61: Stark's Gratitude

Joa's words, upon reaching Stark's ears, left him somewhat bewildered.

He's mocking me like this, and he still wants me to beg him?

Dream on!

But then again.

This kidnapping experience, Ethan's death, had changed Stark a lot.

In the past, he would have unleashed his sharp tongue and angrily cursed Joa.

But now, surviving is the most important thing.

And... a while ago at the Expo, maybe he did go a bit too far?

“If it was... before... perhaps what I did was indeed a bit excessive, I apologize. Take me back to Los Santos, please...”

“I’ll give you a price that will satisfy You.”

After speaking, Stark also let go of the burden in his heart, speaking more and more smoothly.

Hearing Stark's words, Joa smiled and turned to look at Christine, Polaris, and Jill.

“Did You record it all?”

“Mhm!”

There aren't many opportunities to make the brilliant, arrogant, sharp-tongued Tony Stark bow his head.

Christine had never seen such a disheveled genius before.

Her expression was full of excitement and admiration for Joa.

“Hahaha, very good. Since You’re so sensible, I’ll give You another gift.”

Saying that, Joa waved his hand.

“Bring him up.”

Immediately, the Terrorists' leader who had just run out of the cave was dragged in front of Stark by a Blacklight Warrior, his condition unknown.

“You decide how to deal with him. I’ll wait for You outside.”

Watching Joa lead his people out of the cave, Stark took a deep breath, his gaze falling on the Terrorists' leader.

He never dreamed that the first to find him would be the Meryweather Group's new boss.

Although they were competitors before and didn't get along.

But after that...

At this moment, Stark had already decided to stop manufacturing weapons.

Close the weapons research and development department.

It wasn't because of Joa.

It was from almost being blown up by a missile manufactured by his own group, to Ethan's death, and his rescue after surviving the ordeal.

The events of these past three or four months had made him understand some things.

After dealing with the Terrorists' leader.

Stark walked out of the cave in his armor.

Two large, completely black, unmarked Avengers were parked above the canyons on either side.

'How did they get up to the canyon in the blink of an eye?'

'How did they get up there?'

“Hey! Tony! Over here!”

Seeing Joa waving at him from one side of the canyon.

Stark closed the armor's faceplate.

Immediately, flames shot out from the armor's feet, and he ascended into the air.

But perhaps due to too many attacks, the armor wobbled and barely managed to fly in front of Joa before completely shutting down.

“Good stuff, but it still needs some improvement.”

Hearing Joa's words, Stark shrugged and said nothing more.

“Let’s go, and bring your iron shell with You.”

“Although the quality isn’t great, it might serve as a souvenir for You.”

“A souvenir... Ethan...”

Hearing Stark's murmur, Joa's lips curved into a smile, then he turned and boarded the Avenger.

......

In the silent cave.

The sixteen Blacklight Warriors lying on the ground slowly got up after confirming there was no movement outside.

They regained their original appearances and walked to Ethan, who had been torn to pieces by the Vulcan.

Ethan's body was now complete, and his breathing was steady, though he was still in a coma.

“Take him back.”

“And destroy this place completely, by the way.”

Subsequently, a series of violent explosions rang out.

High in the sky, at the rear hatch of the Avenger, a Blacklight Warrior threw down the last missile taken from outside the cave, then turned and gave an OK gesture.

Then, the hatch closed, and the Avenger flew towards the Senora Desert.

......

Sitting in the Avenger.

Stark, unable to suppress his hunger, licked his dry lips and spoke in a hoarse voice to Joa and his three girlfriends?

He asked.

“...Do You have anything to eat?”

“Compressed biscuits, instant canned food or something.”

“Or even just some Water.”

Looking at Stark, Joa smiled and stood up.

“You’re much easier to get along with now than before.”

Hearing this, Stark was about to apologize again for what he had done before and thank the other party for saving him, when he heard Joa continue.

“Wait, I’ll get You something to eat.”

Raising his eyebrows, Stark took a deep breath and gave an awkward smile.

Going to a place Stark couldn't see, Joa took out a cheeseburger and a bottle of mineral Water from his system space.

Then, he turned and returned to the rear cabin, sitting beside Stark and handing him the food.

“I bought it casually before coming, just make do with it.”

Taking the food and Water Joa handed over, Stark's mood immediately changed.

“Cheeseburger? I quite like it.”

After saying thanks, Stark began to eat impatiently.

After eating and drinking his fill.

Stark looked at Joa and spoke with a serious expression.

“I apologize again for my previous actions, I’m sorry.”

“If You encounter any trouble in the future, You can come to me, and I will do my best to help You.”

Saying that, Stark seemed to recall something, and a smile appeared on his face.

“And... after I go back this time... perhaps I can...”

“Can what?”

“Oh, no, nothing. You’ll know when You get back.”

“You’ll definitely be satisfied.”

Hearing Stark's words, Joa couldn't help but think of the Ancient One who had suddenly appeared, said some inexplicable words, and then suddenly disappeared.

'...Why do all these people love to speak in riddles?'

“Have You been looking for me with your people for these past three or four months?”

“Just to... see me make a fool of myself?”

Hearing Stark change the subject, Joa didn't press further and replied with a smile.

“You made me a green leaf to set off the flowers at the Expo, and then You wanted to run?”

“How could it be that simple?”

“Perhaps that’s also why I was able to find You first?”

“But speaking of which, finding a sharp-tongued genius in Afghanistan really isn’t a simple matter.”

This was a lie; Joa had found Stark long ago, but he had just been waiting for him to build his armor.

Saying this was merely to increase the weight of this favor in Stark's heart.

For this brain cursed with wisdom, a little effort was worth it.

This was a powerful aid for future invasions of the myriad Worlds.

Perhaps in the future, when conquering sci-fi Worlds, Stark could research the captured spoils and overcome the enemy's technology.

Thinking of this, Joa found Stark more and more pleasing to the eye.

Especially after the other party had completely gotten rid of his frivolous and sharp-tongued habits after this incident.

'No matter the reason, Joa ultimately saved him.'

Stark took a deep breath, wanting to thank him again.

It was as if he wanted to compensate Joa for all the gratitude he hadn't expressed to Ethan.

However, just as he was about to speak.

They had arrived at their destination.