Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Inheriting Wealth
"Unfortunately, I drew a bow and arrow instead of a firearm. It would have been better if it were a firearm."
After all, he still believed that firearms were more practical. He even had the butler book him shooting lessons.
"But it's okay, I'll keep drawing cards. I'll eventually get what I want."
He was confident, considering that it was something he could achieve with money, especially since he was wealthy himself. After all, Worthington was among the top 500 companies in the world.
In the morning, Warren exercised for a while and then started reading a book.
Introduction to Mechanics. This card provided him with knowledge that a former humanities student like him didn't possess, allowing him to create a study plan for himself.
Since the probability of drawing skill cards wasn't low, there was a possibility of drawing other skills in the future. For now, he could explore the technological trends of this world.
At noon, it was time to draw cards again.
One free single draw.
[Blue Common]
"Luck isn't bad."
[Mastery of Greek]
"I doubt I'll need this language... But the probability of drawing skill cards is indeed quite high."
Although Greek might not be of much use, it validated one thing: the probability of drawing knowledge skills was not low.
Concrete knowledge was far superior to random things. After all, acquiring knowledge required a significant investment of time, while material possessions could be bought with money.
Because he had an appointment with his coach in the afternoon, Warren decided not to use the Mastery of Greek for now. Instead, he instructed the driver to take him to the shooting range.
Morning exercise, afternoon shooting practice with a private coach, and using the Mastery of Greek before going to bed—time passed in this manner day after day.
Lately, old Worthington had encountered a major problem due to the performance of Magneto.
The antidote produced by Worthington Pharmaceuticals had become popular nationwide, attracting many mutants seeking treatment.
However, today was different. Mutants carried out an explosive attack on a treatment facility, causing casualties.
Subsequently, Magneto declared:
"...Today's attack is just the first wave. As long as the 'cure' exists, we will continue to fight. Your city is no longer safe, your streets are no longer safe, and neither are you! As for my fellow mutants, I invite you to join us or stay out of our way..."
"Too extreme," commented the old butler, Sebastian, shaking his head.
"So terrifying," whispered the maids among themselves.
Warren chuckled, "Perhaps we should blame all the mistakes on the racists of the past, don't you think, Sebastian?"
?
The butler and the maids were puzzled.
Warren was merely making a joke related to the storyline, even though others didn't understand.
The president ordered the closure of Sinister Island, also known as Akkaz Island. It used to be a prison but now served as the location of Worthington Laboratory. Being an island, it was convenient to guard.
The "cure" was also distributed as a weapon, made entirely of plastic, to defend against Magneto's abilities. The soldiers guarding the island had replaced their weapons with plastic ones.
Old Worthington remained on the island because they had not yet fully identified the genes of mutant Jimmy. If Magneto killed him, all their efforts would be in vain, and the antidote would be lost.
Warren vaguely remembered the plot of X-Men 3 since it had been airing for a while.
The Golden Gate Bridge was destroyed again!
Apart from that, there was the part where Wolverine killed Phoenix, but he couldn't recall the rest clearly. After all, it had been a long time since he watched it. However, he remembered the plots of Avengers 3 and Avengers 4 quite well, although they were still far from the present.
Anyway, Wolverine had managed to kill his wife despite the pain, so there shouldn't be any issues. His task was to refrain from causing trouble and patiently await the storyline to take care of the villains.
Warren hadn't used any of the free coins he accumulated in the past few days. After considering it, he decided it was better to wait for a ten-card draw.
But just as he had accumulated nine coins, devastating news arrived.
Magneto, using his metal control abilities, brought the Golden Gate Bridge to Akkaz Island and launched an attack with his mutant followers, vowing to kill Jimmy, the source of the antidote.
The attack failed, but...
The head of the antidote project, the old aunt who had previously injected him with the antidote, was pierced through by something resembling porcupine quills used by mutants and died.
Warren Kenneth Worthington II met an unfortunate end, captured by the rioting mutants and thrown from a high building.
The number of dead and injured soldiers was countless, and most of the bodies couldn't even be found as they were disintegrated by the telekinetic powers of the mutant Jean Grey.
