Bab 54: Chapter 54: Visit to Wakanda
Martin Lee was trapped in a huge pit created by the magician. His current methods were ineffective against the highly resilient spider webs, especially since they had him trapped in the center with a radius of five meters.
The next steps were straightforward. They pumped anesthesia into the pit because Martin Lee still needed to breathe. After he was sedated, they cut through the spider webs and put him in specialized restraints before taking him away.
Then they began cleaning up the scene.
Meanwhile, Warren, who was in Africa, went for a walk during a rainy day but didn't notice any "invisible boundary lines."
"It's uncomfortable when clothes stick to you."
He had gone out without an umbrella in his formal attire, and the rain embraced him warmly.
"Let's go back. It seems like there won't be any discoveries."
He decided to return.
Upon his return, he received the good news of Martin Lee's capture, which brought him some relief. After all, Overwatch, which he had developed single-handedly, was now capable of dealing with villains.
"But Norman Osborn denies any connection with Martin Lee. You know, Martin Lee's testimony alone is not enough, and he doesn't have any other evidence," John Garrett discussed with Warren.
"Can't we rely on memory?"
"For now, it's not enough. It's better not to expose our ability to access others' memories. Not to mention that even if we present it, the opposing lawyer won't acknowledge its validity. Moreover, it will generate public opinion and damage the positive image of Overwatch."
Currently, Overwatch knew about Norman Osborn's dark history, but they lacked evidence. Even if Martin Lee, who was captured, was willing to testify, it wouldn't be sufficient.
On the other hand, Norman Osborn knew that Overwatch had the ability to read others' memories, but Overwatch couldn't use it as evidence. Firstly, it wouldn't hold up legally, as the opposing lawyer would never admit its validity, and the judges would hesitate.
The crucial issue was that Overwatch had always maintained a positive image since its establishment. It was better not to bring something like reading others' memories, which was seen as an invasion of privacy, into the open. In John Garrett's eyes, Overwatch's image was more important than Norman Osborn.
"What do you plan to do then? Norman Osborn can't just go unchecked; this person has already crossed the line," Warren asked.
"We'll have our people investigate for evidence. Norman Osborn will definitely try to remove any evidence. At this time, the spies from S.H.I.E.L.D. operating in secret can collect the evidence we need," John replied.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. spies?"
"Yes, since Overwatch was newly established, our intelligence system hasn't fully developed yet. So, I borrowed a spy master from S.H.I.E.L.D., a remarkable spy."
"Your decision."
Seeing John Garrett's confidence, Warren could also stay at ease.
In a couple of days, he would visit the King of Wakanda, so he needed to prepare properly.
...
The next day, the weather cleared up, and Warren and his group took the opportunity to visit a government official in a certain country and discuss a business deal regarding gold mining.
The business negotiation went smoothly. With Worthington Industries and Worthington Pharmaceuticals willing to establish branch offices there and help improve local employment and economy at a very reasonable price, there were no obstacles to the deal.
It was uncommon for someone like Warren to directly purchase a gold mine that had been explored in such detail. However, no one objected because of the amount of money involved.
Next on the agenda was the visit to Wakanda.
In the past, Wakanda had always left an impression on other countries as a backward nation in Africa, and today it seemed that was indeed the case.
Although the people were simple and hospitable, their cities didn't have many traces of modern technology. They were primitive and plain.
They were good at pretending.
Was T'Chaka still unwilling to connect Wakanda with the rest of the world?
Since that was the case, Warren decided not to show any abnormalities for now. He planned to gradually guide the desired outcome and focus this meeting on vibranium, stating that they could provide investment for Wakanda's development.
Okay, Warren knew it was quite funny, but they were playing a role now, weren't they?
Vibranium was in demand regardless of who needed it. Its characteristics represented technological progress, and just by studying vibranium, shortcuts to advanced technology could be developed. Wakanda was a prime example of this.
After the banquet, King T'Chaka walked with Warren through the city of Wakanda and asked, "Your Excellency, you already have a set of armor and weapons forged with vibranium. Why do you need to purchase such a large quantity of it?"
His son, T'Challa, the future Black Panther, was also accompanying them.
"Because it's not enough. This world is not as safe as you think," Warren replied.
"Where does the danger come from? I believe that besides the nuclear weapons created by humans, the world is safe," T'Challa interjected.
"Your Highness, besides humans, there are other beings."
"Aliens?" T'Challa looked puzzled.
"Aliens?" The king also seemed skeptical.
Warren shook his head slightly and said, "Your intelligence and information are outdated. You know I founded an organization called Overwatch, right? Do you know there's another organization called S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"We know about that."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mission is to handle extraordinary events on Earth. But what do you think extraordinary events represent? Are they just mutants and superhumans? Why do the member countries of the World Security Council willingly fund S.H.I.E.L.D.? It's because they know things that others don't."
The old king's expression became solemn. "Like what?"
"Like? I'm sorry, I can't tell you these things. At least not me."
He stopped halfway through his words, and it was frustrating.
The old king didn't dwell on it and sighed, "It seems we shouldn't have been so closed off."
"You've been too closed off."
"In fact, I had already thought about it. That's why in the past, I sent people to various countries to study and learn advanced knowledge. Recently, I have been contemplating further opening up. You have strengthened my resolve."
I came here to help you open up. What did you expect?
Wakanda had advanced technology, and Worthington had advanced technology as well. Both were on the level of black technology.
So, Wakanda could use Worthington as a reason, and Worthington could benefit from Wakanda's resources. It was a win-win situation.
"Warren, would you like to visit the vibranium mine?" the old king invited.
"Is it possible? It seems like you've never allowed outsiders to visit."
"Since we've decided to open up, we should be bolder. You'll definitely be amazed," the old king said confidently.
"I'm looking forward to it."
There might be some anticipation, but amazed? Not really.
...
In a confidential laboratory at the Worthington headquarters, a collar-shaped device was being dissected and scanned bit by bit by Red Queen using a mechanical arm.
The items obtained in the previous lottery, like the Green Goblin's glider and the tactical goggles, were small in comparison. At least they were things that could be developed in this world in the short term.
But this one was different.
It was a neural interface device from "Accel World," a personal terminal for future world residents, equivalent to today's smartphones.
It could read, convert, and transmit consciousness. In other words, it could understand what a person was thinking and simulate sensory information to the human brain.
Experiments of this nature were currently being conducted, but merely making machines understand human intentions still had a long way to go.
This, on the other hand, was a finished product. As long as they could analyze the vast amount of data, they could skip decades of hard work.
There was also one more thing: the device used quantum communication modules, allowing access to the network anytime, anywhere. Once this technology was deciphered, they could establish a communication subsidiary or even a game company.
More importantly, there was software inside. If they could fully crack that software, Warren could give all his soldiers the ability to manipulate "bullet time" manually.
It was the culmination of several decades of accumulation, and it was now placed on Red Queen workbench.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone