As the room fell silent, Kagura Hitomi looked at the black blade in her hand.
The edge emitted a faint red glow, like smoldering embers flickering with life.
Thanks to advanced technology that altered its microscopic structure, the carbon nanofiber material had taken on metallic properties. The deep red hue was evidence of the high-temperature energy radiating from it.
"Looks like... it's still holding up, I guess?" she muttered, giving the blade a casual swing. "Alright, let's try one more shot."
"Activate the weapon testing target, humanoid, 10 meters, with gold-titanium alloy armor configuration."
Given that the "Directional High-Energy Electromagnetic Pulse Strike" consumed a hefty 20% of her core energy, Kagura couldn't afford to use it repeatedly. To maximize test effectiveness, the defense level of each target was increased incrementally.
Gold-titanium alloy—the strongest armor material she could get her hands on. After all, Tony Stark's Mark III suit was built with this stuff.
If she could cut through it, wouldn't that mean she'd have a way to bypass Iron Man's defenses?
Kagura didn't seriously think she'd ever face off against Tony Stark, but as far as firepower testing went, she'd love to pit herself against Iron Man.
[Core Energy: 52%][Charging High-Energy Electromagnetic Pulse...]
[Ready]
"Alright then—slash!"
[High-Energy Electromagnetic Pulse Strike: Activate!]
The blue-glowing blade swung down.
"Zzzap!"
Electric arcs and plasma surged like a torrential downpour against the gold-titanium armor plate.
The golden surface quickly scorched with red patterns before cracking and breaking apart.
However, Kagura's full-powered strike didn't completely destroy the alloy target this time.
She tilted her head in confusion. "Did I swing it wrong?"
As she raised the blade again, the answer became clear.
The black blade had fractured—one-third of the edge was eroded into jagged serrations, and cracks ran along the blade, ready to shatter at any moment.
"Huh... looks like carbon nanofiber can't handle a second shot."
Annoyed, she brushed her silver hair behind her ear. "Fine. Time to switch materials."
She tossed the broken sword into the weapons disposal chute. "Disassemble and destroy completely."
Turning to leave the testing chamber, Kagura issued new instructions:
"Special ID: KaguraHitomi. Create a new offensive weapon system. Designation Test12, codename Katana. Use a composite of hafnium alloy and carbon nanofiber. Prioritize heat resistance, then hardness."
With that settled, she approached a computer terminal to check the progress of the equipment she was developing for herself.
In addition to weapons capable of withstanding her "ultimate move," she was working on lightweight protective gear and utility equipment.
Being an automaton, Kagura already had formidable physical abilities and access to conceptual skills. But she wasn't a god—gear that enhanced her combat capabilities would be a welcome addition.
She'd even tried extracting the concept of being "invulnerable" from her memories of Superman, but the system bluntly informed her: "Connection to current skill framework failed."
Apparently, you had to climb the tech tree one step at a time.
"Well," she thought, "since I've got access to Stark's military resources, why not build some cool gear for myself?"
She didn't plan to turn into another Iron Man. The equipment she designed focused on utility—gloves with wired and wireless darts for combat or climbing, carbon nanofiber clothing for extra defense, smoke devices, and even a collapsible shield disguised as an umbrella.
They were all practical gadgets that complemented her abilities and boosted her combat effectiveness.
As the saying goes, every healer and tank secretly dreams of being a DPS.
Sure, running a massive military enterprise and managing global resources contributed to the world—but fighting alongside superheroes and solving crises firsthand sounded way more fun.
If she'd planned to stay behind the scenes, she wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of striking deals with S.H.I.E.L.D. to set up a fake identity to manage the company.
Sometimes, you've just gotta live a little.
"Heh, maybe it's time to come up with a superhero name," she mused.
How about "Ronin"?
Ugh, no. Absolutely not.
Kagura shut down the equipment list and exited her private operation mode. She checked on Obadiah's progress with the Iron Suit project—development was moving along but far from completion.
And they still hadn't solved the critical energy core issue.
"Hmph, not my problem. I'm just here for the ride."
She compiled the relevant data for Tony Stark, restored the surveillance system, and shut down the testing systems.
"Alright, time to head home. Busy day, huh?"
As she walked out of the base, Kagura muttered, "Haven't had any extra missions lately..."
Her eyes drifted to the store interface, where a "10QP AI Assistance System" sat tantalizingly out of reach. Her gaze then shifted to the "0QP" balance displayed on the corner of her holographic UI.
"Sigh... stingy system."
[New Mission Added]
[Attend the Stark Industries Charity Gala for the Firefighter Fund: 5QP]
...
Wasn't that one of those fancy social ballroom events?
"Well, whatever," she sighed. "At least I'll get QP for it."
But first...
She looked down at her blouse and uniform.
"Um... maybe I should change into a dress?"