"Yes," Merlin nodded.
"Then... will it be like the androids in Detroit, breaking data barriers and generating self-awareness?" Gwen's eyes lit up with curiosity.
Merlin pondered for a moment, then replied thoughtfully, "No one can predict the future, but you can't stop moving forward just because of fear."
There had been many controversies surrounding the advancement of science and technology. Aside from nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence was the subject of the most heated debates. Humans had created many things, but uncertainty surrounded most of them. Yet, despite the risks, progress never stopped.
"That's true," Gwen agreed. "In that case, I'll let Spider-Woman know and set up the movie for next week."
Gwen nodded before leaning closer to ask about Baymax. "Is Baymax's target audience children?"
"It's designed as a home medical personal assistant, with a focus on the health of children and family members," Merlin said, clicking on the internal structure of Baymax. "The design emphasizes companionship, so it's soft and cute rather than cold and mechanical."
"The intelligence isn't too high, but it can learn and gradually become a part of the family as it evolves."
"Wow, that sounds so heartwarming! When you finish it, make sure to show it to me!" Gwen was clearly excited about the idea of Baymax.
The two chatted for a long time until Gwen's father, George, came home from work and called out from outside. Reluctantly, Gwen left Merlin's house.
Once she was gone, Merlin returned to refining the data for Baymax's smart chip, including medical functions, martial arts, and family counseling. After some thought, Merlin unchecked the family tutoring option—homework should still be done by the children themselves. Letting them exploit Baymax for that wouldn't be ideal.
---
Meanwhile, in Hell's Kitchen, trouble was brewing. Bullseye, who hadn't been seen in a while, had resurfaced, stronger than ever. Fresh off his return, Bullseye immediately sought revenge against the Punisher. However, since the Lizard incident, the Punisher had grown stronger as well. Despite Bullseye having Edman's metal injected into his spine, he still wasn't a match for the Punisher.
Back in the shop, Merlin had just issued a new mission. He sat on the sofa while Arcee knelt in front of him, tending to his injuries.
"How do you feel?" Arcee asked softly, raising her head.
"It's cool," Merlin smiled.
"The redness and swelling have gone down; is it better now?" Arcee put down the ointment and gently rubbed Merlin's wrist, which had been bruised.
"The bruise isn't serious. I'm fine," Merlin assured her, flexing his wrist. After two days of applying ointment, the swelling had subsided. The injury had been sustained during his battle against the Destroyer in New Mexico, but fortunately, his armor had absorbed most of the damage. Only a few sprains and contusions remained from where the wrist armor had twisted under the pressure.
"Next time, if something like this happens, be sure to take me with you. It's too dangerous for you to go alone," Arcee said seriously as she stood up and packed away the medical kit.
"Definitely next time!" Merlin promised with a smile.
His trip to New Mexico hadn't just been about retrieving the AllSpark, but also testing new materials, including Uru metal. However, he was still short-handed. So far, the only person assisting him was Sol, who was powerful in the digital world but not so useful in real-life operations.
Merlin rubbed his wrist, but he wasn't in a rush. Once the android situation was resolved, things like space-based cannons, nuclear submarines, or covert operations would all be within reach.
"Crash..."
At that moment, the store's door slowly rose. In walked Bullseye, wearing a black leather jacket, his face set in a grim expression. The bullseye tattoo on his forehead glinted ominously.
The goods have arrived at the designated location.
Mission complete, read the message Merlin received as Bullseye entered.
"Long time no see, Bullseye," Merlin greeted him with enthusiasm as he stood up.
"Yeah. What you wanted is outside," Bullseye said casually as he walked over to the refrigerator, grabbing a drink. He sat down opposite Merlin, completely at ease.
"I see. What did you do to the Neon Man? After all, he saved your life," Merlin asked while glancing at the truck parked outside. The truck was filled with a large shipment of adamantium.
"Hmph, killed him! That old man still thought he could make me his dog just because he saved me," Bullseye replied disdainfully, a sneer on his face. He understood Lord Darkwind's intentions in saving him, but Bullseye was not the type to feel indebted enough to follow anyone like a loyal pet. After Merlin had issued the mission to acquire adamantium, Bullseye wasted no time in turning on his supposed savior.
"Alright. You can pick out a vehicle, and I'll make time to turn it into a Transformer for you," Merlin said, a bit surprised by Bullseye's ruthlessness, though not entirely unexpected. The Bullseye sitting in front of him was a bit less unhinged than before, but his ambition hadn't lessened at all.
"Make me a vigilante model. I heard that Daredevil is also a vigilante," Bullseye said plainly, his decision already made. The mission Merlin had assigned involved acquiring adamantium, and the reward was a customized Transformer vehicle.
Unlike the Transformers animated by the AllSpark, Merlin's Transformers were crafted from liquid metal using reverse-engineered Fire Source technology. They didn't possess the AllSpark's true spark of life, but they had fluid, shape-shifting forms, similar to the artificial Transformers that MIS Company would later develop. Once programmed, they could transform into nearly anything—speakers, guns, swords... Their defenses were limited, but they outperformed Manhattan players' Transformers in terms of versatility. As for intelligence, that could always be upgraded with advanced AI.
"Anything specific you'd like me to add?" Merlin asked.
"No, I trust your craftsmanship," Bullseye replied confidently.
"That's the highest compliment I could ask for," Merlin said, pleased. He took a seat across from Bullseye, who remained tense. Merlin tried to lighten the mood. "You might want to be more careful moving forward. I didn't see you during the big event last month. You missed out."
At the mention of the past, Bullseye's face twisted with rage. The drink in his hand suddenly burst open, spraying liquid across the table.
"Fake! It was all that bastard Punisher's fault! I'll never forgive him!" Bullseye growled, his voice filled with bitterness. Missing out on such a big showdown had clearly stoked his anger.
"And that fucker—what a waste of time. Took him forever to fix my spine!" Bullseye continued, seething.
Merlin couldn't help but shake his head. Lord Darkwind might have been a genius, but his arrogance in thinking he could manipulate Bullseye had ultimately been his downfall.
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