Chapter 50: Dr. Connor’s Conspiracy, Another Natasha Romanoff Arrives
Dr. Connor, looking much older and weaker without transforming into his Lizard form, could easily be overpowered by a security guard. But with the injection of the spider serum, mixed with Peter Parker's blood, he possessed Spider-Man's abilities even in his human state. Utilizing a special synthetic serum developed by Peter, his powers had surpassed what they had been before. The only reason he maintained his human form now was to avoid turning into the monstrous lizard.
As he approached the Osborn building, security guards patrolling the area noticed him and immediately saluted, having no idea about his true nature.
"Doctor, what brings you back?" one of the guards asked.
Dr. Connor realized that news of his dismissal and transformation into the Lizard hadn't yet reached everyone. With a slight smile, he replied, "Mr. Norman asked me to return."
The guard, although puzzled, didn't question the doctor further. Dr. Connor's status within Osborn Industries commanded respect, so without hesitation, the guard opened the door for him.
Dr. Connor exhaled in relief. If the guard had reacted suspiciously, he wouldn't have hesitated to kill him. Despite regaining control over his mind, Dr. Connor's altered genetics had twisted his psyche, making him more ruthless.
He knew he had committed terrible acts as the Lizard, becoming one of New York's most notorious villains. But before anyone could move against him, he had one last plan: steal the genetic data and serums Osborn Industries had accumulated over the years. Then, he and Peter Parker would lie low for a while—Peter still the unsuspecting, wholesome boy next door.
In his mind, Peter would be his ally. Dr. Connor envisioned a future where the two of them would solve the mysteries of genetic fusion together, unlocking powers beyond imagination. Osborn's death was inevitable. After that, Peter Parker, as Harry Osborn's best friend, would naturally rise within the company, securing their path to genetic mastery.
But Dr. Connor had another problem on his mind: Ethan Hayes, whose mysterious ability to control water intrigued and unnerved him. Unlike Ghost Spider Gwen, who posed little threat, Ethan's powers reminded Dr. Connor of the terrifying Mutants he had read about in his younger days. It made him think of Bolivar Trask, the founder of Trask Industries, who had a well-known obsession with studying Mutants.
Dr. Connor's ambition swelled as he thought about it. "Mutant genes," he muttered. "If I could study the X-gene, I wouldn't even need to rely on animal DNA."
Stepping into the elevator, Dr. Connor's mind raced. He had once been in awe of mutants like Magneto, who had wielded god-like power. Now, they were no longer sources of fear but potential subjects for his experiments.
His thoughts drifted to Mystique, the shape-shifting mutant. If he could obtain her DNA, the applications would be limitless—genetic simulations, the power to integrate multiple genes perfectly. His breath quickened with excitement at the possibilities.
The elevator arrived at the lab floor, and Dr. Connor wasted no time accessing his old workstation. Despite being dismissed, he had left himself backdoor access into Osborn's system. He quickly downloaded sensitive files and data onto a hard drive, using credentials left behind by Vice President William before his untimely demise.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.
"Dr. Connor?"
It was Harry Osborn, appearing from behind with a surprised look on his face. Since William's death, Harry had begun to take a more active role in the company. And while he didn't know all the details, he was aware that Dr. Connor's experiments had gone terribly wrong.
"Harry, shouldn't you be enjoying your life, partying with beautiful women instead of worrying about the company?" Dr. Connor sighed.
Harry stepped back cautiously, feeling the cold chill of fear.
"William is dead, and my father's health is failing. They're trying to take the company from us. I need to act before it's too late," Harry said.
Dr. Connor looked at him, pity and malice swirling in his eyes.
"Your father made a terrible mistake, Harry. He ordered Dr. Parker's death. Peter's father had succeeded. He could have cured your family's genetic disease."
Harry's face went pale at the mention of Peter's father.
"Why?" Harry demanded.
"You should ask your father," Dr. Connor replied coldly. "If he hadn't killed Dr. Parker, I would have perfected the Lizard formula years ago. Instead, I had to manipulate Peter into retrieving his father's research notes."
The download complete, Dr. Connor pulled the hard drive from the terminal. "Oh, and by the way, I visited your father. He's not doing well."
Harry's fear turned to horror. "You monster!" he yelled, but before he could do anything, Dr. Connor's body shifted, sprouting grotesque spider-like legs.
"Run, Harry," Dr. Connor said with a sinister smile.
Harry turned to flee, but not before Dr. Connor's claws slashed his chest, leaving a bloody gash. Harry stumbled through the lab, clutching his wound, but the spider toxin had already begun to take hold.
Dr. Connor followed leisurely, watching as Harry collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain as green markings spread across his skin.
"Spiders are venomous, Harry," Dr. Connor said casually before exiting the lab with a box of stolen genetic serums in hand.
As Harry struggled to hold on, his eyes filled with hatred. If he survived, he would make both Dr. Connor and Peter Parker pay.
Meanwhile, Dr. Connor walked calmly past the unsuspecting security guards. A sharp appendage pierced one guard's chest as Dr. Connor made his way to the exit.
His next stop: Hell's Kitchen.
The next morning, Ethan Hayes woke up feeling refreshed. Natasha Romanoff had already left, but she had left behind a small note with the words:
"Happy Trading!!"
Ethan chuckled at the note, realizing Natasha still cared, despite their complicated bond.
"Happy Trading? Does this mean there's going to be a next time?" Ethan mused, smiling. Clearly, Natasha hadn't entirely brushed aside their connection.
[Task: Yi ZeFang completed. The reward has been upgraded to a cyan blind box. Would you like to continue the task scroll for a chance to earn a red blind box?]
Ethan's eyes lit up. Scrolling the task for even higher rewards seemed worth the risk. He confirmed the system's prompt.
[Task Mode: ongoing. Reward has been upgraded. Next reward level: red blind box.]
Now Ethan's next challenge loomed large in his mind. Contacting the Mutant Brotherhood and facing Magneto would be his next big move.
Just as he was thinking this, the doorbell rang.
When Ethan opened the door, he was surprised to find another Natasha Romanoff standing there, flashing him a smile.
"Surprised to see me again, Ethan?" she asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
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