"Magic likely uses one's own power as energy, with spells as a medium to manipulate the world's rules. As for wands, they stabilize and channel this power... Never mind, it's too complicated to explain to a Muggle. I'll bring you a book later. You can read a first-grade magic theory textbook yourself. You're smart, you should get it," Hermione said absently.
Tony's mouth twitched.
Darn, this kid's belittling me again.
"Sooner or later, I'll figure out magic's principles and invent anti-wizard armor. Then we'll see who cries for mommy," Tony muttered.
"By the way, Pepper, have you been busy lately? I need your help."
After a pause, Tony seemed to remember something, stopping his work to look at Pepper.
"What is it?"
Tony handed her a USB-like device.
"I need you to go to my office, hack into the company server, and retrieve all recent shipping lists. They might be in the execution documents or on a ghost drive..."
He suspected someone within Stark Industries was secretly selling weapons. He sought evidence to identify the traitor.
Tony continued, but Pepper interrupted:
"What will you do if I bring back the info?"
Her expression turned serious, eyes locked on Tony.
Tony, oblivious to her change, continued:
"Same thing—stop them, find my weapons, and destroy them..."
Pepper's eyes conveyed disappointment, her voice growing stern.
"Tony, I'd do anything for you, but if you keep on like this, I can't help you."
The atmosphere grew tense.
Hermione quietly slipped from Pepper's embrace, watching the exchange.
Whether Tony ignored or missed the tension, he continued:
"There's nothing else—no art shows, no charity events, no signings. Just this mission, nothing more."
His tone grew cold, his gaze intense, seemingly angered by her refusal.
Pepper, unfazed, spoke with calm sadness.
"Really," she said, "Then I quit."
Tony exclaimed, "You've been with me for years, watched my weapons harm innocents. Now I want to protect those endangered by me, and you're leaving?"
Pepper shook her head:
"You'll get yourself killed, Tony."
"I don't care!"
Tony's voice cracked with hysteria.
Pepper said nothing, casting him a deep look before turning away.
Hermione stood, shaking her head slightly.
"Hermione, are you leaving too?"
Tony's voice sounded helpless, the once-envied winner appearing pitiful.
"Tony, why would I choose you over Pepper?"
Hermione sensed Tony's troubled mind, deciding on tough love.
"If you don't care, then die without dragging others down."
Her harshness seemed to shock Tony, his thoughts short-circuiting. Even Pepper, reaching the door, paused, "Hermione..."
She reached out to stop her.
"Pepper, let me speak."
Hermione's voice held undeniable authority, eyes calm yet firm.
"You want to be a superhero, save the world—that's fine. But do you know the strain Pepper's under, managing your company and covering for you? You don't even ask, let alone thank her. You drown yourself in your suits, oblivious."
"I thought she'd rest once you returned, but your neglect burdens her daily. She runs your life and your company without respite."
"I visit not because I like you, but to give Pepper a break."
"If there's a traitor, find them yourself. If discovered, it won't risk others. Pepper's just an assistant, not your girlfriend, wife, or superhero. She's an ordinary person helping you out of love."
"For her dedication, cherish the life Ethan died saving."
Tony paled at Hermione's words.
"Are you protecting the world, or self-destructing from guilt? If it's the latter, I can help."
With a casual wave, Hermione sliced a nearby table in two.
"I... I..."
Seeing this, Tony stepped forward, wanting to speak.
In an instant, Hermione's wand pressed to his chest.
Her expression was cold, robes billowing as a fierce wind swirled around her, objects shattering under pressure.
Her presence exuded terror and authority.
For the first time, Tony and Pepper truly grasped the weight of the word "wizard."
"Incendio!"
Several fiery serpents erupted from her wand, encircling Tony, creating a barrier.
The flames consumed the lab.
Afterward, Hermione turned, "Pepper, let's go. Let him reflect on what he truly wants."
Taking Pepper's wrist, she led her out.
Pepper hesitated, then spoke to Tony, "I'll get the documents."
She paused at the door.
"Then resign."
As Pepper and Hermione vanished, Tony collapsed, drained and despondent, staring at the suit amidst the flames.
---
Outside, Pepper glanced back, worried.
"Hermione, won't your fire... is Tony safe?"
AUTHOR 😔
"A few days ago, my phone was broken, so I missed the update. From today onwards, I will give regular updates."
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