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The hologram shifted again, rotating to show the suit's back and shoulders.
"Advanced propulsion and mobility systems," the AI continued.
"Tri-vector repulsor thrusters embedded in the calves, spine, and shoulder blades. Capable of atmospheric flight, orbital insertion, and burst movement."
The display changed.
The armored figure rocketed into the sky, breaking the sound barrier with ease. It zig-zagged sharply, changing directions effortlessly even at extreme speed.
"These are the true applications of burst movement—even at Mach 5," Ethan said.
Rhodes looked at him in surprise.
"Even the fastest jets barely reach Mach 4. Did you just say this suit can fly at Mach 5?"
Ethan nodded calmly.
"Yes. And while Mach 5 is the optimal combat speed, the maximum speed is Mach 10."
Rhodes stared at him.
"On top of that," Ethan added, "you can operate in space and survive there without any external support."
Rhodes didn't respond. He just turned back toward the hologram.
The display zoomed in on the chest and shoulders.
"Energy redistribution matrix," the AI said.
"Excess kinetic and energy impact is absorbed, converted, and stored. Stored energy may be released as concentrated output."
The simulation showed the suit being struck by heavy artillery. Shells exploded against the armor, but instead of damage, glowing blue lines flared across its surface.
A moment later, a devastating energy beam erupted from the suit's chest, completely erasing a distant target.
Rhodes let out a low whistle.
"Is that Vibranium tech?" he asked.
Ethan glanced at him.
"Does the military know I have Vibranium?"
Rhodes nodded.
"The top brass has known about Wakanda for years. They tried to negotiate, but Wakanda never agreed to any deals."
He paused.
"They wanted to approach Arasaka afterward—but you never acquired Vibranium through official channels."
"Sharon must've taken care of it," Ethan said calmly.
They turned their attention back to the hologram.
The display shifted to a battlefield scenario.
"Defensive systems engaged."
A translucent barrier formed around the suit—hexagonal energy plates locking together seamlessly.
"Multi-layer adaptive energy shield," the AI continued.
"Automatically adjusts frequency to counter incoming attacks. Resistant to EMP, tremor-based interference, and electronic warfare."
The simulation showed an EMP blast detonating at point-blank range.
The shield didn't even flicker.
"How much can it handle?" Rhodes asked.
"One nuclear strike," Ethan replied. "But it will drain the arc reactor completely."
Rhodes nodded slowly.
The hologram moved to the helmet.
"Neural synchronization interface," the AI said.
"Thought-assisted targeting, reaction acceleration, and predictive combat analysis."
Enemy units appeared in the simulation. Red trajectories formed, predicting their movements seconds ahead. The suit moved before the attacks were launched—dodging, countering, and eliminating threats with brutal efficiency.
Rhodes' voice was quieter now.
"So it moves… before I do."
"It reacts faster than human reflexes," Ethan replied.
"But only if you allow assisted combat mode."
The hologram highlighted the legs.
"Close-quarters combat enhancement."
The suit landed with earth-shaking force. A single punch sent a tank flying. A kick shattered reinforced concrete like glass.
"Physical strength output: variable," the AI said.
"Current limiter set to non-lethal training levels."
Rhodes frowned.
"Limiter?"
Ethan smiled faintly.
"More strength means higher energy consumption. You don't want to become One Punch Man and then be completely out of power."
The hologram paused—then shifted to the spine.
"Sandevistan technology."
Ethan grinned.
"Pay close attention. This is the best tech I have to offer."
The simulation showed the suit dodging bullets at an unnatural speed. The world around it appeared to slow to a crawl.
"What is that?" Rhodes asked.
"When activated," Ethan explained, "for five seconds, you move ten times faster than the world itself. Time around you slows down drastically."
He added seriously,
"It affects both the mind and body. Use it only in emergencies."
Rhodes stared.
"You're kidding… that's Sandevistan tech now? Or is this some kind of magic?"
"Any sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic," Ethan shrugged.
"Anyway, since you were Tony's friend, I added this specifically for you. Don't tell anyone about it."
He smiled faintly.
"Others wouldn't even know it exists unless you tell them."
"Yeah," Rhodes muttered. "Otherwise, everyone would be lining up to dissect this armor just to get that tech."
"Exactly," Ethan said. "It's the most expensive system in the suit."
The hologram shifted once more.
Twin heavy machine guns deployed from the suit's shoulders, firing controlled bursts of armor-piercing rounds. At the same time, spider-like mechanical limbs unfolded from its back, anchoring into the ground as the suit advanced relentlessly through enemy fire—moving like a walking war platform.
Rhodes watched the hologram as tanks and fighter jets were effortlessly pierced by the powerful armor-piercing rounds.
"Now I know why you call it War Machine," he said.
Nah, I was just too lazy to come up with a new name, Ethan thought, but didn't bother correcting him.
"That's everything," Ethan said. "If you need suit maintenance, tell the military it will be handled by Arasaka. The minimum cost will be ten million USD."
Rhodes nodded.
"Understood. I'll be leaving then."
He stepped forward as the neural sync finalized. The armor responded instantly, sealing completely around him.
A low hum filled the air as the flight-assist systems activated. With a powerful burst from the thrusters, Rhodes lifted off, soaring into the sky and disappearing beyond the horizon.
Ethan watched him go, hands in his pockets.
Then he turned his gaze to the military convoy they had arrived with.
"What are you guys still doing here?" Ethan asked casually. "Your colonel already left. Go back now."
He waved them off dismissively. The guards nodded, and quickly ushered the remaining personnel out of the mansion grounds.
"Yawn… now the military won't be bothering me anymore," Ethan muttered lazily.
He stretched his arms, turned around, and headed back into the mansion. Moments later, he descended into the basement, the heavy doors sealing shut behind him.
The underground facility lit up automatically as he walked in—rows of holographic screens, dormant projects, and unfinished prototypes humming softly in standby mode.
Ethan glanced around, hands in his pockets.
"Back to work," he said quietly.