Baxter Stockman was undoubtedly a brilliant scientist with outstanding achievements across multiple fields.
However, when it came to Teleportation Beacon…
To put it simply, this was precise teleportation—a groundbreaking innovation capable of reshaping the world. Such a revolutionary leap wasn't something a single individual could achieve.
And yet, Stockman had managed to break through theoretical constraints and reach the practical stage. The only hurdle left was stability.
Many found this hard to believe.
But Stockman had done it.
This elevated him to the status of a scientific deity, making him one of the most celebrated scientists in the world.
It also turned the TCRI Research Facility, where Stockman worked, into a dream destination for countless aspiring scientists.
What no one knew was that Stockman had stumbled upon a lucky break.
As Anton had speculated, Stockman achievement stemmed from his fortuitous discovery of an advanced alien artifact—one of three components of a mind-transfer device that had crash-landed on Earth.
Using this one-third fragment of the original device, Stockman reverse-engineered the incomplete solution to create his innovation.
While this reverse-engineering feat was no small accomplishment and attested to Stockman extraordinary talent, it fell far short of the unparalleled brilliance attributed to him by the scientific community.
This was Stockman deepest secret.
And now, it had been bluntly exposed by the man calling himself "Hobgoblin."
"What do you mean by that?"
Stockman tried to hide his tension, glaring coldly at Phil. "Hobgoblin, are you questioning me?"
"No, I have full confidence in your abilities, Doctor," Phil said, shaking his head. Seeing Stockman angry expression, he suddenly chuckled. "I'm just saying that the core of your Teleportation Beacon seems to be missing something. Don't you think?"
"…"
There was another long silence as Stockman stared at the alien artifact he had acquired by chance.
He suddenly realized the truth.
"You're right," Stockman admitted with a defeated tone. "It not complete."
"We can find the missing pieces," Phil said, his tone carrying a subtle, almost hypnotic allure. "Then, we'll unleash every criminal in the world—not just the Green Goblin, not just Shredder, but everyone!"
Phil voice grew more persuasive. "Imagine it—all the world criminals would be forever grateful to us."
After finishing, Phil suppressed a grin, hiding it beneath his mask as he felt a surge of self-satisfaction.
For the first time, he thought he might actually have a knack for acting.
The clichéd, over-the-top villain dialogue had come out so naturally that even he almost believed it.
Maybe he really had a talent for being a supervillain.
"You're insane," Stockman muttered, a chill running down his spine. He failed to notice Phil amusement and instead shot him a frosty glare.
"Before that, we must first free Master Shredder!" Stockman declared. "Then we can help you rescue the Green Goblin and join forces to take revenge on Batman."
"Whatever you say," Phil replied with a shrug.
…
At DC Studios.
As the workday neared its end, Anton received an unexpected visitor.
Harry Osborn.
"Harry, long time no see," Anton said, raising an eyebrow. He truly hadn't anticipated the heir to Osborn Industries showing up at DC Studios, especially with the company internal power struggle in full swing.
"Anton."
Harry Osborn looked utterly exhausted, his youthful energy replaced by the demeanor of someone who hadn't slept in days. He seemed more like an overworked laborer than the heir to a powerful corporation.
Clearly, the power struggle within Osborn Industries had escalated to a critical point, with the very survival of the Osborn legacy hanging by a thread.
Harry was fighting to preserve his father empire, but the board of directors saw this as an opportunity to wrest control away from the Osborn family.
He looked at Anton seriously and said, "I've come seeking your help."
"What can I do for you?" Anton asked, genuinely surprised.
The Osborn corporate power struggle?
That not exactly something I can interfere with.
"It about my father!"
Harry hesitated before gritting his teeth and continuing, "I've discovered something at the Osborn estate... You probably already know what really going on. My father disappearance isn't what the public thinks—it wasn't Green Goblin who killed or captured him, was it?"
Anton wasn't particularly shocked by Harry revelation. He glanced at Harry and nodded.
"Since you've uncovered the truth, there no point in hiding it anymore," Anton said after a moment. "As you've suspected, your father is the Green Goblin. After the Lizard incident, Norman broke Dr. Connors out of police custody and developed a human enhancement serum. But as you've seen, the serum side effects caused him to lose control."
"The enhancement serum…"
Harry closed his eyes in pain, taking a long moment before opening them again.
"It was because of the hereditary disease, wasn't it?" he asked bitterly.
Anton nodded silently.
During the final moments of the Green Goblin incident, Norman had pleaded with both Anton and Spider-Man not to reveal the truth to Harry. Out of respect for the past, Anton had kept his promise.
But now that Harry had discovered Norman secret on his own, there was no need to continue hiding it.
Anton believed Harry was strong enough to handle the truth. After all, this wasn't exactly a tragedy.
"So my father isn't dead?"
Sure enough, Harry quickly composed himself, a spark of hope igniting in his eyes. "Can I see him?"
"Sorry, but his mental state is worse than you might imagine," Anton replied, shaking his head. "But rest assured, he in a safe place. We're working on a way to neutralize the serum side effects. Before long, you might see a healthy, calm Norman Osborn again."
"Thank you," Harry said after a moment of reflection. Without further words, he took his leave.
Learning that his father was alive seemed to rekindle Harry determination to protect his family legacy.
He resolved to fight harder for Osborn Industries. If his father were to return and find the company stripped of its name and legacy, Harry knew neither he nor Norman would be able to accept it.
After watching Harry leave, Anton thoughts turned to Harry close friend, Spider-Man.
During the Green Goblin incident, Spider-Man raw power had been evident, but his lack of mastery had been a problem. Anton decided it was time to give the young hero some proper training.
The past few days had been so hectic that he had nearly forgotten about this plan.
With that in mind, Anton glanced at the time, stood up, and left the DC Studios building. Driving his car, he headed toward Midtown High School in Queens.
It was dismissal time, and students were streaming out of the school.
Among them was Spider-Man, who had become something of a local celebrity since gaining his powers. He was walking shoulder to shoulder with his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, clearly enjoying her company.
But as he stepped outside, Peter Parker spotted a familiar car parked nearby.
His face immediately changed.
"Gwen, something come up. I can't walk you home today!"
Peter quickly said goodbye to Gwen and took a roundabout route to Anton car. Sliding into the passenger seat with practiced ease, he greeted Anton.
"What up, Anton?" Peter asked, his expression serious but tinged with anticipation. "Is there something I can help with?"
"There something only you can do, Peter," Anton replied with equal seriousness.
"Really?" Peter eyes lit up. Feeling a surge of pride at being needed, he could hardly contain his excitement.
"Yes," Anton confirmed, his expression softening into a smile. "I'm taking you somewhere to meet some new friends, and…" He paused to glance over Peter, "to teach you a few things."
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