Now that I think about it, I'm not screwing Spiderman's chance to practically become Tony's long-lost son by getting acquainted with him like this super early on, am I?
Ignoring that thought, I had a look at the Quest.
[Amass Funds]
Tony Stark has given a task to you.
Task 1: Earn Money: $0/$60,000 USD.
Deadline: March 31st.
Reward:
Stark Industries Investment Portfolio
200 EXP
1 Earring Box (Orange)(Random)
1 Ring Box (Orange)(Random)
+5 All Stats,
Tony Stark's Relationship Status Acquaintance -> Friend.
Sheesh. Talk about a hefty reward right there!
I have a full month to accomplish this, and Tony thinks I can do it, so I can't exactly turn it down. He'll see me as a friend after this.
I know some fanfictions out there whose main character snags Stark Industries shares because Tony shuts down the weapons manufacturing division after his Iron Man declaration, but I'm grouped with those people. Looks like I'll be going down the same route, and it'll become a good nest egg for me down the line. I'm getting excited just thinking about it!
"Yeah. I think I can do it, Mr. Stark.", I said, nodding my head in agreement.
"See?", Tony said, and smiled back. "And like I said, call me Tony. I don't like being called that. By the way, we've one stop to make too. A change of clothes is needed. Consider it another investment. I'll buy your first suit. Can't exactly walk into Stark HQ without one, and especially in a hoodie."
"Right. I really appreciate it, Tony.", I happily said.
"We're really doing this?", Happy asked, still in disbelief.
"Of course. I don't back down on what I say or do.", Tony answered.
"Fine. But when you get yelled at by Pepper later, don't come crying back to me. I'm not involved in any of this.", Happy said, and sighed.
"And that's why you're Happy~", Tony said, smirking. "Anyways, kid, got a tune that you enjoy? We've more than a half hour before we arrive at Long Beach."
Music, huh? What sort of bands are around back in the 2000s? My eyes immediately lit up.
"Let's listen to some Linkin Park.", I responded. It's been around a decade since their band formed, and you can't go wrong with them."
"Sounds good to me. Hit it, Happy!", Tony exclaimed.
"...Why drag me into this...", Happy murmured to himself, and sighed again.
But Happy was Tony's chauffeur amongst other roles, he could only do what Tony says. Tuning the radio, the car soon began to blast loudly with classic rock-n-roll.
Thanks to that, it made the rest of the ride rather uneventful.
Eating the rest of the remaining Big Macs, my HP restored back to full, and I let the time spent to restore the rest of my MP. During this, I wandered back into my own thoughts, letting reality really settle. The fact I'm in the MCU and all. Not my previous earth. It was only 2006 now, but before I know it, things are going to get crazy.
And it all starts with the Iron Man movie. I'm already looking forward to the moment where Tony Stark announces to the media with the famous line, "I Am Iron Man!"
A smile crept on my lips while I let my thoughts settle. As that happened, the Mercedes Benz quickly sped along the highway. Before long, a beautiful, waterfront city soon came into view. Long Beach California!
My thoughts stirred awake once another Gamer Notification arrived.
[Ding! You have changed your Location.]
[Ding! You have arrived at Long Beach California.]
[Ding! Your HP and MP have fully recovered.]
[Ding! The time is 10:00AM. 55*F. Partly cloudy with a cool breeze.]
Neat.
It was as if a cool splash of water splashed onto my face. A refreshing feeling. From the car window, I saw a coastline city now in view.
The city itself was connected to the Pacific Ocean. Pure ocean water that was met with steel, glass, and concrete. Compared to Los Angeles that had towering skyscrapers, Long Beach had a more open feeling to it. A faint scent of salt wafted in the air. The smell of the ocean.
Every so often a luxury car would glide through the streets alongside several morning delivery trucks, each to their respective destination. Cyclists also sped along the streets, enjoying the beachside. There were even joggers running about.
With it well into the morning, the local cafes were open to everyone alike. Some restaurants overlooked marinas and what appeared to be million-dollar yachts parked neatly along the coast. Further into Long Beach were lines of condominiums, or apartment complexes. But there was one building that towered over the rest.
Stark Headquarters. It dominated the skyline. It could be seen from almost every major district in Long Beach, which looked over dozens of smaller office buildings and corporations. It definitely stood out from the rest, and no I'm not trying to sound eastern here. It's just that magnificent! But it's not like there weren't any skyscrapers at all. They're there, and even with that, you can see Stark Industries HQ clear as day.
We spent around a half-hour at a well-known boutique, letting Tony pick out a suit that cost a whole two-hundred bucks.
From there, we arrived in what I could only dream of in the past. Connected directly to the coastline stood a very desirable waterfront location. It was legit a tower that rose over other houses with effortless confidence. It was several floors tall. It had curved glass windows that caught the sunlight during the day, allowing a mixture of silver, blue and gold hues to spread throughout the building complex.
Once we stepped into the lobby, it was as if I had walked into a five-star hotel.
And get this. While there were several floors that were composed of Azure Point, I had initially thought they were units that other people could rent out. But no. This entire building is all considered one rental unit!
That meant I had ten plus floors I could have access to as long as I held onto the agreement I have with Tony. Just that thought alone made me suck in a cold breath of air.
Is this what rich people feel when they have too much money to spend?
It even has a freaking private elevator. But unlike a five-star hotel, there was no one to greet us at the entrance. This place was vacant, as far as I could tell.
Ding.
Stepping out, we went all the way to the 12th Floor, the penthouse suite.
"Here we are. Home sweet home. For the next three months at least as long as you can get me my sixty grand. Welcome to Azure Point kid.", Tony said, strutting about like he owns the place, even though he did! "You said you're eighteen yeah? How about I whip you up a glass of whiskey and we'll just turn the other way?"
"Welcome back, Sir. I would advise you against serving alcohol to a minor.", A voice spoke out, appearing very familiar.
"Oh Jarvis, you're back. About time you showed up. Were you able to get anything after that stretch of interference back in LA?", Tony asked, but didn't behave like he spoke to a person just now.
No one showed up. It was more of an intercom's voice that spoke into the building itself. Did Tony have this place wired as well with that AI of his?
I guess that makes sense. This apartment is one that Tony owned, so where Tony goes, Jarvis is likely to follow. That might be something I may have to get used to. Unless he's personally doing something for Tony, he's basically a butler. Just in the form of artificial intelligence.
"I am afraid not, Sir. I could not gather any information when you vanished into that place. Not since I lost connection with you. It is good to see you unharmed. May I ask who is the person you brought?", Jarvis asked.
"I am glad you asked, Jarvis. This is Myles Alexander. Azure Point's newest and only tenant. He'll be living under my care for a while. I don't expect you to grant his requests, but if he has a question, you may answer him.", Tony explained while giving me a pat on the back.
"Uhh...It is nice to meet you, Jarvis?", I asked, even though I wasn't speaking to anyone.
"Likewise. As you are now Mr. Stark's tenant, this penthouse will be your living space. If you have any questions or concerns, I shall be here to address them.", Jarvis said, introducing himself to me.
"Thank you.", I nodded.
"Oh, and before I forget, catch this. Call me whenever you hit up that second dungeon. I want in on the action.", Tony said, and tossed a flip-phone my way. On it was his registered personal contact. Not one that would get wired to his office.
"Got it. I know I've already given you my thanks Tony, but thank you. It truly means a lot to me. You just don't know it.", I said, smiling at Tony.
"It is no problem. Good luck fitting in, and all of that.", Tony said, and did a motion of his hand. "Now I just need to find a way to break this to Pepper without getting yelled at."
"I've already gone ahead and notified Ms. Potts of the change. She is presently on her way here as we speak.", Jarvis said, causing a bucket of cold water to run down Tony's back. His eyes were crystal clear after that.
"F*CK!", Tony cursed, slamming his hands down on the nearby dining counter that had really fancy marble-tiling on it.
"I told you reality was going to hit you, Tony. I hope you're ready.", Happy said, before looking at me. "Let's ignore the guy. Myles, was it? Interested in a drink? I can whip us up a couple. Non-alcoholic of course."
"It'd be my pleasure."
Just like that, Happy went over to what appeared to be a large selection of personally-chosen beverages nicely displayed on a rack. He became busy while I took to the nearest couch, and it was just as comfy as the inside of the Mercedes Benz was. I could get used to this.
As for Tony, he just kept on grumbling something as reality was hitting him in the face.