"You've already fought that Genm? So his target really is the person who possesses the Gaia Memory and Driver obtained from the one who calls himself 'Eternal'?"
After being informed and questioned by Nick Fury, Tony immediately contacted the Holy City Hospital base.
"How did you find out about this, Mr. Stark?" Li Hua asked with some confusion.
Tony pondered for a moment before speaking. "An agent organization called S.H.I.E.L.D.—the same one I handed the game cartridge over to before—likely learned about it from the other person who possesses a Gaia Memory and Driver.
"They then came to me, hoping to understand the details."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Elena asked, puzzled. "What kind of organization is that? I don't think I've heard of it before. Some kind of secret intelligence agency of the United States government?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't directly under the U.S. government," Tony said with an inscrutable expression, giving a brief explanation of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s origins and mission.
"Directly under the World Security Council? An organization specializing in handling all kinds of supernatural incidents on a global scale?"
After hearing this, Gwen spoke with a tone of amazement. "So there's actually an international organization like this operating within the United States?"
"At least in name, S.H.I.E.L.D. is jointly overseen by the five permanent members of the World Security Council," Tony raised an eyebrow and added meaningfully.
"But its main forces and operational base are indeed within the United States."
"So in other words, this S.H.I.E.L.D. is basically equivalent to an American intelligence agency?" Li Hua said, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"So, Mr. Stark, are you asking about Genm and the Bugster virus on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s behalf?" Li Hua asked.
Tony shrugged noncommittally, a hint of helplessness on his face. "I understand what you're getting at. Most of those politicians in the U.S. government really aren't trustworthy.
"Although in theory S.H.I.E.L.D. is an independent organization separate from the U.S. government, for various reasons it's still entangled with them in countless ways.
"I know where I stand. I contacted you because I want to know what those Bugsters are really trying to do—but I won't share everything with S.H.I.E.L.D. without reservation."
Li Hua nodded. The harm caused by the Bugster virus was absolutely extraordinary. If the U.S. government intervened recklessly, it would likely not improve the situation at all—and might even greatly accelerate the spread of the virus.
It could very well lead to a repeat of what happened before, when the virus broke out within a U.S. military base.
"So, did you figure out what Genm's goal actually is?" Tony asked impatiently after stating his position.
"Collect combat data and create higher-level game cartridges. That's Genm's objective," Elena sighed as she explained.
"From your tone, it sounds like he's already succeeded?" Tony noticed the faint sense of dejection and frustration in Elena's voice, and his expression darkened.
He recalled the incident at the Stark Industries Expo, when Genm appeared and used the Zombie Game Bugster virus to infect a large number of civilians.
If Li Hua, Elena, and Gwen hadn't arrived in time to stop the spread of the Zombie Game Bugster virus, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Now, realizing that Genm's recent operation had likely gone smoothly, Tony felt deeply uneasy.
"Didn't you make it to the scene to stop him?" Tony frowned.
Li Hua shook his head. "Our arrival was actually part of Genm's expectations as well…"
He then briefly described the situation at the time to Tony.
After understanding what had happened, Tony let out a helpless sigh. Genm had clearly grasped their reactions and countermeasures perfectly. Knowing that once the Bugster Genm took action, the three of them would inevitably rush in to stop him.
But that very act of interference was itself part of Genm's plan. By leveraging the power of the three Player Driver users, he completed his plan and created the game cartridge. From the very beginning, Li Hua, Elena, and Gwen had all been calculated into his scheme.
After a brief silence, Tony spoke with a grave expression. "So that means Parado is already Level 99?!"
Although he didn't know exactly how strong a Level 99 Parado was, judging from the sheer level difference—and from the fact that Parado could so easily defeat Li Hua, Elena, and Gwen in actual combat—it was clear that he possessed overwhelmingly powerful strength.
If even these three Riders who used Player Drivers were completely unable to oppose Parado, wouldn't that mean the Bugsters could do whatever they pleased from now on?!
"This is a very serious problem. Does Dan really not have any countermeasures?" Tony's voice unconsciously grew louder.
If Bugsters were allowed to run rampant and freely spread the Bugster virus through their "games," increasing the number of Game Disease patients, it would be an enormous catastrophe for humanity.
"What is Dan doing right now?!" Tony's tone was filled with urgency. "No, I need to contact him immediately."
Gwen spoke up, "Mr. Dan is currently creating new game cartridges for the three of us. You shouldn't disturb him at a time like this."
"New game cartridges? Can they deal with a Level 99 Parado? What level are they?" Tony immediately asked the question he cared about most.
"Level 50."
Dan Kuroto appeared on the communication screen and answered.
"You finished the new game cartridges that quickly?" Elena asked, slightly surprised.
Dan Kuroto nodded. "Didn't I already tell you? The development of new, higher-level game cartridges has been ongoing all along. What's left now is just the final adjustment phase, so naturally it doesn't take much time."
"Only Level 50? Why not raise the level even higher?" Tony said, somewhat dissatisfied.
"Game cartridges still use the power of the Bugster virus. For the users, that's a considerable burden. For the three of them at their current state, Level 50 is just right.
"If their level were suddenly raised too high, and they couldn't control the vast power of the Bugster virus contained within, it would actually be a bad thing," Dan Kuroto explained as he glanced at Tony.
"Then once we master the power of Level 50, will we be able to fight a Level 99 Parado?" Li Hua asked the most important question.
Dan Kuroto nodded. "In theory, if you work together, you should be able to contend with a Level 99 Parado."
"That's good." Elena patted her rather impressive chest, as if letting out a sigh of relief.
"But this assumes that you can completely master the power of the Level 50 game cartridges," Dan Kuroto reminded them.
"We will definitely master the power of the Level 50 game cartridges in the shortest possible time," the three of them said in unison.
Dan Kuroto nodded with satisfaction.
With enough pressure comes powerful motivation. It seemed Parado had given them just the push they needed.
"Bugster virus…"
Pierce sat in the chair in his office, his gaze gloomy as he muttered to himself.
The immense power he once took pride in had been utterly useless in front of Genm. That man had defeated him with overwhelming force, effortlessly crushing him.
Just what kind of power did the Bugster virus possess?
"Sir…" Sitwell cautiously entered the room and spoke.
Pierce snapped back to his senses and nodded. "Where is that thing?"
Sitwell's expression darkened slightly as he shook his head. "The game cartridge in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s possession was sent by Nick Fury to some secret research facility. Even the people in the research department have no idea where it is…"
"So that means the game cartridge containing the Bugster virus has vanished without a trace?" Pierce narrowed his eyes.
Sitwell shuddered at his words and hurriedly said, "Just give us a bit more time, and we'll definitely find out where Nick Fury sent it."
(End of Chapter)