little bit of practice here and there, and life would just float by.
What a beautiful life!
Finally, when it was Gwen Stacy's turn, Ronan couldn't help but smile.
With Gwen ahead of him, Ronan's contrast with her would be evident.
Compared to her, Ronan was bound to be rejected.
Everything was within Ronan's plan.
Sure enough, ten minutes later, when Gwen walked out of the interview room, she was smiling.
It seemed her interview was a success!
Just as Ronan predicted—Gwen was an outstanding student.
Whether she chose Stark Industries or Oscorp was entirely up to her.
"The last candidate, Ronan Yao."
The assistant responsible for calling people, dressed in an office skirt, came running out.
Her high heels clicked on the ground, making a pleasant sound.
Hmm... A contrast of dark and light, long and...
Ronan quickly shook his head, adjusted his clothes, and smiled at the assistant.
Seeing Ronan as the last candidate, the assistant's eyes also lit up.
It seemed she wanted to end her shift as well.
Nearly two hours had passed, and she had been standing for a long time. She needed a massage.
To loosen her muscles—totally normal.
Just as Ronan had guessed, as soon as he entered, he saw one of the interviewers yawning.
They looked exhausted.
What surprised Ronan was Pepper Potts being there.
As Stark Industries' CEO, coming to interview an intern—wasn't that a bit too blatant?
Still, Ronan's face remained calm, and he simply smiled and nodded at the interviewers before taking a seat.
After a simple self-introduction, the interviewers showed little interest.
They didn't understand how a student with such average grades had passed the first round.
But to maintain their dignity, and with Pepper present, they didn't show any contempt.
This disappointed Ronan.
In his Plan B, Ronan was hoping the interviewers would mock him.
Then he would get angry, slap the table, and furiously rebuke the interviewers.
Finally, he would leave the room dramatically.
Leaving them with the line, "The river flows east for thirty years, and west for thirty years. Don't bully the young and poor."
A perfect end to his plan.
Unfortunately, it seemed that scene wouldn't happen.
Maybe these people were just well-mannered, or maybe it was because Pepper was present.
Ronan suspected the latter.
"Alright, Ronan, we've got a good understanding of your situation."
"You're excellent, and today's interview went well."
"You can head home now and wait for our notice."
The interviewer spoke kindly.
If not for the fact that he put Ronan's file in a pile separate from Gwen's, Ronan might have actually believed him.
Regardless, this was what Ronan wanted to hear.
"Alright, thank you."
He said, about to stand up.
But at that moment, the door opened.
A man in a black suit—a big guy. Oh no, a fat guy—opened the door and walked in first.
He looked around, as if checking for danger.
It was none other than Tony Stark's personal bodyguard and chauffeur.
Happy Hogan.
A very cheerful name.
Tony Stark pushed past Happy's large frame, looking exasperated.
"Happy, what kind of danger could be here?"
"Don't block me."
With that, Tony looked into the interview room, and finally locked eyes on Ronan.
Not good!
A bad premonition suddenly rose in Ronan's heart.
This guy... has a scheme!
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein