MCU- CH-225. Robert Reynolds

"Jarvis, is there something urgent? Why are you calling me at this time?"

At this moment, Tony, who had just come down from the racetrack, took off his helmet and answered the phone.

"Master Tony, the master asked you to come home as soon as possible." Jarvis said, conveying Howard's message with precision.

"Why does he want me home so urgently?"

Tony was puzzled. His father had never summoned him with such urgency before.

"Master Tony, the master is receiving a very distinguished guest and wants you to meet them."

Jarvis was unclear about Luke's identity, but from Luke's appearance and Howard's behavior, it was evident this was no ordinary guest.

"It's really strange. What kind of distinguished guest requires my presence?"

Though Tony sounded reluctant, his actions betrayed him. He was already heading toward the parking garage.

After retrieving his car keys from the valet, Tony realized he had nothing to give as a tip.

"Do you want a career change?"

Leaning out of the driver's seat, Tony addressed the valet.

Of course, the valet recognized Tony Stark. Hearing those words, he felt as if fortune had smiled upon him.

"Mr. Stark, it's my pleasure!"

The valet, whose name tag read *Happy Hogan*, replied excitedly.

"Uh! What's your name?" Tony asked.

"My name is Happy Hogan, sir." Happy responded, his excitement evident.

"Alright, Happy. Report to Stark Industries tomorrow. If anyone asks, just say I sent you."

With that, Tony stepped on the accelerator and sped off. Watching him leave, Happy felt as if he were dreaming.

"Is this real? Am I really going to work at Stark Industries?"

Still in disbelief, Happy pinched himself.

In another timeline, Happy and Tony's paths crossed after Happy saved Tony in a racing accident. This chance encounter had now unfolded differently, but fate ensured their connection remained intact.

As for whether Tony would still become Iron Man and whether Happy would become his loyal bodyguard—it all depended on fate.

Tony soon arrived home. Not even bothering to change out of his racing suit, he headed directly to meet his father and the mysterious guest.

At that moment, Howard was asking Luke about various aspects of the universe. Learning about the vast and powerful civilizations beyond Earth, Howard couldn't help but feel a spark of ambition.

"Wow! Is your outfit inspired by the devil?"

"But I must admit, it's impressively realistic. Especially those horns—they look like they're genuinely part of you. Do you mind if I touch them?"

Seeing Luke's appearance, Tony's brash personality was on full display.

Tony, who had yet to experience personal loss or significant challenges, was even more flamboyant and unrestrained than his counterpart from another timeline.

"Tony, don't be rude to Mr. Luke. Apologize immediately." Howard scolded, his tone anxious.

Howard understood Luke's power. Though Luke appeared casual, he was not someone to be provoked lightly.

"Mr. Luke? Is this the distinguished guest you wanted me to meet? I didn't know you were into circus acts!" Tony quipped, completely misunderstanding Luke's appearance.

"I have to say, your current personality is thoroughly unpleasant." Luke said calmly.

Suddenly, Tony felt his consciousness being dragged into an immense, dark void. Before him loomed two massive, glowing red orbs, like lanterns in the night.

A ferocious and terrifying dragon appeared, its scarlet eyes locked onto him. The sheer terror from the depths of his soul made Tony's legs buckle, and he collapsed to the ground.

"Ah!"

Just as the dragon raised its colossal claw to strike, Tony let out a desperate scream, snapping back to reality.

Still trembling, Tony looked at Luke. To his horror, Luke's shadow resembled the dragon he had just seen—its crimson eyes glaring at him.

This time, Tony fell again, his face pale and filled with fear.

"Tony, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Howard rushed to his son's side, supporting him.

"Don't worry. It was just a minor punishment. He'll be fine after some rest." Luke said indifferently.

Tony Stark's arrogance, pride, and so-called genius were of little value to someone like Luke. Before Tony had experienced hardship, he was far from likable.

After a while, Tony recovered, though his gaze toward Luke now held a trace of fear. He realized that Luke's appearance was not mere theatrics.

"Mr. Luke, I sincerely apologize for Tony's behavior." Howard said, bowing slightly.

As the conversation continued, Tony gradually came to understand who Luke was. Though awe began to take root in his heart, so too did a spark of defiance.

Unconsciously, an idea began to form in Tony's mind—a plan to challenge the seemingly invincible Luke.

Luke, observing Tony, chuckled inwardly. He had seen through Tony's thoughts with ease.

Fate seemed to play its role impeccably. The origins of Iron Man, in this altered timeline, were now tied to Tony's fear of Luke. The seeds of transformation were sown, much like Tony's serendipitous encounter with Happy.

On the other side, Coulson and several agents were beginning their investigation into individuals suspected of being the Golden Warrior.

After meeting the first three candidates, Coulson had essentially ruled them out based on their actions and demeanor. The only one left on the list was **Robert Reynolds**, someone even Director Nick Fury had personally marked as a potential subject of interest.

"You'll stay outside to provide backup. Be cautious not to reveal yourselves, and under no circumstances should anyone display hostility or act without my explicit orders. Understood?" Coulson instructed the agents.

Before approaching Reynolds, he took every precaution, knowing the potential danger involved. While all the agents were professionally trained and highly disciplined, the stakes this time were significantly higher. After all, the individual they were dealing with was considered far more dangerous than the big green guy—and that was saying something.

"Understood, sir!" The agents responded in unison, their expressions grave.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Once everything was prepared, Coulson knocked on the door to Reynolds' apartment alone.

Inside, Robert Reynolds was spending time with his girlfriend, Lindy. Coulson and his team had timed their visit deliberately, knowing this. According to their intel, while Reynolds had a history of drug abuse, he was genuinely devoted to his girlfriend.

Having Lindy present might offer some additional security, Coulson reasoned.

"Who is it?" Lindy called out, peering through the peephole in the door.

"Hello, Mrs. Reynolds. My name is Phil Coulson, and I work for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. I apologize for the unexpected visit, but I have something important to discuss with your husband." Coulson replied, his tone calm and professional as he held up his identification.

Lindy hesitated. Reynolds had confided in her about what had happened to him, so she wasn't entirely unprepared for this day to come. Still, she hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

She frowned slightly at the mention of Coulson's organization. The name didn't ring any bells, and she couldn't shake a lingering sense of unease. But Coulson's polite demeanor and genuine smile eased her wariness. Plus, with Reynolds at home, she felt confident that there was no immediate threat.

"Mr. Coulson, please come in." She said, opening the door.

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds." Coulson replied, stepping inside.

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