Chapter 24: War Machine in Action

"Dr. Connors, these are the living vampires you requested," said the leader of the animalized soldiers, his tone devoid of emotion.

After being brainwashed, the animalized soldiers had no feelings, no hesitation. Zod Heath, CEO of Blade Industries, had recently been in contact with Emil Blonsky—who was fueled by hatred—hoping to manipulate him into becoming one of these emotionless soldiers as well.

Dr. Connors, however, was ecstatic. The prospect of harvesting the vampire gene meant that he could potentially enhance the super-animal serum, a project he was deeply passionate about.

Zod, always keeping a close eye on his projects, had authorized the mission. His curiosity was piqued by the research on these vampires.

"Interestingly," Zod noted, examining the genetic data on the vampires, "it's not so much a gene as it is a viral mutation."

No wonder in the universe of Blade, the third film featured vampires who used technology to create mutant reapers, resistant to silver and other traditional weaknesses. Although, according to comic lore, vampires were descendants of Dracula, Zod wasn't sure if this world adhered to the comic universe or the movie universe. Regardless, the vampire virus presented a compelling opportunity.

With this discovery, the second generation of the super-animal serum finally made a breakthrough. Zod now focused on multiple gene combinations, searching for the optimal solution.

Meanwhile, Ould reported to Zod with the latest sales figures.

"The War Machine has sold one hundred units so far."

"That's 40 billion dollars, right?" Zod asked, nodding in satisfaction.

"Not exactly," Ould responded calmly. "After factoring in material costs, labor, energy consumption, and taxes to the IRS, the net profit isn't quite as high."

Zod sighed at the mention of the IRS. He had momentarily forgotten about the notorious tax agency. Even after deductions, though, it was clear the War Machines were still a profitable venture.

The United States had been the first to test the War Machines in live combat in the Middle East. Although Zod's War Machines used steel alloy armor, it was far superior to typical industrial-grade steel. The Stars-and-Stripes-painted War Machines crushed a terrorist organization funded by hostile forces with ease.

With no soldiers to compensate, no battle damages to account for, and a near-total victory, the War Machines proved their worth. Even heavy weapons were ineffective against the invulnerable armor of these machines.

"The United States will continue to combat terrorism worldwide. We will never tolerate any terrorist acts!" The government's message rang loud and clear, paired with footage of the War Machines in action—clean, efficient, and utterly dominant. The video, edited from the War Machine's camera feed, portrayed a "justice-driven anti-terrorism operation."

This was precisely the chain reaction Zod had been waiting for.

Wall Street and the major military-industrial players were thrilled. They quickly fell in love with the War Machine. It was far more efficient than the outdated Super Soldier Serum projects. Could Captain America achieve the same results? No chance.

Criticism arose over past investments in super-soldier programs, which had burned through tens of billions of dollars with minimal return. Even worse, the one successful outcome—a certain green monster—was uncontrollable. Without control, the Hulk was deemed a failure. The War Machines, by contrast, were efficient, precise, and unstoppable.

After several devastating encounters with the War Machines, terrorist groups began to realize the futility of fighting these mechanical giants. Even anti-tank armor-piercing rounds were ineffective. War Machines could simply avoid incoming fire or withstand the damage. Their anti-radar coating prevented detection, and additional countermeasures like anti-heat source locking and anti-laser coatings made them virtually untouchable by current weaponry.

Tony Stark, spurred by this new era of warfare, had retreated into his lab, likely working on his own iron suit. But Zod knew Tony would have a hard time competing with the War Machine.

Despite their overwhelming power, it wasn't just government forces interested in acquiring War Machines. Terrorists, realizing their usefulness, also sought to purchase them from Blade Industries. If Stark Industries had once sold weapons to unsavory buyers, why wouldn't Blade Industries follow suit?

Zod, pragmatic as ever, didn't discriminate between customers. He knew that money was money, regardless of who was sending it his way.

Of course, human rights activists condemned him, calling Zod a greater executioner than Tony Stark, accusing his War Machines of accelerating human slaughter. Some even labeled him a war criminal. But the PR and legal teams at Blade Industries quickly shut down these voices. In a country like the United States, where wealth wielded power, these dissenting opinions were silenced almost overnight. Blade Industries was now soaring to new heights, and Zod wasn't about to let anyone hinder his rise.

"The Russian nation—spurred by the success of the United States—soon ordered 180 War Machines from Blade Industries. Meanwhile, China, ever cautious, placed an order for only 100 units."

"I didn't expect the U.S. to team up with Stark Industries and Hammer Industries to modify the War Machines," Zod muttered as he watched footage from the latest anti-terrorism operation. The War Machines, now armed to the teeth with additional weaponry, resembled mobile arsenals. This complicated Zod's plan to upsell his War Machine Mark 2.

He had intended to release an upgraded version of the War Machine, outfitted with more weapons to justify a higher price. But Stark Industries and Hammer Industries had beaten him to the punch, fitting the machines with armaments beyond what Zod had envisioned.

"Why are they so clever?" Zod sighed. He hadn't wanted to improve the War Machines' performance just yet.

But as nations across the globe witnessed the War Machine's dominance in battle, countries like the United Kingdom and others that had been hesitant to commit were now placing their own orders. State-level capital flowed into Blade Industries, and the War Machines, with their AI-assisted operations, were becoming as user-friendly as ever. Zod joked that even monkeys could drive them.

"Our revenue has exceeded 200 billion dollars, BOSS," Ould announced excitedly.

Zod, however, was unsurprised. While Stark Industries had once become a tech giant with assets exceeding 200 billion after the introduction of new energy, Blade Industries had surpassed that mark far more quickly. The speed of their rise to dominance still felt surreal.

And yet, Zod knew this was only the beginning.