Chapter 504: IMUC Chapter 500 The First Ant-Man, Pym Particle
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The lakefront villa on the outskirts of New York was a retirement home that Tony had chosen for Howard at his request.
The two-story Bourne villa was surrounded by beautiful forested lakes, with few people living nearby.
When Kyle and Tony arrived at the villa, he could hardly believe that Howard, the scientific genius who had once built a high-tech defensive structure with his bare hands on a barren planet, was now living in such a modest house on Earth.
Upon entering the villa, Kyle was even more surprised to find Howard sitting in a comfortable chair in the hall, reading a book with reading glasses.
Howard had aged considerably since the last time Kyle had seen him four months earlier. His hair was now completely white, and his skin was dry and wrinkled, etched with the marks of time.
Lucy, also in disbelief, covered her mouth and exclaimed, "Howard, why didn't you use the Infinity Formula to slow down aging? You..."
"Lucy."
Kyle quickly raised his hand to interrupt Lucy and took a few steps forward to look at Howard, who was sitting in the chair.
Although he looked like an elderly man in his eighties, Howard was still mentally sharp. He looked up at Kyle, took off his reading glasses, put down the book, and said quietly, "Sir, you've arrived.
Kyle scolded with a smile on his face, "Howard, you old fool. It looks like your brain isn't working well in your old age. How could you not use the Infinity Formula or ask me for natural longevity?"
Howard smiled gently, fully aware that Kyle could grant him eternal life if he wished. But he no longer needed such things.
"Sir," Howard said with a faint smile, "I once thought that scientific research was everything to me, and I feared death because I might not be able to conduct research or witness the scientific achievements of future generations. However, after joining the Carl family and having Tony, I gradually realized the importance of family.
Howard paused for a moment, then continued, "During my days wandering among the stars, I saw the beauty of science. Now that my family is together, I have no regrets in life. Tony has surpassed me and inherited Stark Industries, and I can now rest and enjoy my retirement."
Tony and Pepper stood together at the door and looked at Howard with happiness.
"I understand. If this is what you want, then I have nothing more to say."
Kyle nodded, respecting Howard's decision.
It was clear that Howard was really tired. From the battlefields of World War II to the galactic conflicts, he had worked quietly behind the scenes. It wasn't a bad thing for him to quietly disappear from the world now.
However, it was becoming increasingly rare to have familiar faces from his generation, which made Kyle feel a bit melancholic. If one day Captain Steve Rogers, Thor, and the Ancient One, among others, were no longer in the world, it might truly be a time of global loneliness.
Howard lifted his clouded eyes and cleared his throat. "Tony, Pepper, you two go upstairs and prepare dinner. I need a private word with Sir."
"Sure," Tony agreed immediately.
"Lucy, let's go upstairs together," Pepper said, linking arms with Lucy and smiling.
"All right," Lucy agreed, and she followed Pepper and Tony upstairs, leaving the main hall for Howard and Kyle.
Kyle also made himself comfortable, sitting on the sofa directly across from Howard with his legs propped up. "If you have something to say, go ahead."
"All right."
Howard nodded and got right to the point. "Have you heard of Hank Pym?"
"Pym..." A glimmer of interest appeared in Kyle's eyes. He hadn't expected to hear that name from Howard.
Howard reminisced, stating, "Hank is an exceptionally talented scientist; his intellect is on par with mine. After you left Earth at the end of World War II, Hank Pym joined S.H.I.E.L.D. as both a soldier and a scientist and worked as my subordinate for a time."
"He invented an item that, even to this day, I find astonishing. It took me a lifetime to study, and I still haven't been able to top it."
"What is it?" Kyle asked, pretending not to understand.
"Pym Particle."
Howard took a deep breath and explained, "It's a significant technological advancement that allows one to change size at will. Hank also mastered ant control and used Pym technology to create the Ant-Man suit. He and his wife became SHIELD agents, protecting the world during the transition from the old century to the new."
Kyle replied calmly, "And then? As far as I know, SHIELD no longer has an 'Ant-Man.'"
"Yes. I only discovered this after I returned to Earth and had someone investigate."
Howard slowly turned, pulled a file folder from behind him, and placed a document on the table. The front page featured an elderly gentleman with white hair and glasses. "Hank Pym was presumed dead after I left Earth during a special operation in 1975 when his wife shrank and infiltrated to prevent a nuclear explosion. Hank then fell out with SHIELD and hid the Pym technology, which remained unknown."
Kyle picked up Hank Pym's personnel file and flipped through the pages. The contents were very similar to what he had previously had Raina investigate.
Howard continued, "Later, Hank started a company called 'Pym Technologies,' but he never publicly explored the Pym Particle core technology. Instead, he focused on engineering, and he has been retired for several years now, with the Pym Particle disappearing from the world for decades."
Kyle put down the file and looked at Howard. "So now you're bringing this up because you want me to..."
Howard's expression became slightly animated as he spoke. "Sir, the Pym Particle is a cutting-edge technology comparable to the Infinity Stones, Iron Man suits, and Artificial Intelligence. If we can make good use of the Pym Particle technology, it could elevate our current level of technological civilization."
Kyle nodded in agreement and narrowed his eyes. "I see your point. If possible, it would be best to bring Hank Pym into the Carl family. Otherwise, we should at least acquire the Pym Particle Technology."
Howard nodded solemnly. He felt a slight debt to Hank Pym and wanted to make amends, no matter how small.
In fact, Kyle had already made a number of investigations and plans regarding Ant-Man and the Pym technology. However, he had initially focused his energy on Doctor Strange and Spider-Man, and the recent attack on the Asgardians by the Dark Elves had left him with no time to act.
But now that Howard had specifically brought it up and the situation in Asgard had been resolved, it was a good time to try to make contact with Ant-Man.
"I'll take care of it."
Kyle smiled faintly, having already formed a plan in his mind.
(End of Chapter)