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Chapter 67: Soul
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
When Tony was about to leave, he asked Tony Stark for some basic technological data. He also handed the piece of Vibranium to Tony Stark, hoping he could forge a chest armor for himself, not necessarily comprehensive, just enough to protect his chest.
Tony Stark readily agreed; it was a trivial matter.
"I didn't expect you to get your hands on something as good as Vibranium," Tony Stark said with a smile.
Tony Stark was, of course, no stranger to Vibranium. This metal was also known as Sound-Absorbing Steel; its electrons do not move, which means Vibranium can absorb vibrational energy. It was openly priced at ten thousand dollars per gram on the market, but it was practically priceless and unavailable.
Stark Industries always dealt with various metals.
Tony bid farewell to Tony Stark. Honestly, chatting with Tony Stark wasn't restrictive at all; on the contrary, it was very relaxing, because Tony Stark himself was someone who detested seriousness and had an unconventional way of thinking. Talking to such a person was always the easiest.
"With this data, I can maximize my self-improvement and better modify Transformers..."
Tony held the USB drive in his hand. It contained relatively basic technology, but its coverage was extensive. Tony's heart burned with excitement; he knew he came from humble origins. The technology he usually managed to acquire was limited to the structural principles of firearms. There was simply no channel for him to learn more advanced concepts in a short period. Unless he completed his studies step-by-step, pursued a doctorate, entered a prestigious university to study under famous mentors, or joined a large corporation as an employee.
But where would he get so much time? Until today, he had finally obtained this basic technology thanks to his status as a shareholder and his relationship with Tony Stark. Undoubtedly, this knowledge and data weren't incredibly important; once one reached a certain level, such information was commonplace, basic technology. But for Tony, having these things now was enough.
In fact, ever since his battle with Deacon, Tony had been earnestly pondering a question that would impact his future direction—what exactly was the Soul?
Deacon, that formidable artificial creature, had left a deep impression on him. This was the strongest enemy Tony had ever faced, one with equally clear weaknesses. The Blood God, a being impervious to physical attacks and capable of infinite regeneration, was utterly suppressed by his Allspark and ultimately strangled by Tony.
What exactly controlled this blood, and why was it so vulnerable before the Allspark?
Spirit? Or Soul?
Tony had always hoped to acquire items like the Mind Stone, allowing him to delve into the mysteries of the Soul on a deeper level. As long as he unraveled this profound mystery, he would have hope of creating true Cybertronian life forms, a silicon-based life species. But it had to be said, Tony had never truly understood what the Soul was.
Did an Artificial Intelligence like Jarvis have a soul? Of course not. Jarvis was merely code created by Tony Stark, acting according to predetermined programs.
What about Ultron? And Vision? Both of these entities were born because of the Mind Stone. Especially Ultron, whose essence was also an advanced Artificial Intelligence like Jarvis, yet something seemed to have mutated...
Like the Hell lord Mephisto, who went around with contracts, tricking Earthlings into signing them, the traded item being souls. Mephisto had a great craving for human souls, tirelessly capturing them.
What was the essence of a Soul? To what extent could something be considered to possess a Soul?
Tony touched Optimus Prime's steering wheel, his thoughts drifting far away. Did Optimus Prime have a soul and consciousness? Currently, it seemed not. So, what would it take for him to have one?
In his mind, the Allspark slowly pulsed and shimmered with Tony's thoughts, emitting a serene glow. Just as its name suggested, it was the source of light and hope, possessing the authority of creation.
But this authority was incomplete, missing the most crucial part of creating life.
"The Soul..." Tony sighed.
There were many people proficient in matters of the Soul. Mephisto was one, and the Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj was another. Tony could certainly make a trip to the Himalayan Mountains, visit the Sorcerer Supreme, and ask her about the Soul. He absolutely had to figure out this question, no matter what—what exactly was the Soul, and how did a Soul come into existence?
He would spare no effort, no matter the cost.
At this moment, a group of vampires took the initiative to visit, waiting at Tony's doorstep for his return.
Under the cold, stern gazes of Tony and Blade, they respectfully conveyed the Vampire Kingdom's apologies, hoping to reconcile with Tony and cease hostilities. The vampires also guaranteed they would no longer interfere with Tony's affairs.
"We are willing to offer compensation," the leading vampire said, presenting a card with fifty million dollars.
