Chapter 284: C182(2)
"Ivan, make a list of recently developed weapons we can sell, then produce a batch of samples. I'm planning to negotiate some business with the military and other buyers," Kain instructed.
Upon arriving at Pent Group, Kain immediately found Ivan Vanko and told him to gather the existing 'scrap' for batch sales.
"Boss, don't you want to keep some of these for technical reserves?" Ivan asked.
"We've got better options now, Ivan. I'll give you more advanced weapon technology soon. These older models can be sold off to the military," Kain replied.
Kain told Ivan that the weapons released by Pent Group would likely usher in a new era of warfare. Old rifles and submachine guns could be phased out, while lightweight, portable new-energy weapons and firearms would become the mainstream tools of future battles.
Even new fighter jets, tanks, and other military equipment would be developed in one comprehensive push.
After giving these instructions, Kain suddenly received a dinner invitation from Senator Stern, who mentioned that a special guest wanted to discuss something important with him.
Kain had already instructed the Red Queen to investigate Stern.
He was barely a core member of Hydra, but his position as a senator was highly beneficial to the organization. Stern often used his political influence to secure advantages for Hydra.
As for why Hydra wanted to meet with him, Kain speculated it wasn't about the Extremis virus serum or anything related to Wakanda.
If it was about Extremis, Kain was willing to sell them an inferior version of the serum—but only in exchange for resources to construct underground hives and build a Space Carrier.
The inferior Extremis serum used highly regenerative cell genes to suppress the virus's side effects, with a 70% success rate.
With further refinement of the ingredients, the success rate could be improved. However, not all components had equally effective regenerative properties.
The perfect Extremis virus serum was a fusion with Hashirama cell genes. It had a 100% success rate, offered powerful regenerative abilities, and could integrate the genetic characteristics of other species.
But in the Marvel world, only Kain had injected himself with this perfected version.
If Hydra's interest was in Wakanda, Kain hoped they would act more decisively. Vibranium was such a rare and valuable metal—why should it be controlled by an isolated African nation with outdated combat techniques?
Meanwhile, Betty was out of the country. After dealing with Eugene's biological lab, she'd traveled to Sokovia.
Kain spoke with her over the phone; she had located the Maximoff twins, and they hadn't yet caught the attention of HYDRA's operatives. The government was still subsidizing their education.
The siblings, Pietro and Wanda, remained cautious. They didn't let their guard down despite Betty's seemingly charitable intentions, and they refused offers of financial support or adoption.
Betty was trying alternative approaches but wouldn't be returning anytime soon.
It was a bit of a time sink, but Wanda's potential made it worthwhile. Her Chaos Magic was more powerful than a single Infinity Stone, and Kain was determined to secure her for his plans.
Stern's Villa was a relatively luxurious and quiet residential area in Washington, D.C. Senator Stern, known for his preference for women with fiery personalities, often abused his position to coerce them.
Many of these incidents were suppressed or buried, but the Red Queen had uncovered the details during her investigation into Stern.
Kain didn't take a plane; instead, he Apparated directly to Stern's villa. Standing at the door, he made a call that Stern couldn't refuse:
"Mr. Congressman, I'm outside your villa right now. Can you open the door if it's convenient?"
Stern rushed to the door immediately after receiving the call. When he saw that Kain had really arrived at his home, he couldn't help but ask in surprise,
"Mr. Kain, if I remember correctly, we just spoke on the phone half an hour ago."
"Half an hour is enough time for me to leave the hotel and get here."
After exchanging a few polite words, Stern invited Kain inside. When they reached the living room, Kain noticed another guest—Malik, the director of the International Security Committee.
"Director Malik, I didn't expect you to be here looking for me."
After greeting him, Kain sat down casually on the sofa next to Malik.
Malik's expression remained stern, as always. Even if he were delivering good news, it would be rare to see him smile. And if he did smile, it would likely be unsettling.
After exchanging some trivial small talk, Malik got straight to the point, his expression growing even more serious.
"Mr. Kain, how much do you know about Wakanda?"
Kain shook his head with a regretful smile.
"A backward tribe controlling the most advanced technological civilization, and sitting on incomparably precious Vibranium mines? It seems like a waste to me."
Kain added that his space carrier project required a significant amount of alloy metal doped with Vibranium, which could also be used to create biomechanical warriors.
"It's a pity to let a group of backward people hoard it."
"Director Malik, do you have any thoughts on Wakanda?"
Malik didn't answer Kain's question directly. Instead, he shifted the conversation.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has had one or two encounters with Wakanda. They don't seem to have strong ambitions or any intent to disrupt world peace. However, S.H.I.E.L.D. can't conduct deep reconnaissance there. The place is… unusual. So, we've classified it as a Level Seven threat."
Kain chuckled and asked,
"That's quite an evaluation, Director Malik. If you don't mind me asking—what level is India classified as?"
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