"Please sign your name," the lawyer said.
Wearing a black suit, Warren solemnly signed his name:
Warren Kenneth Worthington III
"You are now the chairman of Worthington Group," the lawyer said after collecting the documents.
"If possible, I would prefer him to continue running the company," Warren sighed softly.
"Please accept my condolences."
After the lawyer left, Warren was left alone in his vast office. Despite his outward appearance, he wasn't as saddened as it seemed.
Upon learning that he was inheriting the Worthington legacy, his initial reaction was:
"Does this mean I have money to draw cards?"
I apologize for having such thoughts. I need to reflect on myself.
However, he didn't have much emotional attachment to old Worthington. After all, they had only known each other for less than a month and had met in person only a couple of times.
Old Worthington had died a gruesome death, falling and being seen by many. Later, his body was destroyed by Jean Grey's raging telekinetic powers, leaving only his clothes and a group photo in his grave.
Fortunately, the butler Sebastian had helped handle these complicated matters; otherwise, Warren would have been quite overwhelmed.
But there were still many tasks that needed to be addressed.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
A mature and intellectual woman entered the room. She was Warren's secretary, Nyvia, who had served old Worthington.
"Chairman, a government organization has requested a meeting with you to discuss matters related to Worthington Laboratory."
"What organization?"
"They call themselves..." Nyvia paused, recollecting, took a breath, and said, "Bureau of Land Resource Strategic Defense, Attack, and Logistics Support."
"Take them to the meeting room."
"Understood."
Warren rubbed his temples. These past few days had been incredibly busy and chaotic. Even though old Worthington was no longer around, the other members of the board of directors were using their influence to interfere with the operations of Worthington Laboratory. After all, it represented substantial direct profits and had indirect interests. In this era of mutants, which country didn't have mutant criminals? Wouldn't they need the "cure" weapons? And there were also citizens—some mutant citizens who desired a peaceful life and didn't want to be mutants. How much demand did they have for the "cure"?
This thing, even if Warren were young and ignorant, he couldn't let it go. The shareholders would cause a huge uproar.
Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., was not flustered. "We simply want to offer our protection to the existence of the mutant 'Jimmy.' We know that his presence may attract the attention of radical mutants, so we want to ensure his safety."
Warren ran his finger along the edge of the cup and nodded. "I thought you were just interested in ordering a batch of 'cure' weapons. I didn't expect your appetite to be this big. I'm sorry, but I have to decline."
Even though it was Nick Fury, Warren knew that this matter was non-negotiable.
Even if old Worthington was no longer there, the other members of the board of directors would strongly oppose any external interference in Worthington Laboratory. The laboratory represented significant profits, and there were also various business dealings with other countries regarding the "cure." While the Akkaz Island incident had been put on hold for a while, it would still require Warren's attention in the future.
But it was inconceivable to let outsiders meddle in the affairs of Worthington Laboratory.
Nick Fury remained calm. "I'm only suggesting that we provide security and participate in the research of the 'cure' weapons. We won't interfere with the business aspects. Since you know who we are, you should understand how much we need the 'cure.'"
"Yes, I understand how much you need it," Warren acknowledged. "If you want weapons to deal with mutants on a large scale, I can develop them for you. However, your involvement is not acceptable."
"Do you have the ability to protect it?" Nick Fury's gaze became intense.
"I won't be as conservative as before. Although it's a bit late, Akkaz Island can now be covered by the mist of the 'cure' at any time. We have laid several kilometers of pipelines, turning it into a restricted area for mutants!" Warren refused to back down.
Measures? The measures were already in place, simple but effective. Although they cost a bit more, they were worth it. They were precautions against large-scale attacks like the one from Magneto.
Nick Fury didn't press the matter further. Instead, he smiled slightly. "I'm glad to see that you've protected the 'cure' so well. It seems I don't need to worry about it being used up too quickly. I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation. By the way, I will consider your suggestion."
"May our cooperation be fruitful, and I hope you change your name sooner," Warren said.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone