75 The Key to the Future

"The Palladium-based Arc Reactor technology isn't the complete Arc Reactor technology," said Kagura Hitomi, revealing a shocking truth to Tony Stark.

"This new energy technology, created by Howard Stark and Anton Vanko together, is just a key—a key to unlocking the door to the future."

"This sounds quite interesting, Hitomi. Could you explain more?" Tony asked, intrigued.

"I've tried all sorts of elements and combinations, but no known element can replace palladium. The theoretical power limit of the Arc Reactor is already bound by palladium's capacity."

"Well, it seems you haven't tried every possible method, Mr. Stark," Kagura smiled.

"I may not be able to improve the Arc Reactor technology myself, but your father, Howard Stark, could. I suggest you ask him."

Kagura indeed had blueprints for an improved Arc Reactor.

They were still available in the market, but she hoped Tony would look into his father's recordings.

This might help bridge the gap between them.

Tony sighed.

"Alright, him again... But how do I ask him? Don't tell me I need to build a time machine or something, because I have no idea what kind of expression I should have when I meet him."

"Ha!" Kagura couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

"You really are a prophet, Tony Stark!"

"I understand," Kagura continued.

"Even though death is final, your father left behind invaluable data. He was also one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. So, I think you should ask Nick Fury about it."

"You really know a lot, huh," Tony said.

"Does Bruce Wayne have a spy agency like S.H.I.E.L.D. too?"

"It's the information age, Mr. Stark," Kagura smiled.

"If you collect large-scale data from the internet and analyze it deeply, you'll uncover many hidden secrets. This is called data mining!"

"Looks like that Bruce Wayne really knows his stuff," Tony nodded.

"Thanks for the help, Hitomi. I'll try looking into it."

"Good, I'm relieved now that you're back on track, Mr. Stark," Kagura took a deep breath, showing a satisfied smile.

But Tony, noticing something in her expression, frowned.

"Hitomi..."

"Mm?" she responded.

"Tell me, you weren't sent here by S.H.I.E.L.D., right?"

"Eh?" Kagura tilted her head.

"No... Wasn't this your invitation?"

Tony paused, as if realizing something.

"Natalie..."

"Natalie?" Kagura asked curiously.

"Yes, Natalie! She was fired!"

At that moment, Kagura's phone suddenly rang. She took it out, her face turning serious.

"Sorry, Mr. Stark, I need to step away for a moment."

"Okay, sure," Tony said, still deep in thought about the Arc Reactor and Howard Stark.

The caller ID on her phone was "Cortana."

Cortana contacting Kagura meant that something had happened to Natasha Romanoff.

Kagura walked to a quieter corner, turned off the phone call, and activated the communicator on her earring.

"Cortana, what's going on?"

Phone calls were easily intercepted, but with the high-tech communicator developed by Rhode Island Industries, there was no risk of eavesdropping.

"Agent Natasha Romanoff was ambushed by unknown armed agents at Hammer Industries. The situation isn't looking good. Bucky Barnes has already gone to engage, and because it's an urgent situation, I'm notifying you immediately."

"So, things really did go south! Where's the nearest 'Halo' transport?" Kagura asked.

"The nearest 'Halo' transport is stationed at the Los Angeles weapons development division under Rhode Island Industries, about 15 minutes away from your location," Cortana replied.

"Got it, I'll be there in 10 minutes," Kagura said as she quickly left Tony Stark's mansion and jumped into her sports car.

"Command confirmed. Starting the 'Halo' transport at the Los Angeles division. Activating integrated equipment. Airdrop countdown: 43 minutes, 30 seconds."

[Low-altitude flight adaptation specialization: Activated]

[Attend Tony Stark's birthday party/Completed]

[Received 10 QP]

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

Hammer Industries R&D Base, New York

"Justin Hammer is an idiot, he can't even hide the transport cargo properly," came a man's voice over the broadcast in a closed research hall.

"But even though he's stupid, his mistake has unexpectedly led us to catch a big fish."

On the automated assembly table in the center of the hall were completed and in-progress Palladium Arc Reactors.

Surrounding them were numerous Iron Man suits in various stages of production.

Clearly, Hammer Industries had acquired the technology to make Arc Reactors and was now mass-producing Iron Man suits.

"Oh, so it really was a slip-up. I thought it was intentional," Natasha Romanoff said from behind a metal table, using it as cover as she held a handgun and kept her eyes on her opponents.

Several heavily armed agents, clad in black tactical gear and helmets, had surrounded her from all directions, and the situation was grim.

"Undeniably, Justin Hammer's little mistake has brought you to your doom, Romanoff," the man continued on the broadcast.

"The famous Black Widow is now trapped like a butterfly in a spider's web, with no way out."

"You know me?" Natasha asked, remaining calm and composed.

"You don't seem like Ivan or anyone from Hammer Industries. Alright, so you must be Hydra."

"Tsk..." The man on the broadcast sounded irritated. He had tried to make a dramatic speech, but Natasha had already extracted information from him.

"About to die, and still trying to get intel. Just like you. But what's the point?"

"I thought you guys were wiped out decades ago," Natasha said with a hint of disbelief.

"I didn't expect you to still be around."

"Hahaha!" The man laughed loudly.

"You're too naive. Hydra is immortal. Our organization is all over the world!"

"Oh, I see. So you are Hydra," Natasha said, confirming her earlier guess.

"And there's an agent of yours in S.H.I.E.L.D."

"You—"

"Thanks for the cooperation. I've gathered all the intel I need," Natasha interrupted.

"Humph! It's all pointless. You're about to die. All the information you've gathered will be buried with you, and dead people don't talk!"

"Well, we'll see if you're capable of stopping me."

[TL Note]

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