Marvel: DNF Invades

"I need your expertise to help me analyze this ore. I want to know everything—its molecular structure, chemical and physical properties, useful data, and the useless stuff too."

Luke made his request without hesitation.

"Why do you think I'll help you?" Tony sneered.

Luke smirked. "We didn't know each other until we fought, so that makes us at least acquaintances, right?"

"Are you serious?" Tony scoffed. "You're probably the most shameless person I've ever met—except for a few people. I'm starting to think one of my competitors sent you. I've got a long list of enemies. Which one are you working for?"

Luke shrugged lazily. He was lying comfortably on his bed, phone in hand, talking as if this were a casual chat.

He never expected Stark to do this favor for free. In fact, considering their somewhat hostile relationship and Tony's personality, free labor was out of the question.

After all, Tony Stark was a businessman.

"Alright, let's make a deal," Luke said. When dealing with businessmen, you had to use their methods.

"A deal?"

"If you help me research this ore, I'll do you a favor."

Tony snorted in disdain. "I doubt there's anything you can help me with."

Luke stopped beating around the bush. "I heard you've been poisoned by palladium."

Tony's expression changed instantly. His body stiffened.

"How the hell do you know that?"

He nearly jumped out of his chair.

This was a secret he hadn't told anyone—not even Pepper. How could this guy possibly know?

"That's not important. What is important is that I can help you get rid of the palladium poisoning."

"Hah! You think I haven't tried?" Tony scoffed, but there was a slight tremble in his voice. "I've exhausted every possible solution."

"But you still haven't found a replacement for palladium, right?" Luke pressed on. "Your blood's palladium concentration is high enough to kill an elephant. If it weren't for the Arc Reactor in your chest, you'd already be dead."

Tony's face darkened. His eyes flickered with emotions he tried to suppress.

"How do you know all this? Who are you?"

For the first time in the conversation, Tony felt unsettled. He looked around the lab, a creeping paranoia washing over him. He felt like he was being watched, completely exposed.

It made him deeply uncomfortable.

"Let's cut the crap," Luke said. "What do you think of my offer?"

Tony remained silent.

"Look, you analyze the Demon Stone for me, and in return, I cure your palladium poisoning. Oh, and you'll pay me… let's say, 10 million dollars."

"You're blackmailing me."

"You're damn right I am." Luke grinned.

Tony's silence stretched. Every interaction with this mysterious bastard gave him an overwhelming urge to punch something.

They were clearly born to piss each other off.

Seeing Tony's hesitation, Luke added nonchalantly, "It's your life, so you decide. But let's be real here—there are only a handful of people in this world who can cure palladium poisoning, and I'm the best bet you've got. On the other hand, there are plenty of scientists out there who can study the Demon Stone. I just found you first because you were nearby."

Tony's eyes narrowed. "Demon Stone?"

"That's right."

Luke's voice was calm, but he knew he had Tony cornered.

"Think it over," Luke continued. "I'll be waiting for your answer. And you already know how to contact me. Just wire half the medical fee upfront when you've made your decision."

Tony let out a sharp exhale, his frustration palpable.

"Goodbye, then."

The call ended.

Back in his lab, Tony stared at the glowing red stone in the isolation container, his face unreadable.

Meanwhile, Luke lay on his bed, tossing his phone aside, a relaxed smile creeping onto his lips.

He knew Tony would agree.

There was no way in hell Stark would sit around and let himself die when there was even the slightest chance of survival. His palladium poisoning had already reached critical levels—if he didn't find a cure soon, he'd be dead within a month.

Luke was confident that even if he had asked for more, Tony wouldn't have refused.

But he only asked for 10 million.

That was enough to build a G-0 War Lord and still achieve his goal of squeezing money out of Stark. Luke wasn't greedy.

And greed never ended well.

For reference, the cost of a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor was a staggering 290 million dollars—but that was because Lockheed Martin used high-grade military titanium alloys and slapped on a fat technology premium.

Luke estimated that if he used slightly lower-grade titanium, 10 million dollars would be more than enough to build his G-0 War Lord.

Of course, the military-grade nickel-titanium alloy used in F-22s was off-limits to civilians. Even if he wanted to buy it, he couldn't.

Unless, of course, he decided to raid a U.S. Air Force base and strip down a few Raptors. That would definitely stir up a hornet's nest—though the thought was a little tempting…

But titanium alloy was just a temporary material for his G-0 War Lord.

His true goal?

Adamantium and Vibranium.

In a world where these two metals existed, titanium and chrome alloys were nothing but garbage.

Of course, there was always the risk that Tony would double-cross him while researching the Demon Stone.

But Luke wasn't worried.

If anything, he was 100% certain that Tony would try to pull something.

It was simply in Stark's nature.

How could Luke possibly not have a backup plan when handing over something so important?

If he actually believed Tony would play fair, then he'd be underestimating Stark's character. The guy had a long list of questionable decisions.

In Avengers 1, Tony hacked into the Helicarrier the moment he stepped on board.

In Avengers 2, he convinced Banner to secretly build Ultron behind the Avengers' backs.

In Avengers 3, he dragged Spider-Man and Doctor Strange straight into space to fight Thanos without telling anyone.

The man was brilliant, but arrogant as hell.

Luke wasn't about to let his guard down.

In fact, Black Widow's words described Tony perfectly—

"A total bastard."

That's why Luke already had two contingency plans in place.

With those safety nets, Luke could bet his entire future that Tony wouldn't get away with any tricks.

Even if Stark tried something, Luke would be one step ahead.

And if Stark actually believed he had a chance to mess with him…

Well, that was just wishful thinking.

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