Transformer in MCU

The modification process took longer than Downey had expected. The old bartender, with a bottle of whiskey in hand, kept asking for tens of thousands of dollars.

He insisted on buying the best parts, alloys, and converters to create the ultimate war motorcycle.

Both of them spent money lavishly, without hesitation. Their extravagant spending attracted opportunists who tried to swindle them, but the old bartender was quick to spot the scam.

In response, Downey beat the would-be con man nearly to death.

The man's screams drew the attention of the shop's patrons. Some individuals with shady backgrounds looked on with indifference, while others seemed annoyed by the commotion.

"This is Irish gang territory. Who dares to make trouble here?" a burly man with a menacing face said, beginning to draw his gun.

In these parts, the gang's rules were strict; if someone caused trouble, they could be killed without question.

However, another man quickly stopped him and whispered something.

"That young guy who threw the punches? He's the mechanic who's been making waves lately."

Though young, Downey had built a reputation for being ruthless. If given a chance, he wouldn't hesitate to kill.

Rumors about him were circulating wildly, and many whispered that his mutant abilities allowed him to summon mechanical soldiers anywhere. No one knew the upper limits of his power.

The crowd grew cautious, and those considering confronting Downey quietly hid their weapons. Engaging this mutant in a fight was a suicide mission.

Unless they could lure him into the wilderness, they believed, anywhere else could be his battlefield.

Still, there was one odd figure who wasn't afraid. He approached Downey, drawing curious stares.

Clad in a thick black suit and hooded so that his face was entirely hidden, the man looked out of place.

"Is he trying to provoke the mutant or befriend him?" someone muttered.

"I'll bet he'll barely get three words in before Downey gets rid of him. Unless he represents a big organization, there's no way he can handle this."

The strange figure stopped in front of Downey and addressed him calmly, "Mr. Downey."

His voice was composed but eerie. He smiled, revealing sharp fangs, clearly wanting Downey to notice. "I come on behalf of the Thompson family. They send their regards."

At this, the old bartender's hands trembled as he worked on the bike, though he quickly tried to compose himself.

His legs shook, and he fumbled with a wrench for what seemed like an eternity.

Downey's expression remained unreadable. "I doubt I'd want to hear from your kind," he said coldly.

"Don't be so dismissive," the strange man said, still maintaining his politeness.

"You attacked our family's stronghold last night, and word of your... prowess has spread throughout the underground world. My name is John Thompson, by the way."

"So, are you saying you're here to declare war? In broad daylight?" Downey asked, mocking him with a smile.

John's grin faltered slightly. Of course, vampires couldn't survive in daylight; one step outside and they'd be reduced to ash.

John pressed on, explaining that the Thompson family wasn't here for a fight but rather to take the old bartender off Downey's hands.

The family wouldn't hold a grudge, and their conflicts would be settled.

"The man you're holding, he's one of our own—a rogue who's been evading us for years," John said, glancing toward the old bartender.

"So he's one of your kind, huh?" Downey asked, feigning ignorance. "Well, he's of use to me, so no, you can't have him."

John's smile grew strained. He didn't believe for a second that Downey didn't know the truth.

The old bartender, groveling and looking eager to please, didn't seem like someone who had been tortured for information. His loyalty seemed far too easy, too rehearsed.

Downey resisted the urge to kick the old bartender out of sheer frustration.

However, he wasn't stupid. Handing the old man over might start a real war with the vampires.

John maintained his composure. "Mr. Downey, our family doesn't want to harm you over someone so insignificant. But if you refuse to cooperate, we'll have no choice but to consider you an enemy of the Thompson family—and every family allied with us."

Suddenly, several more vampires emerged, surrounding Downey. The shop staff, realizing what was happening, scattered.

They didn't want to get caught in the middle of a fight they knew they couldn't survive.

"Mr. Downey, this is your last chance to reconsider. Don't make the wrong choice,"

John said, his tone darker now. He glanced at the sky, calculating that their time was nearly up.

For a long time, Downey didn't say a word. John was about to signal for retreat when Downey spoke up unexpectedly. "Alright, you win. I'll give him to you."

"What?" John froze, completely taken aback. That wasn't how things were supposed to play out.

Downey had refused so adamantly—why the sudden change of heart?

"You heard me," Downey said with a sigh. He grabbed the old bartender and shoved him toward John. "Take him. I'm done with him."

Both John and the old bartender looked equally stunned. What was going through this mutant's mind? How could he just hand over the bartender so casually?

Downey shrugged, acting as if it were no big deal. "Honestly, this guy has been more trouble than he's worth. The Thompson family is clearly powerful, and I don't want any more trouble. So, here you go."

John was visibly sweating, struggling to comprehend the sudden shift. "Are you sure? Do you need more time to think?"

Downey shook his head. "Nope. Let's call this even. All grievances settled, just like you said."

The few onlookers who had stayed around started to murmur. "Why doesn't he just take him and leave already?"

"Yeah, no point dragging this out. The mutant's already given in."

Even the old bartender rolled his eyes, muttering, "Yeah, yeah, rescue me already, this guy's been nothing but a pain. The old days were better."

John was trembling, not just with anger, but with confusion and disbelief. He wanted to kill the old man on the spot, but that wasn't part of the plan.

_______________________________

Sayo nara~~