Chapter 1 – Early Life of Kent Stark (continued)
Kent realized that if he suddenly said he had a “mysterious system from another world,” his father could immediately call S.H.I.E.L.D. or make him a test subject. So, he pretended to have a natural talent and love for technology, while secretly using the system’s help to speed up his learning process.
Age 3
One day while Howard was fixing a prototype flying car in the garage:
Howard: “Kent, please don’t touch that welding machine. It’s dangerous for little kids.”
Kent: “I know, Dad. But if you keep connecting the stabilizer cable to the primary conductor like that, the car will explode.”
Howard was dumbfounded.
Howard: “...Where did you get that information?”
Kent smiled casually.
Kent: “I read the blueprints when you left them on the table yesterday. I was curious, and then... well, I analyzed it myself.”
System (in his head): “Safe. Great. A three-year-old kid said he read the blueprint. What a great liar.”
Kent (in his head): “Rather than me saying ‘got data leaked from an interdimensional alien system’, this would be better, right?”
Age 5 – His first debate with Howard
Kent started building his own little gadgets. Some worked, some… exploded. But Howard saw great potential in his son—even though it sometimes felt like he was arguing with an adult scientist.
Howard: “Kent, you’re going too fast! You need to learn the basics first.”
Kent: “The basics are boring. I want to do a controlled gravity experiment using microwaves.”
Howard: “You’re not even in kindergarten yet, Kent!”
System: “If he finds out you can program a little AI in the bathroom, he’ll pass out.”
Kent just grinned innocently.