Chapter 171: Elevating the Task Level (Patreon)

After ending the call with Ginny, Charles Doyle didn't engage in other matters. Instead, he brought out a laptop and started browsing eBay, the largest second-hand trading website in the United States.

This had become a new pastime for Charles. He wanted to see if there was anything interesting there. Although Charles had seen several second-hand glasses, he hadn't found Sam Witwicky selling any.

If Transformers also made their way to this world, Charles wouldn't mind having one more rechargeable item.

After all, although the Allspark was not as powerful as the Infinity Stones, the energy stored inside was probably much more than that of any earthly machine.

However, after a fruitless search, Charles didn't find Sam, unsure if it was because the person wasn't in this universe or due to a different username used for selling.

Fortunately, Charles hadn't held out much hope. It was just an experimental idea.

If Sam had really been integrated into this universe, he could be found later. But the intensity of the battle between the two sides wasn't something to take lightly.

While Charles was browsing the online listings for second-hand goods, someone walked into Charles's office.

Pepper Potts arrived at the office with Tony's bodyguard, Happy, and diverted some of the reporters when they left. However, seeing only Pepper Potts in the car, the reporters didn't follow up.

As the doorman opened the door to the office, Happy and Pepper Potts walked in.

They made their way to the front desk, where the receptionist had changed to an Asian-American woman, but Pepper Potts didn't mind.

"Hello, I am Pepper Potts. I had an appointment with Mr. Charles yesterday to discuss a commissioned task."

Upon hearing that the appointment was with Mr. Charles, the receptionist didn't neglect them and immediately said, "Ma'am, please wait in the guest room."

A waiter then escorted Pepper Potts and Happy to the guest room.

At the same time, the receptionist picked up the phone at the front desk and made a call.

"Mr. Charles, a lady named Pepper Potts, who had an appointment with you, has come to discuss a commissioned task."

"The person has already gone to the guest room."

"Understood, thank you."

Sitting in the guest room, Pepper Potts was curious. "Happy, why has the office changed its location? I remember that it wasn't in this position the last time I came."

Sitting on the sofa, Happy took a sip of water and replied, "It seems like they are rebuilding over there, just next door. But it has been a month, and it's still not finished."

As the two chatted, the door of the guest room opened, and Charles Doyle walked in.

"Hi, Pepper Potts, Happy, long time no see."

"Long time no see, Mr. Charles." Happy, as the bodyguard, quickly stood up and greeted him.

"Mr. Charles, thank you so much for your help yesterday. You saved Tony and me. I sincerely thank you for that," said Pepper Potts.

"The contribution you made was exceptional," Pepper Potts said, looking earnestly at Charles. Charles smiled in response, "You don't have to be so polite. Didn't Tony say that we are like-minded friends?"

"But the fee for the commissioned task still shouldn't be overlooked," Charles added.

Pepper Potts smiled at Charles's response. "Mr. Charles, I came today to discuss the commission with you."

"How do you think we should handle this commission? The mission has already ended, and on my end..."

Hearing Pepper Potts' words, Charles considered it. Indeed, the mission had been completed, but out of curiosity, he took out a task scroll, hoping to see if the mission level could be elevated.

The commission task: To protect Tony Stark's life on August 24, 2008, and eliminate the enemies, Iron Monger, and the pilot, Obadiah...

Charles detailed everything that had happened yesterday, particularly about Tony Stark and his enemy Obadiah.

On one hand, it was to provide a more comprehensive mission description, and on the other, it was to see if the mission level could be upgraded.

After all, using the new Ark Reactor Core and piloting the Iron Monger, such a massive mech, the mission level should be at least B, if not A. Charles glanced at Pepper Potts and asked, "How much is the commission fee?"

Pepper Potts pondered for a moment before replying, "Mr. Charles, Tony mentioned that the commission fee would be an artificial intelligence system, along with the necessary operational equipment."

"He also asked me to convey to you to prepare a place to store the equipment, requiring at least the size of a building. Your office might not be enough to accommodate the equipment."

"Furthermore, regarding this artificial intelligence system, do you have any specific requirements for the core commands?"

Upon hearing Pepper Potts' words, Charles was momentarily taken aback. He had considered mentioning the idea of an intelligent system to Tony when they met, hoping for one as a commission fee.

He had thought Tony might give him one someday, but he didn't expect Tony to be so generous, not only providing an artificial intelligence system but also all the accompanying equipment.

Charles was well aware of the prices for the accompanying equipment when considering an artificial intelligence system.

To put it bluntly, even a basic system with supporting equipment would cost over a hundred million dollars.

And if it were to develop and upgrade the system further, with stronger emotions and anthropomorphism, like J.A.R.V.I.S., the cost would be astronomical, possibly reaching half a billion dollars.

Charles knew that he had hit the jackpot with this commission and that Tony was truly a great friend.

"I understand. I will discuss the specific details with Tony over the phone," Charles said as he filled in the details of the commission fee. He then handed the scroll to Pepper Potts.

Taking the scroll, Pepper Potts quickly scanned it. Finding no issues, she signed her name on it.

"Mr. Charles, once you have the address ready for receiving, you can directly contact Tony or me. We will come with the necessary manpower to set up the control room for you."

"If there's nothing else, we will take our leave now."

After finalizing the commission and discussing the commission fee, Pepper Potts prepared to leave.

As Tony Stark's secretary at Stark Industries, she was the busiest person after Obadiah's death. She had to prepare for the board meeting scheduled in three days.