Chapter 129: The Reflective Hard-Boiled Egg

"When you build the new Ark Reactor, just modify the plasma ion channel directly. It will save us the trouble of dismantling it later," Zhong Shenxiu said, casting a glance toward the construction site of the massive underground reactor, which was being developed in parallel with the base's renovation. Of course, there was nothing there yet; after all, it had only just begun.

Although Ivan was filled with questions, he did not show it. Instead, he simply replied, "Understood, boss."

In reality, however, he had a plan: he intended to build a small-scale Ark Reactor first to test the boss's modifications. Ivan was, frankly, skeptical of such creative alterations from Zhong Shenxiu. If the design was flawed, it would be a massive headache to fix it once the large-scale reactor was finished. It was far more cost-effective to test the waters with a small prototype first. If it worked, he would go big; if not, he would quietly drop the idea.

If it were a matter of development strategies, investment insight, or combat planning, Ivan would never have acted behind his boss's back; he would have simply followed Zhong Shenxiu’s instructions to the letter. But technology was different—especially the Ark Reactor.

At first, when Zhong Shenxiu’s simple suggestion about increasing rotational speed had drastically boosted the reactor's efficiency, Ivan had assumed the man was a brilliant scientific talent. Through later interactions, however, he realized that while Zhong Shenxiu often had wild, unconventional ideas—like the mechanical armor—his fundamental scientific literacy was lacking. In many areas of basic theory, one could even call him a "poor student."

That was the primary reason for Ivan's current skepticism. Of course, if this innovative modification to the Ark Reactor yielded the expected results, Ivan would cast that doubt aside once and for all. From that day on, he would understand from the bottom of his heart: the man was simply a scientific genius beyond his comprehension, one who didn't need to bother with the basics!

But for that realization to settle in, he had to build the small experimental reactor and see if it actually worked. After all, deep down, Ivan was still a proud, genius scientist.

...

After re-evaluating the rationality of the entire secret base renovation plan and giving Ivan a list of tasks, Zhong Shenxiu prepared to leave.

"I’m heading back. It’s my first time out during the day, and I can't stay away too long. I don't want to alert the surveillance team and have them sticking to me like glue during the daylight hours again."

Ivan nodded but did not stand up. He was busy scribbling down the tasks Zhong Shenxiu had assigned, intending to execute them one by one. *I have to admit, the boss is far better at overall coordination than I am,* Ivan thought, looking at the interconnected development goals.

Zhong Shenxiu glanced at him, said nothing, and with a faint smile and a shake of his head, walked toward the elevator. Rescuing a capable and diligent prisoner like Ivan from jail had truly been an excellent choice.

As he thought this, Zhong Shenxiu suddenly stopped. Catching the movement out of the corner of his eye, Ivan looked up, puzzled. "Is there something else you need to arrange, boss?"

"Nothing too critical, it just crossed my mind," Zhong Shenxiu said, turning back to face Ivan. "When Peter gets back, teach him some things about mechanical engineering. The kid is incredibly strong and can climb walls. If you train him well, he’ll be an excellent assistant for you in the future."

"Agreed!" Ivan replied without a moment’s hesitation.

The decisiveness and speed of his response were so pronounced that even Zhong Shenxiu’s expression shifted—*Well, look at you. I didn't realize you’d had your eye on Peter for so long.*

Ivan scratched his head and chuckled. "Peter is the most talented person I’ve ever seen. Even Tony Stark can't compare to him."

After spending time together, Ivan had grown increasingly fond of Peter. Even though the boy was only ten, Ivan could clearly sense a rising scientific giant within that small frame... well, perhaps that was a slight exaggeration. Ivan knew Peter was a bright child, especially regarding electrical physics; he was a rare talent who could easily grasp complex concepts from a single example.

He had long wanted to find an opportunity to mentor Peter, if only for the day when the boy would stand on the Nobel stage, holding the gold medal, and mention in his acceptance speech: "I thank my mentor, Ivan Vanko..." Wouldn't that make him far more glorious than Tony Stark?

The idea was good, but since Zhong Shenxiu hadn't brought it up, Ivan hadn't dared to take the initiative.

"That’s fine, then. Train Peter well. He’s a very smart kid," Zhong Shenxiu said before heading toward the elevator.

Back to Zhong Shen Clinic!

***

S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, Washington.

Nick Fury, having been away for several days, returned to his office just as he had left: without a soul noticing. He had barely settled into his expensive, custom-made ergonomic chair when Agent Hill walked in, carrying a stack of files.

Hill looked into the pitch-black office and suddenly saw a row of white teeth gleaming in the dark. She shivered, almost drawing her gun—but she held back. After all, it wasn't the first time she had experienced this.

*Click.*

Hill hit the switch, and the dim office finally lit up. Sitting there was the familiar "hard-boiled egg" head, which glinted under the lights. Hill had thought more than once that the Director’s preference for staying in the shadows probably had a lot to do with that reflection.

Fury was still wearing his signature black leather trench coat and his black eyepatch, though the eye beneath it had long since returned to normal. He looked at Hill, his smile fading. "I get the feeling you’re thinking something very disrespectful."

"No, not at all." Hill shook her head quickly. She stole one last glance at the reflective scalp, then looked away, changing the subject. "Did you find any information during your secret trip these past few days?"

Fury’s expression remained unchanged, but he let out a rare sigh. "Nothing useful. All I know is that it’s connected to some sort of religion."

"Religion? Like God?" Hill asked, intrigued.

"No," Fury replied, shaking his head. "It’s more like a cult. I still haven't found the name of this faith. The most important thing is that the people who believe in it are all powerful, ancient figures..."