…
"One of the company's primary revenue streams—the Weapons Division—has now been completely phased out. In its place, the clean energy sector is expanding at an astonishing rate."
"At this pace, the projected losses from shutting down weapons production will be fully offset within six months."
"Additionally, due to you and Mr. Stark publicly revealing your superhero identities, investor confidence in Stark Industries has rebounded dramatically."
"The shares you instructed me to release were bought out instantly upon listing. As of the previous close, they've increased in value by six hundred and sixty-six times."
All of this had been anticipated by Leon and Tony.
Leon only half-listened to Sharon's report, focusing instead on selectively reviewing the items he personally cared about.
Until—
"…An intern from Seoul National University in South Korea?"
Leon's hand paused.
"What's her name?"
"Dr. Helen Cho."
Sharon replied, her tone slightly subdued.
Leon's eyes flickered.
So it really was her.
For a brief moment, he committed the universal sin of men everywhere—wanting both what was already in hand and what lay elsewhere.
So Helen Cho had already entered Stark Industries at this point in the timeline…
…
Afterward, Leon returned to the floor-to-ceiling window, hands clasped behind his back, wearing an expression so righteous it almost softened the naturally dangerous edge in his aura.
"Sharon. Ask Dr. Cho to come see me."
"…Ah? Y-Yes, Mr. Stark."
Sharon seemed momentarily dazed, but quickly composed herself and left the office.
A few minutes later—
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Stark. I'm Helen Cho, an intern with the R&D division."
Leon turned around.
He studied her with open interest.
She wore a modest, light-colored dress that traced her slender yet striking figure. Long, elegant legs were wrapped in understated cream stockings.
Though younger than in her appearance during Avengers: Age of Ultron, she already carried much of that poised, mature confidence—seven parts refinement, three parts youth still awaiting time's polish.
Unlike Sharon, whose career path had benefited from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s backing, Helen Cho was a legitimate Ph.D. in cellular biology. Lacking powerful connections, however, she could only begin as an intern—despite her brilliance.
At this stage, she hadn't yet formed her later professional rapport with Tony.
She was, quite simply, underappreciated talent.
"I reviewed your doctoral thesis," Leon began.
'The Feasibility of Bio-Nanotechnology in Cellular Tissue Regeneration.'
"You proposed something called the Regeneration Cradle."
"Even as a non-specialist, I can see its enormous potential. Why hasn't it been approved for development?"
Helen lowered her gaze slightly.
"I submitted the proposal. Dr. Yinsen was unavailable at the time, so I approached Mr. Stark directly."
"He told me powered armor represented humanity's future. That biological nanotechnology from an intern sounded unrealistic."
Leon clicked his tongue softly.
That did sound like something Tony might say—if he had been distracted.
"Helen," Leon said gently, "I owe you an apology on Tony's behalf."
"He was almost certainly immersed in armor development at the time. When he's focused, everything else disappears from his awareness."
"You know how he is."
"You're too kind, Mr. Stark," Helen said quickly, bowing her head. "I understand. I can be the same way when I'm working."
"Perhaps that's a trait common to geniuses," Leon interjected lightly.
Helen's face flushed almost instantly.
Her composure faltered; her head dipped even lower.
She really was still young.
Brilliant—but unseasoned.
A blank canvas.
And Leon Stark, in both hardware and software, was operating at near maximum specs.
At that moment—
A familiar notification surfaced in his mind.
[Daily Sign-In available. Proceed?]
System… what have you got for me today?
Open it.
[Sign-In Complete. Congratulations, Host. You have obtained: Regeneration Cradle.]
[Regeneration Cradle: A pinnacle fusion of bio-nanotechnology and 3D bioprinting. Provided compatible and sufficient materials are supplied, it can print any biological tissue—or even non-biological structures.]
[Description: Creation owes you no explanation.]
Finally.
Finally.
Leon nearly felt emotional.
It had been an entire month since he and Tony publicly declared themselves as Iron Man and Homelander.
Perhaps the beginner protection period had expired.
Perhaps his luck had plummeted from legendary to disastrous.
Because for thirty straight days, his rewards had been… absurd.
Endless instant noodles.
Endless milk tea.
Endless sunflower seeds.
Endless balloons.
Endless stockings.
He was already absurdly wealthy.
What was he supposed to do with infinite consumer goods?
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, such resources might elevate someone to near-godhood.
But here?
With his assets, he could buy enough stockings to wrap the planet several hundred times over.
Eight hundred lifetimes wouldn't exhaust his supply.
Still—
Among the month's "infinite series" rewards, there had been a few curiosities.
Items that didn't meaningfully increase his power… but weren't entirely useless either.
…
Super Deadpool Suit
Description: A standard Deadpool-style suit with infinite self-restoration capability.
Note: The suit regenerates like Deadpool himself.
…
Carbonadium Alloy Dual Blades
Forged from Carbonadium. Comparable in hardness to Vibranium, with a toxic effect specifically targeting regenerative abilities. By suppressing healing factors, it weakens regenerative mutants.
Note: When you think of dual-wielding, who comes to mind?
…
Ultra-Elastic Fiber Undergarment
Ultra-thin. Extreme cushioning. Rapid rebound. Adapts perfectly to any body type.
Quality: Indestructible.
Note: Protection where it matters most.
…
Leon suppressed a smile.
The Regeneration Cradle.
Now that—
That was something worthy of Helen Cho.
And perhaps—
Of reshaping the future.
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