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Chapter 208: Aren't You Afraid of Choking On It?
Author: Great Demon Spirit
After developing discreetly, A.R.G.U.S. roared to life like a colossal war machine upon Tony's return. Every employee in every department, like a cog in the vast machine, began working frantically around the clock.
A.R.G.U.S., the organization developed under Tony's leadership, had the backing of various major corporations. Operating at full capacity, it attracted the attention of many.
Every day, massive quantities of special metals were transported to A.R.G.U.S.'s base on the outskirts of New York. On a large plot of land, they were piled high like small mountains. Tony controlled these vast amounts of metal, and no one knew what he was researching day in and day out.
But at least one very clear signal was sent out—Tony was making a big move.
With her outstanding hacking skills, Natasha was promoted by Crane to the position of Director of the Information Department, which could be considered a middle-management role within A.R.G.U.S.
In reality, however, she was a high-level agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., proficient in combat, disguise, and more.
The process of infiltrating A.R.G.U.S.'s middle management was incredibly smooth—so smooth it felt abnormal.
This had to do with Crane's methods. He only valued ability; complex backgrounds meant nothing to him. If someone with ulterior motives managed to infiltrate and tried to cause trouble, he would simply have them killed.
Crane greatly admired Tony's philosophy: as long as you held enough power, you could always turn the tables. If anyone dared to step out of line, you could just kill them.
"Ms. Natasha, the leader wants to see you in his office." Someone stopped Natasha, his greedy gaze raking over her alluring figure as he gulped.
Natasha rolled her eyes at him, grabbed his groping hand, twisted it hard, and then delivered a flying knee to his groin.
"Thank you," Natasha said charmingly, adjusting her fiery red hair.
The poor guy's face turned ashen. He knelt on the ground in agony, clutching his groin and muttering, "It's over, it's over... they're shattered..."
On the top floor of the building, security was tight. Numerous soldiers stood guard in every hallway. They wore uniform electronic tactical visors, their expressions cold, their imposing bodies perfectly still.
Natasha swayed her hips as she walked, her elegant catwalk exuding maximum charm. She cast flirtatious glances at the soldiers on either side, her provocative intent couldn't have been more obvious.
Unfortunately, no one paid her any attention; they didn't even spare her a glance.
A fleeting look of apprehension crossed Natasha's face.
This was her first time on the upper floors of the building. Intelligence from S.H.I.E.L.D. indicated that these soldiers were all Super Soldiers, each one capable of easily taking down an entire special forces squad.
Countless people had tried to infiltrate, hoping to obtain the Super Soldier technology, but all had failed, resulting in heavy losses.
The most crucial secrets were guarded by the Super Soldiers and a handful of high-level executives.
When she reached the door, before she could even knock, a voice called out from within, "Come in."
Inside the room, Tony sat at the head of the conference table. Crane was across from him, giving a report. Behind Tony, Amanda stood close, warily sizing up Natasha.
"...So, our Super Soldier count now exceeds five hundred. The average investment per person is over a million dollars, which has significantly impacted A.R.G.U.S.'s technological research."
"New York's crime lord, Kingpin, has been killed by Betty," Crane said with praise. "We've taken over the vast majority of his operations. That girl Betty is growing very quickly."
"Where is she now?" Tony asked.
"I've already told her to return as soon as possible," Crane said. "Additionally, we've recruited a new batch of fighters, including both Mutants and ordinary humans with exceptional skills. As you requested, we focused our recruitment efforts on people from Gotham City. Also, a man claiming to be the rightful heir of Wakanda has contacted us, wanting to use our power to get his revenge."
Tony nodded slightly. These were all minor matters. He was already a Level Four Mutant, so many things were no longer a hassle. He no longer needed to be as meticulous and calculating as before.
Tony tossed a file directly to the eavesdropping Natasha. "I need S.H.I.E.L.D. to do me a favor."
Natasha's beautiful face didn't betray a hint of change; she remained as bewitching as ever. She tilted her head, feigning incomprehension. "What?"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "I want the complete Adamantium Alloy Technology. Specifically, the manufacturing method for True Adamantium, which has a hardness that can rival the original Adamantium."
True Adamantium has always been considered one of the United States' top secrets. It's a new metal that was developed after failed attempts to replicate the original Adamantium.
