"Master, this is an inherent flaw in the design of the Chitauri hand cannon," the Red Queen explained once again. Then she instructed the intelligent robot beside her to bring over a scepter. "Master, please try this one instead."
The Chitauri were skilled at crafting scepters—simply put, they liked making rods.
From Loki's scepter to the standard weapons used by their ground forces, all followed this design.
This metal scepter could be used not only for melee combat, but could also fire energy projectiles from its tip.
The scepter produced by Antarctic Military Industry gleamed with a heavy, black-iron metallic luster.
Xu Dan held it in his hand and pulled the trigger at the base of the scepter. The action felt somewhat similar to the old-style bolt-action rifles of the past.
He aimed at another target in the firing range and gently squeezed the trigger.
Thulium!
A slender energy projectile shot out and struck the bullseye with pinpoint accuracy, instantly piercing straight through it.
"Mm, this is good. The firepower and rate of fire are comparable to a shoulder-mounted heavy sniper rifle—but much lighter!" Xu Dan said approvingly. "And the recoil is practically negligible. Suitable—very suitable!"
Hearing his praise, the Red Queen smiled happily. "Master, this weapon is not difficult to manufacture. We can begin mass production immediately."
Xu Dan nodded, handed the scepter back to the intelligent robot, and said slowly, "Then prioritize the production of this weapon."
"Yes, Master."
"And… what about individual exoskeleton equipment?" Xu Dan continued. "If exoskeletons are paired with these hand cannons, that would be an extremely powerful combat force."
"They're already finished," the Red Queen replied. "Does the Master wish to test them?"
"Of course."
The Antarctic Military Industry complex covered a vast area. The exoskeleton manufacturing zone was separate from the firearms production site.
Xu Dan arrived at the exoskeleton testing laboratory. Firearms required a shooting range, while exoskeleton equipment was tested indoors.
The Chitauri exoskeleton was remarkably light. Once worn, it didn't feel bulky at all.
At present, only the limb and waist components had been produced.
He moved his arms slightly and immediately noticed that with the exoskeleton on, even a simple swing of his arm required almost no effort. The system seemed able to automatically detect human muscle reactions and provide immediate power assistance.
Walking up to the sandbag hanging in the center of the lab, Xu Dan clenched his fist. The exoskeleton emitted a series of mechanical sounds, and then—
He threw a punch.
Bang!
The entire sandbag exploded apart from the middle, bursting open completely.
Xu Dan himself possessed strength far beyond that of the exoskeleton. This punch had only used the strength of an ordinary person. Yet even so, with the assistance of the exoskeleton, it produced such a result.
The power of that strike was likely stronger than that of Captain America.
Violent.
There was only one word for it—fierce.
Captain America's physical abilities had been enhanced through countless serums, radiation exposure, immense pain, and enormous scientific cost.
And now, with nothing more than a set of exoskeleton equipment, one could obtain comparable combat power—without enduring any suffering at all.
What Xu Dan was wearing now covered only his limbs and waist. If full-body coverage were achieved, what kind of result would that produce?
An ordinary soldier—becoming a tyrannical Captain America?
"Red Queen, there's no need for further testing," Xu Dan said decisively. "With this, I can be certain that even raw recruits can easily control those high-recoil hand cannons. If an army of two hundred such soldiers were formed, the deterrent power would be immeasurable."
In modern warfare, large-scale wars rarely break out easily—because they would inevitably escalate into missile strikes.
And in the end, no one wants that.
For example, during a certain missile crisis long ago, the people most anxious, constantly hovering near the telephone, were actually the leaders of the two opposing nations.
What were they doing? Calling to flirt?
No—appeasing each other.
Many people might find this absurd. With the situation already at such a breaking point, the leaders were still appeasing one another.
But this is exactly how modern warfare works.
No one can afford to press that button beside them.
That crisis lasted only thirteen days, yet during those thirteen days, all of humanity stood on the brink of annihilation.
Who could bear the cost of destroying mankind?
Nowadays, conflicts are more often limited to localized skirmishes.
And in such skirmishes, an army of two hundred soldiers equipped with exoskeletons and hand cannons would be unstoppable.
"Red Queen," Xu Dan said, "mobilize all the power of Antarctic Military Industry. Within the next month, mass-produce these three weapons. Then—sell forty percent of the output to Huaxia."
"Yes, Master."
The current global situation was such that the United States had already achieved hegemony. Letting them enjoy the fruits of mutant conflict without restraint was not an outcome Xu Dan wished to see.
Thus, only balance remained.
Only through mutual restraint could all sides possess the leverage to sit down and negotiate peacefully.
"Red Queen," Xu Dan suddenly asked, "when do you think humanity will truly become a global community—no longer confined to this tiny patch of land? When will I be able to walk among the stars?"
Hearing this, the Red Queen paused slightly before replying softly, "Master, a secret conference concluded a few days ago. I monitored certain intelligence streams. There may be answers you're looking for."
"Hm?"
Xu Dan had been extremely busy lately and had paid little attention to the movements of world leaders. He had almost forgotten to wonder why the FBI hadn't come knocking.
After all, during the Battle of New York, people across the globe had witnessed him.
A 'super combat unit' like himself should have been taken very seriously.
Yet after all this time, only S.H.I.E.L.D. had shown up—engaging in meaningless harassment. Beyond that, there had been no reaction at all.
As Xu Dan looked at the "observations" provided by the Red Queen, a sneer crept onto his lips.
"The Earth Alliance?" he scoffed. "What did they actually establish at that meeting? A bunch of people sitting around spouting empty words. Not a single practical project implemented."
The Red Queen stood quietly to the side, offering no objection.
Xu Dan continued, "Since they've already said all that, then perfect. I'll push from behind and turn this hollow pretense into reality for them."
"What is the Master's plan?" the Red Queen asked.
"Contact other countries immediately," Xu Dan said. "I want to establish Antarctic Military Industry branches around the world. Use weapons to connect the globe. Of course—the funding comes from them."
"Wouldn't that intensify global turmoil?"
Xu Dan smiled faintly and did not answer.
A strange light flickered in his eyes.
-----------------------
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