Vibranium Shield, Mysterious Nation

"Long time no see, Howard."

Luke finally managed to extricate himself from the crowd's admiration and cheers, returning to the Strategic Scientific Reserve's temporary base.

As he walked through the entrance, he saw Howard Stark, the chief scientific advisor, busy as ever.

He held multiple positions and had many identities.

He was not only the Allies' biggest weapons sponsor but also a brilliant and renowned scientist.

Not only was he wealthy, but he was also incredibly skilled, having invented many novel gadgets for the Allies.

Many high-ranking officials in the Department of Defense held a favorable impression of this arms magnate.

Naturally, the Strategic Scientific Reserve wouldn't overlook such talent.

Under the guise of a scientific advisor, Colonel Phillips had conscripted Howard—though the old-fashioned soldier didn't particularly like him.

"Luke—should I call you Commodore Your Excellency?"

Howard turned his head, glanced at him, and said with a light chuckle.

"Congratulations on becoming an Allied hero once again! Honestly, I'm really envious of you. You only need to say your name, and countless women will flock to you. Meanwhile, I have to flash my car keys, book a table at a fancy restaurant, and show off my wit, charm, and good looks before those beautiful girls are willing to sleep with me."

Having spent these days at the Strategic Scientific Reserve, Luke had a clear understanding of Howard.

Unlike the mature, steady, and serious founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. later on, this arms magnate, who led Stark Industries to its rise, was no different from his son.

He enjoyed seducing beautiful women to prove his powerful charm as a male.

He never uttered praise or affirmation for others—it was said to be a characteristic arrogance and sharp tongue of the Stark family.

Compared to Tony Stark, who hadn't yet become Iron Man and only had eyes for machines and women, Howard had just one additional hobby: making money.

In just a few decades, Stark Industries could catch up to established giants like Lockheed-Martin, Northrop-Grumman, and General Dynamics, and even attempt to surpass them.

Howard's adept social skills and his genius-level intellect contributed significantly to this achievement.

"I doubt all your tricks work every time, right?"

Luke mocked him lightly.

Many within the Strategic Scientific Reserve said that this wild playboy ventured to the front lines at great personal risk solely because of that cool, alluring female agent, Peggy Carter.

He wanted to pluck that beautiful, yet thorny, red rose and savor its fragrance.

Unfortunately, Carter remained indifferent to him, repeatedly rejecting his date invitations.

"After that flight, Carter and I went for cheese fondue."

Howard said triumphantly, like a victorious soldier.

"Mr. Stark, you don't seriously think I don't know that 'cheese fondue' is just cheese and bread, do you? If sharing bread means winning someone's heart, then half the women in New York must have been with you."

Luke taunted him deliberately.

"What do you know? You have to be patient with women."

Howard wasn't angered; instead, he adopted a senior's demeanor, lecturing, "You have to be like Don Quixote charging at windmills, failing and trying again. At the same time, don't lose too much of your dignity and appear overly eager, as that will make them think your feelings are cheap and unimportant. Yet, you must also show concern and be readily available—if a woman's heart is a formidable castle, then I am undoubtedly the most skilled general in siege warfare in this world!"

"Since Carter agreed to have dinner with me, it won't be long before we take things a step further."

Luke smiled faintly as Howard unabashedly praised himself.

His demeanor bore a striking resemblance to his son.

It seemed narcissism was also a tradition within the Stark family.

However, in Luke's opinion, Howard was both a successful businessman and a world-class scientist.

Compared to his son, this Iron Man father was actually superior in every aspect.

Firstly, the Arc Reactor, the core technology used in Tony Stark's high-tech armor.

Howard had developed it a century earlier, but due to the material constraints and limitations of the era, it couldn't be miniaturized.

Otherwise, no matter how brilliant Tony was, designing a suit of armor and an unprecedented cold fusion energy source by hammering away in a damp, dark cave would have been nothing short of a fantasy.

His father had already paved the way for him to become a superhero!

