Chapter 6

A month later, Liu Rui'an, who had returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, could be said to have reaped a bountiful harvest.

Although the most valuable technologies, such as matter teleportation and Elysium space station construction, were not fully obtained, technologies like the SABRE brain defense system, artificial intelligence, exoskeleton armor, electromagnetic weapons, and handheld shields were eventually acquired after considerable effort, and the process went relatively smoothly.

As for the Medpod 3000 fully automated medical platform, it was quite simple. As a citizen of the Elysium space station, one could naturally buy one with money.

Moreover, Liu Rui'an later became a relatively influential researcher on the Elysium space station. Even if he lacked the funds, he could still enjoy the benefits of his profession and take out a loan.

After bringing a pile of items that had to be disassembled back to the underground crossing area, Liu Rui'an immediately devoted himself to the research and development of artificial intelligence and intelligent robots.

There was no choice. After crossing through three worlds, even with the NZT pills to enhance his intelligence, Liu Rui'an still felt somewhat overwhelmed.

This sense of being overwhelmed was not due to a lack of confidence in his abilities but rather because of the lack of manpower. Relying solely on himself, he could not maximize the benefits of each crossing opportunity.

For example, in the Elysium world, if Liu Rui'an had enough manpower, he would not have let this golden opportunity slip by. He would have occupied the entire Elysium space station at the first opportunity.

This way, his own strength would have grown exponentially, and he wouldn't have to maintain a low profile for safety as he did now.

As for the issue of training subordinates, Liu Rui'an had thought about it. However, such a plan would take a long time, and human nature is unpredictable. Loyalty and security are far better ensured with intelligent robots.

Although the use of intelligent robots would inevitably have its shortcomings, compared to the need to retrain a human after a loss, the former, which can be considered a consumable, has many undeniable advantages.

As for the Medpod 3000 fully automated medical platform, the SABRE brain defense system, exoskeleton armor, electromagnetic weapons, and mature energy power technology, Liu Rui'an was not in a hurry to study them.

Firstly, these technologies were already quite mature. Although some only had physical items without the technology, it would take some time to reverse-engineer them.

Secondly, his time was limited. Without sufficient manpower, studying too many projects simultaneously would not be beneficial.

Half a month later, Liu Rui'an finally assembled his own artificial intelligence.

Don't be fooled by the seemingly underwhelming AI in Elysium. It can't compare to Iron Man's JARVIS, nor is it as advanced as the AI in other worlds.

However, for the current Liu Rui'an, having this AI system and taking over the central database and computer system of the Umbrella Biomedical Company significantly boosted the efficiency of the entire Umbrella organization, even though it was done subtly.

Moreover, Liu Rui'an intentionally controlled the usage permissions of this AI system to avoid it being noticed too early.

After whimsically naming the AI "Flame Empress," Liu Rui'an was about to continue developing and manufacturing intelligent robots to ensure he had enough manpower for the next crossing. However, he had to pause his research.

It wasn't because he was tired of the endless work. The reason was simple: Liu Rui'an found himself out of money.

Yes, he was out of money.

When he initially acquired this small biopharmaceutical company, the over eight million dollars he earned from the financial market were not only fully invested but he also took out a loan from the bank.

There was no choice. Although the biopharmaceutical company was small, it was well-equipped with all the necessary research and manufacturing equipment.

The reason he chose this company was precisely because it could provide him with a good foundation.

Fortunately, the funding issue was quickly resolved due to the launch of the "Dragon Blood" and "Succubus" products.

The large-scale free trial promotion achieved astonishing results, and a flood of orders and collaboration opportunities followed.

These orders and collaboration opportunities brought enormous profits to the Umbrella Company, enough to make others envious.

Unfortunately, as the biopharmaceutical company expanded, the expenses also increased.

Many of the technologies from other dimensions were not immediately usable.

For example, the AI he developed had no issues with the software.

With his "overclocked" brain, Liu Rui'an could easily memorize the entire AI source code and related programs.

However, the application of AI is not just about software. Although there are ways to use it with inferior hardware, to fully utilize its efficiency and functions, high-quality hardware is required.

Building a top-tier supercomputer costs tens of millions of dollars.

In this situation, it was not an exaggeration to say that Umbrella was spending money like water.

Even though many banks saw the potential value of "Dragon Blood" and "Succubus" and were willing to provide large and favorable loans, it couldn't withstand such reckless spending.

As for the plan to bring antiques and jewels from other worlds to exchange for money, Liu Rui'an had considered it.

However, bringing a small amount wouldn't cover his financial gap, and bringing a large amount would inevitably draw attention.

Although Liu Rui'an now had some assets, he couldn't afford to provoke the likes of superheroes, not to mention the public SHIELD and the secret HYDRA, which the current Umbrella Biopharmaceutical Company couldn't contend with.

Moreover, in Liu Rui'an's view, wasting valuable crossing opportunities on making money was a waste.

Unfortunately, if it weren't for the high-tech from other dimensions, which could easily cause unnecessary trouble, the funding issue wouldn't be a problem for Liu Rui'an.

He believed that any single technology he brought out would bring him substantial funds.

With the next crossing approaching and seeing the deficit on his company's books, Liu Rui'an could only bitterly smile and target a certain rich kid.

"Wake up, Dad's home." Tony Stark, the Iron Man who made countless fangirls swoon, sat in his chair in the villa's workshop and snapped his fingers.

"Welcome home, sir. Congratulations on the grand success of the Expo opening ceremony and the Senate hearing."

"Allow me to say, you look quite refreshing on TV in your clothes, sir."

The AI JARVIS, who instantly woke from his sleep mode, spoke without emotional fluctuations but with a cold humor and sarcasm that was more human-like than many people.

At this moment, the mechanical arm with some AI capabilities accidentally knocked over the dark green drink and the blender.

"You! I swear I'll take you apart and turn you into a wine rack."

Tony Stark, who had been in a bad mood recently, vented his anger at the mechanical arm, refilled his cup with the dark green drink, and asked:

"JARVIS, how much more of this stinky stuff do I have to drink?"

"Eighty ounces to eliminate the palladium poisoning," JARVIS answered truthfully.

Faced with this answer, Tony Stark's mood couldn't be worse.

Not only did this drink taste terrible, but drinking over two kilograms every day would be unbearable for most people in the long run.

After forcing himself to swallow a large mouthful of the dark green liquid that could alleviate palladium poisoning, Tony Stark took out a portable detector, pressed his thumb on it, and said:

"Check the palladium content."

The detector quickly provided a 24% reading, which made Tony Stark's face even worse.

"24% toxicity in the blood. It seems the poisoning will progress faster as long as you continue using the Iron Man suit."

As JARVIS analyzed, a medical X-ray image of Tony Stark's chest appeared on the computer screen in front of him.

Faced with this suggestion, Tony Stark knew he couldn't do it.

Since becoming Iron Man, Tony Stark knew that this identity had become his greatest asset.

Losing it would not only mean the public SHIELD wouldn't agree, but the hidden malice would also overwhelm him.

"Sir, another palladium power cell has been depleted," JARVIS reminded him after detecting his owner's condition.

"God, they're being consumed so quickly." Tony Stark, who had just removed the latest mini-ark reactor from his organs, sighed.

"I have simulated every known element, and none can replace palladium. Your time and options are running out."

"Unfortunately, the device that keeps you alive will also kill you." Although this wasn't the first time they discussed this topic, JARVIS remained loyal and honest in his response.

After replacing the palladium power cell in his ark reactor, Tony Stark took a deep breath, pulled up his T-shirt, and looked at the dark purple pattern on his chest through the computer screen, his expression heavy.

At this moment, JARVIS suddenly spoke again:

"Sir, I just received an email. You should take a look at it immediately."

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