CTOS was a massive system designed to predict threats, detect criminal tendencies, and monitor the overall stability of human society.
As the second phase of Kagura Hitomi's "Global Defense System" initiative, CTOS aimed to provide early warnings for crimes, attacks, and disasters using advanced cloud-based analytical technology, while also offering invaluable intelligence to military and law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, by taking control of electronic and network systems, CTOS could intervene in criminal activities to a certain extent.
However, this technology required a highly advanced internet infrastructure, something the current level of digitalization couldn't yet support on a large scale.
Nevertheless, small-scale implementations were already being tested.
Like right now.
Kagura utilized a CTOS sensor mounted on a surveillance drone to scan and analyze Dr. Aldrich Killian, who was currently giving a speech on stage.
By evaluating subtle details such as facial expressions, muscle tension, tone of voice, and even breathing patterns, the system could infer his psychological state and criminal inclinations.
The analysis results came through on the tablet in her hand, making her frown deeply.
[Aldrich Killian]
[Psychological State - Deception, Anger, Jealousy, Low Moral Standards.]
[Behavioral Tendencies - Violence, Conspiracy, Ruthlessness. Overall Evaluation - Highly Dangerous.]
Tch...
So much for hoping he might be a decent person. Unfortunately, reality was rarely that kind.
"Cortana, begin strict surveillance on Killian and anyone associated with him. If he tries anything shady, we need to stop him immediately."
Kagura shifted her gaze to the man in the tailored suit on stage.
Killian continued his presentation on A.I.M. Corporation's DNA reprogramming technology, attempting to persuade the Deputy Secretary-General to grant them more time to refine their Extremis Virus project.
Just a well-dressed monster in human skin.
She knew the "Extremis Virus Bomb" was a terrifying weapon—highly destructive and leaving no trace.
If used for a surprise attack, it would be a nightmare come to life.
Kagura had already formed a clear judgment of the man.
Now, she needed to figure out how to deal with him.
If things unfolded like they did in the MCU, Killian would eventually put his grand world domination scheme into motion, even targeting Tony Stark.
If that happened, she would have no choice but to add him to her purge list.
However, making a move too soon could backfire, potentially putting her in a disadvantageous position.
For now, she would observe and see what tricks he had up his sleeve.
More importantly, her primary goal was to obtain the Extremis Virus to upgrade Rhode Island's next-generation equipment, granting it self-repair capabilities.
Attacking Killian outright wasn't an option.
Not only would it lack justification, but she also risked losing access to the virus samples and research data.
No, brute force wasn't her style.
She was an elegant, sophisticated, and adorable young lady! (Emphasis!)
However, while Kagura chose to remain calm and observant, others clearly had no intention of treating the world with such gentleness.
Suddenly, a man's pained gasps echoed through the hall.
"Ah... Ah... Ah!"
The hearing was attended by many medical professionals, including prominent figures in the field.
Naturally, when someone showed signs of distress, several doctors rushed over to help. It was instinctual—part of their professional ethics.
Killian, however, pretended not to notice the commotion below.
He continued his speech, advocating for the application of the Extremis Virus in the medical field, promoting its potential to solve countless medical challenges through DNA editing technology.
"Cortana, what's happening over there? Redirect the drone for a closer look."
Kagura noticed the disturbance at the center of the hall, but with so many people in between, she wasn't in a position to check it out herself.
Instead, she left the intelligence gathering to Cortana and the floating surveillance drone.
'Probably just a stomachache or a relapse of some old illness,' she thought.
Honestly, this guy was lucky—falling ill while surrounded by some of the world's top medical experts.
Looked like her medical skills wouldn't be needed after all.
She redirected her attention back to Killian.
After all, he was her primary concern right now.
"Master, detecting abnormal temperature spikes."
"The target's body is exhibiting signs of a high-energy reaction."
What?!
Kagura eyes snapped to the suffering man.
[Abnormal increase in biological activity detected.]
[Threat level: High. Potential to cause severe burns and injuries to automaton bodies.]
"Master, the target's internal temperature is still rising."
"Estimated core temperature is approaching 3,000 degrees Celsius."
Tch!
No doubt about it.
This guy was an Extremis Virus Bomb.
Kagura eyes darted between the glowing man and Killian, who continued speaking on stage as if nothing was wrong.
"What the hell is he up to?!"
She knew that the Extremis Virus was unstable, with severe risks of spontaneous combustion.
Once infected, a person's body temperature could spike uncontrollably, leading to extreme biological hyperactivity—until they ultimately detonated like a high-temperature bomb.
The explosion would generate 3,000-degree Celsius heat at its core, instantly vaporizing anyone within a few meters.
Those farther away would still suffer near-fatal burns and blast injuries.
She could not let that happen here!
This hearing was filled with some of the world's top medical minds.
If an Extremis Virus Bomb exploded here, global medical advancements could be set back by years.
And if someone like Stephen Strange got caught in the blast?
That would be catastrophic!
The Marvel Universe needs two Sherlock Holmes! That's just common sense!
"The target's temperature is still rising. Based on predictive calculations, detonation is imminent."
"Master, I recommend immediate evacuation! Your position is highly dangerous!"
No! She could not retreat!
She stole another glance at Killian.
The smug, sinister smile on his face confirmed her suspicions.
This was not an accident.
It was all part of Killian's plan.
By wiping out even a portion of the people in this room, A.I.M. Corporation could monopolize the medical field with their Extremis Virus technology.
Once the virus was integrated into global healthcare, Killian could turn anyone, anywhere, into an undetectable living bomb, spreading fear across the world.
And with that fear, he could manipulate governments and key figures, infiltrating global power structures until he held absolute control.
Just like in the MCU.
Kagura clenched her fists. If this continued, a horrific nightmare would begin here, at what was supposed to be a hearing of hope for a little girl.
No. Not on my watch.
I may just be a girl who dreams of a peaceful, laid-back life, but when faced with madness like this—there's no way I can ignore it!
"Cortana! Activate the Orbital Kinetic Defense Weapon! Redirect targeting system! Engage precision strike mode!"
"Master, the weapon is still in experimental stages. We haven't completed large-scale technical validation or theoretical—"
"Skip the calculations! Lives are on the line! If we can't walk, then we run!"
[Warning: Target temperature continues to rise.]
[Potentially fatal to automaton body.]
The holographic UI blared warnings as the man in the distance glowed even brighter—practically a human light bulb now.
Doctors scrambled away in terror, unsure what was happening.
"How much longer?!"
"Target locked. Orbital Kinetic Defense Weapon charged. Firing."
"Impact in 3... 2... 1..."
BOOM!