In a top-secret research facility, the use of sub-Krypton gold components made it possible to test an advanced engine design that had been shelved for years due to its complexity. The results were promising, and the engine's success signaled a massive leap forward for the aerospace industry, far surpassing the capabilities of current top-tier engines worldwide.
The only concerning factor was that the most critical components of this engine were synthesized using foreign materials—specifically, sub-Krypton gold, a product of the now-famous genius, Zodhis. This raised serious concerns about dependency, as the production and supply of this vital material were entirely controlled by an external party.
Such a situation was intolerable for any ambitious or powerful entity, and there was no doubt they would take extreme measures to secure control over it.
"That sub-Krypton gold is truly something else. Recently, I've been getting constant requests from research institutes to apply for more," a researcher remarked, his tone exasperated. "I don't even want to pick up the phone anymore."
"I know how valuable it is, but where do you expect me to get them sub-Krypton gold from?" the middle-aged man, Lao Wu, retorted, frustrated. "Zodhis has been generous enough not to impose export restrictions. But most of it is already snapped up by certain countries, especially the U.S. If they tighten their grip, there won't be any sub-Krypton gold left."
"That's why you need to keep pushing," the minister at the table said sternly. "Even if you can't get the production method, try to secure more material through trade."
Lao Wu's face twitched slightly, but he dared not protest. Instead, he quietly muttered, "Minister, I'll do my best…"
By now, most of the upper echelons knew that the sub-Krypton gold alloy was essential in creating advanced tools that exponentially increased the efficiency of highly skilled technicians. However, under a veil of secrecy, only a few elite individuals and top experts understood the full extent of its capabilities.
The true value of sub-Krypton gold went beyond mere technical tools—it represented the dawn of a new era in scientific development. With properties that surpassed all known materials, it held the potential to enable humanity to create groundbreaking technologies that had previously been considered impossible.
Naturally, every major country sought access to sub-Krypton gold, using any means at their disposal to obtain it. Research institutes and large corporations around the world were in a frenzy over this revolutionary material. There were even some overly ambitious scientists who claimed that with enough sub-Krypton gold, they could achieve nuclear fusion.
Of course, such declarations were far-fetched. The challenge of nuclear fusion wasn't just a materials issue. Otherwise, it wouldn't always be "fifty years away."
Nevertheless, Zodhis, Tony Stark, and Otto were unique cases, edging closer to success. There was no doubt, however, that sub-Krypton gold could significantly advance many areas of technology.
In addition to being used in high-precision tools, the alloy was key to bringing some of the futuristic designs and equipment into reality. Though mass production was still a long way off, these developments marked an enormous leap in technological capability.
This was why Zodhis was regarded as a once-in-a-century genius. If it weren't for certain restrictions, he might have already been hailed as the father of new materials.
Zodhis, of course, understood the transformative potential of sub-Krypton gold. This was why he had chosen not to sell it right after developing original Krypton gold and A-grade Krypton gold. The emergence of such revolutionary materials could trigger the fourth industrial revolution, potentially overturning humanity's predictions about an AI-dominated future.
However, an industrial revolution that advanced too quickly could disrupt the global balance. While there were undeniable benefits, the drawbacks were significant as well. For this reason, Zodhis had been careful not to release all of his innovations at once.
As for the possibility of the United States restricting exports of sub-Krypton gold? Zodhis found the idea amusing. If the U.S. tried to monopolize it, other countries that had experienced the material's benefits would likely band together to impose sanctions. No matter how powerful the U.S. was, it couldn't stand against the entire world.
Similarly, Zodhis's company, Blade Technology Industry, had grown exponentially. Although it couldn't yet rival fictional giants like Umbrella Corporation, it had surpassed many major companies. Its reach extended globally.
Under Zodhis's instructions, the Black Queen AI quickly located the U.S. aircraft carrier Poseidon. Zodhis had delivered around ten tons of sub-Krypton gold, but he remained curious about where this batch had gone. He had a nagging suspicion that something was off with the Poseidon aircraft carrier project.
Luckily, the Black Queen was unparalleled in cyberspace. Even if Ultron were to appear later, it would be no match for her. The firewalls and technicians guarding the U.S. government's secrets couldn't detect that the Black Queen had already infiltrated and begun browsing through top-secret files.
"A flying carrier?" Zodhis murmured as he read the summary of the plan. The detailed information was likely stored in paper files, or perhaps even committed to memory by specific personnel.
Still, from just the mention of a flying carrier, Zodhis had a good idea of what was going on.
"The Insight Plan?" he guessed, tapping his desk thoughtfully. Using sub-Krypton gold for a flying carrier wasn't surprising. With the year already in the 2000s, the Insight Project had clearly begun. The amount of sub-Krypton gold used for the three super flying fortresses must be astronomical—unless they only intended to armor the exterior.
Hydra truly had grand ambitions. Zodhis had no intention of stopping them, though. After all, this was an excellent way to make money. Besides, did they really think a super flying fortress was a threat to the Kryptonians?
Even without Superman's brute strength, Zodhis's control over electromagnetic forces could easily turn these flying fortresses into twisted wreckage. They posed no threat at all.
"Urder, adjust the price of sub-Krypton gold," Zodhis instructed. "Announce that our production is limited and set the price at $10,000 per gram."
Urder nodded in agreement. She had thought $8,000 per gram was too cheap as well, especially after hearing so much about the wonders of sub-Krypton gold recently.
The influence of this new alloy was only beginning to show, but it was already more significant than advanced war machines or even the breakthrough AIDS treatment!