Marvel Cybernetic Girl

— December 2008, Los Angeles, Rhodes Island Industrial Weapon Development Base.

The lobby was bustling, full of activity.

This was the first time Rhodes Island Industrial was showcasing its new weapons to the public, just a few months after the company's establishment.

Media outlets from across the country and military representatives had arrived early, setting up various recording and live-streaming equipment around the room.

"It seems like everyone's really interested in our press conference," said Kagura Hitomi, watching the live broadcast of the company's first weapon reveal from her basement.

"Yes, Master," replied the AI assistant, Cortana.

"This press conference has attracted significant attention from both the media and the military. The outcome will directly impact whether Rhodes Island Industrial will continue to be a major weapons supplier for the military."

"Don't worry, we'll succeed," Kagura Hitomi smiled confidently.

Advanced concept weapons could be inspired from many places, including things that didn't even belong to this world—only those stored in Kagura's memory.

As preparations finished, the noise in the lobby started to settle.

After a short company introduction video, a young man with short brown hair stepped up to the podium.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the Rhodes Island Industrial Weapon Showcase. I'm your host, Edward 'Eddie' Brock. You can call me Eddie," he said with a friendly smile, addressing the camera.

"As you all know, Rhodes Island Industrial has been around for a few months now, but until today, we haven't released any of our own weapons—only taking on orders from the former Stark Industries."

"You might be wondering, can they really compete with Tony Stark? Can they do better?" Eddie said, expertly building suspense.

"Well, today, Rhodes Island Industrial will unveil its first series of individual soldier weapons, codename: Rainbow!"

The room erupted in applause.

Kagura Hitomi, when selecting a host for the event, had quickly spotted Eddie.

Wow! This is a real find!

No need for more discussion—he's the one!

In 2008, Eddie Brock was just an excellent host.

A few years later, he'd become the infamous anti-hero Venom. Though it was still years away, building a connection and keeping his number was never a bad idea.

"As the saying goes, seeing is believing. Now, it's time for the weapon demonstration. Please, stay tuned," Eddie continued.

"First up, we have the advanced portable single-soldier active interception system, the Jager!"

The door to the testing chamber slowly opened. A staff member placed a device, about the size of a rice cooker, onto the floor and stood behind it.

As the device powered up, red lights began blinking, and the top part unfolded, transforming into a rotating omnidirectional turret.

"In modern warfare, soldiers often face urban combat, building defense, and tasks in narrow corridors. Enemies aren't just armed with guns, but with a range of powerful weapons," Eddie explained.

"How do we protect our soldiers from grenades? How do we defend narrow passageways against RPGs? The Jager Interception System from Rhodes Island Industrial solves all of those problems."

Another staff member walked out from the opposite side of the testing chamber holding a grenade.

"What is he doing?" military officers and journalists whispered.

"I have no idea," General Ross replied.

"As far as I know, similar systems exist on Russian main battle tanks, but they don't work nearly as well. It's impossible to make something this small."

The staff member promptly pulled the pin on the grenade and threw it toward the Jager system.

"Oh my god! What is he doing?" people gasped.

As the crowd braced for impact, the Jager system was triggered, and a flash of electricity shot across the room.

"Boom!"

The omnidirectional turret fired a precise electromagnetic pulse, hitting the grenade's fuse and splitting it in half without detonating it.

"Oh—!" The room fell silent.

Then, a thunderous round of applause erupted.

"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!" Eddie Brock waved to the cheering crowd.

"Mr. Bruce Wayne will be very pleased to hear this!"

He continued, "Next, let me introduce the next-generation electromagnetic-charged foldable single-soldier omnidirectional shield, codename: Montagne!"

After clearing the Jager demonstration, a soldier emerged holding a large, foldable shield.

"As you all know, Iron Man can withstand almost any weapon attack," Eddie Brock began.

"We're not trying to challenge Iron Man, but what if our blast shield could also withstand all direct fire from light weapons?"

The crowd gasped in awe as Eddie continued, "The Montagne Shield uses graphene electromagnetic charging technology, enabling kinetic energy deflection across the shield's surface. Our soldiers will no longer have to worry about broken arms from blunt impacts!"

After the demonstration, Eddie signaled for the next test.

A .50 caliber machine gun slowly rose 30 meters in front of the soldier holding the shield, while a bulletproof soundproof barrier descended to protect the crowd from the test area.

"Please don't be alarmed. This is just a safety measure for everyone. After all, stray bullets have no conscience," Eddie explained.

"Let's begin."

The soldier raised the massive shield, its blue lines glowing as it charged.

"Rat-tat-tat-tat—!"

The .50 caliber machine gun unleashed a hail of bullets, aiming at the soldier with the shield.

The test chamber lit up with sparks, smoke filling the air.

After the magazine emptied, the smoke cleared, and the soldier stood completely unharmed. The shield only had a few minor scuffs.

The soldier raised the shield and gave a thumbs-up, smiling proudly.

After a brief silence, the crowd erupted into applause once again.

The showcase continued with non-lethal stun grenades, goggles that could defend against flashbangs and see through smoke, and drones equipped with optical camouflage and soundwave deterrents—all receiving high praise from the military and media present.

"Today, we've only shown you our single-soldier weapon systems. In two weeks, Rhodes Island Industrial will reveal new vehicles, vehicle-mounted equipment, and next-gen weapon systems for the Air Force and Navy. Stay tuned!"

As the event wrapped up, Eddie Brock threw in a teaser, bringing the press conference to a thrilling climax.

Hmm, looks like it was a success.

This event, which conveyed the "guardian" concept, was well-received by the military, which I was a bit worried about.

In the basement, Kagura Hitomi exhaled in relief. The first step was solidly taken.

She smiled, already sensing the money coming her way.