What Zodhis had told Tony Stark was, in fact, about cosmic energy.
This has been covered before, so I won't go into it again here.
He was curious: with Tony Stark's intellect, if he really did discover cosmic energy, what would he become?
Insert an app ad: an app that perfectly replicates the old version of the book-chasing artifact, with switchable sources.
Cosmic energy–armored Iron Man?
After all, the Marvel universe is bizarre in that something as high-level as cosmic energy can be contained in vessels.
As long as those researchers just tap into the power of "I reckon."
It's just that, from the perspective of a materials science researcher like Zodhis, he couldn't understand or accept that kind of behavior.
It's like how materials science in the real world advances too slowly, hitting the limits of nuclear fusion with no material capable of containing it.
He went out for a walk with Tifa.
They were fairly decisive about it—once they decided to go out, they just headed straight out the door. There were none of those pre-date preparations like changing outfits or getting all dressed up.
Though Zod didn't really consider something close to a post-meal stroll a date. At the very least, going to see a movie or an amusement park like before would count, right?
Well, as a former legendary loner, he'd never given dating any thought, and those dating scenarios in anime just aren't realistic enough.
But thinking about it seriously, Tifa was fairly casual, a very quiet and elegant woman.
Now that they were out for a walk together, there was still a somewhat wondrous feeling. Turning his head, he saw Tifa's lovely face, a smile playing at her lips.
She was simply dressed—a fairly fitted short-sleeved shirt revealed arms fair as white jade, hot pants and black leggings below, short boots on her feet as she strolled leisurely. Honestly, those legs looked amazing!
Her own features were outstanding, and her past experiences had left her young yet mature and composed.
In this outfit, she perhaps lacked that queenly quality and the grace befitting nobility, but she exuded an alluring, mature charm—
Such a huge change just from a different set of clothes.
"Do I look good?" Noticing Zod staring at her for so long, Tifa's lips curved up.
"Mm. Worthy of devotion, I should say." He didn't burden himself with the fear of saying the wrong thing—living that way would be too exhausting. Letting your true nature show isn't really a bad thing, right? Smiling, Zod rested his hands behind his head.
"These past couple of days, I keep getting the feeling you have something you want to bring up with me."
"It's important, but compared to the serious matters you're busy with, it can be put off for now." She reached out and pulled Zod's wrist down, just like a normal couple heading out.
Tifa hooked her arm around his, leaning her head on his shoulder, her eyes carrying a hint of slyness.
"I think this is a plus."
"That way of thinking does sound worth extra points."
Zod didn't deny it. Tifa's serene and tranquil attitude did make him feel at ease quite easily.
"So, I want to ride that now." Pointing at the Ferris wheel that stood out conspicuously under the neon lights, Tifa said to Zod with a soft smile.
"Together with you."
It wasn't a suggestion but a statement, with a certainty that lacked that undeniable edge, also giving Zod the chance to refuse.
"I'll go with you." Satisfying this small request was no big deal.
"Then I'm counting on you, Zod." She had switched to the nickname at some point. Watching Zod nod and accept so readily, Tifa blinked and smiled lightly. This was nice too.
Water Dragon Respect Park was located outside Manhattan, an amusement facility built with investment from a certain Japanese conglomerate. It was said that an identical park had also been built in Shanghai, China—false.
The rides were rather unique, and there was even a highly distinctive manga-themed haunted house—in reality, works by a certain famous artist were pasted on the walls. It was said they even provided tissues and trash bags so visitors could pack up their stuff and take it away—made up.
Because of this, it hadn't been open long, but its notoriety in New York was unexpectedly high. So many couples chose it as a date spot. That said, quite a few people came alone and brought their own tissues—take that seriously.
But obviously, neither Zod nor Tifa was interested in any of that. Tifa simply wanted a high place where she could admire New York's nightscape, have a heart-to-heart with Zod, and spend some proper alone time.
"Actually, I've never ridden something like this before. Honestly, I used to wonder if the feeling of riding one would be wonderful."
It happened to be night, and only the Ferris wheel was in operation; the other rides were all undergoing safety inspections and maintenance. Gazing at the Ferris wheel, which had stopped and was on standby, Zod couldn't help but sigh.
Tifa's smile turned a little radiant.
"Then does this count as fulfilling that past expectation for you?"
"You two, please come in. Since it's nighttime and there are fewer people, the rotation speed has been adjusted a bit, so the ride will be a little longer."
The enthusiastic staff member looked back and forth between Zod and Tifa, his expression that of "I know what's up" so blatant it was practically asking to be punched. But Tifa rather liked the staff member's suggestive glance that said, "Don't mind me at all; you two feel free to get comfortable."
"Thank you." After giving her thanks, she stepped in first, then looked back at Zod, who seemed to be rolling his eyes, and couldn't help but smile and shake her head.
"Come on in."
"Alright." Once they were seated, the Ferris wheel slowly began to rise, and New York's neon-lit night gradually came into view. Zod glanced sideways at Tifa, who was still holding his arm.
He reached up and scratched his head.
"To answer your earlier question, it doesn't completely fulfill that expectation. After all, back then I was imagining coming with a girlfriend. Though at the time I'd also be wondering where she was, whether she was doing well, what her name was—that kind of thing."
"Bringing your wife doesn't count? It has to be a girlfriend?"
Tifa raised an eyebrow slightly, a faintly displeased look on her face.
"Hmph. Enough life counseling for now. Let's just enjoy this rare time together."
Holding tightly to his hand, which carried a slight trace of sweat, Tifa sat up straight, hugged Zod's arm, found a more comfortable position, and then leaned on his shoulder.
"I've heard that on a normal date, the guy is supposed to take the initiative more. You really are an idiot."
"Should we be heading back soon?"
The Ferris wheel's speed had been adjusted, but the cabin still descended after the set time had passed. In their intimate pose, Tifa pressed close to Zod as they stepped out.
The attendant from earlier saw this, shook his head with some regret and resignation, but ultimately silently wished Tifa well in his heart. What a waste of my painstaking efforts.
The Ferris wheel ride had left her wanting more. Tifa wished it could have stayed up for another half hour before descending. After all, in that kind of environment, being alone and chatting idly…
…was far more effective than the tips she'd found in encyclopedia entries—things like restaurants, cinemas, love hotels. That last one might be even more efficient?
/-\
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