The gap for the latter wasn't too large, especially since Qingshui's own Chakra could make up the difference.
However, if Electrolight could be coated with Vibranium or Promethium—extraordinary metals with almost maxed-out defensive capabilities—or equipped with a powerful energy source and more lethal firepower, it might reach S- status, similar to a regular White Knight.
But for now, it was already sufficient.
While titanium alloy wasn't as strong as those extraordinary metals, it was still enough to withstand most conventional attacks.
After engraving the Summoning Seal onto Electrolight, Qingshui took off his Rolex Datejust Watch and modified it until it was completely unrecognizable. He then put it on his wrist, covering the Summoning Incantation.
Normally, the watch still functioned as a regular mechanical watch. However, Qingshui only needed to turn it ninety degrees counter-clockwise and then press down. A small needle would then prick the flesh at the edge of the Summoning Incantation, and by squeezing, blood would come into contact with the incantation.
At that point, all he needed to do was form a hand seal with one hand and activate the Summoning Jutsu, and Electrolight would be instantly summoned.
"Young Master, there are only twenty minutes until the Hammer Industries Expo on your schedule. You should depart now."
The laboratory door was knocked, and the voice of Jorge, the butler, came through.
Qingshui glanced at the time on the mechanical watch, then put it on and walked out.
"Let me take a shower, then change and we'll leave."
Twenty minutes later.
Hammer Industries Exhibition Hall.
A silver Rolls-Royce pulled up outside the hall.
"Sorry, sir, we're one minute late."
From the front seat, the chauffeur apologized to Qingshui, who was in the back.
"Oh, it's fine. You drove both fast and steadily. I was the one who delayed things a bit earlier. Your salary won't be docked this time."
Qingshui glanced at his watch, opened the car door, and walked into the exhibition hall.
Michael Jackson's music played inside the hall, and on the stage, a young man in a suit and glasses was tap-dancing his way to the center of the stage.
"Excuse me, coming through."
Qingshui, accompanied by an assistant, took his seat and turned to look at the person next to him.
"I didn't expect Hammer to dance Michael Jackson, nor did I expect the person sitting next to me to be you, Ms. Potts."
The blonde lady smiled politely at Qingshui.
"I pulled some strings to arrange these seats, Mr. Watt. As for Hammer's dance... he probably took inspiration from Tony's entrance at the Stark Expo two years ago. You know, Hammer is always trying to imitate Stark, to make himself seem like he's in the same league as Stark."
Qingshui glanced at the red-haired assistant next to Pepper Potts.
"Well, he's not bad at it. I assume Ms. Potts wants to discuss some business with me after the expo tonight?"
"Yes."
Pepper Potts said with a smile, "Ever since Tony returned from Monaco, he's been holed up in the lab. But once he comes out, I'll get him to agree to the Stark and Osborn collaboration as soon as possible. Before that, I think we can start discussing the details in advance."
It seemed the negotiations between Osborn and several other groups had made Pepper a bit anxious.
This matter held immense benefits for both parties, making them natural allies. If the cooperation failed due to Tony Stark's personal reasons, it was certainly something neither side wanted to see.
"Then how about we reach a preliminary agreement for cooperation tonight, and starting tomorrow, have representatives from both sides join in for formal discussions? Once Stark emerges from the lab, we can simply sign the agreement."
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
Pepper tilted her head and smiled.
Meanwhile, on the exhibition stage, Hammer had finished his awkward dance and lengthy speech and was getting down to business.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today I present to you the new face of the American Military—Hammer Industries' Drone Mech!"
Hammer raised his hands, shouting, "Army!"
"Air Force!"
"Navy!"
"Marines!"
The stage floor opened up, and rows of gleaming Iron Mechs rose into view.
On the front of their chest plates, the Arc Reactors, almost identical to Iron Man's, made Pepper's eyes widen and her mouth drop open. She exchanged a glance with her red-haired assistant.
Now they both guessed where Hammer's reactor technology came from.
"Does Hammer have a lot of influence in Europe?"
Qingshui asked Pepper, who was beside him.
"Justin Hammer is a Monaco immigrant. His grandfather was once a minister in the Monaco Privy Council. Now, all the equipment for Monaco's police force is supplied by Hammer Industries, and they also have some cooperation with the French military."
The red-haired assistant sitting next to Pepper replied.
"Natalie is my assistant now. She's very knowledgeable and knows a lot."
Pepper introduced her to Qingshui.
At the same time, another Iron Mech rose onto the exhibition stage.
"Allow me to introduce the Variable Threat Response Suit and its pilot, Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes!"
Justin Hammer smiled, clapping his hands.
Rhodes also maneuvered the Iron Suit, raising its right hand along with a line of Drone Mechs behind him, saluting the crowd.
But the smile on Hammer's face didn't last long.
A gold and red Iron Man, trailing a fiery exhaust, descended from the sky in the distance onto the venue's stage.
The cheers from the audience immediately grew louder.
Justin Hammer's eyes widened.
"Stark? Are you here to cause trouble?"
"No, you're the one causing trouble. Where's Ivan?"
Tony Stark asked Justin Hammer.
Seeing this, Qingshui quietly glanced at his wristband, then stretched out his left hand and twisted it in a circle.
Soon, all the Drone Mechs present, as well as the Iron Suit piloted by Rhodes, launched an attack on Tony Stark under Ivan's control from behind.
Stray bullets flew everywhere. Everyone attending the expo, whether they were the business, political, and military figures and reporters in the front rows, or the common folk in the back watching for entertainment, screamed and scattered.
Iron Man soared into the sky, taking Rhodes and the aerial Drone Mechs with him.
The remaining Drone Mechs, however, began to move with heavy steps towards the ground below.
Black Widow grabbed Pepper Potts's hand and ran in a certain direction.
"Sir, we'll protect you. Get back in the car, let's leave here!"
The two bodyguards Qingshui brought pulled out their pistols and guarded him.
"No need to rush; they're not targeting us."
Qingshui watched a Drone Mech walk towards a child wearing an Iron Man mask, then pressed his watch.
Immediately after, a puff of white smoke appeared, and Electrolight entered the scene.
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