"I object to using so many resources to develop the virus," Councilor Sith declared, glancing around the room. His demeanor was calm but resolute. He continued, "I strongly oppose the Terra Federation's decision to focus on the Extremis virus as one of their primary research and development directions."
The other Councilor regarded Sith's expression carefully.
Kennedy slowly raised his hand and said, "I disagree as well. I think we should let the research on the virus proceed naturally. There's no need to devote excessive effort to it."
Hyeon frowned slightly. He had just mentioned that the virus was one of the methods to resist the unknown fears threatening them. Yet, unexpectedly, other elders voiced stronger objections. Besides Councilors Kennedy and Sith, two or three more Councilors were already weighing in, moving toward a decisive stance.
However, this wasn't the first time such disagreements had arisen.
Hyeon offered a smile and said, "Everyone, if possible, please explain your specific reasons. The Terra Federation may be facing an unknown power beyond our understanding. Right now, there's an opportunity to bolster our strength, something we cannot afford to overlook."
Councilor Sith responded, "The virus is too dangerous. In the memories we have, plants exploded outright. If injected into humans, an explosion could mean self-destruction."
Kennedy nodded in agreement. "That's my concern as well. If the technology only allows for regenerating a broken limb or restoring damaged organs, it would be valuable. But given that Earth's technological level surpasses ours, I see little hope. If they perfect this technology, it won't just be Rogers and his team. Yet, during the Chitauri War, there was no evidence of the virus's use."
He knocked on the table thoughtfully. "This proves that investing heavily in this project is unnecessary."
Other Councilors echoed similar sentiments, saying, "I agree with what Kennedy and Sith have said. Currently, our resources are stretched thin, between the Project, the Human Potential Organization, and more."
Hyeon frowned. The Federation had many people, but resources were scarce. Still, based on his calculations, it wasn't as dire as some believed.
Councilor Gladwin spoke up: "What everyone is truly worried about is the potential danger the virus could pose."
Sith and the others fell silent, then nodded in agreement.
With a sigh, Gladwin added, "I've also received some news. Biologist Darwin has made a conjecture based on his theory of evolution."
Kennedy asked, "What's the hypothesis?"
"Natural annihilation. Darwin believes that the major faults in Earth's history may have been the result of natural selection, with destructive behavior actively shaping the past."
The others widened their eyes in shock. If true, that was terrifying.
Gladwin smiled bitterly. "I tend to believe it a little. So, in the short term, signs of danger from the Terra Federation are already emerging. Any opportunity we have now is crucial. We should act first, evaluate later, and decide definitively afterward."
Sith and the others exchanged glances, dropping the subject for now.
A Councilor suggested, "We should examine Tony's records, see if a complete version of the virus exists. If it's as effective and stable as claimed, it could be invaluable for our future."
Others nodded in agreement. The matter was temporarily settled, and everyone turned their attention back to the live broadcast screen.
Inside the Administration, the director frowned at his assistant. "How long has it been? Why haven't you found anyone yet?"
So far, there were no clues regarding the Immortal Warrior's citizenship information.
Cold sweat beaded on the assistant's forehead. "Director, as we know, he began recalling his previous life around age eight, and his memories surged again recently. This makes investigation difficult. Especially after the Chitauri incident, many schools organized students to watch the live broadcast, which sparked significant interest among them."
The director waved impatiently. "Enough. Go."
Johan approached and smiled at the director. "Sir, I suggest you not worry too much. I believe that anyone with ideals, aspirations, or pursuits will come forward once they learn about our initiative. This might be a live broadcast now, so perhaps they're not paying close attention to what we released."
The director nodded; he understood this well. His main concern was not the identity of the Immortal Warrior but the potential danger if that person was discovered prematurely, someone capturing advanced Earth-age technology to harm the Federation.
"Abyss Religion, I hope you're not messing with me," he thought silently, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
Meanwhile, the military leader seemed very interested in Killian's device. "If this could be used as a tool to interrogate criminals, do you think it would be more effective?"
Everyone in the expert group looked at each other, then smiled.
"Sounds promising!"
"A lie detector? One that directly interfaces with the brain?"
"Haha, you guys are brilliant, developing such equipment."
Tonio and the others chuckled. If perfected, observing brain responses during interrogation would be more intuitive and reliable than current polygraph methods.
The military boss sighed. "Unfortunately, this is a finished product. We don't have access to its development process."
Someone reassured him, "With your skills, I'm sure you'll come up with great innovations in the future."
A new device was being praised, a neural activity display capable of revealing brain states. Many praised its power, some even promising to produce similar devices. A group of people waited patiently for the footage to continue.
[ Meanwhile, in the hall, Happy sat on a sofa. A video call appeared on his tablet. He hesitated briefly, then accepted the connection. His broad forehead appeared on the screen.]
[ Tony's voice crackled from the other end. "Is this a security guard with a big forehead?"]
[ Happy replied, "What? Listen, I've got work to do." ]
[ Tony asked, "What do you mean?" ]
[ Happy glanced around. "I'm at work. Something just happened." ]
[ Tony wandered through the studio, observing many suits of armor and the slowly moving Mark 42 being stored downstairs. "Harassing the intern again?" ]
[ Happy chuckled. "Actually, I've got news. When I told everyone I was Iron Man's bodyguard, they ridiculed me mercilessly. I had to leave with my dignity in tatters. Now, I've got a new gig, taking care of Pebble." ]
[ Tony moved to the wine cabinet. "What happened? Spill it." ]
[ Happy hesitated. "Do you really want to know?" ]
[ "Yes." ]
[ "Well, she's meeting a scientist, rich and handsome." ]
[ Tony sighed. "Okay." ]
[ Happy continued, "At first, I didn't recognize him. You know I'm good at that. But then I checked his info. Killian, we met him before, at the New Year's Eve party, the science conference, thirteen years ago." ]
[ Tony sat on the sofa, pondering. "Killian? I don't remember that guy." ]
[ Happy said matter-of-factly, "Of course you don't. He's not a pretty woman. It started out as just a business meeting, but now, he's showing off his big brain." ]
[ Tony took a sip of champagne, surprised. "What?" ]
[ "Big brain. And she's right there in the middle. Watch this." Happy raised the tablet, pointing at the transparent glass office. ]
[ Tony looked annoyed. "See what? Are you spying? Turn the camera down." ]
[ Happy panicked. "I'm not a genius like you, trust me. Come over here!" ]
[ "Turn the camera around. Let me see what they're doing." ]
[ "No, I won't. Stop talking to me like that. You're not my boss, and I'm not working for you. Besides, there's a sneaky guy with him." ]
[ Tony examined Killian's info on the screen, then moved to the wine cabinet. "Relax. I just want you to be alert. Maybe let him go out for a drink or something." ]
[ Happy warned, "You should really pay attention. She might be the best thing that's happened to you. And you're screwing it up." ]
[ Tony held up the screen. "A giant brain?" ]
[ Happy responded, "Yes. There's a sneaky guy too. I need to follow him. If he's dangerous, I'll call you." ]
[ Tony grabbed a bottle of wine. "Miss you, Happy." ]
[ Happy replied, "I miss you too. But honestly, with you always out saving the world, I don't know what's happening anymore. The world's getting weirder." ]
[ Tony immediately hung up, not wanting to hear more. He placed the tablet in the wine cabinet and shut the door. ]