Chapter 232: C224
"The development of cutting-edge technology is our current top priority," declared the president firmly.
Nuclear weapons remain the most powerful tools of destruction known to humanity. The U.S. nuclear arsenal alone is capable of obliterating Earth's surface a hundred times over. Yet, this remains a suicidal and desperate last resort. In the face of powerful alien invaders, the effectiveness of such weapons is questionable. Moreover, the risks are amplified if the battlefield is on Earth—launching a nuclear strike might kill thousands of enemies, but at the cost of untold collateral damage. And in outer space, our current technology cannot deploy nuclear weapons effectively.
"Therefore, we must develop more advanced weaponry," the president continued. "In terms of range, power, and speed, we need solutions that surpass our existing arsenal."
The other officials in the room nodded in agreement.
"The next question is this," the president said, leaning forward. "In our society, there are hidden groups of individuals with powers beyond human imagination. What preparations are necessary to address this growing challenge?"
This was the issue that clearly troubled the president the most. Alien invasions and interstellar threats were matters for the future—concerns for a time long after his own lifespan. But the emergence of individuals like Leon and his group struck at the heart of their authority. These were people with powers so immense that they could potentially bend the fabric of time itself. And more importantly, there was the tantalizing possibility that they had transcended the natural limits of human life.
These two issues consumed the thoughts of those in power. The allure of wielding such extraordinary abilities was irresistible, and the promise of longevity was even more so.
For these elites—who already enjoyed unparalleled wealth, status, and influence—the idea of extending their reign over their luxuries was intoxicating. Many had already funneled vast resources into biological experiments and advanced medicine, with some efforts veering into unethical human experimentation. Military institutions turned a blind eye to these covert activities, maintaining a façade of plausible deniability.
"As a part of human civilization, I think they should contribute to society," one congressman suggested sternly.
The room fell silent as his words hung in the air. Then, the others exchanged incredulous looks. The congressman quickly realized his error and fell silent, embarrassed.
Even the president sighed inwardly. "Has this man grown so arrogant from his position that he's forgotten reality?" he thought. Forcing such individuals to "contribute" was laughable, especially given their power. The U.S. government had learned its lesson from its dealings with mutants like Magneto and Professor X. The destructive potential of these new individuals made them even more dangerous.
Leon, for instance, possessed powers that defied comprehension—abilities that could rewrite the fabric of time itself. The group under his leadership boasted equally terrifying capabilities. A single member had shattered frost beasts impervious to missiles, while another had fought the Hulk-level threat of Abomination to a standstill on the streets of New York.