"How did he just do that?"
Nick Fury and the Fantastic Three were equally baffled by the question. The difference was that Fury had researchers monitoring the entire scene.
"Our instruments detected a shift in the device behind him and subtle changes in the surrounding magnetic field," explained one of the scientists. "It's possible this adjustment subjected the creature known as the Deep Sea King to an intense magnetic force—a crushing weight of a million tons—which might have caused it to implode."
"The device... behind him?" Nick Fury had noticed the device on Zod's Dark Knight armor early on.
"We believe it's an electromagnetic generator," the researcher added, admiration clear in his tone.
"Can we replicate it?" Fury's eye gleamed with interest.
"Yes, but it wouldn't be as effective. We don't have the capability to control magnetic fields like Zod," the researcher admitted.
"Why not?" Fury asked, his expression hardening. "S.H.I.E.L.D. invests millions in R&D every year, and you're telling me we can't even control the magnetic field?"
The scientist looked apologetic. "Director, Zodhis is unique. There may only be one like him in a century. Science can't replicate genius on demand, and we're still working through technology developed by brilliant minds as far back as WWII."
Fury's face was unreadable as he processed the explanation. He had no immediate counterpoint, though the answer clearly frustrated him.
Meanwhile, the Fantastic Three, who had witnessed Zod's ability to detonate the Deep Sea King with a simple gesture, approached him, still in shock. "How did you manage that?" Reed asked, wide-eyed.
Zod gestured to the device on his back. "It's an electromagnetic generator, along with a control unit for manipulating magnetic fields." He explained briefly. Reed looked as if a light bulb had gone on in his mind.
Zod wasn't worried about his secret getting out. His generator was purposely advanced beyond others' reach; it was not the technology of the armor, but his own mutation that granted him control over the electromagnetic fields.
"You're a genius," Reed said with admiration, eager to continue the conversation.
But Zod nodded at him and cut it short. "I have somewhere I need to be. I'll leave things here to you." Without further explanation, Zod ascended, using his control over magnetic fields to fly without the sound or heat signatures of standard propulsion systems. The Fantastic Three and S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives were left awestruck.
The next day, the military made a preemptive move, formally complaining about the performance of the War Machine units, citing "quality issues" and the considerable losses sustained in the battle.
"General, it's essential to understand the War Machine's purpose," Ulder replied smoothly. "They were never designed for monster combat. The War Machine is intended to counter standard military threats. Its arrival has already shifted the balance, forcing changes across tank and fighter technology."
The silver-haired Air Force major general frowned, realizing that this woman was no pushover. Her competence was why Zod trusted her with the management of such a vast company. Even so, the major general knew that the military was distressed over the recent loss of a dozen War Machines, a blow to their resources.
The wreckage of the Deep Sea King had already been dealt with by Zod. He'd disintegrated it at the molecular level, and the rain had washed away any remaining evidence. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s forensic experts had spent the entire night scouring the site but came up empty-handed.
"We made it clear in our contract that Blade Technology Industries is not liable for damages due to combat losses. We only cover manufacturing defects," Ulder continued confidently. The major general sighed, recalling that the contract indeed had stipulated this.
At that moment, Ulder's earpiece buzzed. She smiled, glancing at the general. "Our CEO, Zodhis, mentioned he has a new product. Would you be interested in seeing it, General?"
"A new product?" The general's curiosity was piqued.
They followed her to a demonstration area, where Zod awaited them, standing beside what looked like a heavily upgraded War Machine. The new model bore four sturdy metal arms extending from the back.
"This is the War Machine 2, designed specifically for handling more advanced threats," Zod explained. "It's coated with a secondary krypton-gold alloy, which grants it superior durability. Its palm energy cannon's power and firing speed have been increased, and the new magnetic-beam nuclear fusion core replaces the palladium element reactor, extending both combat duration and flight speed."
The general's eyes widened as he inspected the modifications, recognizing that War Machine 2 was a formidable evolution in power and defense. This model, capable of handling forces like the Deep Sea King, could reshape the military landscape.