Tony nonchalantly accepted it and told the vampires, "No matter when, I never want to see you again. Otherwise, I'll kill every single one I see. Go back and tell all your families, great and small, that I mean what I say."
The vampires' expressions shifted. The vampires behind clearly seemed resentful and began to stir, but the leader restrained them.
"Please rest assured, we will certainly convey your words," the leading vampire said, suppressing his inner anger but maintaining a respectful demeanor.
Watching the vampires gradually depart, Tony stood silently without speaking.
"I thought you'd slaughter this group of vampires in one go. I didn't expect you to be so accommodating," Blade said, standing behind him and slowly lowering the Tang Dao in his hand.
"I have urgent matters to attend to right now, so these vampires can wait for now. The Vampire Faction must already be in chaos internally, right? Moreover, they can't be completely eliminated with ordinary methods." Tony narrowed his eyes. His most pressing task was to consolidate his basic knowledge and research his Allspark; the vampire matter could wait.
What's more, to win over Blade, Tony also had to maintain a hostile stance towards vampires. If he didn't seize this opportunity to recruit Blade, S.H.I.E.L.D. might poach him in the future, especially since Blade would eventually become a Level 10 Agent in S.H.I.E.L.D.
Blade indeed smiled. He was very satisfied with Tony's attitude towards vampires. He had begun to emerge from the shadows and regain his resolve, and he would continue to hunt vampires until the end of his life.
"And you, have you come to say goodbye to me?" Tony asked.
"Yes, I should continue hunting vampires with my old partner and protecting more ordinary people." Blade carefully put away his weapon; he would continue on the path he had chosen.
Tony didn't try to keep him for long. Blade would forever live on the battlefield; he was a roaring lion, not a lapdog guarding a home. He was a great warrior to be revered.
Tony gave Blade and Whistler a modified car as a farewell gift, sincerely wishing them a smooth journey.
"If you ever run into trouble, let me know, and I'll help you beat them to death," Tony said half-joking, half-serious, watching Blade and Whistler disappear into the distance.
They would reunite again before long; with terrible enemies appearing one after another, there would be no shortage of opportunities to fight side-by-side.
"Huh, they left? Didn't even tell me!" the Old Bartender, already tipsy, slurred, waving his bottle and calling out.
(end of chapter)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
When Tony was about to leave, he asked Tony Stark for some basic technological data. He also handed the piece of Vibranium to Tony Stark, hoping he could forge a chest armor for himself, not necessarily comprehensive, just enough to protect his chest.
Tony Stark readily agreed; it was a trivial matter.
"I didn't expect you to get your hands on something as good as Vibranium," Tony Stark said with a smile.
Tony Stark was, of course, no stranger to Vibranium. This metal was also known as Sound-Absorbing Steel; its electrons do not move, which means Vibranium can absorb vibrational energy. It was openly priced at ten thousand dollars per gram on the market, but it was practically priceless and unavailable.
Stark Industries always dealt with various metals.
Tony bid farewell to Tony Stark. Honestly, chatting with Tony Stark wasn't restrictive at all; on the contrary, it was very relaxing, because Tony Stark himself was someone who detested seriousness and had an unconventional way of thinking. Talking to such a person was always the easiest.
"With this data, I can maximize my self-improvement and better modify Transformers..."
Tony held the USB drive in his hand. It contained relatively basic technology, but its coverage was extensive. Tony's heart burned with excitement; he knew he came from humble origins. The technology he usually managed to acquire was limited to the structural principles of firearms. There was simply no channel for him to learn more advanced concepts in a short period. Unless he completed his studies step-by-step, pursued a doctorate, entered a prestigious university to study under famous mentors, or joined a large corporation as an employee.
But where would he get so much time? Until today, he had finally obtained this basic technology thanks to his status as a shareholder and his relationship with Tony Stark. Undoubtedly, this knowledge and data weren't incredibly important; once one reached a certain level, such information was commonplace, basic technology. But for Tony, having these things now was enough.
In fact, ever since his battle with Deacon, Tony had been earnestly pondering a question that would impact his future direction—what exactly was the Soul?
Deacon, that formidable artificial creature, had left a deep impression on him. This was the strongest enemy Tony had ever faced, one with equally clear weaknesses. The Blood God, a being impervious to physical attacks and capable of infinite regeneration, was utterly suppressed by his Allspark and ultimately strangled by Tony.
What exactly controlled this blood, and why was it so vulnerable before the Allspark?
Spirit? Or Soul?
Tony had always hoped to acquire items like the Mind Stone, allowing him to delve into the mysteries of the Soul on a deeper level. As long as he unraveled this profound mystery, he would have hope of creating true Cybertronian life forms, a silicon-based life species. But it had to be said, Tony had never truly understood what the Soul was.
Did an Artificial Intelligence like Jarvis have a soul? Of course not. Jarvis was merely code created by Tony Stark, acting according to predetermined programs.
What about Ultron? And Vision? Both of these entities were born because of the Mind Stone. Especially Ultron, whose essence was also an advanced Artificial Intelligence like Jarvis, yet something seemed to have mutated...
Like the Hell lord Mephisto, who went around with contracts, tricking Earthlings into signing them, the traded item being souls. Mephisto had a great craving for human souls, tirelessly capturing them.
What was the essence of a Soul? To what extent could something be considered to possess a Soul?
Tony touched Optimus Prime's steering wheel, his thoughts drifting far away. Did Optimus Prime have a soul and consciousness? Currently, it seemed not. So, what would it take for him to have one?
In his mind, the Allspark slowly pulsed and shimmered with Tony's thoughts, emitting a serene glow. Just as its name suggested, it was the source of light and hope, possessing the authority of creation.
But this authority was incomplete, missing the most crucial part of creating life.
"The Soul..." Tony sighed.
There were many people proficient in matters of the Soul. Mephisto was one, and the Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj was another. Tony could certainly make a trip to the Himalayan Mountains, visit the Sorcerer Supreme, and ask her about the Soul. He absolutely had to figure out this question, no matter what—what exactly was the Soul, and how did a Soul come into existence?
He would spare no effort, no matter the cost.
At this moment, a group of vampires took the initiative to visit, waiting at Tony's doorstep for his return.
Under the cold, stern gazes of Tony and Blade, they respectfully conveyed the Vampire Kingdom's apologies, hoping to reconcile with Tony and cease hostilities. The vampires also guaranteed they would no longer interfere with Tony's affairs.
"We are willing to offer compensation," the leading vampire said, presenting a card with fifty million dollars.
Tony nonchalantly accepted it and told the vampires, "No matter when, I never want to see you again. Otherwise, I'll kill every single one I see. Go back and tell all your families, great and small, that I mean what I say."
The vampires' expressions shifted. The vampires behind clearly seemed resentful and began to stir, but the leader restrained them.
"Please rest assured, we will certainly convey your words," the leading vampire said, suppressing his inner anger but maintaining a respectful demeanor.
Watching the vampires gradually depart, Tony stood silently without speaking.
"I thought you'd slaughter this group of vampires in one go. I didn't expect you to be so accommodating," Blade said, standing behind him and slowly lowering the Tang Dao in his hand.
"I have urgent matters to attend to right now, so these vampires can wait for now. The Vampire Faction must already be in chaos internally, right? Moreover, they can't be completely eliminated with ordinary methods." Tony narrowed his eyes. His most pressing task was to consolidate his basic knowledge and research his Allspark; the vampire matter could wait.
What's more, to win over Blade, Tony also had to maintain a hostile stance towards vampires. If he didn't seize this opportunity to recruit Blade, S.H.I.E.L.D. might poach him in the future, especially since Blade would eventually become a Level 10 Agent in S.H.I.E.L.D.
Blade indeed smiled. He was very satisfied with Tony's attitude towards vampires. He had begun to emerge from the shadows and regain his resolve, and he would continue to hunt vampires until the end of his life.
"And you, have you come to say goodbye to me?" Tony asked.
"Yes, I should continue hunting vampires with my old partner and protecting more ordinary people." Blade carefully put away his weapon; he would continue on the path he had chosen.
Tony didn't try to keep him for long. Blade would forever live on the battlefield; he was a roaring lion, not a lapdog guarding a home. He was a great warrior to be revered.
Tony gave Blade and Whistler a modified car as a farewell gift, sincerely wishing them a smooth journey.
"If you ever run into trouble, let me know, and I'll help you beat them to death," Tony said half-joking, half-serious, watching Blade and Whistler disappear into the distance.
They would reunite again before long; with terrible enemies appearing one after another, there would be no shortage of opportunities to fight side-by-side.
"Huh, they left? Didn't even tell me!" the Old Bartender, already tipsy, slurred, waving his bottle and calling out.
(end of chapter)
