Chapter 124: Light It Up
Zack strolled into the basement of Mansion No. 6, his expression calm as if the monumental project around him was nothing out of the ordinary. The high-energy particle accelerator, a massive ring-shaped device akin to a particle collider, occupied most of the underground space. "Besides, I'll need their help with a little task later," Zack said casually, his voice echoing in the vast, sterile room.
"Sir, are you aware that you're dealing with a hostile organization?" Ego, his AI companion, interjected with a note of exasperation. It couldn't fathom what sort of favor Zack expected from an enemy group.
"Weapon testing," Zack replied nonchalantly. "Those space-based satellites I spent ages deploying? I'm not letting them sit around collecting dust."
His tone was light, almost dismissive, but the intent behind his words was chilling. Zack had a destructive plan in mind: using Neon Country's Vanguard Organization Base as a live target to test his space-based cannon stationed in geostationary orbit. Forgiveness? Turning the other cheek? Forget it. For Zack, the only fitting response to provocation was absolute retaliation. "Enough chatter. Let's get to work on the new elements," Zack said, turning his attention to the particle accelerator. For now, the Vanguard Organization would enjoy a brief reprieve—time to savor their remaining days. In response, the holographic projection system lit up, filling the basement with a faint hum. A complex structure of shimmering elemental patterns appeared before him, projected in vivid detail.
Meanwhile, in Japan, chaos reigned at the Vanguard Organization Base. A group of senior officials was locked in a heated argument during an emergency meeting.
"The interception failure falls squarely on you!" one official bellowed.
"You claimed six missiles would be enough!" another snapped.
"Don't talk nonsense! The enemy obviously knew about our interception plan in advance!" The man shot back.
"And how would they know unless someone leaked the details? Murakami, I'm looking at you!" accused another, his finger jabbing the air accusingly.