"Boss, is this the new katana you made for me? Why does it look different from my previous one?"
After defeating Loren, 2B finally turned her full attention to her own upgrades and transformations.
At that moment, she was holding the brand-new blade Loren had forged for her, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"This isn't actually a katana," Loren shook his head and explained. "The correct name is Miaodao."
"Miaodao?"
"Yes," Loren said. "The Miaodao is a weapon from the China's cold-weapon era—a hybrid design developed by combining elements of the Tang dynasty sword and the spear, specifically to counter Japanese katanas."
"The Miaodao has a slender, slightly curved blade and typically comes in two lengths: about five feet (160 cm) and three feet seven inches (120 cm). Yours is the longer variant—160 centimeters."
"It blends the characteristics of a saber and a polearm," he continued. "You can wield it with one hand or two. Using both hands gives you better control and greater striking power."
As a time traveler, Loren's soul remained that of a native of the China. Naturally, when crafting weapons, he favored traditional Long Guo styles.
"I see," 2B said, admiring the blade. "This Miaodao is truly beautiful. I love it—thank you, Boss."
She turned the weapon over in her hands, growing more pleased by the second, then impulsively kissed Loren on the cheek.
"This Miaodao is forged from adamantium," Loren added proudly. "It can cut through steel like tofu and is virtually indestructible. Even temperatures of 500,000 degrees won't melt it—it can only be shaped through highly specialized methods. Right now, I'm probably the only person in the universe who knows how to work it."
"So… apart from you, Boss, no one else can even wield this Miaodao?" 2B asked.
"You could say that—but it's not absolute," Loren cautioned. "There are too many heaven-defying beings in this universe. Stay humble, and never grow complacent. Understood?"
"I understand," 2B nodded. "I'll make excellent use of this weapon."
With a casual flick of her wrist, she swung the Miaodao toward the steel laboratory table in front of her.
Slice.
The table split cleanly in two—as if it were made of tofu.
"!!!!"
"It's that sharp?!"
"Of course," Loren said confidently. "'Cuts iron like mud' isn't just a saying. With this blade, there's practically nothing on this planet you can't cut—except adamantium itself. And if something does resist… you just cut it twice."
After all, adamantium's legendary reputation wasn't unfounded. In terms of hardness, even vibranium would yield to it. So Loren's claim wasn't exaggeration—it was fact.
"Does that mean no one can survive a strike from this Miaodao?" 2B asked, stunned.
"Theoretically, yes—but as I said, adamantium is the exception. And we're not the only ones who possess it. The military still has remnants of adamantium alloys left behind by our predecessors, even though the original formula has been lost in this universe."
"However, in this vast world, the probability of encountering someone else equipped with adamantium is still extremely low."
"Unless mutants exist in this world," Loren muttered, "there is indeed a monster who isn't afraid of your Miao Dao."
"What are mutants?" 2B asked. "And what kind of monster wouldn't even fear my adamantium-made Miao Dao?"
Hearing Loren's words, 2B's eyes filled with curiosity.
"The story of mutants is a long one," Loren replied. "If I traced it back from the beginning, it would take me a whole day and night to finish—so I'd better not get into it now. Anyway, this group hasn't been seen in this world yet, so it's highly likely they don't exist."
"As for the monster I mentioned—he's a member of the mutant race and one of the adamantium fusions. He can grow adamantium claws from between his fingers, which possess incredible destructive power, and he also has extraordinary regenerative abilities. Ordinary weapons can't kill him. Only weapons forged from Carbonadium—one of the four legendary metals—can restrain him."
"But don't worry," Loren added with a shrug. "Mutants don't exist in this world, so that monster definitely won't appear either."
The monster he was referring to, of course, was Wolverine.
In truth, when Loren first arrived in this world, he conducted an in-depth investigation. His findings revealed that this reality differed from any Marvel parallel universe he knew. It was, in fact, a completely new and independent Marvel-adjacent dimension—one where mutants simply didn't exist, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
But it was only somewhat similar to the MCU—not identical. Because of this, even as a time traveler, Loren couldn't reliably predict future events. That was precisely why he'd urged 2B to stay cautious: no Marvel universe, however familiar it seemed, was ever truly simple.
"Boss," 2B said, her voice tinged with interest, "after hearing all that, I'd really like to see what that monster looks like."
Loren paused, as if considering something, then replied meaningfully, "Maybe there'll be a chance in the future."
"Really? That's great!"
"Hmm… maybe!" Loren chuckled.
Seeing mutants in a universe where they shouldn't exist could only mean one thing: the multiverse was beginning to connect. And if that day ever came, the entire multiverse would descend into chaos—a prospect far from desirable.
Still, there was no need to burden 2B with that knowledge just yet. So he chose not to explain.
As he spoke, he walked over to his newly upgraded third-generation Bat Armor.
Yes—his Bat Armor was already on its third iteration.
The first generation had been limited by an outdated energy system, allowing only short-distance flight. Later, after acquiring an improved version of Arc Reactor technology, he overhauled the power core. This upgrade granted the armor long-range flight capability, with speeds easily exceeding Mach 4—approaching hypersonic levels.
Moreover, he'd modularized the Batsuit and embedded a micro anti-gravity device into each segment. This allowed him to summon and assemble the armor instantly, anywhere and anytime—much like a Saint Seiya Cosmo transformation.
And now, he'd upgraded it once again.