With the help of the super-intelligent Jarvis, the optimal weapon design was quickly completed.
"Gauss Sniper Rifle, also known as the Electromagnetic Oscillation Beam Emitter. The theory was perfected three years ago, but due to limitations in energy density it couldn't be realized. However, with Saitama's energy storage, it's entirely possible now. Other than you… even Stark's arc reactor can't power it."
"Database optimization in progress… optimization complete…"
"Final expected results: firing frequency of 10Hz, single shot energy reaching 300 million joules. Theoretically, with three shots to the same spot, even Mark armor can be pierced. Outside of Mark armor, nothing else can withstand it."
In the holographic projection appeared a sleek and elegant sniper rifle, futuristic in design, shaped almost like teeth.
"Looks pretty good, Jarvis."
Saitama said calmly. He never imagined himself carrying a sniper rifle—it felt weird.
"Yes, sir."
Jarvis's voice fell as robotic arms began their work. The rest was nothing Saitama needed to worry about.
This feeling of being carefree was wonderful.
Time passed slowly.
On the window screen that doubled as a display, today's news was being broadcast.
At the Formula One racetrack, Stark had been ambushed by Ivan Vanko.
Fortunately, Natasha had arrived early with the suitcase. The arrogant Iron Man had only suffered a small scare and a minor scratch.
That night, Stark didn't return.
On the third day, Stark came back to the villa looking grim.
Apparently, not only had he failed to extract any useful information from Ivan Vanko, but he had been ridiculed as a "pitiful man dying from palladium poisoning."
What infuriated him most was that…
A lunatic existed with technology nearly equal to his own arc reactor!
If it were before, Stark would've mobilized every resource to hunt such a person down, but now, burdened by palladium poisoning, everything was frustrating.
"Gulp gulp~~~"
The moment he walked in, Stark grabbed a bottle of red wine and downed it.
A lifelong drunkard, he never imagined he'd end up like this. It left him unwilling to accept his fate.
But Stark had already tried everything he could think of.
"Mr. Stark, there is some information you must see for yourself."
Jarvis's voice rang out.
"Don't bother me now, Jarvis. Or I'll consider dismantling you and selling you for scrap."
Stark, at the lowest point of his mood, slumped onto the sofa.
"Dioxide palladium can alleviate the poisoning…"
Clang.
Stark almost jumped up from the sofa, his eyes shining. At this point, he was hypersensitive to anything related to palladium.
He rushed to experiment and quickly developed a perfect palladium dioxide reagent.
Testing it himself, he proved its effectiveness—it slowed the spread of the poisoning to nearly a halt!
"Saitama! That guy… he's researched elements too? And what's this, a Gauss sniper rifle? Jarvis, did you record wrong? My arc reactor can't power this thing."
Stark was stunned, but with palladium poisoning alleviated, he seemed to regain his old brilliance.
"A weapon exclusive for Mr. Saitama. In addition, he discovered an element that can replace palladium. But the molecular structure requires the Stark Industries Expo model designed by your father."
Jarvis explained further.
"..."
Stark widened his eyes, stunned.
If he hadn't just experienced the effectiveness of palladium dioxide himself, he would've thought Jarvis malfunctioned. But now…
His brain felt like it wasn't enough.
He always thought he was the world's greatest genius scientist, but now… was Saitama the real one?
"Immediately! Right away!"
Stark's heart pounded wildly. If Saitama was right, then… maybe he wouldn't have to die?
He dashed to his sports car, then thought it was too slow, and switched directly into his armor.
"Where's Saitama now?"
He asked, trembling with excitement.
"In the next bedroom, watching the drama 'Love Paradise.'"
"No need. Just thank him for me. In a few days I'll throw an even bigger party to thank him!!"
Stark, who had been depressed for days, was suddenly overjoyed, laughing as he rocketed away in his armor.
As for a certain slacker…
He was lying happily on the big bed, binging his show.
After all, Jarvis said the sniper rifle still required rare materials before the finished product could be made.
That afternoon.
Stark Industries executive office.
Stark smashed through the window, nearly scaring Pepper and Natasha to death while they were in the middle of a conversation.
Smiling casually, he even brought Pepper a box of strawberries.
Only to be scolded by her.
She reminded him strawberries were the only thing she was allergic to.
"Alright, at least I improved from last time. I remembered you were connected to strawberries somehow. Didn't expect you two to get along so well. But I've got more important things to do. I'll head out first."
Stark grinned.
Under the stunned stares of Pepper and Natasha, he hauled away the massive industrial expo model.
"What's wrong with him now? Lost his mind again?"
Pepper and Natasha looked at each other, utterly speechless.
Back at his house, Stark transformed into a demolition man, a construction foreman.
Pepper nearly fainted.
He forcibly built a particle accelerator inside his own lab, tearing the place apart like a madman!
Fortunately…
The soundproofing on Saitama's headset was top-notch, otherwise he'd think an earthquake was happening.
Meanwhile…
Hammer Industries.
Inside a top-secret research facility.
A large team of scientists were busy at work.
Ever since the exposure of Stark's Mark II armor caused a nationwide sensation…
Justin Hammer had been obsessed with replicating the technology. Not just him—top military contractors worldwide were desperately trying to copy Iron Man.
But as expected…
None succeeded.
No company could create an armor that moved freely. Whether in mechanical transmission systems, miniature arc reactors, or energy weapon applications…
Even as Stark's greatest rival, Justin Hammer had to admit: Tony Stark's talent was as maddening as it was undeniable.
But now everything was about to change.
Fate had smiled upon Hammer Industries. At the moment he was at a dead end, fate delivered him a super genius!
Soon, he would seize all the military contracts Stark once dominated!
(End of Chapter)
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