106, the trial of the battle!

Above the metallic round table,

The blue glow in Iron David's eye sockets flickered as it projected crystal-clear images.

Blueprints of the massive cruise ship "Minotaur," owned by Roxxon Industries, appeared before Zaire.

Iron David raised his metallic hand and introduced in a steady tone:

"This massive cruise ship, under Roxxon Industries, weighs 110,000 tons. According to its original design, it can accommodate up to 1,500 people—assuming it's at full tourist capacity."

"However, based on surveillance from various ports, the ship's resident population, excluding essential crew, includes no fewer than 500 individuals. That is Roxxon Industries' private security team..."

"My Lord, forgive my presumption, but I believe this is an issue that could be solved with a few missiles. There's no need for you to intervene personally."

Iron David's gaze rested on Zaire, whose cyan-hued wolf-like pupils narrowed slightly.

With his gray, unruly hair, Zaire smiled faintly, revealing sharp fangs as he spoke:

"This is merely a contingency plan, David. If the security team includes superpowered individuals, a few missiles might only wipe out a large number of ordinary humans."

The projection abruptly stopped, dissipating into the air.

Iron David twitched his metal hand again and said confidently:

"My Lord, rest assured... I have hacked into the phones of numerous workers at Hammer Industries and Stark Industries. Among them, some of Stark's 'Jericho' missiles, developed before he became Iron Man, remain in storage."

"Additionally, I've taken control of improved models of Hammer Industries' knockoff missiles, like the 'Ex-Wife II' cruise missile. Their stockpiles at testing facilities are sufficient to start a war. With a combination of quality and quantity, I doubt even a massive cruise ship could withstand the assault."

"Alright, David... Honestly, I just wanted to test out my new armor," Zaire admitted, baring his fangs with a wry grin, spreading his hands in mock frustration.

Iron David tilted his metallic head slightly, his mechanical voice carrying a faint hint of exasperation:

"My Lord, you should be a commander seated at the strategic helm, not a general rushing into the fray."

Zaire was about to retort with a quip when his attention shifted to Jessica, storming into the base like a gale, her fury palpable.

Zaire gestured to Iron David.

"Notify me as soon as their board members are gathered. Jessica, calm yourself! You need to learn to control your emotions!"

Hearing his firm command, Jessica took several deep breaths, trying to suppress her rage.

After a few moments, she stepped up to the metallic round table, laying down a thick file she had been clutching.

"Boss! It turns out that over the years, many girls have gone missing from Midtown High School, and the board concealed it! Aside from those involved in criminal cases or runaways, nearly a third of the truly missing girls were lured onto Roxxon Industries' 'Minotaur' under the pretense of high-paying jobs!"

"I tapped into my connections among the students. Some of the girls who boarded the ship never returned... They share common traits: impoverished backgrounds, a desire for wealth, and striking beauty. Rumors suggest they were mostly devout and conservative, never having had relationships..."

Jessica's breathing grew heavier, her clenched teeth grinding audibly.

Screeech!

Her hand pressed into the metal table, leaving deep imprints as the metal groaned under her strength.

After listening intently, Zaire remained composed, licking his fangs as he spoke in a low tone:

"If that Agger is truly some kind of alien, then the girls' bright lives were likely extinguished long ago. The only thing we can do is avenge them—make more of these aliens and heretics pay a heavy price.

Kill. Kill until they believe humanity is Earth's true master! Kill until they are on the brink of extinction! Kill until they fear humans so much they dare not entertain even the faintest malicious thought!"

"Jessica, you've done well. None of this is your fault. Hold onto the anger burning within you, but don't let it cloud your judgment."

"After all, reason is the most important weapon in battle."

As his words fell silent, Zaire rose slowly and motioned for Jessica to follow him.

Jessica took another deep breath, blinking to center herself before hurriedly catching up.

With a calm demeanor, Zaire led Jessica into the armory.

He picked up the Sunlit Void Combat Armor displayed in a case and handed it to her.

Zaire locked eyes with Jessica, whose gaze burned with intensity, as he said with grave seriousness:

"You'll join this operation. I know it's early; your training isn't complete. But I think witnessing a real battlefield firsthand will be a valuable lesson."

Jessica solemnly accepted the combat armor with both hands. She nodded firmly and declared:

"Boss, I won't let you down!"

"No, you're not fighting for me. You're fighting for yourself, for the missing girls whose pain you understand, and for all of humanity."

Zaire shook his head gently, his gray hair swaying slightly.

"However, let's set a few ground rules. The most important thing on the battlefield is to follow orders and show no mercy. Even if the enemy appears as a helpless child, you must be prepared to kill them.

But enough talk. Experience will teach you more than words. This armor should be enough to keep you safe."

Zaire gave her a faint smile as he observed her shifting expressions—her initial nervousness replaced by determination.

Without further elaboration, he focused on equipping Jessica with the armor and ensuring she adapted to its weight and functionality.

Once Jessica, now resolute, left the armory, Zaire turned his cyan-eyed gaze toward the nearby Hunter Duke Armor.

He rummaged through the armory's corner, counting standard explosives.

Deeming his reserves insufficient, he reopened the simulator's retrieval menu and initiated a ten-unit batch retrieval.

Scanning the armory again, Zaire picked up a Gauss Blaster Rifle crafted by Space Necromancers.

Studying the eerie green glow coursing through its transparent tubes, he muttered to himself with a menacing grin:

"One alien and its superpowered entourage? Let's see if they can withstand this firepower!"

.................................................................................

Hmm...Stone's?

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