Howard was deeply envious of Chen Mo's extravagance. He knew the value of Vibranium well, and even as the chairman of Stark Industries, the largest arms dealer in the United States, he couldn't afford to use it so lavishly.
But Chen Mo was using it for combat. He was the commander of the special operations team, and Steve was also an important combat member of the future S.H.I.E.L.D. Howard had no choice but to be envious since he wasn't a combatant.
Equipping a scientist responsible for logistics and technological support with such gear would be useless. What would he do, wear the alloy armor combat suit while conducting experiments? Claiming that the experiments were too dangerous and needed protection from explosions? He wasn't researching bombs. If he dared to use that excuse, Chen Mo would definitely show him what real danger was.
Howard had considered joining the special operations team, but while he enjoyed occasionally following Chen Mo and experiencing the thrill of combat, he wasn't willing to face the daily dangers of the battlefield. He preferred staying in the lab, researching his high-tech projects.
Chen Mo didn't mind. With Hydra's resources, money was just a number to him, and Vibranium was merely a rare material.
He had long had Hydra secretly collect Vibranium. According to the doctor's formula, they could produce enough adamantium alloy to build a tank. So, as a wealthy and powerful boss, Chen Mo had the confidence to use Vibranium as he pleased, which Howard found incredibly precious.
The composition ratio of adamantium alloy was very different from the original alloy used in Chen Mo's shield. Although the exact ratio of the original adamantium alloy was unknown, its weight was only one-third that of ordinary steel, indicating a high Vibranium content.
In contrast, adamantium alloy had a weight similar to steel, with less than ten percent Vibranium content according to the formula given by the doctor.
This meant that the dozens of kilograms of Vibranium in the secret lab could produce several tons of adamantium alloy, more than enough for Chen Mo to use freely. Not to mention Hydra, with its global reach, could collect even more Vibranium. Chen Mo wasn't just talking about building a super tank with adamantium alloy; he genuinely planned to do it!
Who knows if Howard would be so shocked he'd spit blood when he found out.
…
A few days later, the new alloy armor combat suit and the 20 throwing knives Chen Mo requested were ready. It was time for Chen Mo and Howard to return to Europe.
Before leaving, Chen Mo gathered everyone from the dojo in front of him.
This time, after leaving, Chen Mo did not plan to return. After dealing with the Hydra issue, he intended to return directly to the real world, so he needed to make arrangements for his subordinates in the dojo.
Their loyalty was unquestionable, and Chen Mo naturally wouldn't abandon them.
Looking at the few people standing quietly in front of him, Chen Mo slowly began to speak.
"You have all been with me for quite some time, and I have seen your performance throughout."
"This time, after I leave New York, I won't be coming back for a long time. You can choose to come with me to Europe, or stay here to manage the dojo and the underground forces in Brooklyn for me."
"Of course, neither of these choices will bring peace. In fact, they will be quite dangerous, with battles and killings becoming the norm. So, if anyone doesn't want to live this kind of life and wants to leave, I can give them a large sum of money, enough for a prosperous life."
Raising his hand to stop the few who were eager to speak, Chen Mo continued.
"One thing I must clarify in advance: whether you go to Europe or stay to manage the dojo, you will be exposed to some of my secrets. So, once you make a choice, there is no turning back. You'd better think it through."
As soon as Chen Mo finished speaking, Han Qing and the others quickly responded.
"Of course, we will follow you, Master!"
"Yes! Master, wherever you go, we will go!"
"Master, you saved my wife and child's lives. My life is yours!"
"I want to go to Europe and fight alongside you!"
Without exception, all four chose to leave with Chen Mo.
Not only did Chen Mo have the grace of taking them in, but his strength and mystery also made them willing to follow him. In these chaotic times, following a strong leader was instinctual.
More importantly, Chen Mo treated his subordinates very well. He was always generous with them, and when Wang Kun's wife and child were kidnapped, Chen Mo personally infiltrated the enemy's trap, rescuing them from dozens of gunmen and eliminating the kidnappers' forces.
Afterwards, Chen Mo completely eliminated the two families behind the scenes who orchestrated the incident, removing all hidden dangers for them.
Having a boss who cares so much for his subordinates and looks out for them, they had long decided to follow Chen Mo for life!
Old Albert, especially, had no doubts. Without Chen Mo, he might have already curled up in some cold, dark corner of Liverpool's streets, dying alone in the cold and hunger.
When he had accepted such a bleak and hopeless life, waiting quietly for death, it was this young man before him who brought hope to his lonely and dark life, leading him to a new, sunny life.
Having long come to terms with life and death, old Albert only wanted to spend the rest of his life repaying Chen Mo, following him, taking care of him, and protecting him until the end of his life. From the day he met Chen Mo, every day thereafter was an extra, new, and hopeful day, all thanks to Chen Mo.
Similarly, Chen Mo had always trusted and valued old Albert. Although nominally a butler, Chen Mo regarded him more as a friend and family member.
Although he didn't speak, Chen Mo knew without a doubt that Albert would choose to leave with him.
Their eyes met, and a mutual understanding arose, with many things left unsaid.
Nodding slightly, Chen Mo's gaze slowly swept over Huang Quan, Han Qing, Luo Zhen, and Wang Kun. From their eyes, Chen Mo read sincerity, gratitude, and reverence.
Chen Mo had always been satisfied with their performance and had been cultivating them as trusted subordinates. They had not disappointed him. No one wanted to stay behind to manage the entire Brooklyn underground force, nor did anyone choose to leave with a large sum of money.
Neither power nor money swayed their loyalty. They chose without hesitation to continue following Chen Mo. With Chen Mo's keen perception, no one could deceive him, and it was clear they were all sincere.
Although pleased with their choices, Chen Mo still had to select someone to stay in New York. The newly established Seven Rings Gang needed someone to manage it, as future New York was a crucial part of Chen Mo's plan.
When Chen Mo returned next time, the Seven Rings Gang, developed according to his plan, might play an unexpected role.