"Boss, why didn't you let me kill that vixen? Do you like her?"
Inside the Batfighter, 2B looked at Loren with a hint of curiosity. She couldn't understand the purpose behind his actions.
Hearing this, Loren felt a pang of shame. 2B really knows more and more these days… It's going to be harder to deceive her in the future!
"What are you talking about? How could I possibly like a woman I've only met once? If you're saying I'm in love with her—well, sure, there's a chance."
"Don't 'liking' and 'falling in love' mean the same thing?" 2B tilted her head, her eyes filled with confusion.
"Of course they're different! Even though there's only one word between them, the meanings are worlds apart." Loren shook his head mysteriously.
"You have to understand—'up' isn't just a direction. It's also a verb."
"A verb? 2B doesn't understand."
"It's okay. Not understanding means you haven't been contaminated by this world yet. And that's a good thing."
"Anyway, all you need to know is this: I don't like her. I only like you, my dear 2B sister."
As he spoke, Loren gently caressed 2B's cheek—prompting her to blush instantly.
"Really?"
"Of course. It couldn't be more true."
"I like Boss too! Boss… let me make you happy!"
"Stop it—I'm flying a plane!"
"It's okay. You fly yours, and I'll play mine."
With that, 2B wrapped her arms around Loren from behind, her slender hands slowly sliding downward.
"Wait—don't… Stop! Stop, stop, stop!"
"Okay, Boss. I won't stop."
"…"
In the dim night sky, Loren's Batfighter suddenly seemed drunk.
One moment it soared upward like a scallion sprouting from parched earth; the next, it plummeted as if falling from a thousand miles high. It rose and dipped erratically, carving wavy lines through the air—utterly bizarre to behold.
Amid the turbulence, a system prompt chimed in Loren's mind:
> [Congratulations! You have participated in tracking down the true culprit and successfully eliminated the mastermind behind the scenes: Pierce. Reward granted: 1 copy of the Adamantium alloy formula.]
Loren's already elated expression brightened further, his heart racing with excitement.
After all, Adamantium wasn't ordinary metal. In the Marvel Universe, it was one of the four legendary super-metals—alongside Vibranium, Uru, and Carbonadium.
Vibranium and Uru occurred naturally (at least in the version of the Marvel Universe Loren knew). Vibranium hailed primarily from Wakanda, a technologically advanced nation. Renowned for its near-indestructibility, its molecular structure remained remarkably stable, absorbing kinetic energy and heat with extraordinary efficiency. That's why Captain America's shield and Black Panther's suit were forged from it.
If Vibranium represented the pinnacle of defense, then Uru embodied the apex of magical potency. This Asgardian metal could store and channel energy—especially magical energy—making it ideal for enchanted weapons. Thor's hammer Mjolnir and Odin's spear Gungnir were both crafted from Uru. Its quasi-sentient nature allowed it to recognize its wielder, amplifying their power and forging a deep bond between weapon and warrior. In the Marvel cosmos, Uru's status rivaled even that of Vibranium.
The other two—Adamantium and Carbonadium—were synthetic, human-made alloys, as their names implied.
However, although they are synthetic metals, they possess extraordinary properties that rival—if not surpass—those of the previous two.
Let's begin with Carbonadium alloy, an imitation of Adamantium.
Although not as hard as Adamantium, Carbonadium exhibits greater plasticity and ductility.
Additionally, it is radioactive and capable of inhibiting regenerative healing factors, making it a favored material for crafting specialized weapons and restraints.
Notably, Deadpool's twin katanas are forged from Carbonadium—one of the few weapons capable of neutralizing Wolverine's healing ability.
Speaking of Wolverine, we must discuss Adamantium, the most renowned of Marvel's legendary metals.
Contrary to popular belief, Adamantium is not made from vibranium. In mainstream Marvel continuity, it is a man-made alloy composed of iron and other undisclosed elements. While vibranium (found in Wakanda) absorbs kinetic energy, Adamantium is prized for its near-indestructible hardness—far exceeding that of steel and, in practical terms, even vibranium in terms of tensile strength and resistance to deformation.
Once set, Adamantium cannot be melted or reshaped—even temperatures exceeding 500,000°C won't affect it—rendering it virtually indestructible.
Wolverine, one of Marvel's most iconic mutants, has his entire skeleton and claws bonded with Adamantium, granting him unparalleled durability and making him nearly immortal in combat.
Due to its extreme hardness and classified composition, Adamantium is exceptionally difficult to produce. Once solidified, its form is permanent.
As far as anyone knows, the original formula was destroyed, and only fragments or approximations (like "secondary Adamantium") exist today.
But he knew the true formula.
In the Marvel universe he now inhabited, he might be the only one who knew how to synthesize true Adamantium.
How could he not be thrilled?
This was an invaluable secret!
With this knowledge, he could forge superior weapons and armor—for both himself and 2B.
Imagine 2B's signature katana reforged in Adamantium.
Earlier, Natasha hadn't even been wearing bulletproof armor—let alone Iron Man's suit—and yet, with an Adamantium blade, 2B could cleave through either as if they were paper.
Given Adamantium's legendary sharpness and strength, it could split a tank clean in half. What chance would mere body armor stand?
The thought electrified him—he wanted to start forging Adamantium immediately and craft a new blade for 2B.
But there was a problem: creating Adamantium required rare materials, though not vibranium. (That was a common misconception.)
Still, the necessary components were tightly controlled. Even military stockpiles held only trace amounts.
He briefly considered raiding Wakanda—but quickly dismissed the idea. He lacked the power to challenge a nation protected by Black Panther and advanced technology.
For now, he'd have to find another way.
While Loren remained in the lab, brainstorming how to acquire the necessary elements, Nick Fury at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters was seething.
"What? Pierce is dead?!"
"Damn it! Didn't I order you to guarantee his safety? What went wrong?"
"Sir, it wasn't for lack of trying—but Batman's methods were… brutal."
"He saw us, yet showed no restraint. He deliberately killed Pierce right in front of us."
Fury's eyes narrowed. "He killed him in front of you? That wasn't just an assassination—that was a message."
After hearing Hawkeye's report, Fury's expression darkened.
He'd dealt with arrogant operatives before—but this? This was a direct insult to S.H.I.E.L.D. itself.
"Yes," Hawkeye confirmed. "It was provocation."
"Fine," Fury growled. "Then he'll pay for it. Coulson—scour every database, every darknet node. Find Batman. Now."
"Understood," Coulson replied, jaw tight.
Fury then turned to Natasha, his tone shifting.
"We've got a lead on the big green guy."
"Banner?" she asked.
"Yes. Intel places him in Brazil."
"I'll leave immediately and bring him in."
"Good. Against someone like Batman, Hulk might be our best weapon."
"Understood. I'll get it done."