Chapter 7
Press Conference
Although I saw that this was such a powerful ability, unfortunately I couldn't use it at all for the time being. Apart from the name of the ability, the system only gave me some meaningless hints:
This feature cannot be enabled; detailed information cannot be accessed at this time.
However, the user manual then explained the reason. The reason it cannot be activated is that the T-virus's ability to develop telekinesis is too rudimentary to allow for further development of higher-level abilities.
The user manual also explains how to obtain these unopened capabilities.
For example, acquiring a higher-level source of telekinesis, such as the mutant genes of Charles and Jean Grey, or gaining magical abilities to learn magic, could unlock even more powers. Furthermore, acquiring other special abilities and combining them with telekinesis could potentially develop even more diverse and powerful abilities.
Furthermore, the telekinesis developed by the T-virus isn't too bad either. There are also two techniques that can be acquired after mastering them to a high level.
One technique involves using X-ray vision. By narrowing and enhancing the range of perception on top of superhuman sensitivity, one can penetrate the surface of objects and perceive what lies behind them—a veritable miracle for a pervert.
If I had this ability, I could go to Las Vegas and see the dealer's cards directly, and the casino would become my ATM.
No, I'm Tony Stark now, making money faster than going to the casino.
Another potential ability is also based on the characteristics of the T-virus. Since the T-virus's telekinesis comes from brain development, it can allow the brain to operate at higher power, perform overclocking operations, and temporarily enhance telekinesis.
However, there are also side effects, namely, a relatively large burden on the body. Mild cases may result in exhaustion, while severe cases may cause various types of brain damage. However, the manual also states that the T-virus can repair damage, but it does not guarantee that memory will not be lost due to the damage.
This is indeed a skill that can suddenly unleash its full potential in battle, burning through the health bar—it's practically a standard feature for protagonists.
This is why the manual recommends finding items or methods to enhance physical attributes, thereby increasing the upper limit of overclocking capabilities. After all, the more health you have, the longer you can burn through the heat.
Finally, Tony looked at the advanced telekinetic abilities he hadn't yet acquired, such as energy conversion, fire control, mind reading, and future perception, along with their activation methods.
While feeling a sense of longing, I also realized how good treasure chests are, and how much treasure chest I need to open.
In the remaining time, Tony secretly practiced his telekinesis, moving surrounding objects in small areas, such as quietly raising the bed by one millimeter, or focusing his mind on the screen, trying to see through it to see what Rhodey was doing behind it.
During the practice, time passed quickly, and the plane finally landed in Los Angeles, USA.
As the plane landed, the cabin door slowly opened. Rhodey was standing to the side, but because Tony was enhanced by the T-virus, his physical examination showed no abnormalities, unlike his poor physical condition in the original work, so Rhodey did not intend to help him up.
But Tony found a few emergency bandages in the warehouse from the equipment the soldiers had forgotten to take, wrapped them around himself, put his arm in a sling, and tugged at Rod's shoulder.
"Come here, help me up."
"Hey bro, what's going on?" Rod was a little confused about Tony's actions.
"Never mind, just support me. Oh, and remember to keep my condition a secret from others. If anyone asks, just say I'm not feeling well."
Rhodes was even more puzzled: "I remember when you boarded the plane, the military doctor examined you and said that apart from being a little malnourished, your physical functions were excellent, even better than those of our special forces soldiers."
At this point, Rod paused and asked curiously, "Do you rich people have any special health maintenance methods, the kind that can slow down aging and keep you energetic?"
"Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and help me up." Tony urged as the hatch was about to open.
Aside from the typical gossipy nature of Black supporting characters in movies, Rod was otherwise quite reliable. He skillfully helped Tony off the plane's cargo hold.
Pepper Potts, who was picking Tony up at the airport, immediately teared up when she saw Tony being helped down the stairs. She probably had already imagined a series of scenarios in her mind, based on the previous video.
"Hey, I see your eyes are red. Are you worried about me?"
"No, it's joy, I'm happy that I don't have to look for a job anymore."
"Don't worry, you don't have to work if you want to."
"Am I being fired?" Pepper was a little stunned.
"No, I was just thinking, maybe we could go on a date," Tony said bluntly.
"Have you changed your ways? You're starting with the people around you now." Pepper felt that Tony was making fun of her again.
Upon hearing this, Rhodes and Happy consciously moved to the side, but their ears were practically perked up. Rhodes especially wished the soldiers would immediately give him a listening device.
"No, a friend told me not to waste my life, and then I thought about it and realized I should go on a date with you."
"This, this." Pepper was also a little stunned. She had imagined Tony's return many times, but she didn't expect it to be like this. Although she did have feelings for Tony, she was really not mentally prepared.
"No need to make a decision so quickly, get in the car first, happy, let's go."
"Okay, sir." Happy was disappointed that he couldn't see the end of the gossip, but he still maintained his professionalism and immediately got into the zone. He opened the car door for Tony, and after Tony got in, he got in himself and prepared to drive off.
"Where to, sir?"
"What about my press conference? I should hold a press conference when I get back."
Pepper was still a bit stunned, and subconsciously replied, "Mr. Obadiah is organizing a press conference, the main purpose of which is to announce your safe return. Previously, due to your disappearance, Stark Industries' stock price had been falling, and the board of directors had a lot of complaints. After this incident, they want to separate your personal image from Stark Industries."
"I'm still the CEO of Stark Industries, and the controlling shareholder, right?" Tony asked.
"That's right, but it was Mr. Obadiah who brought it up, so many minority shareholders agreed. You know Mr. Obadiah has a lot of influence on the board."
"Ignore them, go to the press conference, I have something to announce."
"Yes, sir."
Still in shock, neither Pepper nor Happy thought of taking Tony to the hospital for a check-up first.
The car quickly arrived at the press conference venue, where Obama, who was holding the press conference, had already received the news and arrived at the entrance in advance, perfectly embodying the image of a veteran Stark supporter. At the same time, reporters swarmed around him.
As soon as Tony got out of the car, camera flashes started going off nonstop. Obadiah immediately rushed over: "Hey Tony. I was going to visit you at the hospital."
Tony took a step to the side, dodging Obadiah's hug, pointed to his sling, shook his head, and said, "It's not very convenient."
Obadiah's acting was spot-on; he immediately switched to a worried expression, with a hint of self-blame on his face, and said, "You should go to the hospital. It's all my fault. Your father entrusted you to me, and I let you get kidnapped."
Watching this old man put on an act, Tony wished he could just use his telekinesis to crush his head. Wasn't it all your fault that I was kidnapped?
Don't be angry, don't be angry, now is not the time. Wait a couple of days, and I'll kill you.