章節 22: Returning to the Middle East
The T-virus was a creation Adam had developed after arriving in the Marvel universe. Using the Red Queen, he cultivated the Progenitor Virus and then combined it with segments of leech DNA, ultimately isolating a brand-new virus.
This virus, a category of RNA (ribonucleic acid) viruses, had countless different strains. The transmission, symptoms, and enhancement directions varied to some degree between different strains.
As an RNA virus, the T-virus had the characteristic of enhancing and recombining biological genetic factors. So, Adam had Felia experiment with integrating the X-gene, unique to the Marvel universe, into the T-virus.
To his surprise, she actually succeeded.
The suppression of the Licker's evolved form was something Adam had specifically requested. After all, his clients were all human, and humans were heavily influenced by visual perceptions.
If clients knew the products they were buying would eventually turn them into monsters, their interest would likely decrease significantly.
Moreover, while the Lickers had greatly increased strength and agility, they also suffered a significant decline in intelligence—essentially a form of degeneration.
As Felia reported her progress, Adam nodded in satisfaction.
"Have human trials been conducted?"
"Not yet; so far, all experiments have been conducted on animals."
"Then start the human trials."
"I came to see you precisely about this. The Red Queen says we're out of test subjects."
"Red Queen, what's the situation?"
The next second, a holographic projection of the Red Queen appeared before them.
"Master, due to recent media reports, we've suspended acquiring test subjects in the United States. But purchasing them from dark forces requires a significant amount of funding. Most of our liquid assets have been used by Miss Luna to buy Stark Industries stock. A small portion was also used to buy shares in Starship Enterprises."
Upon hearing this, Adam immediately remembered that he had sent Luna to attend a Disney charity gala because of this matter a while back.
And right now, it was a crucial moment for the acquisition of Stark Industries—he couldn't afford to run out of funds.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Send a message to Luna, agreeing to contact Russia , but make sure the military doesn't find out."
Russia had always been highly interested in the T-virus, but due to the United States' stance on Russia, Adam had avoided any contact. After all, in the United States, he had to play by their rules.
Everyone knew that the United States was very hostile towards Russia, even to the point of being arch-enemies. But now, to obtain new funds, he had no choice but to reach out to Them.
Moreover, there were some things and people in Russia that he was very interested in.
"Yes, Master. By the way, tomorrow is Senator Robert Kelly's birthday. We just received an invitation. How would you like to handle this?"
Hearing the name Robert, Adam immediately remembered the man. Umbrella's rise to its current size had a lot to do with him. When it comes to Robert, one can't avoid talking about mutants.
There were three main mutant factions: the Brotherhood, the X-Men, and the Hellfire Club.
The Brotherhood was a villainous group that believed mutants were superior to ordinary humans and should enslave them, causing significant destruction.
The X-Men, a heroic group, believed that humans and mutants should coexist peacefully. They even established the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters to teach new mutants how to control their superpowers.
The Hellfire Club, although a mutant faction, leaned more towards being a social club for society's elite, offering entertainment and leisure.
In one of the Brotherhood's plans, the illusionist Mastermind used illusions to make Robert believe he had witnessed Cyclops of the X-Men randomly firing his optic blasts into a crowd.
The plan was meant to make Robert hate the X-Men, but it ended up making him extremely hostile toward all mutants.
Senator Robert Kelly then vigorously promoted the Mutant Registration Act and became a major sponsor of the Sentinels Project.
Because of the emergence of Umbrella's T-virus enhancement technology, Senator Kelly saw it as a potential weapon against mutants and offered strong political support to Adam.
Of course, Adam also had some cooperation with him.
After thinking for a moment, Adam said, "I'll attend the birthday party in person this time. Felia, you'll accompany me."
"Yes, Master."
With that, the Red Queen's projection disappeared.
Felia's face flushed slightly.
Unlike the bold and outgoing Luna, Felia, who spent most of her time in the lab, had a personality that was more shy and reserved, leaning towards an Asian modesty.
So, being invited to accompany Adam made her feel bashful.
However, she didn't refuse. After all, such opportunities were rare. Adam usually took Luna when he went out.
..........
In Tony Stark's villa:
Tony was currently suiting up in his newly developed Mark IV armor, assisted by mechanical arms.
Compared to Mark III, the Mark IV armor was heavier and had more external weapons.
This was because Tony had been terrified by the mantis-like monster. He feared that if he encountered more than one of those creatures, he'd be done for.
"Ssss…"
As the mechanical gears turned, the helmet was placed on his head, the faceplate was lowered, and various data appeared on his display.
After a while, Jarvis's voice came through his earpiece.
"Mark IV is initiating a self-diagnostic. All systems are functioning normally: weapons, power, energy, and armor."
Hearing this, Tony nodded.
"Good job, buddy. Let's get going."
With that, flames burst from his boots, and he shot out of the villa, disappearing into the sky.
The sound of a sonic boom echoed through the sky.
As he flew, Tony reflected on the biologists he had consulted over the past few days. According to those experts, the genes he brought back could not have occurred naturally; they were most likely artificially engineered.
So, he had to return to the Middle East to investigate again, find the source of the creatures, and destroy them.
He would not allow anyone to use such evil enhancement technology to slaughter and enslave innocent people.
Meanwhile, back at the villa.
Pepper heard the sound of Tony taking off and knew he was gone again.
This time, she wasn't as worried or anxious as before. After all, Tony had spent the last three days constantly flying around in his armor.
So, she didn't realize that Tony was heading to the Middle East this time.
She was currently troubled by another matter.
The anticipated scene where Stark Industries' executives and shareholders would come to plead for their return hadn't happened.
Despite the negative news about Stark Industries in recent days and the stock price dropping to fifty-one per share, those people simply weren't coming to them.
How strange.....
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