Chapter Sixty-Six: The Ark Reactor Needs Vodka Added

Hyde’s secret base was constructed with remarkable finesse. Not only did it ensure an extraordinary level of concealment, but it also possessed a certain degree of security and operated with impressive intelligence. Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder whether this small facility, barely more substantial than a miniature shelter, could withstand the immense electrical load required to power a device capable of scanning the entire globe.

Zhong Shenxiu stood within the cramped elevator, watching the silver-white, flowing metallic walls and the display showing his descent. Ever since he’d acquired intermediate electrical energy knowledge from Anton Vanko, his perspective had shifted dramatically—no longer the blind technophobe he once was.

He began to ponder the limitations of this base. Its advantages were clear: small size and strong concealment. Yet, these very strengths were also its weaknesses. Smallness and secrecy meant limited power supply, with little possibility for expansion. After all, if a place suddenly became an insatiable power-hungry beast—this wasn’t some remote mountain where one could mine electricity unnoticed—it was the Queen’s district. Using a bit more electricity might go unnoticed, but excessive consumption was bound to attract attention.

Thus, powerful electrical output and absolute secrecy seldom went hand-in-hand. But if Zhong Shenxiu needed to build a device capable of detecting the spatial signals of gemstones worldwide, no matter how advanced or optimized it was, it would be a voracious consumer of energy—its appetite would soar instantly. The current base simply couldn’t bear such a burden.

Unless...

Suddenly, Zhong Shenxiu thought of the arc reactor embedded in Iron Man’s chest. That device was a true revolution, and after Tony Stark miniaturized it, it became a bug-level invention, so to speak. Imagine: something no larger than a palm powered advanced armor for prolonged battles. Later, when it evolved into those tiny nano devices, Zhong Shenxiu estimated the suit’s energy consumption would only increase. Yet, Tony’s arc reactor managed to handle all those demands.

Granted, there were times when the arc reactor couldn't keep up, especially during intense combat, but Tony was clever. He equipped the suit with a battery system: energy generated during downtime was stored, and during battle, when generation couldn’t meet demand, the reserve would be tapped.

Even so, the miniaturized arc reactor was an absurdly powerful thing.

Fortunately, Tony Stark wasn’t the only person in the world who could build one—Zhong Shenxiu had Ivan Vanko, whom he’d dragged aboard in Moscow. In theory, Anton Vanko could do it too, since he co-created the device with Howard Stark. And since Zhong Shenxiu had acquired intermediate electrical energy knowledge directly from Anton’s mind, it should have been well within his grasp.

But why only "in theory"...?

The problem became clear when Zhong Shenxiu searched his mind for the construction steps. He could find them, but many were hazy, some even reduced to nonsense: “Place the palladium element in the central reactor slot, then open a bottle of vodka, swirl it, drink—woohoo—”

At that moment, Zhong Shenxiu truly understood why Anton Vanko, once the scientist standing atop twentieth-century energy alongside Howard Stark, had only bestowed him with an ‘intermediate’ electrical energy ability. While others were blinded by greed, Anton—a lifelong drunkard—had drowned all his knowledge in vodka!

It seemed he would have to wait for Ivan Vanko’s arrival, then study the arc reactor blueprints. Once he saw them, he should be able to learn how to build it... Zhong Shenxiu mused silently.

Ding—

As Zhong Shenxiu was lost in thought, the elevator doors slid open. He found himself once again fifty meters below ground in this small secret base.

He habitually invoked the “True Sight,” scanning the entire facility for any security gaps or stealthy intruders. Everything was in order—no flaws, no stray rodents, the base was as tight and tranquil as ever.

Except...

Where was Wanda?

A hint of confusion crossed Zhong Shenxiu’s face. In his sweep, he hadn’t detected Wanda’s presence! That shouldn’t be possible... With this doubt in his heart, he activated “True Sight” again—still no sign of Wanda.

However, this time, he noticed something he’d overlooked before.

That was—

“Raikiri.” A gentle breeze swept through, instantly dissipating the hidden chaos magic before Zhong Shenxiu. Then, that familiar, melodious voice rang out, clear as silver bells: “Wow, I hid so well, and you still found me?”

No sooner had the words been spoken than the air before Zhong Shenxiu rippled, and gradually, a graceful silhouette materialized in midair. It was, of course, the missing Wanda.

She appeared as she had during their first meeting—scarlet chaos magic swirling around her, lifting her above the floor, barefoot, her pale feet lightly touching the ground. Her beautiful gray eyes had changed, now tinged with scarlet, giving her once divine, emotionless gaze a touch of humanity.

The other notable difference from their first encounter was her attire. Now, most of her fair skin was concealed by clothes and red light.

Zhong Shenxiu glanced at her, noting she no longer wore Hyde’s hideous headband. Instead of answering her question, he countered, “Awakened your abilities... No, did you manage to find the Chubi on your own?”

Wanda beamed, her smile radiant as she revealed brilliant teeth. “Yes! The method you taught me, Lu Su, was so effective. I barely recited the incantation, and the Chubi just ‘pop-pop-pop,’ all jumped out from my body.”

The method he’d taught her was, of course, the ‘meditation’ he’d learned through mastery of magic. He’d intended it to boost Wanda’s mental strength, but the effect had been unexpectedly powerful—she’d just begun meditating and already awakened her mutant magical abilities.

“Good, as long as you can find the Chubi yourself,” Zhong Shenxiu replied offhandedly. Wanda was now one of his faction’s key combatants; the stronger she became, the better.

But then Wanda frowned slightly, her brows knitting. “I just don’t understand why I can’t make dolls that look exactly like you anymore...”