Steel torrents pioneering a different world

Chapter 194 Giving Back! Modern High-Power Laser Weapons and Unaware Nouveau Riche? (Please Subscribe)

Thanks to new materials provided by various parties, the University of Tokyo's science and technology program is growing wildly in an almost unbridled manner.

As exploration of other worlds deepens, things that once existed only in fantasy are now continuously giving back to the modern world.

Mithril, adamantite, otherworldly ores... these terms are no longer synonymous with rarity.

As the number of these materials distributed to laboratories increased, research teams began to shine with their expertise, resulting in numerous achievements.

The pharmaceutical products produced are only a small part of it.

Anhui Province, the groundbreaking ceremony for a nuclear fusion demonstration reactor.

After going through a complicated ceremony and recording enough videos, Li Weiguo, who came from the logistics management base, went to the demonstration reactor to see the creations of science and technology.

This was also the first time he had ever seen a groundbreaking product!

"Mr. Li, this way please, watch your step."

Li Weiguo nodded and followed the researchers into the room. His gaze was drawn to a huge ring-shaped device component in front of him.

That oversized component is a part of the first wall of nuclear fusion.

"These are the components of the artificial sun?" Li Weiguo asked in a deep voice.

“That’s right, the adamantium composite material, after passing the final extreme pressure test, began production and was transported here.” Yan Xuemin adjusted his glasses, his tone carrying an undisguised pride. “The progress is a full five years ahead of schedule. I think many of our predecessors will witness a miracle in their lifetime!”
-
The Star Anise Building, an intelligence gathering office area!
Peter stuffed the last bite of durian pizza into his mouth, the rich, exotic aroma and the creamy cheese exploding in his mouth, just like his mood at that moment.

After finishing his busy work these past two days, the long string of zeros that appeared in his secret account made his tense and anxious nerves relax a little.

The financial hole caused by the failed wedding has finally been filled.

"Om-"

My phone vibrated on the table; it was a message from my fiancée.

“Dear, the priest prayed for us today. He said your luck is a bit turbulent, especially during your marriage, when you are prone to bad luck.”

Peter's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

"The priest suggested that, for our future happiness, it would be best to entrust your savings to me for safekeeping, and also add my name to the property deed. He said this would balance your fortune and transfer your bad luck to the church. I will pray for you!"

The message ended with a kissing emoji.

Peter put down his coffee cup, hovered his fingertip over the screen for a moment, and finally replied with only "yes".

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

His wife was still gentle and virtuous.

They just make a better excuse for their misfortunes than they can sing.

All of this was simply to keep him firmly in their grasp.

Well, he has plenty of ways to deal with it anyway.

Besides, it's not like he doesn't have a secret stash of money!
However, getting married is just too much trouble.

On his own, the funds he had just accumulated were quickly depleted again.

The wedding expenses became a Damocles' sword hanging over his head.

He needs money, more money.

"Ding dong."

An encrypted email popped up with the title "Latest Intelligence Sharing on the Camel Operation".

Peter perked up and quickly clicked on it.

The sender was from a frontline department of the intelligence center, and the content concerned the unusual behavior of Abdul, a prince in the Middle East and the current purchasing officer, at a certain exhibition.

"...The target stayed at the 'Longevity Health Pharmaceutical Company' booth for more than 30 minutes, during which time they had a private discussion and appeared extremely excited..."

"Samples purchased: Hair regrowth tonic, oral liquid for clearing stagnation..."

Peter's gaze swept over the incredibly tacky product names and their exorbitant prices, and his expression gradually turned strange.

Unlike the analysts in the intelligence center who felt their intelligence insulted, he felt a hunter's excitement at discovering his prey slowly rising from the bottom of his heart.

Are hair growth tonics and laxatives some kind of important stuff?
When people from the East are doing something, they always manage to come up with some new and interesting ideas.

While others saw it as an absurd and foolish purchase, he saw it as an excellent opportunity to make money.

He came up with some ideas.

Peter grinned, revealing a set of white teeth; the smile sent chills down one's spine.

He closed the email and created a new document.

The cursor blinked on the blank page. He took a sip of his cold Americano, the bitter liquid making him even more awake.

Then, his fingers began to fly across the keyboard.

Project Title: Desert Magic Box

"Purpose of this initiative: To disrupt cooperation between the desert and the East..."

"Core Summary: Through public opinion manipulation and information warfare, the drugs launched by Dongfang are portrayed as exorbitantly priced 'intelligence tax,' creating the impression of a new form of economic exploitation and health fraud targeting the elite. The absurdity of their products is used to undermine their established credibility in the high-tech field..."

"Step 1: Emphasize the price, downplay the efficacy. Transform the other party's concept of the drug into a global joke..."

After a flurry of activity, Peter breathed a sigh of relief and finalized the last character of the "Desert Magic Box" operation plan.

He leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing the text on the screen word by word, a sense of triumphant satisfaction welling up within him.

This solution is perfect and very useful.

Because this is a strategy that kills multiple birds with one stone.

The plan targets not only the East but also the capital market, and also serves to warn the Squid side to be wary of the influence and infiltration of the Desert Dog bigwigs.

It can be said that just based on one of these points alone, it can precisely strike at the eagle's most sensitive and painful spot—the squid daddy.

Everyone knows that Xiao Rizi is a dog raised by the eagle.

But few people dare to say to the Eagles that the Eagles' real father is a squid.

In reality, the entire Middle East, including the major desert dog countries, numerous emirates, and the sharpest dagger squid, are like two daggers planted by the eagle at the global crossroads, forming the two cornerstones of their planetary hegemony.

If they run into trouble, their so-called global strategy will collapse instantly, and they will be forced to retreat to that isolated island and return to their old ways of isolationism.

That's why, no matter how many outrageous things the squid does, the eagle has to swallow its pride, smile obsequiously, clean up its mess, and back it up.

This isn't about supporting the squid; it's about prolonging the life of their own domineering ways.

Peter's plan is to use the new products launched by the East to strengthen the ideological imprint within the West!

After confirming there were no problems, he corrected the other party's statement before clicking print. Listening to the rhythmic sound of the printer, he felt as if he could see dollars flying into his personal account again.

He didn't want much for this event; he just hoped to raise $300,000 for everyone and keep $50,000 for himself.

After everything was settled, he took his things to his boss Johnson's office.

Finding the office empty, Peter picked up his phone and sent a message to Johnson.

Then, he skillfully found a spot and began to slack off.

The screen lit up, and a new message popped up. The sender's name was "Princess".

Peter's eye twitched slightly, and he clicked on it.

A photograph immediately caught my eye.

In the photo, a slender figure with dark skin is wearing a blue and white checkered JK uniform, with black calf socks covering her thin legs, and is striking a pose that she thinks is cute.

It was none other than his boss Johnson's beloved son.

A boy who insists on being called a princess!

Peter felt a slight nausea in his stomach.

The visual impact is truly... indescribable.

Although the other party was dressed quite seductively.

Unfortunately, the other person was a boy.

He thought to himself, but his fingers were already flying across the keyboard, typing: "Wow, so beautiful! This outfit is practically made for you!"

There was no way around it; this boss's son—no… the princess—was his fast track to success in the workplace.

It was precisely through the occasional revelations from the other party about Johnson's various private preferences that he was able to accurately hit the bullseye every time, allowing his promotion path to be smooth sailing.

"Really? What's your favorite thing about it?" The other person replied instantly, with a delighted expression.

Peter suppressed his physical aversion and continued typing: "I like everything, especially your eyes, which are full of a unique innocence and...rebellion."

That's nonsense. That's clearly a funny makeup look where the colored contact lenses slipped off, making the eyes look cross-eyed.

After exchanging a few words, the other person became extremely shy.

After fooling the other person, Peter locked his phone, put it in his pocket, sighed to himself, and then comforted himself.

"Luckily, he's only a zero."

If it were a "one," he felt he probably wouldn't sacrifice his looks for his future.

He glanced up at the still-closed door of Johnson's office in the distance, and an idea popped into his head.

What would Mr. Johnson, known for his iron-fisted and tough approach, have thought if he knew that his son, on whom he had placed such high hopes, was like this in private?
Will he suffer a stroke on the spot, or will he simply pull out a gun and send the "princess" to meet God?
Peter dared not think about it; the image was too beautiful, yet too terrifying.

Once these minor incidents passed, the Eagles intensified their investigations in the East...

They went to great lengths to learn more, hoping to find the right opportunity to stir up trouble and slow down their downfall.

Of course, a few smart people have already started transferring their assets.

Similarly, many more people are fanning the flames, trying to get fools to rush in and become the vanguard.
-
A country that prides itself on being number one in the world and reveres cow urine as a sacred object.

The smoke-filled meeting room reeked of curry, and the strong aroma of cigars mixed with sandalwood, which, instead of calming people down, only added to their anxiety.

In the core area, the white-haired old man, revered as an old immortal, disregarded the urgency and took a deep drag on his cigar, letting the gray smoke obscure his gloomy face.

His subordinates were reporting in an almost mournful tone.

"We've heard from the Eagles that our attempt to buy Lightning fighter jets has completely fallen through because of the oil purchase from the Big Cats."

"It's over?" A general slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups rattle. "Shit! The hundreds of millions of dollars we spent trying to pull strings, all gone down the drain?"

The man reporting shrank back, not daring to look at him: "Sir, failure is failure. Now our only hope is the French gusts."

"The Rafale is good, but our neighbors already have enough stealth fighters to form several squadrons!" The white-haired old man, known as the Old Immortal, finally spoke, his voice hoarse and filled with suppressed anger. "What we need is something that can change the game, not something that we can be suppressed by."

In his view, only lightning could defeat the opponent's mighty dragon!

In recent years, he has devoted himself to trying to consolidate the country's fragmented power into his own hands.

Now, their population has surpassed that of their neighbors, making them the world's largest. What should have been an unparalleled honor has instead become a Damocles' sword hanging over their heads.

A large population, a fragile economy, and chaotic governance.

Change is imminent.

He could try to push it from within, but the resistance was so great that even this old sage felt hopeless.

The only way is to find an external target, divert internal attention, and use the drastic remedy of certain dangerous emotions to buy time for his reforms.

If he could acquire the most advanced fighter jets of the same era as those from the East, he might even dare to play with fire on the border.

Unfortunately, they didn't.

"What do we do now? Although those hungry wolves on Wall Street haven't managed to tear any flesh off our stock market, they've already set their sights on us. If we can't prove to the Ganges that we have the ability to defend them, that suppressed anger will consume us first!"

"Don't worry, we still have Glory, don't we?" someone said untimely.

As soon as he finished speaking, a suppressed bitter laugh and sigh filled the conference room.

"You and I both know that thing is just a hodgepodge of scrap metal from the last century, cobbled together from all over the world." The old sage bluntly exposed this fact. "It can't even handle the JF-17s that the neighbor sold to Barbadian sheep, let alone the batch of Raptors they brought from the Arctic!"

"We've got a gust of wind!"

"The French are producing too slowly. If we go to war with Barbadian sheep, our northern neighbors will probably get involved too!"

“Oh, shit…” someone complained in an exaggerated tone, “Damn neighbors, why do they always like to name their fighter jets with evil names like dragons? They’re so awful!”

This complaint, instead of eliciting agreement, only made the atmosphere more somber.

“How about… we continue to create some friction and put pressure on them? Those guys are desperate for peace! If we put pressure on them, maybe we can get the conditions we want!” an aide suggested cautiously.

"And then what? Let them target us, bring our manufacturing industry to a complete standstill?" The old sage gave him a cold glance. "Don't forget, more than half of our factories rely on our neighbors' supply chains to operate. Without their parts and raw materials, our 'divine manufacturing' is a joke!"

The old immortal had always wanted to break free from this dependence.

But the reality is chillingly cruel: the wave of industrial automation in their neighbors is about to completely bury their last advantage of cheap labor.

Just when everyone was at a loss and almost crushed by this suffocating future, the old immortal's female secretary walked in quickly and handed over an encrypted message.

"Sir, those vultures in the west have contacted us again."