The original Adamantium is alloyed with Vibranium, possessing both indestructible properties and Vibranium's ability to absorb and redirect energy—that's the shield in Captain America's hands.
As for True Adamantium, its hardness is comparable to the original Adamantium, making it indestructible.
"Many countries have the technology to produce Secondary Adamantium," Tony said. "While it's very durable, it can still be destroyed. I need a tougher metal."
"So, you're saying it only took you a few months to advance to a Level Four Mutant, is that right?" Natasha said. "According to our intelligence, you'd have to be at least Level Four to be able to modify Secondary Adamantium. Would you mind telling me how you advanced to Level Four? And... where did you get your information about True Adamantium?"
"Is that part of the deal?" Tony asked, his expression impassive, completely ignoring her seductive attempts.
Natasha grew serious. "Excuse me for a moment. I don't have the authority to decide this."
She gave Tony a flirtatious wink, then swayed out of the room, taking out a phone to relay the information.
"A very smart woman," Crane commented. "The moment things went sideways, she immediately pivoted to negotiation instead of stubbornly denying her identity as a spy."
Tony said nothing, quietly awaiting Natasha's response.
The True Adamantium technology was one of the United States' most classified secrets. Before, he wouldn't have dared reveal he knew about it for fear of attracting suspicion and hostility. But now, he no longer cared.
Although True Adamantium was somewhat inferior to the original Adamantium, its hardness was comparable, which was enough to make Tony covet it. Even if he ventured into space, it would have astonishing uses.
Soon, Natasha returned and stated S.H.I.E.L.D.'s terms: "The Super Soldier manufacturing technology, intelligence on the Court of Owls, the method to advance to Level Four, and A.R.G.U.S. is to be absorbed by S.H.I.E.L.D. and become one of its subordinate agencies."
"I can agree to everything except for the intelligence on the Court of Owls... However," Tony sneered, "even if I agree to let A.R.G.U.S. be absorbed by S.H.I.E.L.D., are you sure Nick Fury would actually dare to accept? Such a big appetite. He should be careful not to choke."
"I'm just the messenger... so, does that mean the deal is off?" Natasha's voice was tantalizingly husky.
(end of chapter)
Author: Great Demon Spirit
After developing discreetly, A.R.G.U.S. roared to life like a colossal war machine upon Tony's return. Every employee in every department, like a cog in the vast machine, began working frantically around the clock.
A.R.G.U.S., the organization developed under Tony's leadership, had the backing of various major corporations. Operating at full capacity, it attracted the attention of many.
Every day, massive quantities of special metals were transported to A.R.G.U.S.'s base on the outskirts of New York. On a large plot of land, they were piled high like small mountains. Tony controlled these vast amounts of metal, and no one knew what he was researching day in and day out.
But at least one very clear signal was sent out—Tony was making a big move.
With her outstanding hacking skills, Natasha was promoted by Crane to the position of Director of the Information Department, which could be considered a middle-management role within A.R.G.U.S.
In reality, however, she was a high-level agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., proficient in combat, disguise, and more.
The process of infiltrating A.R.G.U.S.'s middle management was incredibly smooth—so smooth it felt abnormal.
This had to do with Crane's methods. He only valued ability; complex backgrounds meant nothing to him. If someone with ulterior motives managed to infiltrate and tried to cause trouble, he would simply have them killed.
Crane greatly admired Tony's philosophy: as long as you held enough power, you could always turn the tables. If anyone dared to step out of line, you could just kill them.
"Ms. Natasha, the leader wants to see you in his office." Someone stopped Natasha, his greedy gaze raking over her alluring figure as he gulped.
Natasha rolled her eyes at him, grabbed his groping hand, twisted it hard, and then delivered a flying knee to his groin.
"Thank you," Natasha said charmingly, adjusting her fiery red hair.
The poor guy's face turned ashen. He knelt on the ground in agony, clutching his groin and muttering, "It's over, it's over... they're shattered..."
On the top floor of the building, security was tight. Numerous soldiers stood guard in every hallway. They wore uniform electronic tactical visors, their expressions cold, their imposing bodies perfectly still.
Natasha swayed her hips as she walked, her elegant catwalk exuding maximum charm. She cast flirtatious glances at the soldiers on either side, her provocative intent couldn't have been more obvious.
