Chapter 268: Development Officially Begins

Stark Industries, R&D Department.

After receiving Tony's help, Alan settled directly at the facility. Tony provided him with a private workspace, but Alan insisted he didn't need any additional personnel—just the space was enough.

Red Queen stood before a computer. Most of Stark Industries' technology relied on mechanical precision, and once a program was input, the massive robotic arms would meticulously assemble the warp engine.

Connected to the network, Red Queen controlled every robotic arm building the warp engine as if they were extensions of her body, making even the tiniest adjustments with incredible precision.

Tony stood expectantly outside the door. He desperately wanted to see the warp engine's construction firsthand, but knowing this technology was a global secret, he didn't dare enter without Alan's permission.

"Emperor?" Tony knocked on the door, prompting Alan to quickly have Red Queen hide.

"Oh, it's you, Tony." Alan allowed him inside. Before them stood a spaceship resembling a Quinjet in design. The lower hatch was still open, revealing that the warp engine was only about halfway complete.

Even so, what was visible left Tony utterly speechless.

"This is the warp engine?" Tony's voice trembled with disbelief.

Alan nodded. "That's right. Many scientists have explored the concept of warp engines, but the biggest challenge they face is energy. Distorting space requires massive amounts of power—so much that some scientists believe only the forces of the universe itself could suffice."

Tony's eyes widened in awe, his gaze at the Emperor now brimming with respect. A man as free-spirited as Tony was rarely awestruck, but Alan's work left him profoundly shaken.

Alan scratched his head sheepishly. Most of his explanations were things he had learned from Red Queen, underscoring just how complex the construction of a warp engine truly was.

Circling the spaceship, Tony was inspired by what he saw. After expressing his gratitude, he hurried back to his own lab, clearly eager to implement his newfound ideas.

Another month passed. In the dimly lit workspace, the sound of robotic arms powering down echoed. Red Queen, tirelessly working for a full month, showed no signs of fatigue. Suddenly, Alan woke up from a dream.

Red Queen tilted her head, looking at him curiously.

"The warp engine is finished!"

"Woohoo!!!"

Alan leapt to his feet in excitement, picking up Red Queen and spinning in circles beneath the spaceship. The completion of the spaceship signified that he could now explore the universe, a thought that thrilled him with the promise of countless new adventures.

Suddenly, Alan noticed a slight blush on Red Queen's face. She seemed to realize it too and patted Alan's arm, signaling him to put her down.

"Why are you blushing?" Alan asked, puzzled. Red Queen, much like Vision, shouldn't experience emotions like blushing.

Touching her cheek, Red Queen replied, "It's probably due to heat buildup from prolonged operation."

Alan nodded, quickly dismissing the incident. He turned his attention to the spaceship, its long, extended wings folded and resting on the ground. Built using a Quinjet's frame, the entire craft was jet black.

Thinking ahead, Alan decided the spaceship's color needed to be changed before it was taken anywhere. He'd already planned for this.

With the spaceship ready, Alan realized it had been a month since he'd last been home. He suddenly wondered how Wanda was doing.

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