The flames roared fiercely, enveloping Iron Monger. Soon, the silver-gray armor glowed red-hot, even beginning to melt.
Feeling the searing heat in the air, everyone struggled to breathe as waves of heat hit their faces.
If they felt this way, it was needless to say how Obadiah felt, as screams erupted from inside the armor.
"Stop! Spare me, spare me, ahhhhh!!"
Coulson's gaze on Hermione shifted repeatedly.
Initially, he thought Miss Wizard's magic was more supportive than combative, but today proved him wrong.
Beyond the inexplicable tripping, the initial explosion, the ice, and finally the flames—each spell was powerful, beyond what ordinary people could withstand.
Is this what a wizard is? Coulson mused silently.
Hermione stood with an indifferent expression, her silhouette framed by flames, like a fire witch.
Everyone watched quietly, not daring to speak.
Moments later, Hermione lifted the Freeze and Fire spells.
The night sky returned to its darkness.
"Expelliarmus!" she called.
With a "Bang," Iron Monger's armor exploded, scattering parts everywhere.
Only the charred, bare Obadiah remained standing.
Feeling the cool breeze, the defeated Obadiah forced himself to focus, eyes wide in disbelief.
Where was the Iron Monger?
Where was the massive Iron Monger?
Not only Obadiah, but Hermione also stared wide-eyed, stunned.
Turns out the Disarming Charm has a unique effect on steel suits!
If she'd known, she would've used it right away instead of going through all that trouble!
For most people, the Disarming Charm affects swords, guns, wands, etc., but for a suit that's effectively a weapon itself, it's a nemesis!
One "Expelliarmus," and the suit falls apart!
Not a scrap left!
She could already envision a future scene where Tony stands confused, unclothed after she casts this spell.
Disarm! Disarm! Disarm!
Strip it down! Strip it down! Strip it down!
The thought was so amusing Hermione nearly laughed out loud.
Tony was equally wide-eyed.
What kind of magic is that! he thought.
Compared to the fire and ice spells, this quiet armor-disarming trick made his hair stand on end.
Even Jarvis couldn't outmaneuver this!
Wouldn't this mean he'd be at her mercy one day?
Not happening!
"Well... why is it this weak?" Hermione seemed dissatisfied. "If Dumbledore hadn't forbidden black magic, this heap of scrap would be ash."
Heap of scrap... Tony was speechless.
I suspect you're mocking me.
Is this still "weak"? This is terrifying!
Coulson forced a smile, then noticed something else, his pupils contracting sharply.
Black magic?
It doesn't sound good, not the "black magic" I imagined...
Coulson took a deep breath, stepping forward:
"Miss Wizard, since you're alright, I must report back to the bureau. We'll handle the cleanup, so don't worry."
With that, he motioned everyone to leave.
The information gleaned today was immense, requiring significant updates on Miss Wizard's file.
Tonight was supposed to be Tony Stark's and his suit's showcase, but it turned out to be Hermione's.
After Coulson and the others left, Tony approached Obadiah, supported by Pepper.
The man was dead, eyes wide in disbelief.
He didn't look burned to death, more like he died of anger.
Hermione was prompted.
[Black Magic]
[Dark Harvest (Talent)]
[Current Soul Energy: 50]
What surprised Hermione was that Obadiah yielded 50 soul energy points, equivalent to five trolls!
Though far less than a unicorn, it was much better than the measly 1 point from ordinary humans.
But Obadiah wasn't physically strong, nor was Iron Monger counted in his soul.
"Perhaps it's not just personal traits but also his significance in this world..." Hermione speculated.
---
Minutes later, Pepper watched Tony from a distance, concern in her eyes.
He'd removed his suit, standing nearby in a daze.
Everything tonight needed time to process.
Obadiah, Pepper, Ethan, Stark Industries, the suit, and... himself.
Gently patting Pepper's hand, Hermione gave her a reassuring look, then stepped forward to join Tony.
"I'm a long-overdue man," Tony spoke first, sensing it wasn't Pepper.
"If not for that kidnapping, I'd still be the oblivious playboy. When Ethan died before me, I vowed not to waste this second chance, so I developed the suit, saving people, never stopping."
"If not for that, I wouldn't be alive at all."
"I'm not crazy; I finally understand my mission. Deep down, I know it's right."
His voice was lonely.
Hermione shrugged, "Then live well, so you can fulfill it."
"As anyone who plays games knows, only when you're alive can you have output."
Tony nodded, "You're right, about earlier... Thank you for scolding me."
"You're welcome," Hermione glared at him. "If Pepper didn't care about you, I wouldn't bother with a narcissist like you. Thank her."
"I will," Tony seemed to have realized something, turning to Hermione.
"Let's reintroduce ourselves. Tony Stark," he paused, "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist."
Reaching out, Hermione shook his hand, saying:
"Hermione Jane Granger, from Hogwarts... just an ordinary wizard."
After a quiet moment, Hermione recalled something, tilting her head with a smirk at Tony.
"By the way, didn't someone say they'd apologize ten times a day? I like hearing that."
"Come on, apologize! Or I'll disarm your suit every day!"
She waved her wand threateningly.
Tony's cheek twitched.
Darn kid!
Only Hermione could drive him half-mad in under three sentences!
Can't win with her!
---
**The Next Day**
"Iron Man, I like the name."
Tony glanced at the newspaper while Pepper helped with his makeup.
"But technically, the armor's titanium alloy, not steel."
At that moment, Coulson entered, handing Tony a card.
"Just stick to the script. We've covered the aftermath, saying your robot bodyguard appeared yesterday."
Last night's events were explosive, needing public explanation. Fortunately, S.H.I.E.L.D. crafted a story.
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