The world ruled by Emperor Yggdrasil was a strange one, as he encouraged competition and power struggle. It meant that territories had autonomy and could compete with each other, where the winner devoured the loser.
With this kind of system, even the red ribbon army was a legal entity that was allowed to exist unless they attacked the civilians or broke the rules. It was the reason that they hadn't been destroyed by the Royal Knights.
It was ideal for people with great ambitions like Emperor Pilaf who wanted to take over the world. The short stature and tempered blue man was one of the leading figures in the world with great power under his hand.
The man had risen from nothing to the leader of one of the biggest territories in the world with the usage of his great intellectual abilities. Emperor Pilaf was one of the great minds in the field of weaponry and specialized in the creation of giant combat robots also known as Mobile suits. It also meant that most of the army was made up of robots as Pilaf was also a caring ruler that didn't like his men getting hurt. Though, it didn't mean he was harmless or merciful. Pilaf saw things as black and white. So, people that were his enemies would end up getting tortured in the worse manner.
Getting back to the team, they flew through the large country and arrived at the capital after few hours as Tony had difficulty with long flights at high speeds. Taking rest and having a meal, the team moved towards the palace of the Emperor.
Their presence was already noticed since there were satellites covering the region in their net and each city was covered by a barrier that would identify every one that entered. The high tech setup was one of the biggest reasons the emperor was well liked and famous.
"Master, is this wise?" Roberta asked as the team stood outside the gates of the palace area.
"What do you mean?" Tony asked as he thought it would be an easy task. He knew Pilaf and he could share his enlightenment with the guy for the dragon Ball without telling him the secret.
"Master, there is a high chance that he won't give it to you. I believe he dislikes you, since you rejected his offer for entering his research team." Roberta reminded him of the problem that he had forgotten.
"I am not stealing it for you." Terry replied before Tony said anything.
"I would never say such a thing. What do you think I am, some bandit?" Tony acted hurt and decided to think of another method. It would have been so much easier if Terry stole it.
"Let's just go inside and meet him. We will beat him up, if he doesn't listen." Goku gave his opinion.
"Why don't we use my father's name, he will definitely listen." Chichi said while holding onto Goku's hand and her tail playing with his tail.
Looking at the kids, Tony felt like they needed to learn a lot or they were going to get in a heap of trouble. However, there was no other solution at the moment and he didn't want to risk Roberta with a stealth mission.
"Okay, we are going inside." Tony decided and sent a message to Pilaf.
The response was instant, showing that the man had been watching him.
"I was wondering when you will call. Come inside and we will talk."
Getting the approval, the team entered the palace grounds accompanied by robotic guards that drove them to the palace proper on a flying a platform.
The palace was massive and completely armed to the teeth. It was not a place that Tony could infiltrate or escape without help, especially since it was at the center of the city that had one of the strongest barriers. The barrier was even capable of blocking the orbital laser for a minute, the laser had enough power to erase a country and was the ultimate weapon of the Emperor of the world.
Regardless, Tony wasn't impressed as he also possessed a similar setting on his island and it was much better since it covered a smaller area.
Walking into a private lounge, they found Pilaf waiting for them along with his entourage. The trusted advisors and warriors of Pilaf were called Mai and Shu.
"Welcome to my honorable abode, hope you have come bearing good news." Pilaf greeted the team while sitting and indicated for them to take a seat.
Just from those words, it was apparent that the man was confident about his assets and didn't consider the possibility of an opposite opinion.
It was the reason why Tony didn't get along with him. Both of them thought they were above the other party and couldn't accept a lower position.
Tony did accept that Pilaf was exceptional at programming and designing giant robots, but those weapons weren't above his own. Unlike the blue Smurf, Stark Industries focused on simplistic designs.
"It is an honor to make your presence, Emperor Pilaf. Indeed, I have come bearing great news." Tony changed his attitude to accommodate the setting and not antagonize the man.
"Speak normally, we are all friends here. Now, what has brought you here?" Pilaf smiled and allowed them to speak in a normal manner instead of the court style. While they talked, drinks and some snacks were brought for them.
"I have created a new type of weapon and I wish to exchange ideas with you since it is very similar to your own." Tony replied whole showing a hologram of his suit.
Pilaf gave it a glance and saw the similarity. He didn't just create giant robots, there were also smaller versions. Though, those small versions lacked fire power and durability.
"How did this happen? I though you didn't like such designs."
"Life is unexpected and I realized that something like this is much better than a canon at home."
"I see. Is this all? Or, do you have something else?"
"Of course there is more, the size is small but the power can contend with your main mobile suit."
"Is that right? Then, how about we make a bet? Are you confident that it can provide a challenge or not?"
Tony had wanted the conversation to go in that manner and it naturally went that way because of Pilaf's greed and confidence.
"I am confident that my armor can fight your mobile suit. What are you putting forth as the reward?"
"Anything you had like in my possession and the same condition for you, is that fine?"
That condition was truly insidious for both sides, but Tony had confidence that he could win.
"When do we start?" Tony asked as he was ready to put the short man in his place. Pilaf was never going to expect what Tony had cooked up for him.
'There is no way you can win. Hahahaha, Terry inside the armor will demolish everything in his path if the armor failed to perform.' Yes, this was his evil plan. Tony intended to use Terry as a backup in case of failure.
"There is no need to hurry. We can start during the night and let everyone enjoy a good show. Until then, you can be a guest in my palace and enjoy the hospitality of Avalon." Pilaf finished with those words and left with his team while robotic maids appeared to guide them.
The team didn't even have chance to respond.
"He really doesn't like listening to others, does he?" Chichi muttered as she saw them leave.
"There are people like him everywhere and it is best to avoid them or you will become the Yes Man zombie's." Tony muttered with a calm tone as he didn't celebrate his victory in advance and decided to plan for the night.
"I want to look around." Goku told them and he started to run off.
"Roberta, follow the kids." Tony commanded as he didn't want the kids making trouble for him.
With that it was just Terry and Tony, who followed the maids.
"Are you still unable to get with Roberta?"
"It isn't easy. I don't know what she is thinking and she never responds to my approach." It was a topic that Tony didn't like talking about, so it annoyed him.
"Maybe, you should go in strong and see what happens. You have a tendency to pull back when you think you are about to fail."
"I do?" Tony hadn't realized that flaw and was surprised to hear that.
"Yes, it is quite obvious. You avoid things when you feel there is a higher chance of failure. Isn't that the reason, you dropped out of martial arts? You didn't have talent for it and didn't want to be treated as second fiddle to anyone. There are other examples as well, but you get the idea."
Tony walked in silence until they arrived at their room, "Thanks for telling me this, or I would have taken longer to realize the basic fact... Now, let's prepare for battle first."