Unfortunately, no one paid her any attention; they didn't even spare her a glance.
A fleeting look of apprehension crossed Natasha's face.
This was her first time on the upper floors of the building. Intelligence from S.H.I.E.L.D. indicated that these soldiers were all Super Soldiers, each one capable of easily taking down an entire special forces squad.
Countless people had tried to infiltrate, hoping to obtain the Super Soldier technology, but all had failed, resulting in heavy losses.
The most crucial secrets were guarded by the Super Soldiers and a handful of high-level executives.
When she reached the door, before she could even knock, a voice called out from within, "Come in."
Inside the room, Tony sat at the head of the conference table. Crane was across from him, giving a report. Behind Tony, Amanda stood close, warily sizing up Natasha.
"...So, our Super Soldier count now exceeds five hundred. The average investment per person is over a million dollars, which has significantly impacted A.R.G.U.S.'s technological research."
"New York's crime lord, Kingpin, has been killed by Betty," Crane said with praise. "We've taken over the vast majority of his operations. That girl Betty is growing very quickly."
"Where is she now?" Tony asked.
"I've already told her to return as soon as possible," Crane said. "Additionally, we've recruited a new batch of fighters, including both Mutants and ordinary humans with exceptional skills. As you requested, we focused our recruitment efforts on people from Gotham City. Also, a man claiming to be the rightful heir of Wakanda has contacted us, wanting to use our power to get his revenge."
Tony nodded slightly. These were all minor matters. He was already a Level Four Mutant, so many things were no longer a hassle. He no longer needed to be as meticulous and calculating as before.
Tony tossed a file directly to the eavesdropping Natasha. "I need S.H.I.E.L.D. to do me a favor."
Natasha's beautiful face didn't betray a hint of change; she remained as bewitching as ever. She tilted her head, feigning incomprehension. "What?"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "I want the complete Adamantium Alloy Technology. Specifically, the manufacturing method for True Adamantium, which has a hardness that can rival the original Adamantium."
True Adamantium has always been considered one of the United States' top secrets. It's a new metal that was developed after failed attempts to replicate the original Adamantium.
The original Adamantium is alloyed with Vibranium, possessing both indestructible properties and Vibranium's ability to absorb and redirect energy—that's the shield in Captain America's hands.
As for True Adamantium, its hardness is comparable to the original Adamantium, making it indestructible.
"Many countries have the technology to produce Secondary Adamantium," Tony said. "While it's very durable, it can still be destroyed. I need a tougher metal."
"So, you're saying it only took you a few months to advance to a Level Four Mutant, is that right?" Natasha said. "According to our intelligence, you'd have to be at least Level Four to be able to modify Secondary Adamantium. Would you mind telling me how you advanced to Level Four? And... where did you get your information about True Adamantium?"
"Is that part of the deal?" Tony asked, his expression impassive, completely ignoring her seductive attempts.
Natasha grew serious. "Excuse me for a moment. I don't have the authority to decide this."
She gave Tony a flirtatious wink, then swayed out of the room, taking out a phone to relay the information.
"A very smart woman," Crane commented. "The moment things went sideways, she immediately pivoted to negotiation instead of stubbornly denying her identity as a spy."
Tony said nothing, quietly awaiting Natasha's response.
The True Adamantium technology was one of the United States' most classified secrets. Before, he wouldn't have dared reveal he knew about it for fear of attracting suspicion and hostility. But now, he no longer cared.
Although True Adamantium was somewhat inferior to the original Adamantium, its hardness was comparable, which was enough to make Tony covet it. Even if he ventured into space, it would have astonishing uses.
Soon, Natasha returned and stated S.H.I.E.L.D.'s terms: "The Super Soldier manufacturing technology, intelligence on the Court of Owls, the method to advance to Level Four, and A.R.G.U.S. is to be absorbed by S.H.I.E.L.D. and become one of its subordinate agencies."
"I can agree to everything except for the intelligence on the Court of Owls... However," Tony sneered, "even if I agree to let A.R.G.U.S. be absorbed by S.H.I.E.L.D., are you sure Nick Fury would actually dare to accept? Such a big appetite. He should be careful not to choke."
"I'm just the messenger... so, does that mean the deal is off?" Natasha's voice was tantalizingly husky.
(end of chapter)