Later, when Tony, as Iron Man, suffered from palladium poisoning, the new element that solved the problem was also first discovered by Howard and left for his son.

In other words, his father's mind was ahead of its time!

Tony's future achievements, aside from the strong financial and technological support from Stark Industries, were more importantly due to him inheriting his father's legacy!

That was the most precious inheritance!

"I heard you snatched Lockheed-Martin's fighter jet order contract, and recently you secured a passenger jet order contract that was supposed to go to them. Some people in the Department of Defense are already unhappy with you."

Luke said casually.

Howard, who had been busy researching Hydra's energy weapons, looked displeased and retorted sharply, "I've discussed this issue with my secretary. Fierce competition between peers is unavoidable. If Lockheed-Martin is unhappy, they should have their researchers work harder to keep up with my genius intellect!"

Howard, who had been suave and sharing dating tips moments ago, instantly turned sharp-tongued.

It was clear that Lockheed-Martin was indeed putting considerable pressure on Stark Industries.

"What is it, Commodore? Are you planning to extend a helping hand and assist Stark Industries through this difficult time?"

As an intelligent man, Howard quickly deciphered the underlying meaning in Luke's words.

"To be frank, you might not be able to get involved in something like this."

The helmsman of Stark Industries politely indicated that Luke, with his current standing, might not be of much help.

After all, one thing was the rank on one's shoulders, and quite another was the actual power one possessed.

Unless Luke could reach Eisenhower's position, he might actually have a say.

"Who knows what the future holds, right, Howard?"

Luke surveyed the Strategic Scientific Reserve's new weaponry, his gaze falling upon a gleaming silver circular shield below.

"Can you give this to me? Steve would really like it."

Howard, lost in thought, waved his hand, signaling Luke to take it freely.

From a rank perspective, the other person should be the leader of the Strategic Scientific Reserve anyway.

"But are you sure Rogers will use this thing? It's just an unfinished product."

Sensing the hint of cooperation Luke was subtly revealing, Howard's attitude shifted slightly.

He was a pure businessman, far from possessing noble sentiments or excellent qualities.

A arms dealer who profited greatly from war wouldn't place much importance on morality or conscience.

As for patriotism, that was something one only realized after reaching the pinnacle of their career.

Just like how only successful entrepreneurs become enthusiastic about charity, showcasing their benevolence.

"Believe me, Steve will fall in love with it at first sight! I really don't want to see him going into battle carrying a trash can lid."

Luke said with a smile.

Perhaps it was due to being beaten up since childhood and often using trash can lids found on the street as weapons, which led Captain America to favor using shields in combat.

"The material of this shield is very special, called 'Vibranium.' It has the special effect of absorbing kinetic energy and hardly conducts heat or kinetic energy. In a way, it's indestructible!"

Howard explained.

"It's a pity this material is too rare! We can't equip the entire army with it!"

Seeing Howard's regretful expression, Luke's eyes flickered. He knew of a place with a massive Vibranium ore deposit.

Wakanda.

A seemingly backward, yet technologically advanced, third-world country that presented itself as extremely underdeveloped.

Hidden among the mountains of the African continent, its existence was still known to very few.

"I can go visit sometime."

Luke looked at the shield in his hand, reflecting his own young face.

ps: Thanks to [Tai Shang Zuo Wang Xin] for the 1000-point reward, [The Devil Who Fell Behind in Social Practice] for the 1000-point reward, [Yi Jian Gui Xu Lai] for the 1000-point reward, [Gallicayr] for the 700-point reward, and [Zhan Li XX Wu Shuang] for the 100-point reward. Sending love~

ps2: A new week, a new set of quality three-part requests. Esteemed readers, please cultivate the good habit of voting and collecting!

ps3: Also, I'd like to clarify that sometimes I use pinyin not because I think esteemed readers are illiterate, but as a way to avoid censorship. I truly don't mean to look down on you all~ (crying.jpg)