I Am Ironman (MHA)

Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Upgrades (3)



[Third Person's PoV] 

"The shield works more with your emotions," Tony explained, his voice carrying a tone of pride and excitement. "The stronger your desire to protect someone or something, the more formidable the shielding becomes."

Steve nodded appreciatively, his expression softening into a genuine smile. "Nice work, Tony. I like what you've done with it."

"That, however, isn't the only thing you'll be receiving," Melissa interjected, her tone brimming with anticipation. She pointed towards the table towards the sleek, metallic briefcase that gleamed under the lights. "Your other gift is the briefcase itself."

Steve raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in mild confusion. "Thank you?" he said cautiously, his lips quirking into a small smile. "Can't say I've ever been gifted a briefcase before."

Tony rolled his eyes theatrically. "That's not the point. Set the briefcase on the ground and press the hidden button under the handle."

Still perplexed, Steve complied. He crouched down, setting the briefcase gently on the floor. Running his hand along the handle, he felt a faint, recessed groove beneath his fingers. "Ah, found it," he muttered.

With a firm press of the button, the circular star logo on the briefcase began to glow a vibrant neon blue. The emblem suddenly protruded outward, shifting mechanically into the shape of a wheel. Before Steve's astonished eyes, the briefcase unfolded, transforming with smooth, precise movements into a high-tech motorcycle. Its design was sleek and modern, painted in deep blue with accents of silver. Each wheel bore Steve's iconic star logo, and the front proudly displayed a large, stylized "A."

Steve's eyes widened, and a genuine grin spread across his face as he stood and admired the bike. "It seems you've discovered my love for motorcycles," he remarked, his voice tinged with admiration. He walked around the vehicle, running his hand over its polished surface.

"It's more than just a bike," Melissa said, stepping forward. "It's linked to your helmet. Thanks to a neural transmitter installed inside, you'll be able to control it mentally. Go on, try it out."

Steve reached for his blue helmet, sliding it on. As it locked into place, sleek blue lenses descended over his eyes.

"These lenses are wind-resistant, so you won't have to worry about high speeds," Melissa continued. "They also display a full interface of the bike's capabilities—boosters, weapons systems, a grappling hook, and yes… it can glide. Not quite full-on flying, but close enough."

Without hesitation, Steve swung a leg over the bike and settled into the seat. He let out a soft laugh of delight. "This is incredible. Comfortable, too." He looked up at Tony and Melissa, his voice warm with gratitude. "Thank you. Really. I couldn't ask for anything better."

Tony smirked, but his expression softened as he reached into his pocket. From it, he withdrew a small, silver object and slid it across the table toward Stark.

"Here. For you," Tony said casually.

Stark raised an eyebrow, catching the object with a bemused expression. "I don't need your tech, kid. My own is plenty good enough."

"I figured you'd say that," Tony replied, shrugging. "So, I didn't make you tech. I made you something else."

Stark looked down at the object—a silver metal casing, perfectly polished and seamless. He turned it over in his hands, noting its weight and craftsmanship. It was simple yet striking. For a moment, he frowned. Was this empty?

"This," Tony began, his tone more serious now, "is an indestructible casing for your arc reactor. I know how much it means to us—it's our heart, in a way. And hearts need to be protected."

Stark opened his mouth to argue, to remind Tony that nothing was truly indestructible, but the words caught in his throat. He glanced at Tony and Melissa, both of them watching him with hopeful, earnest expressions. They were just kids, he realized—they were brilliant, thoughtful, and had probably thought hard about what to give him, not to mention he was also an adult, he was grown enough to know not to spit in someone's face when they gifted him something genuine.

A small, rare smile broke across Stark's face. Tossing the casing lightly into the air, he caught it again with ease. "Thanks," he said, his voice soft but genuine. "Looks like I've been a good boy this year. Guess Santa hasn't put me on the naughty list after all."

