“To the point… do you have something to ask me?”

“Yes, I want to know if you really know magic. Please tell me seriously, don’t deceive me.”

“I have never deceived you, and I have always been telling the truth. I am a mage, and I can use magic. This is all true. Otherwise, do you think there could really be technology on Earth that you can’t understand? Especially with a small wooden stick that emits various energy rays unexplained by current science. Do you think it’s possible to create such a device with today’s technology?”

“Okay, you’re right. Unless you’re an alien using extraterrestrial technology, but that’s completely out of the question. I’m pretty sure you’re Alisha’s son… Oh, by the way, Alisha is really beautiful, especially when she cooks. She has a kind of captivating charm.”

“So you’re saying this to make me hang up and curse you?”

“Okay, okay, my mistake, my mistake. Let’s talk seriously… Ahem, Mr. Mage, since you use magic, can you solve the problem of human poisoning?”

Hearing this, Sebastian knew the main topic was coming. Though he understood Tony’s intent, he pretended not to know. “Mr. Stark, are you poisoned?”

“Tony, you can call me Tony. As for the person who was poisoned, well, of course it’s not me. It’s one of my… a friend of mine, a very good friend. Modern medicine can’t save him for now, so I suddenly thought of you. I figured I’d reach out to see if you could help…”

The corners of his mouth twitched. Sebastian glanced at the half-open door, waved his hand, and gently pushed it. The door closed on its own. Then he stood up, peered out the window, and said, “Tony, what kind of poison are we talking about? You mean it’s not some kind of fast-acting toxin, but a slow-onset poison.”

“Did you know about palladium metal poisoning? You can think of it as heavy metal poisoning. I… that friend has this in his body, and he may continue to be exposed to this metal for some reason.”

“With my current magical abilities, I can’t directly treat the symptoms of this poisoning…” As soon as he said this, Sebastian clearly heard Tony’s disappointed sigh over the phone. Chuckling silently, Sebastian didn’t wait for Tony to respond and continued, “But I have a potion for your situation. The problem is, many of the ingredients listed in the potion’s recipe are ancient materials that are extinct in modern times. So, I’ll need some time to find substitute materials and conduct the necessary research and experiments.”

After a moment of silence, Tony stammered, sighed, and said, “Huh… Mr. Mage, this habit of pausing mid-sentence is really nerve-wracking.”

“Tony, how long can you hold on?”

“I still… my friend still…”

Before Tony could mention his friend again, Sebastian cut him off. “Tony, maybe you’re good at charming women, but you’re not great at fooling men. I know very well that you’re the one who’s poisoned, so stop with the friend excuses. Honestly, there’s no shame in being poisoned. I don’t see why you need to hide it.”

“Well, you are one sharp magician. I admit, it’s me. As for my time… about two or three months.”

“Two or three months…”

For the first time, a serious expression crossed Sebastian’s face. This timeline was much shorter than he’d expected. No wonder Tony had been acting recklessly during this period in the original story. For someone facing death, Tony was holding it together remarkably well.

“Is time… not enough?”

“I will do my best to complete the potion within that time. You don’t need to worry.”

At that, Sebastian heard Tony take a deep breath on the other end. After a few moments, Tony spoke again. “Don’t worry, I have enough self-control to manage. I’ll wait for you to finish the potion… Of course, the sooner, the better. Also, I hope you can visit the Stark Industries Expo the day after tomorrow. After the expo, we can meet and have a proper talk. How about it?”

“Okay, it just so happens that I have some things I want to talk to you about, so see you the day after tomorrow.”

“Okay, Mr. Mage, thank you for your help… really.”

“Heh, Tony, call me Sebastian. Besides, you’re really not suited for thanking people. It’s too awkward.”

“Hahaha, aside from you, I really haven’t thanked anyone.”

“See you the day after tomorrow, Tony.”

“Goodbye!”

After hanging up the phone, Sebastian remained still, gazing at the scenery outside the window as he pondered the situation.

Initially, Sebastian had planned to delay providing the potion as long as possible. However, with only two or three months left, time was now extremely limited, and further delays were no longer an option.

Another question weighed on his mind: could he combine modern technology to streamline and speed up the potion-making process, freeing himself from the labor-intensive task of preparation? If he had access to a powerful computer to assist with data analysis and calculations, could he simplify many of the complex steps and directly determine the best substitute materials and their proportions?

