SWNOVELXO Chapter 5: Malibu Point
Richard Kane slammed his fist on the steel table, the encrypted file glaring from the screens. "Twelve layers of quantum encryption, Alex. Marcus buried this deep. I can't crack it, and our techs hit firewalls that fry their systems."
Alex studied the flickering codes, and all his assassin training dissolved like smoke. 'Useless'
"Then we find someone who can," He said, turning to Richard. "Anthony Stark."
Richard's head snapped up. "After what happened to Marcus? Stane will be watching him like a hawk!"
"Which is why we'll use father's emergency protocol," Alex countered.
"It can only be used once before it's tracked. Are you sure, Alex?" Richard asked with uncertainty. Alex continued, "We'll contact Virginia Potts-Stark's secretary. She's the safest route." He paused, then added, "There's one more thing. I need you to trust me on this."
He turned to another monitor, pulling up Stark Industries' stock. "Look... 43% drop since his 'no weapon' press conference. Liquidate Kane International's non-essential assets. But every share you can."
Richard hesitated. "The analysts say there's no rebound in sight. Starks' bleeding value.
Alex smirked. "Then the analysts are blind. Stark's not just a genius - he is f***ing brilliant. When he makes his next move, those stocks will skyrocket. If we wait, we will miss the window."
Richard stared at him for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Fine. If you're wrong, we lose money. If you're right... We buy into the future." He input the orders. "Let's hope you inherited your father's instinct along with his name."
'There is no way `the` Iron Man will lose value.' Alex leaned back, satisfied. "Now, let's make that call."
---
En Route to Stark Mansion.
Alex sat in the back of the armored black SUV as the coastline blurred past. Beside him, two bodyguards accompanied him - discreet, disciplined, ex-military. Richard had insisted on sending backup, and Alex didn't protest.
As they neared the entrance of Star Mansion, the vehicle slowed. A flash of light scanned the SUV from front to back.
"Identity confirmed: Alexander Kane." J.A.R.V.I.S.'s Smooth, British-accented voice resonated from the external comms. "Access authorized. Bodyguards are to proceed to Sublevel Parking Bay B. Mr.Kane, please proceed to the main entrance. Miss Potts will be awaiting your arrival."
The SUV descended into the underground bay, and Alex stepped out, nodding to the guards to remain behind. At the top of the elevator, the doors opened, revealing Virginia Potts. (A/n: Pepper is the nickname Tony uses to call her, if anyone is confused.)
"Mr. Kane," she greeted with a professional smile. "Punctual. That's rare."
"I figured you'd appreciate it," Alex said, matching her pace.
"You called through a secured line asking for a meeting,... and now you are here. What's your agenda, Mr. Kane?"
No play, Ms. Potts. Just the truth."
She led him down a polished hallway toward the conference room, and the moment he stepped into the sleek conference room, Tony's voice met him in a cheeky tone. "Well, well. If it isn't 'Mr. Showtime.' You could've just emailed."
[Mission: First Contact, all objectives completed.]
[Reward Acquired: Modified Super Soldier Serum (S-2 Enhanced)]
System Concept Unlocked: Supremacy Points, +100 SP Earned]
[System Concept Unlocked: System Shop. SP can be used to purchase in the System Shop.]
Before Alex could fully register the system feed, Pepper stepped forward with firm calm. "Mr. Kane, you have five minutes to present evidence to back your claim, or this ends now."
Alex didn't waste any time. He slid the surveillance photo across the table... Obadiah Stane standing together with Abu Bakaar of the Ten Rings in Dubai alley.
"Your enemy isn't in Afghanistan, Stark. He's in your boardroom. Your kidnapping wasn't an accident. Stane orchestrated it." Alex continued, a hint of anger threading his voice. "My father uncovered the truth... encrypted financial trails, intercepted communications. Stane had him killed for it. And now he's trying to eliminate anyone still loyal to Kane International."
Tony's smirk vanished. He seized the photo. "Could be fake."
"The metadata is still intact. GPS, timestamp, and facial mapping. My father had all the data... But the proof is locked behind encryption that only you can break."
Tony once more glanced at the photo. "Fine. Give JARVIS everything you've got. If it checks out, we'll talk."
Alex casually slipped his hands into his pocket but discreetly retrieved the burner phone from his storage dimension. He didn't want to pull it from thin air. This way, it looked normal. He handed it over.
"That's the key. Rest is your work."
Tony took the phone, intrigued. "Burner with quantum encryption? Damn. You Kanes don't mess around."
Suddenly, Alex's Spider Sense erupted - all the hair on his body stood up. Before Tony could say anything else, alarms shrieked.
"Alert: Perimeter breach. Hostile signatures inbound." JARVIS reported. "Weapons appear to be modified Stark tech."
Tony's expression hardened. "Great. Nothing like having my own toys turned against me. Looks like someone followed you in."
"JARVIS! Activate 'Houseparty Protocol'... and bring up all active security feeds."
"Executing now, Sir."
Metal shutters slammed down. Defense turrets deployed. Tony yelled, "Pep, get to the safe room. Now!"
Pepper's voice shook. "What about you?"
"I'll monitor the feeds and control the defense systems, Tony replied, then turned to Alex. "Arm yourself."
Then a wall panel slid open, revealing weapons.
He had weapons in his storage, but drawing one from thin air now is a big risk. He stepped forward and selected a custom AR and a silver pistol, making it look like a natural choice among Stark's arsenal.
Tony swiped tactical screens to life. "Try not to shoot anything pricy, Mr. Showtime."
Alex ignored it and focused his mind. When he stepped outside, Spider Sense drew enemy positions like stars on a night map. Explosions rocked the edges of the estate with automatic turrets defending against incoming missiles.
In the middle of it, Alex slipped into a camera blind spot.
He took out the vial that was inside the storage dimension. It was glisering blue with golden threads flickering inside.
"System, show me information." He whispered.
[Modified Super Soldier Serum (S-2 Enhanced): can be drunk straight to activate. Only works on Host. Enhanced 2 times with Supremacy Enhancement. For more information, unlock the respective System Concept.]
[Effects:
1.Physical Enhancement:
- Enhanced Strength, Speed, Agility, and Durability
- Enhanced Regeneration
2.Cognitive Enhancement:
- Enhanced Focus, Intelligence, and Computational power
- Enhanced Memory
3.Ability Enhancement:
- Enhanced Physical Abilities
- Enhanced Mental Abilities.]
Alex didn't hesitate to drink it immediately. The serum was cold as frost, but after drinking it, he felt like his whole body was burning. The effects immediately kicked in.
[Enhancement initiated. Host's adaptation: 69%... 72%...89%...100%]
[Muscular density increased by 250%. Neural transmission speed enhanced. Ability Enhancement complete. Full integration complete.]
His vision cleared, his Spider Sense is enhanced along with telekinesis. He could feel everything like a painting. The distant footsteps of hostiles sounded like thunder.
He flexed his fingers. No tremble. No hesitation.
Alex smirked.
"Let's dance."