Enhanced Scene: Thor's Challenge and the Lightning Sword

Melissa turned to Thor, ready to present his gift, but before she could speak, Thor raised a hand with a grin. "Oh, no need, young ones. All I require is Mjolnir by my side. Though your gifts to the others are amusing, none could match the might of my hammer nor withstand the strength of the God of Thunder."

Melissa's expression remained impassive as she crossed her arms. "Oh, we've already made something for you. And I'm willing to bet it's stronger than that magic mallet of yours."

Thor's grin faltered, replaced by a look of incredulity. "What? You dare to insult Mjolnir, forged in the heart of a dying star? Such arrogance is bold indeed!"

"How about a bet then?" Melissa challenged, her smirk brimming with confidence.

Thor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What wager do you propose, little mortal?"

"If you can break what we've crafted for you, I'll admit I was wrong, and nothing can surpass Mjolnir," Melissa explained. "But if you fail, you'll let me wield Mjolnir for a bit."

Thor's booming laughter filled the room. "Do you have any idea who I am? I am Thor, the God of Thunder and Strength! My might is unmatched in all the realms! I accept your challenge. Present your creation so I may shatter it and teach you the folly of your hubris."

Melissa rolled her eyes, reaching into her pocket to pull out a bladeless sword hilt. She casually tossed it to Thor. "Here you go."

Thor caught the hilt and inspected it, turning it over in his hand. "A fine hilt, well-crafted... a pity it shall be reduced to dust."

With a grin, Thor raised Mjolnir high above his head, lightning crackling ominously around the hammer.

"Wait!" Tony shouted, realization dawning on his face. "Brace yourselves!"

The team scrambled to take cover, while Tony and Melissa activated their suits in an instant.

CRACK!

BOOM!

Mjolnir struck the hilt with thunderous force, unleashing a massive shockwave. The room shook violently as windows shattered, walls cracked, and furniture was flung across the space. The destruction wasn't limited to the room—ten floors below and three above bore the brunt of the shockwave, their windows obliterated.

When the dust settled, Thor stood at the epicenter, looking sheepish. "Ah... perhaps I overdid it," he muttered.

Melissa's voice cut through the chaos. "Overdid it? You nearly leveled the tower!"

Tony's suit retracted, while Stark glared at Thor. "You're paying for the damages."

Thor ignored the complaint, examining the hilt in his hand. Not a single dent, scratch, or scorch mark marred its surface. "Impressive. To withstand the fury of Mjolnir... I concede defeat."

He turned the hilt over, his curiosity piqued. "What is its purpose? There is no blade, no button to summon one."

Melissa stepped forward, arms crossed. "You create the blade. Aim Mjolnir at the empty space and channel your lightning into it."

Thor's brow furrowed, but he complied, pointing Mjolnir at the hilt and unleashing a controlled arc of lightning. Slowly, a blade of pure, crackling energy materialized.

The sword hummed with power as Thor twirled it experimentally. The weight felt perfect, and the blade's energy moved as an extension of his will. He grinned, impressed by its craftsmanship.

"While you wield it, the hilt absorbs and channels your energy, protecting you from its effects," Melissa explained. "It works with most types of energy, not just lightning. You can control the blade's shape and recall the hilt just like Mjolnir." Melissa explained as though thanks to Thor's endurance and resistance he didn't realize the weapon had punctured him and absorbed a bit of his blood forming a connection with him.

Thor's grin widened. "A mighty weapon for a mighty god! You have my respect, young ones." He held the blade high, then dissipated it with a thought. Securing the hilt at his waist opposite Mjolnir, he turned back to Melissa. "I shall honor our agreement. When the time comes, you may wield Mjolnir in battle."

Melissa's eyes lit up with excitement, while Tony muttered under his breath, "Why does she get all the cool bets?"

Steve, watching the exchange, finally spoke. "Is that everything?"

Tony and Melissa exchanged a glance and nodded. "Yeah, that's all we had time to prepare."

Steve clapped his hands, his voice firm. "Alright, team. Suit up. We've got a homicidal android to stop and destroy."

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