If this approach proved feasible, it would be crucial for Sebastian to collaborate closely with Tony and secure his assistance. After all, Tony’s advanced technology, particularly his sophisticated artificial intelligence, wasn’t something just anyone could provide.

Meanwhile, Tony sat in his workshop, his expression far from relaxed. To him, Sebastian’s potion was a lifeline, a final glimmer of hope. But his rational mind kept him grounded. Even if the potion could work, there was no guarantee Sebastian could prepare it in time. Otherwise, it was all just wishful thinking.

Deep down, Tony knew the truth: Sebastian’s potion might help, but it was equally likely to be ineffective or simply not ready before his time ran out. His condition hadn’t improved significantly, and the clock was ticking.

Pouring himself a peculiar dark green mixture, Tony grimaced at the bitter taste but swallowed it anyway. The day after tomorrow marked the opening of the new Stark Industries Expo, the first since he became Iron Man—and possibly the last before his death. Determined to make it unforgettable, Tony planned a spectacular event that would leave a lasting impression on everyone, ensuring the expo remained etched in people’s memories.

The Stark Industries Expo was the largest industrial technology showcase in the country. Ever since Tony publicly revealed he was Iron Man, his fame had surpassed even Hollywood stars, earning him admiration and affection from countless fans. Naturally, this expo drew massive crowds.

Entry to the Stark Industries Expo was free for the general public, but VIP seats required tickets. Sebastian, dressed in a baseball cap and sweater, blended into the crowd. Slipping past the ordinary attendees, he joined government officials and business leaders entering through the VIP passage. He flashed his ticket and followed them inside, finding his assigned seat in the middle of a prominent VIP section on the second floor, which drew curious glances from those around him.

Sebastian overheard two people whispering behind him, speculating whether he was Tony’s secret son. Rolling his eyes, he couldn’t do much about it. He had to admit, if he were in their shoes, seeing a stranger like himself in such a prime spot, he’d probably think the same.

Amid the buzzing chatter in the venue, the massive central screen suddenly lit up. Colorful lights flashed, and fireworks burst in the air. Within moments, a gold-and-red figure streaked down from the sky, landing with a thud on the central platform. Kneeling on one knee and striking the ground, Iron Man—Tony Stark—had arrived!

The crowd erupted in cheers.

As the stage beneath Tony’s feet parted and robotic arms swiftly removed his armor, revealing him in a sharp suit, the cheers reached a deafening peak.

What followed was Tony’s personal spotlight moment. Some people were born to shine, and Tony was one of them. Completely at ease, he commanded the stage, drawing every eye to him and turning the event into his own show.

Even Sebastian was impressed. If creatures like Veela existed in this world, he’d wonder if Tony had their enchanting blood. During Tony’s performance, Sebastian wasn’t bored for a second—in fact, he found it thoroughly entertaining. If Tony ever became a talk show host, he’d surely have a massive following.

Tony’s opening act wrapped up quickly. While the Stark Industries Expo would continue for another year, Tony’s role was complete, and he exited the stage.

At that moment, Tony’s bodyguard and friend, Happy, approached Sebastian, inviting him to leave with him to meet Tony and depart together. As Sebastian followed Happy, he caught more murmurs from the crowd, with some now seemingly convinced he was Tony’s secret son.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Sebastian trailed Happy, quickly navigating a back passage to reunite with Tony. Together, they prepared to leave.

Just before departing, a striking police officer approached, handing Tony a subpoena from the Senate Armed Services Committee, summoning him to a meeting at nine the next morning. Tony brushed it off nonchalantly. Happy took the subpoena, and the trio climbed into a car, speeding away.

In the car, Sebastian watched Tony skim the subpoena and said, “Is someone in the military eyeing your armor?”

“Sebastian, honestly, you don’t seem like a typical teenager. If I weren’t certain of your background, I’d swear you were in your thirties or forties, just with a young face.”

“Inner maturity has nothing to do with appearance.”

“That’s true,” Tony said with a shrug, then continued, “I really don’t want to deal with any meeting, but it looks like I have no choice this time. Anyway, I’m not handing over my tech, and they can’t force me to do anything.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep