Marvel: Father of Superheroes

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Godfather?!

Aside from the smiling Howard and Maria, everyone else in the living room was stunned.

Before Mike could even respond, Tony exclaimed, "Old man, what kind of joke is this? A godfather? I'm already this old, and you want me to have a godfather?"

Mike raised an eyebrow, waiting for Howard to explain.

"Tony!" Howard barked, then turned to Mike seriously. "Mike, you're a good father."

Mike nodded. "I admit that."

Tony twitched his lips. How shameless.

"Tony… he's a troublesome person, just like I was when I was young, always offending people."

Mike nodded in agreement.

Howard looked at Tony, who was clearly displeased, and said, "So, I don't want him to be sent away to reunite with me as soon as I die."

"Wait…" Mike glanced Howard up and down, then asked, "Aren't you fine right now?"

Howard let out a bitter laugh. "Not for long."

At this, a painful expression flickered across his face.

Maria smiled gently at him and took his hand.

Howard looked back at her with a tender gaze before turning his attention back to Mike. "I've got cancer. It's already in the late stages. There isn't much time left."

"What?" Tony stared at Howard, then nervously laughed. "Old… no, Dad! You're joking, right? Right?"

Howard calmly met Tony's gaze, shaking his head. "I wish I were, Tony."

Tony locked eyes with Howard. After a few seconds, when he finally realized that Howard wasn't joking, he seemed to lose his soul, sitting frozen on the sofa.

Maria gently embraced Tony, while Howard continued to watch Mike, waiting for his response.

In truth, Howard was already content.

If not for Mike, he and Maria would have been killed four years ago. Instead, they had lived another four years, seeing Stark Industries gradually handed over to Tony, enjoying a few years of peace. He had no more regrets.

But, he still wasn't at ease, because Tony was just like him.

Although Tony was a brilliant, world-renowned scientist, he was also arrogant, sharp-tongued, self-centered…

Howard knew too well that such a personality could easily offend people. And the world was no longer the same as it had been decades ago. He didn't want Tony to end up hurt because of his own traits.

Though he had faith in Tony, he still felt that he needed to leave an insurance policy for his son.

In his eyes, Mike was the perfect choice.

Mike had immense power, was low-key in his actions, and always stepped up when it mattered most. But most importantly, Mike was an ideal father figure in Howard's view.

He had never met a father who could teach super-powered children to be so well-behaved.

These kids were humble, polite, never looking for trouble, and never used their abilities for bad. When they saw injustice, they even risked their lives to help others…

Unlike the way Howard had raised Tony…

He glanced at Tony, then sighed.

Looking at Howard's expression, Mike could guess what he was thinking. However, becoming Tony's godfather? Forget it—he'd be driven crazy.

So, he shook his head and firmly said, "Sorry, I can't accept."

At this, Erik and Charles both sighed in relief.

Howard and Maria were deeply disappointed. Howard couldn't help but ask again, "Really, you won't reconsider? Tony might have a bad temper, but he's a good kid."

Mike had never seen Howard like this before. But maybe this was what a father was…

"Dad!"

Tony looked at Howard, his mind in turmoil.

Was he really going to be sent off? And as an adult? It was absurd!

Howard looked into Mike's eyes, noticing that Mike wasn't budging. The eagerness in Howard's eyes slowly faded, and he couldn't help but laugh weakly.

It seemed that because of Tony, he had lost some of his usual composure.

Seeing this, Mike spoke up, "Howard, you should have confidence in Tony. He's made it this far without getting himself killed. His survival skills are pretty good."

Howard nodded, then furrowed his brow.

What Mike said made sense, but something still felt off.

At that moment, Mike continued, "However, since we've been friends for a while, I will keep an eye on Tony for you, as a friend."

Howard finally showed a smile.

Maria expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Mike. You're truly an angel."

In her eyes, ever since Mike saved both her and Howard, he had become synonymous with an angel.

Howard sighed in relief. Before he left, he felt he should give Mike a gift, maybe a large sum of money or some stock shares.

He patted Tony's shoulder and said, "Tony, from now on, call me 'uncle.'"

"Eh? Uncle? Him?!"

Tony twitched his lips. He was still reeling from the news of his father's cancer and now had to deal with the idea of calling Mike 'uncle'? He was almost 25 years old and was being brought to meet an uncle?

Wait a minute.

He glanced at Charles and Erik, his gaze turning strange.

If he called this guy 'uncle,' wouldn't that mean these two little brats wouldn't be able to call him 'uncle' anymore? And Mike was already over 40—by age, he did seem to fall into the 'uncle' category…

When a person's thoughts begin to skew, they can end up in places they never expected. And by the time they realize it, they've made a decision that they may either regret for a lifetime—or one that leads to lasting happiness.

"Unc—uncle."

As Tony uttered the words, he froze for a moment, then snapped back to reality.

What the hell did I just say? What did I just call him?

His mind was a whirlwind.

First, there was his dad's cancer, then calling Mike 'uncle,' and now the fact that Charles and Erik were calling him 'uncle'...

Tony's face shifted through various expressions.

Meanwhile, Howard and Maria were clearly pleased.

"Dad? Are there guests?"

Just then, Clark came home from school. He was a little surprised to see Howard and the others but still greeted them politely. Then, he turned to Charles and Erik, giving them a wink. "You two are back? How was the trip?"

"Not bad."

They responded, and Charles gestured with his hand, connecting with both of them mentally to relay the details of the trip and what had just happened.

Clark gave a subtle nod, smiling.

Mike glanced at the clock on the wall, stood up, and said, "It's getting late. Why don't you stay for dinner?"

He patted Clark on the shoulder. "Make sure you treat the guests well."

Clark nodded.

Mike entered the kitchen and quickly prepared a delicious spread. The meal was a hit, and everyone ate happily.

As Howard and his family were about to leave, Charles pulled Howard aside with a smile and whispered something to him.

Howard's expression suddenly darkened, and with a heavy heart, he walked out.

(End of chapter)