Counterfeit Hero

"Is this junk even worthy of being called an engine?" Fatty sneered, "If you consider it an insult, then let it be. I certainly don’t want to insult my intelligence!"

The surrounding hubbub suddenly escalated, as if the sound wave was about to break through the hall’s roof.

Everyone knew Bobby Coton was the chief technical advisor of the Mecha Department of Vaughn Company in the Feiyang Republic. The engine used in Thunderbolt this time came from Vaughn Company’s Extreme A-21 quad-loop power engine, supplied by the world’s second-largest arms dealer. This engine technology was also used in the Long Blade Mecha, but the Long Blade utilized the Extreme A-15 model, which was significantly inferior in terms of data compared to the A-21.

Because Vaughn Company already had sufficient technical reserves and sent a research team of up to twenty people, along with a joint research team that gathered many scientists who had unique insights into engine technology from various countries, the A-21 engine was completed earliest in the Thunderbolt Mecha system. Therefore, Coton’s arrogance and petty-mindedness earned him a notorious reputation in the team.

Honestly, it was not surprising at all that Bobby Coton was the first to jump out. Considering his usual character and how adoringly he followed Barbara today, it would be shocking if he wasn’t the first to stir trouble.

No one liked this guy with a crescent-shaped face, who spoke harshly and loved to gesture arrogantly. Even more annoying was his habit of taking credit for everything. However, even those engine experts from various countries who played a crucial role in engine development had to admit that this guy’s expertise in engines, combined with the wealth of Vaughn Company’s technical prowess, was enough for him to brazenly showcase his arrogance to any engine expert.

And now, Fatty was pointing at Coton’s nose in front of everyone, in front of the glaring red data on the data center screen, claiming that the most advanced engine in the universe which he led the development of, was nothing but junk!

To a scientist whose vanity bordered on arrogance, this was truly an undeniable humiliation.

The escalating conflict made the atmosphere suddenly tense. The generals exchanged glances, seeing a hint of helplessness and shock in each other’s eyes.

Just after the Mecha test ended, Barbara provoked again, and Fatty responded bluntly. Both parties seemed to have no intention of engaging in the conflict in a more moderate manner, but instead recklessly attacked each other in this hall.

As the sharp opposition intensified, the room for compromise became increasingly smaller. When a moment arrives, the generals present might have to make their own choices. On the battlefield amidst gunfire and explosions, standing neutral is not allowed.

Amid the noise and exchanged glances, everyone focused their eyes on Fatty. If the Extreme A-21 engine was junk, then...

Fatty had a more advanced engine!

This thought alone made everyone’s heart race and breath quicken.

Even Barbara, who always had a faint smile on her face, changed her expression.

If the bandit army could have unique achievements in other aspects of Mecha, even surpassing the Twelfth Generation Mecha level, Barbara wouldn’t be surprised, but for Fatty to directly open fire on engine technology was beyond her expectations.

Though not all of Feiyang’s cutting-edge technology was under her control, Barbara didn’t believe there existed more advanced technology beyond her intelligence’s scope. Vaughn Company’s leading position in engines was almost unshakeable. Their Mecha Department relied on advanced engines to hold Vaughn Company firmly as the second-largest arms dealer.

How could there be more advanced engine technology than Vaughn Company? Barbara’s gaze searched Fatty’s face, trying to find some clue... If it really existed, then Hastings would be terrifying.

She didn’t believe this was the technology of the bandit army; in her view, it could only be Hastings’s secret trump card.

Engine technology, in any country or location, is an extremely critical core technology. For companies that view technology as life, it is an irresistible temptation!

Throughout history, how many enterprises have prospered on a single technology, and how many have been crushed by their opponents’ advanced technology?

If Fatty truly possessed more advanced engine technology, it would be a severe blow to Vaughn Company. Once the technology was obtained by another company, Vaughn Company would immediately lose its advantage.

If obtained by the number one Martin Company, Vaughn Company would be left far behind. If obtained by the third Meteor Company, Vaughn Company would be surpassed.

Barbara glanced around; many scientists and officials from different companies beside her were already showing varied expressions.

"Oh?!" Coton couldn’t help but chuckle. The pride from the years of Vaughn Company’s leading technology and being number one in engines made him instinctively take Fatty’s implicit meaning as alarmist. He mocked, "Seems like General Tian has a better engine than the Extreme A-21?"

Fatty earnestly nodded, "Of course."

Coton couldn’t help but burst into laughter. As Vaughn Company’s chief technical advisor, he simply couldn’t imagine a more advanced engine than Vaughn Company’s existing ones. To him, it was like a parvenu going to the Central Reserve Bank and claiming to be wealthier, hilariously absurd.

He looked around and laughed, "I wonder if we have the honor to take a look? But I’m a bit puzzled, if Leray possesses such technology, why were they defeated so easily by Western Alliance with many casualties?"

The complacent Coton didn’t receive the anticipated echoing sneers.

Not only the generals from various countries, but even Barbara and several Feiyang Scientists beside her couldn’t help but darken their expressions. No matter the situation, the Western Alliance was ultimately an enemy. Using enemies to humiliate one’s allies was a taboo. Moreover, Leray Federation’s four-year homeland defense war, with thirty million soldiers dying on the battlefield bravely earned the respect of most people in the Fei Alliance.

A medium-sized country independently confronting the Western Alliance’s multiple major countries’ attacks for four years was by no means a disgrace.

Fatty’s face remained with the usual simple smile, but those familiar with him like Helen and Milan knew that the curve at the corner of his mouth had become hard and cold. No one should have reopened the scar on his heart or polluted that sacred ground. It wasn’t about his personal reputation and dignity; he was determined to commemorate the thirty million souls with the enemy’s blood and Leray’s strength in war.

In the moment of silence, people saw Fatty slowly extend his hand and grab Coton’s collar, pulling that frightened face to his own.

His movements weren’t fast, but somehow, Coton couldn’t dodge.

"Who do you think you are!"

Pah! Fatty spat on Coton’s face, splashes of saliva scattered like rain on Coton’s brow.

Barbara turned her eyes away, avoiding Fatty’s ferocious face.

She had once faced a gun to her head and an abdomen piercing knife, but for unknown reasons, she who had never feared death suddenly felt a palpitation at the bottom of her heart towards this spitting Fatty.

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