The old immortal took the telegram and read it quickly, skimming through it.

"They want us to provoke our neighbors, ha... what idiots! They just want to drag the other side into a local conflict!"

Upon seeing this, the old immortal frowned deeply. He had promised to provide supplies as before…

When he saw that the Western vultures would loosen their restrictions on talent immigration, the old man was tempted.

Immigration controls relaxed!

This statement was like a bomb, causing an uproar in the meeting room.

This means that the elites they cultivate who can't find jobs can legitimately go to the Eagles to make money and then send the dollars back.

Although countless people will never return during this period, the income in the first few years is extremely high!

"Anything else?" The old immortal's eyes flickered.

"Several large groups, including Tata, will receive corresponding technical support. Our overseas investments will no longer be targeted."

The old sage slowly placed the telegram on the table, raised his head, and scanned his core think tank.

In their eyes, he saw greed, fear, and a hint of frenzied excitement.

This is an open conspiracy, a trap disguised as poison.

But no one can deny that the temptation is simply too great.

After a long while, the old immortal stubbed out his cigar with a dull thud.

"I think it's time to have a real showdown with our opponents."

One of the generals immediately straightened his back: "Please leave it to us!"

"What reason?"

The old immortal stood up, walked to the huge map, and pressed his finger heavily on a high ground at the junction, following a winding blue line.

He uttered only one word.

"water!"
-
a few days later.

In the presidential suite on the top floor of a hotel at Dongda University, Prince Abdul was enjoying the afternoon sun.

The phone rang at an inopportune moment, and he answered it somewhat irritably.

"What did you say? Those idiots are actually going to attack you?" Abdul's voice rose sharply, and he sat bolt upright on the sofa. "Are they crazy? Or have they been brainwashed by the Ganges?"

The voice on the other end of the phone was calm yet urgent: "Prince Abdul, in any case, now is the time for you to witness firsthand the true power of the equipment you have funded."

One sentence ignited Abdul's interest.

He slapped his forehead: "You're absolutely right! I'll arrange a plane to go right away. But you must ensure my safety is absolutely guaranteed!"

"do not worry!"

After hanging up the phone, Abdul immediately notified his men to prepare to fly to Babayang.

Lately, he feels like a firefly in the dark, finding it hard to keep a low profile.

There's nothing we can do about it; he's known for his high-profile behavior, his long stay at Tokyo University, and the countless good things he's acquired.

Recently, his brothers in the royal family who are eyeing his position are so jealous they're practically bleeding with envy, and they've already sold out all their information about him.

For example, there are special foods that can improve physical condition, and a batch of discarded equipment from Dongda University that he obtained at a friendly price.

Besides supporting Pharaoh's little brothers, he also donated these things to his close friend next door, Baba Sheep.

As for his own home, if he's going to buy one, it has to be a brand new one with better performance.

Who's brain-dead enough to use secondhand items?

And if you don't come up with new things, how are you going to upgrade your VIP membership level?
If it weren't for his generosity, they would never have been able to secure the distribution rights for the amazingly effective medical product designed by the Easterners throughout the desert region.

Unfortunately, with more successes, more and more complex gazes were cast his way.

His subordinates were extremely efficient, and the private jet was quickly ready.

Amid the roar of the engine, Abdul was lost in thought.

These powerful dogs in the desert have always adopted a strategy of diversification due to their unique geographical location.

This is both a survival strategy and a last resort.

This is precisely why they can never establish genuine strategic trust with the University of Tokyo like Barbayang did.

With their limited fighting strength, to put it bluntly, they couldn't even handle the Slipper Guy, so they had to hire a third party to ensure their safety.

This trip to Baba Yang was not only to see the level of the opponent's actual combat equipment, but also to confirm one thing—whether Dongda's weapons and the opponent's strength were worth their heavy bet.

The arms trade involves enormous interests.

They've had such a deep partnership with the Eagles that if they want to turn back, they have to be extremely careful with every step.

Things at the University of Tokyo aren't something you can just buy casually anymore. They've started a VIP system now; if you don't meet the minimum purchase amount and quantity, you can't even get your hands on the best stuff.

To be honest, Abdul had very mixed feelings.

He is a staunch supporter of the Eagle weapons system!
Unfortunately, while the eagles' weapons were excellent, those arms dealers were even more greedy than rattlesnakes in the desert, and the conditions they attached were more demanding than the Quran.

What about the things from Tokyo University?

Cheap, large quantity, and doesn't like to meddle in other people's business.

The only problem is that it has never seen blood.

Now, the opportunity has come.

“I want to see for myself,” Abdul said, his eyes gleaming as he gazed at the sea of ​​clouds outside the porthole. “Will the dollars we spent turn into a pile of beautiful scrap metal, or a vicious dragon that can bite us?”

After a flight of some time, the plane arrived at the core area of ​​Baba Sheep.

As soon as I got off the plane, a wave of hot, dry air mixed with dust and the smell of curry hit me.

A representative from Baba Sheep, who had been waiting for a long time, greeted them with a big smile and gave them a cheek kiss.

"Your Highness, welcome! Our neighbors have been making some moves lately, but rest assured, we've rented the Sky Eye System and have a clear picture of their activities!" The representative's voice was loud and clear, filled with barely suppressed excitement. "This time, you're guaranteed to witness a spectacular real battle!"

"I hope so." Prince Abdul nodded with a smile, glancing around discreetly.

Anyone can say polite words, but he came all this way not to listen to bragging.

His purpose for this trip was very clear: to see for himself the true quality of the "Made in Dongda" products he sponsored.

"Your Highness, those are the Raptor fighter jets we purchased!"

"A product that East Asians are about to phase out, no introduction needed!"

Abdul thought the Raptor fighter jet was outdated, and he lost interest after just one glance.

In his view, those were just ordinary third-generation fighters, and if they really fought against the fairy kingdom in the south, they probably wouldn't gain much advantage.

What he was truly concerned with were the various types of cutting-edge air defense, attack, and strategic equipment hidden deep within the base, which he personally approved and purchased at great expense.

Although Abdul had sold Dongda's equipment to some third-party forces in order to expand his network, he gave away all the real second-hand equipment to Baba Yang at a loss.

He had calculated this deal very clearly.

A powerful Barbarian could restrain their great enemy Persia to the west, suppress the often-unclear-headed fairy kingdom to the east, and at the same time offer their allegiance to the Eastern Great.

A sponsorship that kills three birds with one stone—it's a textbook example of an investment.

The journey to the core military area was not short, so for absolute safety, the group switched to heavy armored vehicles.

The interior space was cramped, and the shock absorption system was so stiff it was painful, a far cry from the luxury cars the prince usually rode in.

Abdul leaned back in his chair, watching the desolate scenery rushing past the window with a calm expression.

Suddenly, the traffic jam started!

A minute later, just as Abdul was getting impatient, a security chief who was accompanying him came over and whispered, "Your Highness, a group of suspicious individuals have just been cleared out from the perimeter."

"Hmm," Abdul responded softly, without even lifting his eyelids.

He knew perfectly well that among these so-called suspicious individuals, there were probably a few people sent by his jealous brothers.

They dream of finding something to hold against them, or simply making themselves disappear unexpectedly.

Unfortunately, they miscalculated.

The armored vehicle slowly came to a stop, and the heavy doors opened.

When Abdul stepped out of the car and onto the core military area of ​​Babayang, he paused for a moment.

What comes into view are the Baba Sheep sentinels standing like javelins, dressed in gleaming, metallic gear.

He looks full of energy and spirit.

Abdul looked around at the soldiers and noticed the undisguised sharpness and fighting spirit in the eyes of each of them.

"The spirit and morale of the Baba Sheep troops..." Abdul murmured unconsciously, his words carrying a hint of admiration that he himself was unaware of.

It's true what they say, you have to compare prices before you can throw something away!
He knew perfectly well what kind of people the rich man's own army was.

Despite having top-of-the-line equipment, their combat effectiveness was so poor that even the "slipper army" struggled against them, and in the end, they had to spend a lot of money to hire mercenaries.

