"When you've thought it through, come find me directly. My address has never been a secret." Tony glanced at him indifferently. A Mini-bot Transformer appeared in his hand, and with surprising force, it pried Peter's arm open—a task that was far from easy.
As he left, Tony dropped a document. It was **Stark Industries'** talent recruitment program. As soon as Peter Parker signed it, the document would immediately take effect, and a dedicated scholarship of ten thousand dollars a year would be transferred to Peter's card.
"Take this document and find the relevant person in charge at **Stark Industries**. You won't have to worry about tuition for your four years of college. Also, a reminder, I proposed and initiated this program, Peter. When you've made up your mind, come find me."
Tony pushed open the door, got directly into a truck waiting outside, and after taking one last look at Peter, who had run out to follow him, he sped off.
He wasn't worried about how Little Spider would choose; no matter the choice, he had already jumped into the trap Tony had prepared for him. Once in my grasp, do you think you can still run? Who gave you that confidence? If Ben is revived, he will become an important bargaining chip in Tony's hands to control Peter. Even if Peter refuses Ben's resurrection, simply signing that document will ensure he can't escape Tony's scrutiny.
This program was only for Peter; there was no nonsensical "one hundred-person talent recruitment program." From beginning to end, it was only for Peter.
The upgraded Optimus Prime sped down the road at lightning speed, surpassing one sports car after another, stunning onlookers everywhere. How could such a big blue guy be so fast? And there wasn't even any noise from a **super engine**!
This primarily blue truck was the upgraded Optimus Prime. In its combat state, it stood eight meters tall, utilizing Tony's latest research, Type I Metal, which gave its Combat Power an astonishing leap.
It had a self-regenerating Metal Body, with defensive capabilities surpassing Titanium Alloy. Furthermore, Tony had re-upgraded Optimus Prime's Weapon System, especially its Core Module, which had been meticulously refined and upgraded again by Tony.
Tony called the current Optimus Prime a "Level Three" Combat Power. It could beat anything below Level Four like it was beating a child, but it would get beaten like a child by a Level Four opponent. It was not enough to contend with the best, but more than sufficient against the rest.
It was roughly at Level Three and a half, somewhat like Wolverine, with super endurance and self-regeneration. However, it couldn't take a hit like Wolverine, as Wolverine had an Adamantium skeleton, which Optimus Prime temporarily lacked.
Tony sped wildly down the road in a showy manner. When the **police** occasionally chased him, Tony directly pulled out a Military pass while moving at high speed, warning them that he was on an urgent mission and not to interfere. His outrageous conduct was truly appalling.
Flaunting his presence all the way, he went straight to the Military's experimental base. He needed to use the **technology** he possessed to create Super Soldiers for the Military. This was a process of mutual exploitation. Once the Military mastered the complete **technology**, it would undoubtedly turn against Tony.
With their own hidden agendas, Tony met with Ross again.
The Super Soldier who had threatened Tony at the last meeting, and subsequently had an arm shattered by Tony, was also present, looking on with a wary expression, his eyes showing unmistakable apprehension and fear.
"Tony, in just this short time, I've received a flood of complaints from the Department of Transportation, all accusing you of egregious speeding. You're really something, aren't you?" Ross turned his chair and looked at Tony with displeasure.
"Hehehe, General, I'm sure you can handle such minor matters," Tony chuckled, making himself completely at home as he pulled out a chair and sat down.
Ross snorted coldly. He naturally didn't care about such trivial matters. The world was full of troublesome incidents, and the Military's status was becoming increasingly important, their say growing ever stronger. Tony's occasional acts of willfulness not only caused no problems but actually made Ross feel more at ease.
Occasionally causing small issues would only make Ross feel that Tony truly considered himself one of his subordinates, and that Ross himself would become Tony's backing. Such small things would unconsciously reassure and comfort Ross.
Following this, Ross's gaze towards Tony also became more favorable.
With a wave of his hand, a surveillance feed immediately appeared on the huge screen, broadcasting live the process of injecting the "**serum**." One after another, soldiers standing ready were stripped of their shirts and, after being injected with an unknown **matter**, began to experience violent convulsions. The severe cases even foamed at the mouth.
"Tony, your **technology** is very interesting, but its drawbacks are equally obvious. Research shows that these augmented Super Soldiers are vulnerable to low temperatures; below negative twenty degrees Celsius, they experience subtle effects, and between negative forty and negative fifty degrees Celsius, they become difficult to move. Moreover, there's a considerable failure rate during the **augmentation** process."
Ross said to Tony, with his arms crossed.
"There's nothing perfect in this world. Even Captain America from World War II was a tough **mortal**; a single bullet could kill him. But our soldiers aren't afraid of bullets at all. If shot, they can simply dig out the bullet and keep fighting. As for the low-temperature issue, the Military just needs to equip them with specialized warm clothing," Tony shrugged indifferently.
Vulnerability to low temperatures was an inherent flaw of Dionesium Factor Technology. Even if Tony had improved the Dionesium Factor Technology somewhat, he couldn't avoid this shortcoming. This was related to human flesh and blood bodies; something derived from Hell's Springs of Resurrection naturally couldn't be flawless.
On the screen, one soldier's **augmentation** failed. The entire person convulsed on the ground, gradually stopped breathing. The medical personnel nearby were accustomed to it and simply dragged the body away.
It was bloody and cruel, but this was the price to be paid for the Super Soldier Program, and this price was considered light. At least the success rate was guaranteed, over 60%. Previous attempts, like the Hulk and Colonel Stryker's Weapon X, were all strewn with countless bodies.
This was also because Tony had manipulated things. Normal Dionesium Factor Technology didn't involve roughly injecting the serum, but subtly implanting teeth to gradually induce changes.
But Tony wouldn't make it so easy for the Military. The more a price had to be paid, the more the value of the **technology** would be highlighted, especially when the price was completely acceptable.
This was perfect for Tony to urge the Military to embark on the next phase of the plan.
"General Ross, even with so many Super Soldiers, they are no match at all against some truly formidable characters. We need more trump cards to confront increasingly vicious and ruthless enemies," Tony said.
"So, you want to hand over the complete **technology**? The Military will remember your contribution and will certainly not treat you unfairly." Ross smiled, greed flickering in his eyes.
Bullshit!
Tony cursed inwardly. Only a fool would believe the Military's lies. After all, he was an **outsider**. Once his value was fully extracted, he would certainly be disposed of. With his ability to **animate** machinery, he was, to some extent, an even greater threat than Magneto.
"General, what I mean is, we need more trump cards to deter enemies, such as... Vibranium?"
(end of chapter)