章 49: Chapter 49: Shared Destiny
A horde of crimson-eyed rats, decaying dogs with exposed ribs, and eerie birds shrouded in black mist.
As soon as they sensed movement, they immediately reacted, rushing frantically towards Isnerstein and Banner, slamming their bodies against the glass, even at the cost of injuring themselves.
However, the glass was extremely thick and consisted of multiple layers. Banner could barely hear the faint sound of their impact.
"If the virus could grant them immense size and strength..."
"That would be a disaster," Banner finished the sentence.
"But don't worry too much. They can't leave this place. Red Queen is the boss here. If even a tiny bit of the virus leaks, she will cleanse the entire island with high temperatures and flames, ensuring that the apocalypse never occurs."
Banner's lips moved, and after struggling with his words for a while, he helplessly said, "...Wow, then there's really no need to worry."
So, we're walking on top of a lot of explosives now?
I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
After becoming familiar with the work environment at Icaz, Banner also began his daily routine of immersing himself in the laboratory. Every day, he would communicate with his girlfriend, Betty, online, expressing his love for her and assuring her that he would soon solve his physical issues and leave this place to be reunited with her.
...
During one of his regular checks on the progress at the Vossen Laboratory, Warren stumbled upon Banner's experiment, infecting himself with the T-virus using his own cell sample. A cold sweat dripped down his forehead.
He remembered a popular shooting game from his time in college, where there was a zombie called "Bio-Green Giant."
He instructed Red Queen to be extremely cautious and prevent any leakage of the virus.
As for Banner's research, he let him continue as long as no live experiments were conducted.
Meanwhile, Warren boarded a plane headed for Africa.
He had a small gold mine there, and thanks to the mining equipment improved by Vossen engineers, it was yielding a substantial output. He needed to collect some gold coins.
Additionally, he planned to visit Wakanda along the way, but the secluded country was likely not willing to meet him.
There was another matter to attend to as well, which involved holding friendly meetings with several countries and armed forces in Africa. The deal was simple: he would sell them equipment, weapons, and anything else they needed, and in return, he would establish a gold mine in their territory.
The outcome of the negotiations was still unknown, but the gold mine itself was an extremely important strategic resource for Warren, deserving such attention.
...
"Norman, the company's interests have been severely affected."
Looking at these shareholders who only cared about their own interests, Norman Osborn couldn't help but want to knock them down and step on their heads one by one.
But now, even walking was a bit difficult for him. He had to muster up his spirits to appear in public, and his daily outings were limited.
"The company has too many research projects without much progress. With Worthington's strong exclusion, the company needs more powerful products."
Norman was troubled but calmly replied, "Research is the path to success."
"But some paths can be abandoned when they no longer show promise."
...
Although Norman ultimately suppressed the opinions of the shareholders with his authority, Osborn Industries did suffer significant consequences.
Warren Worthington, the young man who often flew over New York in a high-profile manner, was doing exceptionally well in various aspects.
"Harry will be just as amazing when he grows up."
Norman thought about something and rare smile appeared on his face, but it quickly faded, replaced by a gloomy expression.
"This hereditary disease rooted in our bloodlines cannot take away my life or Harry's!"
After the meeting, he headed towards a hidden laboratory.
"Max, how is the effectiveness of GR-14?"
A middle-aged man wearing a Morgan Macs nameplate held up a lab report and replied, "GR-14 failed, but I made a major discovery from its failure. I have prepared GR-15 and conducted animal experiments. The data from all the experiments are perfect. We are only one step away..."
"I see."
The last step was human experimentation.
Finally, there was some good news. Norman Osborn left satisfied, saying before he left, "The volunteers will arrive soon."
Although this unregistered laboratory could not recruit volunteers through conventional means, it wasn't a problem for Norman Osborn.
After leaving the laboratory, he immediately gave orders to his subordinates to take care of some matters and then proceeded to another laboratory.
As soon as he entered, a thick black smoke filled the air, causing him to cough.
"Octavius!"
There was anger in his voice.
"Apologies, there were some minor malfunctions."
A middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a slight paunch took off his equipment and descended from the experiment table, shutting off the power. The electrical sparks on the equipment finally ceased.
This was one of the many investments made by Norman Osborn. Otto Octavius, once his friend, was an extremely brilliant individual, but he frequently encountered failures.
Fortunately, Norman Osborn's life was highly successful, allowing him to sponsor Octavius' research. Of course, it was also because they shared a common destiny and a common goal.
"It seems you have failed again."
Otto trembled, but pretended as if nothing had happened.
"The neural calculations are too complex, and the energy supply is also an issue. It seems there are still many areas that need improvement," he explained.
...
Norman originally wanted to scold him as usual, but the good news from Morgan Macs subdued his anger.
"I hope that the next time I come here, I will see your success, even if it's only once."
Watching Norman Osborn's departing figure, Otto clenched his fist, then weakly released it.
They were once friends, but now he was nothing more than a dog that wouldn't be scolded as long as his master was in a good mood.
Dignity and confidence had been completely cast aside because no one, except Norman Osborn, could tolerate his repeated failures.
Because they shared the same destiny.
...
Destiny?
Martin Li didn't quite believe in such things. He was an orphan, and his parents died when he was very young. He only remembered his father as a man who loved telling scary stories to children.
So, when he established an underground force under the sponsorship of Norman Osborn to handle some unsavory business, he named his gang "Inner Demons."
It was the same name as the demonic mask from the stories his father used to tell.
After being transferred from the maximum-security prison to a regular one, even a prominent gang leader like him wouldn't receive any special treatment. Now, even his benefactor, Norman Osborn, couldn't afford to offend Overwatch.
"Time for dinner."
Hmm?
He sensed that something was off. It was a bit earlier than usual.
As a mob boss, he was kept in solitary confinement, and a tray of food was delivered to him.
'Please enjoy the mashed potatoes.'
There was a note on it.
Curious, he picked up the mashed potatoes and discovered a key inside. Fortunately, he hadn't eaten it.
The door opened, and he cautiously poked his head out to survey the surroundings. It seemed there was intense fighting happening outside.
"Hey!"
A prison guard spotted him.
As Martin Li contemplated how to eliminate the guard, the guard threw a package towards him.
Martin Li revealed a corner of it and discovered that it contained a set of prison guard uniforms.
"Heh."
A smile appeared on Martin Li's face. Norman Osborn hadn't forgotten about him.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット