Tony studied the helmet in his hand, turning it over as if trying to decipher its secrets. "What exactly is Chaldea?" he mused aloud. "I can tell you right now, even though the interface language is Japanese, there's no way any organization or scientist in Japan—or anywhere else, for that matter—could produce something like this. This isn't just a prototype; it's a fully realized product, ready for commercial release."
He was right. Even considering the previous Mecha Mirage, this kind of technology, especially the energy source, was beyond anything in this world.
"I already told you," Shen He replied, pausing before continuing. "Most of the time, we just observe—observe multiple worlds. But occasionally, like now, we intervene to prevent a disastrous future. And you and I both know this device will change your world. What I need is to make sure that change is for the better."
Tony nodded thoughtfully, his usual smirk absent. "I can agree with that. People like us, with the power to change the world, have a responsibility to make sure it's for the better, not worse."
He was speaking from experience. His weapons were once meant to bring peace, but they ended up fueling wars. That realization led him to shut down Stark Industries' weapons division. The Iron Man suit was his way of taking responsibility.
Shen He clapped him on the back. "Alright, let's put that aside for now. Time to talk business. How many shares do you want in my new company?"
Tony rubbed his chin. "I think 10% should do. Even though this is a complete product, I'm the only one who can quickly crack its technology. If we consider its future potential, the initial investment is practically nothing. So, my 10% is primarily for technical support and operational production."
It was an incredibly fair number, perhaps even too fair. Tony was calculating the helmet's maximum future value—something unheard of in standard venture capital deals. His trust in Shen He and his curiosity about Chaldea played a big role in his decision.
But Shen He had another idea. "Tony, you know I'm not interested in money." He spread his hands, ready for a dramatic speech. "Before I came here, I never even touched money. To me, it's just a resource—a tool to help me save the world. So let's make a trade instead."
"…You want shares in Stark Industries?"
"Exactly." Shen He nodded. "I don't need money—I need influence. But not right away. I'll trade shares in my company gradually, as it develops."
The virtual helmet had the potential to become a titan in the digital world, even impacting reality. But Shen He's true concern was ensuring Earth's survival through upcoming crises. The influence of industry mattered more than the network economy.
More importantly, this deal allowed him to rely on Tony's power through a business partnership, rather than just friendship. Even strong friendships could strain under repeated one-sided requests.
Tony chuckled, shaking his head. "Stark Industries was my father's legacy, but as long as I keep control, I don't mind sharing a bit. My uncle's gone, so my shares are already solid. Guess there's nothing left to say—except maybe we should throw a party to celebrate our partnership."
Shen He grinned. "Of course! That's a given."
In just twenty days, he had gone from an unknown newcomer to a key player shaping the future of this world. Sure, he had some cheats helping him, but that didn't make the thrill any less real.
Still, there were bigger things ahead—like the arrival of a certain Asgardian prince.
Thor, the God of Thunder.
Asgard, despite being vastly stronger than Earth, was ultimately destroyed before humanity ever faced its greatest threats. When Shen He first watched the movie, he felt a pang of regret. If there was one major event he wanted to change, it was that. And conveniently, it fit with the narrative Chaldea had already established—observation first, then intervention.
But before he could prepare for that, he needed to strengthen himself.
At the moment, he was stuck at level thirteen. Breaking past level ten had already required an absurd number of enhancement stones, and even with Qi Mu's support, progress was slow. So, his focus shifted to training Violet.
However, reality rarely cooperated with plans.
"Why can't I upgrade past level ten?" Shen He frowned, irritation creeping into his voice.
"Master?"
Violet looked up at him, tilting her head slightly.
She still didn't speak much, but she had already mastered the word "Master."
"This isn't your fault."
Shen He sat at the bedside of the two rituals, running his fingers through Violet's silky blonde hair.
On his system's virtual interface, an item requirement flashed—ten Wyvern's Claws.
Wyverns only appeared on dungeon floors past level 30. Shen He was currently stuck at floor 20.
That meant the only option left was…
He turned his gaze to Sister Shiji, still unconscious on the bed. He had tried enhancing her before, and it worked—but it didn't seem to help wake her up.
His phone rang suddenly.
It was Tony.
"Tony? What's up?"
"You don't sound like yourself, He."
Shen He sighed. "Everyone has bad days."
"Fair enough. Anyway, I've got some news that might cheer you up." Tony's voice carried a hint of excitement. "I think this virtual helmet might help your girl—the one called 'the two rituals.'"
Shen He sat up straight. "Are you serious!?"
"Dead serious. I looked into her medical report. Her condition isn't like a normal coma—her brain waves are still highly active. That means she might just be asleep, not in a true vegetative state. I won't bore you with the science, but I'm sending over two lab-replicated helmets for you to test."
Tony had been studying the helmet obsessively since Shen He introduced it. The moment he thought of this possibility, he called immediately.
As Shen He hung up, his mind raced.
Could this really work?
According to her original backstory, the two rituals' consciousness had been trapped inside, staring into the void. Constant exposure to the concept of death was what eventually gave her the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception.
If she was still aware in some way…
Then maybe, just maybe…
She could wake up.
—