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Chapter 376: The Non-Existent Armor
🕑 Added 2025-09-12 03:19:34 +0000 UTCOn the outskirts of New York, by a reservoir, transport trucks carrying various construction materials were arriving in an orderly fashion. Above the reservoir lay extensive construction sites; clearly, a massive project was underway. Many workers were busy, yet showed no complaints. Their employer was Tony Stark, the man who, with a group of mages, saved Earth, and one of America's wealthiest individuals!
The existence of mages was no longer a secret on Earth, as their actions that day had shocked the world! Aside from a few 'crisis theorists' who kept spreading warnings about their supposed danger, almost no one dared to criticize mages. Of course, those who did spread such ideas ultimately met "very good" ends, silencing many who harbored ill intentions. What they did in private, no one knew or cared.
For now, mages remained elusive. Even if found, those seeking them would likely face a "very good end."
Worldwide Ministries of Magic had deeply ingrained self-prespreservation tactics. While years of Noah's influence had altered many of their views, prompting their large-scale deployment, some things were fundamental. Though mages were now publicly known, none foolishly admitted to being one.
Mages are inherently reclusive, preferring to research intriguing things rather than revealing their identities and inviting trouble. Yet, they had little objection to exposing 'Earth has mages'; facing a planetary threat, what else were they to do?
Surprisingly, after their existence was revealed, ordinary people showed remarkably little malice towards them. Most celebrated mages as Earth's protectors, unlike mutants, who were often condemned regardless of their actions, exacerbated by Erik's interference and Charles's overly gentle approach.
Without Noah's intervention, mutants would likely have faced a predictable future. The mage community, however, was no joke. Propagating threat theories?
Resisting mages? Then go resist them in hell or heaven!
Hopefully, they'd enjoy it there. Furthermore, the higher echelons of the Ministries of Magic had direct or indirect ties to ordinary world leaders, whether through control or pre-existing connections. This ensured that those who spread dissent were easily dealt with. They didn't know the Ancient One's stance on this, but they knew Noah, the future Sorcerer Supreme, supported it wholeheartedly!
"Because Lord Fenner himself controlled some high-ranking officials in the ordinary world," this 'unorthodox' example set by Noah meant these Ministry of Magic officials felt no pressure doing these things!
However, they also knew some lines couldn't be crossed.
If they interfered in matters unrelated to protecting the magical world, they'd likely find themselves visited by Kamar-Taj mages.
The mage situation had largely subsided, as ordinary people couldn't find them. But it wasn't just mages in the Manhattan battle. While ordinary people praised mages, they preferred their 'normal' heroes! Like Tony, Captain America Steve, already a legend, and Banner, who barely controlled himself. Unfortunately, SHIELD agents were often overlooked; people only remembered Tony and his group, the Avengers. When these construction workers learned their employer was Tony Stark, Earth's protector and a man of immense wealth, they were incredibly
motivated!
They worked diligently to finish the project as quickly as possible, as Tony had promised extra pay for early completion! While the construction workers were bustling, Tony and Victor were in a container-like structure nearby, discussing something. Ever since Noah introduced them, they'd found themselves incredibly compatible in every aspect except personality! They were a complementary duo: Tony, flamboyant and attention-seeking, and Victor, reserved, a mage accustomed to hiding from ordinary people.
Their abilities also contrasted: Tony excelled in science and technology, unmatched in mechanical science (those who could rival him were already gone). Victor, a seventh-tier Sorcerer who passed the Magister exam, possessed unique magical prowess.
After Noah's introduction, they instantly clicked. After Noah's banquet, they became inseparable. Days passed, and with their complementary personalities, their progress was immense. Victor was even influenced by Tony, planning to build his own suit of armor after seeing Tony's and loving it. Tony, in turn, generously shared his creations, and Victor's help was invaluable.
Together, they spent time creating a brand-new Iron Man suit not found in movies or comics.
"This is cool, isn't it! Honestly, even I'm tempted!" Tony looked at the suit, genuinely excited, because it was completely unlike his previous technology! The suit's primary material was a magical substance called Long Moon Silver, extremely precious in the magical world, guarded by difficult magical beasts.
Of course, this was only true for lower-tier mages; for a seventh-tier individual like Victor, it was no problem.
While not on par with legendary materials, its malleability surpassed even Mithril! It was also incredibly light, offered excellent defense, and conducted magic well. So, Victor didn't hesitate to travel to Africa to retrieve it. He also acquired some unique creature pelts, rumored to fetch a good price.
"It's indeed excellent. Honestly, your technology truly surpasses imagination, I love it." Victor also smiled as he looked at the armor. He had been experimenting with mechanical evolution, but had yet to make any breakthroughs. This didn't diminish his love for machinery, and this new armor gave him more ideas.
The armor had no weapon systems because Victor disdained conventional human weaponry. Tony didn't waste time on that, but Victor added numerous runes and enchantments, even consulting many books Noah left for Tony. Victor was far more knowledgeable about magic than Tony.
He taught Tony about rune combinations while setting up runes suitable for his own combat style on the armor. So, the runes and enchantments on this armor primarily boosted magical power, increased destructive force, and enhanced speed.
This design puzzled Tony, as he knew Noah was generally averse to close-quarters combat. Of course, even if Noah was engaged in close combat, he wasn't afraid. Tony had experienced being "controlled into a statue" by Noah in close quarters, followed by a barrage of attacks.
"Every mage has a different fighting style. Noah is an anomaly among Kamar-Taj mages. Normally, we prefer close-quarters combat with magical support. He prefers... no, he abhors close-quarters combat."
Alright, it seemed it was an issue with Noah's fighting style. Tony understood this now, and with a mischievous twist, he secretly designed two weapons for Victor's armor. At that moment, Victor seemed to notice two hidden reactors in the armor's gauntlets. These were a combination of a magic core and a new element, but he couldn't discern their exact use, only that they seemed detachable.
"What are these?" Victor asked, puzzled.
"Weapons made from magic and a new element," Tony said with a smile, raising his hand. "You use magic to shape them into a specific form, then use the new elemental reactor to give them greater power, and then add some color." As he spoke, two blue lightsabers appeared in Tony's hands. "See, don't they look like a Jedi Knight's?"
"Uh..." Victor wanted to say he wasn't a Star Wars fan, but he felt this seemed rather good. From Victor's observation, the power of these weapons solely depended on the magnitude of the magical energy channeled. If he injected his own magic, their power would be immense, easily capable of slicing through a building.
After a moment's thought, Victor was about to say thank you, but then he felt something amiss, and simultaneously, J.A.R.V.I.S. sounded an alarm...
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