DOTM: Chapter 192/193

Chapter 192: Chips

Using the Arc Reactor as the main power source didn't mean the magic stone technology was completely abandoned.

As Tony gained a deeper understanding of magic stone technology, he came to believe that, with the tech Ethan had mastered and the particular magic stone he possessed, one that could continuously output energy but wouldn't release it beyond a certain threshold—it could be used as a secondary power source. This strange magic stone that reduced energy output under specific conditions would supply energy for the ship's daily consumption.

At the same time, a "battery" could be installed to absorb and store energy from this magic stone, serving as backup power in case the Arc Reactor was damaged or otherwise compromised.

In addition to serving as a "spare tire," the battleship's main guns and energy shields could also be powered by independent magic stones to avoid overloading the Arc Reactor.

After several days of research, Tony modified Ethan's original Prinz Eugen design. Now, the Prinz Eugen finally had its first official blueprint.

According to the current design, the Prinz Eugen would have a displacement similar to the original version, roughly 15,000 to 18,000 tons.

The main guns were four double-mounted multi-function turrets. Although the caliber hadn't changed, their power far exceeded the original. These guns primarily fired high-intensity energy shells. The technology came from the magic stone cannon designs provided by Ethan and had been optimized for greater range and power. The main guns could also be charged before firing, resulting in significantly greater destructive force. However, this charged attack would inflict some damage to the gun and couldn't be used frequently or continuously.

That wasn't all. Taking special scenarios into account, Tony made sure the main guns could also fire solid shells. Equipped with a full set of automatic reloading systems, the attack mode could be switched with a single button, designed for foolproof operation.

The six high-level dual-purpose secondary guns followed the same design concept as the main guns. As for the remaining anti-aircraft guns, they had been replaced with Phalanx systems and missile launch boxes, giving the warship exceptionally strong anti-air capabilities.

Both the Phalanx system and missile launch boxes were redesigned by Tony—smaller, more powerful, and the missiles themselves were miniaturized, allowing more to be loaded while being able to lock onto multiple targets simultaneously.

In addition, the most powerful offensive feature of the new Prinz Eugen was a vertical launch system disguised as a chimney, capable of launching multifunctional missiles.

The only downside was that, due to the space needed for other materials, the ship couldn't carry a large number of missiles.

The propulsion system had also been upgraded using magic stone technology. The Arc Reactor would power it to ensure strong output. Based on Tony's calculations, this system could theoretically push the ship to speeds over 35 knots.

The enhanced radar detection system and the advanced fire control interface, which resembled a video game were integrated with a magic stone-based control panel and the latest intelligent computer system. This setup allowed one person to operate the entire warship. Even if the operator got lazy and used autopilot, there'd be no need to worry, as the AI could make the best decisions in case of emergencies.

With its multi-layered energy shields, the term "armed to the teeth" hardly did justice to the new Prinz Eugen.

What's more, the new ship was far more comfortable than the original.

As someone who knew how to enjoy life, Tony Stark would never design a ship that was powerful but unpleasant to use. The living quarters on board were comparable to those of a luxury cruise ship. Every room was designed as a suite, and even with the protective deck stowed, each room featured massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

They hadn't yet decided on the type of aircraft to equip the ship with. But even without aircraft, the Prinz Eugen was a monstrous creation that integrated all the technologies currently mastered by Ethan and Tony.

Ethan even wondered if such a warship appearing in that world would provoke a siege from all the adventurers. Still, he wouldn't give up such a powerful ship just because of that possibility. If not for the remaining details that needed to be perfected, he'd already be urging Tony to start construction so he could sail it across the sea as soon as possible.

"There are still a lot of unresolved issues, but none of them are real obstacles. Building such a massive ship is what'll take time."

"I know."

No one could expect such a large ship to be completed in two or three years. Even if it weren't a prototype, even with mature technology and experienced shipbuilders, constructing a 10,000-ton warship would still take more than a year and a half.

The two had been busy in the lab for quite some time, and now that the new ship's design had finally been finalized, their time hadn't been wasted. Although no one knew when the actual ship would be ready, the projection of the new Prinz Eugen, displayed by Jarvis based on the blueprint, left Logan and Diana stunned.

"Can something like this actually be built?"

Logan never expected something so monstrous. He had thought building a modern warship would be impressive enough. But this battleship, combining magic stone technology and magical knowledge, was simply beyond imagination. He felt that even after a hundred years of development in his world, they still might not be able to build a warship capable of confronting this one.

The rest of it was fine, but that energy shield was too much. And the worst part was that the ship didn't have just one layer of protection.

The outermost layer was the protective shield cast by Ethan's magic. After the hull was completed, Ethan would personally engrave protective magic circles on the ship.

The middle layer was a set of magic stone defense equipment that would be installed separately. Tony didn't need to worry about this part, he just needed to leave space for installation. Ethan planned to purchase a set when he returned and install it himself.

The innermost layer, closest to the hull, was an energy shield powered by the Arc Reactor, derived from research into magic stone armor.

Even if all these layers were breached, the warship itself still had substantial defensive power. It would be built with the most advanced alloy armor currently available. If it weren't absolutely impossible, Ethan would've even wanted to mix in a bit of Vibranium.

All things considered, what Logan found most terrifying about the ship wasn't its overwhelming firepower, but its near-invincible defense.

Ethan thought the same. He was even glad Tony hadn't made the ship look like a turtle. Otherwise, with that level of defense, it would've fully lived up to the name "fortress."

"Now that the design is complete, how are you planning to pay for the construction?"

Helping with the design was no big deal. Tony considered it fun. But as for actually building the ship, the cost would be enormous. On top of that, many of the technologies still needed to be refined, and the materials alone would be a huge expense. Tony could afford it, but he was curious about how Ethan planned to cover the construction costs.

"To be honest, I haven't thought about it. Why don't you tell me what you want?"

Tony hadn't expected Ethan to throw the question back at him. What did he want? He already had everything. For a moment, he really couldn't think of anything he lacked.

"Maybe it's a good idea to experience more interesting things." But how would he do that? "Longer life and better health?"

It wasn't like Tony Stark hadn't thought about developing a potion to extend his life. He might not be able to replicate the super soldier serum, but he was confident that he could create something equally powerful if he really tried.

He'd never done it simply because he didn't see the need. For a long time, he believed he could accomplish everything he wanted within a normal human lifespan, so there was no need to extend it.

But that belief started to change after meeting Ethan. He realized the world was far more mysterious than he had imagined.

Now, Tony felt that his original thoughts were too naive. He doubted even a hundred more years would be enough to uncover all the world's secrets.

And more importantly, Ethan's existence represented countless unknown worlds. The longer he spent with Ethan, the more things he discovered that shook him to the core.

With that in mind, he had already started to consider developing a potion to extend his life. So when Ethan asked what he wanted, he hesitated—should he bring it up?

Tony was a proud man. Even if his mindset had changed, he didn't want to ask for help. He wanted to prove he could do it himself, even if he had no clue where to start.

Ethan waited a while, then realized what was going on in Tony's head.

"A genius's pride."

Ethan probably couldn't fully understand that mentality. After all, he had never been a genius in either his past or present life, just an ordinary person before, and now maybe an ordinary guy with a bit of good luck. So he laid his cards on the table.

"I'm working on a potion that enhances every aspect of the body. It won't just let me break through the limits of a normal human, it'll also grant me a longer life. And I also know several worlds that have ways to bring people back to life."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 193: Another Steve

Tony didn't care much about strengthening potions. If he needed one, he could just make it himself.

What truly caught his attention was the possibility of resurrection.

Maybe many people believed that the dead should be allowed to rest in peace, that disturbing them was disrespectful, even unnatural. Some thought resurrection was inherently evil, a violation of natural laws that should never occur. But no matter how many reasons there were, Tony couldn't convince himself not to care.

"Resurrection… You mean actual resurrection? Not cloning or reanimating a corpse or something like that?"

"Of course not. The resurrection I'm talking about is real. The same person, body and soul, fully restored."

Ethan understood the difference clearly. He would never try to fool Tony Stark with shady tricks. Ethan might not always appear perfectly upright, but he would never cheat his friends.

"I know this isn't an easy decision for you, so you've got plenty of time to think it over." Ethan didn't press Tony to give an answer right away. After all, it would take a long time to build the battleship. Even if Tony agreed to the condition, Ethan would still need time to travel to other worlds to find the items or methods required to truly bring someone back from the dead.

"I do need time to think about it."

In truth, Tony was already leaning toward accepting. Beyond his deeply cherished mother, even regarding his father, whom he always thought he didn't like, he had come to understand things weren't what they seemed after watching the old recordings and seeing the relics.

He used to think maybe he'd be reunited with them after he died.

But if they could meet while still alive, why wait until death? Besides, who could guarantee there'd even be a reunion after death?

With his thoughts in turmoil, Tony didn't even crack any jokes like usual. He quietly left the lab, leaving Ethan and the others behind.

Ethan knew Tony needed time alone to process everything, so he didn't disturb him. Instead, he stood before the Prinz Eugen, now magically enhanced, and chatted idly with Logan.

"By the way, this ship doesn't seem to have any weapons for underwater enemies?"

Ethan didn't need to answer. Jarvis responded directly. The original Prinz Eugen had two sets of torpedo tubes, which were obsolete now, so they were being reworked into underwater weapon systems.

It was just that Tony found traditional depth charges ineffective. He wanted to install a weapon with better performance, but hadn't yet decided on a suitable design.

"Jarvis, save the design and shut down the projection."

Ethan had also been in the lab for quite some time. He was ready to take a break. He didn't necessarily need to go far—just getting off the ship and spending some quiet time on land would be good enough.

"Want to go out for a cup of coffee?"

"Pepper asked me to go shopping with her." Diana had grown very close to Pepper recently, which was a good thing. She could learn a lot about modern life from Pepper and better integrate into ordinary society.

At the same time, maybe due to age or something else, Diana had started to embrace more traditionally feminine interests—shopping, makeup, dressing up. Compared to her old self, who always wore a stern expression, she now looked much more womanly.

Watching Diana step into the elevator and leave, Ethan turned to Logan.

"I promised Laura I'd take her to the amusement park today." Logan suddenly reached out and patted Ethan on the shoulder. "I'd be really grateful if you could take Laura in my place…"

Before he could finish, Ethan had already taken a big step back and rushed straight into another elevator.

From the outside, the Stark Building looked like any normal skyscraper, but inside it had many unique features. For instance, many floors and areas were fully automated and controlled by Jarvis. In all his time coming and going, Ethan had barely seen any living people. Most of the staff hired by Tony worked only on the lower floors.

Ethan usually didn't interact with them. They had nothing in common, no shared topics, so he didn't linger on any floor. He walked straight out of the building, planning to stroll around and enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea.

He didn't go far. Just ahead of the Stark Building was a cafe with lots of outdoor seating. It was a great place to sip coffee and soak in the sunshine.

Ethan had originally planned to take a walk before getting his coffee, but then he noticed someone and changed his mind. He walked straight over and sat down across from the man.

The man looked surprised by Ethan's action, then glanced around in confusion.

"Looks like there are still empty seats, right?"

"Drinking coffee alone is boring. It's nice to have someone to talk to." Of course, Ethan wasn't really that bored. The reason he sat down was because he recognized the man in front of him.

Steven Grant Rogers, commonly known as Steve Rogers, more famously known as Captain America.

Steve Rogers looked at Ethan calmly, quickly sizing him up. "You know who I am."

"Of course."

Rogers frowned.

"You with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

He had only recently been discovered and thawed out after decades in the ice. He hadn't been awake long, and under normal circumstances, only S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel should know about him. Given his special status, it wasn't strange to think they might have someone monitoring him. What surprised him was that a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent would approach him so openly.

"S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Ethan caught the misunderstanding. "No, I'm not with S.H.I.E.L.D., but I do know Fury."

Rogers kept frowning, trying to figure out Ethan's true purpose. Then, noticing Ethan glancing at his sketchpad, he looked up at the Stark Building.

"You with Tony Stark?"

He had been sketching the Stark Building earlier, hoping to draw its attention or provoke a reaction from security.

But he was still wrong. While Ethan did have ties to Tony Stark, he was definitely not a bodyguard. Nor did he show up to investigate anything. He simply wanted to meet a "famous figure" from his past life.

To put it bluntly, he was a fan—though not a fanatical one.

"No need to guess. I just saw you and thought I'd come say hi… Anyway, I'm Ethan."

"Steve Rogers." Seeing Ethan's friendly demeanor and no signs of hostility, Rogers reached out and shook his hand. But he still stayed on guard, not ready to fully trust him.

Which was understandable. Even an ordinary person would be wary if a stranger randomly approached to chat. That went double for someone like Steve Rogers.

Ethan calmly ordered a lemon black tea and a small snack, clearly intending to sit and have a casual conversation.

"Doesn't feel great to sleep for decades, huh?"

Ethan cut a piece of cake with his fork and took a bite. Though his eyes were still on the pastry, his attention was fully on Captain America.

"It was just a moment for me. So, no, not particularly."

"I meant after waking up. Doesn't it feel like you're in a whole different world?" Ethan gestured around them. For Steve Rogers, waking up after 70 years meant finding himself in a world completely different from the one he knew. It was almost like waking up in another world entirely.

Even though he had been awake for a while, he still hadn't fully adapted. He felt disconnected, like he didn't belong.

"Want some advice?"

"Go ahead."

"Stop chasing the past. Trying to reconnect with old people and places will only make you feel more out of place in this world." Ethan really meant it. If Rogers kept living in the past, he would never be able to start a new life.

In the original storyline, Captain America remained stuck in that state for quite a while after waking up. It wasn't until he went through several battles and formed new bonds that he gradually let go of the past and moved forward.

Right now, he was like a ghost wandering through old memories. It would take time before he could return to being a person again.

After becoming a super soldier, not only had Steve Rogers's body been enhanced, but so had his mind and senses. He could tell Ethan's advice was genuine. Still, he couldn't help but wonder—why was this stranger being so kind to him?

"Did Fury send you?"

"Fury? He can't afford me."

Maybe because they shared the same lack of fondness for Fury, Steve began to think Ethan might be an alright person to talk to.

(To be continued.)