By the time Rorschach appeared in front of Howard Stark's mansion, nearly two hours had passed.
He was a full hour late.
"Howard Stark's probably never been stood up like this before."
Rorschach couldn't help but think with a touch of amusement.
But the delay was unavoidable. Who would've thought Stryker would send a hit squad at that moment? This wasn't exactly Rorschach's fault.
Ding dong!
After composing himself, Rorschach rang the bell at the compound's entrance.
Moments later, Jarvis appeared.
"Mr. Rorschach? You're here. Mr. Stark is still waiting."
He opened the gate, visibly relieved.
"Sorry, Jarvis. Got held up with... complications. Is Mr. Stark alright?"
"He didn't break anything or shout, so by his standards, he's doing quite well," Jarvis replied with deadpan seriousness.
Rorschach smirked. "Jarvis, I suddenly don't feel like going in. Is it too late to back out?"
"Mr. Rorschach, I assure you, Mr. Stark won't eat you."
With that, Jarvis led him through the grounds to the mansion.
Inside, Howard Stark stood waiting. "Rorschach, I meet political leaders, generals, CEOs... but you? You're the first to make me wait this long."
"I'm honored," Rorschach said dryly. "Apologies again. Some urgent business came up."
"Eh, I waited. Besides, you're the guy who saved me."
Howard motioned Rorschach inside, calling over his shoulder, "Jarvis, tell the kitchen to fire everything back up."
Truth was, the banquet had already been prepared, but with no sign of Rorschach, Stark had temporarily called it off. Now, things were back on.
"Mr. Stark, saving your life is no small favor. You can't just repay it with a meal."
"Of course not. Think of this as just the beginning," Howard laughed. "Come on, let me show you around."
"I'd like that."
Rorschach was genuinely curious. In either life, he'd never stepped foot inside the home of someone this wealthy. This was a rare peek behind the curtain.
"Let's start with the pantry. Got a few of my favorite things stashed in there."
Howard led the way with a spring in his step, clearly enjoying himself.
The pantry was anything but ordinary. It looked more like a miniature museum.
Paintings, sculptures, ancient weapons, rare wines, ornate watches—priceless items stacked casually, like groceries.
Rorschach's first thought: This guy is beyond rich.
"Giotto's 'The Kiss of Judas.' Shows the moment of betrayal. Don't like it much. Too heavy. But you can't say no to some gifts."
"Oh, and that? Great Sword of Scotland. Real man's weapon. Knew you'd appreciate it. What guy doesn't like a sharp edge?"
"That? The world's first bicycle. Looks like junk now, but back then, that was genius."
On and on it went, Stark pointing out treasure after treasure. Rorschach was both overwhelmed and impressed.
Then came the garage.
A long corridor of cars stretched out, all polished to a mirror shine.
"These are my babies," Howard said proudly. "Collected over the last fifteen years."
He pointed out a sleek red roadster. "Cadillac V16. Discontinued forty years ago. First production model with a 16-cylinder engine. Took me ages to get it."
Rorschach nodded politely, but honestly, the cars of this era looked like relics to him. Outdated. Clunky.
[Special energy source detected!]
Suddenly, a message flashed in Rorschach's mind. He froze.
His vision shifted into a scanner-like display, and the Cadillac Stark had just bragged about lit up.
A red dot pulsed on the car's dashboard.
There's something in there.
"A special energy source? What does that mean?" Rorschach asked inwardly.
The system didn't answer.
[Energy Source Analysis... Energy value: 37 origin points. Status: Not extractable.]
That only raised more questions.
So it's not just any energy... it's measured in origin points. But it's unextractable? That must mean some are extractable...
Rorschach's mind raced.
If I can extract these, I can recharge the origin points directly. But why can't I extract this one? And why is it in a car?
Whatever this energy was, it wasn't ordinary fuel. If it were, there'd be red dots everywhere. No, this was unique.
And it had Howard Stark's fingerprints all over it.
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