Chapter Thirty-Four: Psychological Issues

However, thanks to the conversation just now, the atmosphere among the group had lightened considerably. After a bit of casual chatting, Pepper, curious, inquired about what qualities a woman would need to possess to meet Harvey’s standards.

“Just tell us. I’m curious how you actually make your choice,” Tony Stark chimed in, eager for some gossip.

“If I had to say what qualities would capture my heart…” Harvey paused in thought before replying, “She would need to be beautiful, intelligent, and strong.”

He did, from time to time, spend the night with young and attractive women, but that was merely a fleeting indulgence, never touching his heart—a momentary whim rather than a search for someone who truly matched his ideal.

“So, beautiful, smart, and strong-willed,” Pepper mused thoughtfully. “There are many who fit the first two, but the last one isn’t so easy. Women aren’t men, after all; even if they seem strong on the surface, most are rather gentle beneath.”

Tony Stark, hearing Harvey Umbrella’s standards, had a different perspective. The first criterion—beauty—was straightforward enough. But intelligence, he felt, meant more than just being clever; it required the ability to intuit Harvey’s thoughts from mere hints, to know what to say and what to keep silent about, what could be done and what must not be done. That alone would eliminate countless women.

Women, by nature, are emotional creatures—prone to tears, sometimes unable to remain calm. As for the kind of strength Harvey referred to, it likely meant not just inner fortitude, but also formidable power. Otherwise, not only would a woman be unable to support Harvey as an equal, she might not even be able to comprehend his thoughts and actions.

Considering all this, Tony searched his mind for a woman who fit such standards, but came up empty.

“Your standards are a bit too idealistic. I’m afraid you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the world who truly meets your expectations,” he remarked.

“I know,” Harvey replied with a smile. “But I have plenty of time to look. If, in the end, I find no one, so be it.”

“You two are being a bit too absolute,” Pepper countered. “Granted, your standards are high, but there are plenty of strong, beautiful, and intelligent women in the world.”

Tony quickly interjected, “Pepper, you’re missing his point.” He glanced at Harvey, gauging his reaction. Forcing your way into a conversation you don’t understand is a surefire way to rub someone the wrong way.

“Yes, though if the opportunity arises, Miss Potts, you’ll come to understand as well,” Harvey replied with a gentle smile, having noticed Tony’s glance.

That offhand remark made Tony’s eyes flicker. Was Harvey hinting that Pepper might have a chance to gain such power? Or was he just overthinking it?

“Is it possible for her?” Tony pressed, seeking confirmation.

“That depends on whether you can convince me,” Harvey answered, his tone meaningful.

“Give me some time. I need to think it over and talk to her too,” Tony replied, realizing that even if Pepper’s chance was slim, it was still something worth striving for—a piece of good news, at least for him.

“As you wish,” Harvey said indifferently, returning to his meal with renewed focus.

“What are you two talking about?” Pepper asked, puzzled. “Who is she? Is it a woman who meets Mr. Harvey Umbrella’s ideal?”

“No. If I feel it’s right, I’ll tell you,” Tony shook his head. “If I don’t bring it up, don’t pry too much.”

He himself was still uncertain what decision to make. And even if he did decide, it was another matter entirely whether Harvey Umbrella would agree. After all, when it came to asking Harvey to make him extraordinary, Tony was not the one in control. To say nothing of convincing Harvey to let Pepper become someone like himself—now was certainly not the time for explanations.

Pepper grew even more curious at this, eager to understand what was really going on. She was about to ask, but seeing Harvey Umbrella nearby, she restrained herself out of politeness, deciding to question Tony privately later.

“At this rate, we’ll be eating all day. I’ll leave some for you, but I’m going to help myself over there,” Harvey said, glancing up at Tony as he rose from his seat.

He knew the seed of desire had been planted; all that remained was to wait for it to blossom and bear fruit. Humanity is a race that yearns for evolution—for longer life, for greater power. And when told this evolution carried no risk, it was rare for anyone with ambition to refuse—unless they were content with mediocrity.

Was Tony Stark someone content with mediocrity? Clearly not. No matter how his personality changed, the mad spark of the scientist within him would never fade. Otherwise, he would never have created Ultron—a terrifying humanoid weapon—despite widespread opposition.

Given Tony’s intellect, Harvey could easily foresee that once Tony joined the Void and acquired new powers, he would create even more fearsome technology.

“It’s fine, go ahead and eat. We don’t have much of an appetite,” Tony said, not minding Harvey’s eagerness.

Harvey nodded and moved to the tables piled high with food. Though he said he wanted to eat quickly, he still ate with elegance, never in a rush.

Tony watched Harvey’s astonishing appetite, thoughtful. If he gained powers like Harvey Umbrella’s—a life span of centuries or millennia and extraordinary abilities—and the only cost was an increased appetite, it was a price he was more than willing to pay. After all, he had more than enough money to eat extravagantly every day, so long as it didn’t involve cannibalism.

Yet even so, he knew exactly why he struggled to decide. Because of his fame, he was a public figure. The moment he gained those powers—if he grew noticeably younger—people would notice immediately, and he would be branded an anomaly. It was a psychological barrier, the hardest kind to overcome.

Harvey Umbrella had seen through Tony’s inner turmoil, which was why he hadn’t pressed him for an answer. He simply offered the opportunity, leaving Tony to see if he could come to terms with it and fully embrace it.