Whether it's the fierce but uncontrollable mercenaries on Big Cat's side or the reinforcements sent by Baba Sheep, it all comes down to money.

But these people in front of me are different.

Their eyes held no mercenary greed, only a resolute determination to defend their homeland.

This kind of spirit cannot be bought with any amount of dollars.

Seeing this, Abdul's last remaining doubts quietly dissipated.

At least the money he spent was invested in people who deserved it.

"Your Highness, you have arrived at the perfect time." The general who was receiving him seemed to have seen through his thoughts, and a mysterious smile appeared on his face as he gestured for him to enter.

"Many of our neighbors, harboring ulterior motives, think they are hunters, unaware that in the eyes of the Eastern Sky you generously sponsored, they have long since become crickets in a glass case."

The person in charge led him to a heavily guarded underground command center and confidently asked, "Your Highness, what would you like to see?"

"Since it's not open for business yet, I'd like to take another look at the equipment!"

"Please come with us!"

Accompanied by the enthusiastic officers of the Baba Yang, Abdul inspected many of the good things he had sponsored.

It includes everything from old tanks to small rifles.

“Your Highness, the Easterners have been very generous this time. The equipment you funded is stable and advanced.” The accompanying representative from Barbayang said with pride, but then lowered his voice, with a hint of helplessness, “It’s just that… all the core components of high-powered weapons are now equipped with their Beidou positioning system, supposedly to prevent technology leaks and theft.”

Abdul gave a noncommittal "hmm," but inwardly he sneered.

Anti-theft?
What I'm more afraid of is that these big spenders will resell these equipment to others.

The people inside Baba Sheep are very dishonest; they really have the guts and the ability to sell some high-tech equipment to outsiders.

"How have they been using their weapons lately?"

"Their plan was very well-thought-out and executed very well!"

Abdul paced back and forth, casually mentioning, "Decades ago, during the war we sponsored, the goods they sold us kept malfunctioning, and their reputation wasn't good. Those things probably didn't kill the soldiers, did they?"

The representative of Baba Yang's expression stiffened slightly, but then he smiled again: "Your Highness, times have changed. You are aware of the industrial advancements of the East. The equipment they provided us is far more powerful!"

As they spoke, the group arrived at a high point where a strangely shaped giant stood quietly.

The sapphire-like muzzle points straight to the sky, exuding a futuristic feel.

"Is this the newly purchased laser weapon?" Abdul stopped and examined it with great interest. "It looks almost exactly the same as what we saw before!"

"Your Highness has a keen eye! This is exactly the standard model used by the Easterners before." The representative's tone was filled with excitement. "To be honest, we didn't expect them to be willing to sell equipment of this caliber."

“Selling them means they have something better,” Abdul scoffed, bluntly shattering the other’s illusions. “These are just things they’ve discarded.”

He pointed to the huge cannon muzzle: "We tested it in the army. It's okay for shooting down small drones, but what use is it when there's saturation fire? Before you can even fire the laser cannon a few times, you'll be blown up first."

Baba Yang's smile faltered, and he quickly explained, "Your Highness, the power of the sponsored laser product you are seeing now has increased significantly! It's much stronger than before!"

The units previously sold to large customers were 30 kilowatts.

Today's laser weapons have reached 200 kilowatts. Performance has increased many times over, and so has safety!
"No matter how big it is, it's just for show." Abdul waved his hand listlessly, clearly not wanting to see the power of the laser weapon. "Let's go see other air defense weapons."

He is very supportive of the Dongda membership system.

The Easterners also implied that they could buy the most advanced stealth fighters if they wanted to.

However, the prerequisite is that a certain amount of "systematic equipment" must be purchased first to increase the member level and the overall combat capability of their soldiers.

This tactic is almost identical to requiring you to purchase other items to buy luxury goods!

If it weren't for the new generation stealth fighter jet from the University of Tokyo, he wouldn't have bought even a single screw from this obsolete, mediocre product.

"I hope it doesn't turn into a beautiful pile of scrap metal!" Abdul thought to himself, then returned to his lodgings wearily.

However, he was unaware that a priceless fireworks show was about to take place.

He had already paid for the tickets with real money...

(End of this chapter)