19 19. A Father

Adam's words elicited a smile from Norman. He pulled the drawer and took out a stack of neatly arranged papers. Due to his excellent eyesight Adam caught sight of few words on the front cover.

Limb Restoration.

He placed the papers before Adam and said

"Here is the complete research paper, it not only include all of Connor's research but also mine as well. With it you should be able to complete the formula and make a perfect serum."

Adam was quite surprised, "Why would you think I have the capability to make a perfect serum? "

Norman laughed, "Haha, even before knowing your secret status I have known your talent in bioengineering and genetics. Your ideas and your unique approach showcase what kind of talent you are."

"And with you actively trying to get these research papers I assumed you have the capability to do so."

Adam smiled behind his mask. This was the first time he had come across a true sly fox. Not only was Norman able to see through his status he also correctly guessed why he was seeking these research papers.

Adam kept the file and said, "I assume that's not the only reason you called me."

Upon hearing these words Norman's bearing changed. His face became serious and asked, "Would you help Harry? "

Adam didn't immediately reply. Norman stared at him for few seconds before he spoke up.

"You should have already noticed, my body is on the brink of death. I have used the diluted version of the serum, only about a hundredth of its true potential to keep me alive. But it has its limits."

"Eric was right, I only have one more week. Before that I have to make sure Harry has enough capital to fend off those bastards within the board of directors."

"Is that why you killed several of them? Why you used convicts as lab rats to test out your experiments?"

Norman sighed, "So you knew... yes, I killed them. I built this company from nothing, it is my inheritance for my child! That's why I am asking you, when I am gone please help him! So that he doesn't walk on the streets with nothing but loneliness as a companion!"

Adam didn't reply, he just stared at Norman before speaking indifferently, "Norman Osborn, I don't care whether your company rise or fall. Harry is my friend and if he wants this company to live then I will help him. And frankly speaking you underestimate your son."

"Do you think he hasn't realised something is wrong when you suddenly started to bring him for every meeting. He has already realised but he doesn't want to accept, you are his only family. Even though you seem hard towards him he knows that's for his sake."

"And one more thing, Harry isn't you. You are alone, if you fall, you will fall alone but not him. We will be there, me, Peter, Elle, Uncle Ben... all of us will be there to pull him back up."

"He isn't weak, in fact he is far stronger than you can imagine."

Norman was stunned for a second before laughing loudly, "Haha, it seems so! Then forgive me for saying those words. I will leave him in your hands."

Adam got up to leave, just before he left, "As a individual you are scum but as a father... you are a good one. Farewell Uncle Osborn."

His figure vanished into the darkness. Norman slumped to his chair, relieved. He felt as if a mountain was off his shoulders, a faint smile hung on his face.

Friends... seems like my son is blessed.

...

Adam looked at the stack of papers in his hand and sighed. He didn't like Norman, the man was sly and looked at everyone in suspicion but as a father he truly loved his son.

His figure disappeared into the dark night, soon he reached a secluded alley.

"Open!"

He did a hand sign, his body sunk into the ground and disappeared. At an unknown place underground Adam reappeared. He raised his hand and pressed it against the wall. His other hand did a sign.

The wall before him slid open revealing a narrow passage. He went through it and the wall closed behind him.

After walking for about a minute he reached a wide room enough for a tens of people to stand together. At the center of it laid Connor, bound to the ground by earth shackles.

Adam put his palm about Connor's chest and slightly pushed. He woke up coughing hard, after couple of seconds of confusion Connor locked onto Adam, he bared his teeth.

"You! I am going...

Before he could yell out in rage two blood red eyes stared at him, a shiver down his spine. Connor immediately shut up not daring to say another word.

Adam was satisfied, "Now that's better. I think we should have a talk Doctor Connors."

Connor narrowed his eyes, "What? "

Adam said, "I will get straight to the point. I want you to work with me to perfect the serum."

Connor yelled out, "The serum is perfect!"

Adam said with no emotion, "Then what am I seeing right now? The true purpose of the serum is to heal not to make you into a monster."

Connor kept arguing, "The serum is perfect! So what if I turned into a monster!? I am immune to almost all viruses, even the most deadliest ones will fail before my research!!"

Adam scoffed, "Oh yeah? I have the same qualities and am stronger than you but I am still human."

Connor kept on persisting, "No! I don't believe you! You may be stronger but you can't have the other qualities of my research!"

Adam shrugged, "Upto you. You only have two options, work with me and create a perfect serum or die. Be forever etched in history for your contributions to mankind or die as an insignificant reptile."

"Choose."

Connor went silent. He was completely taken over by his primal instincts before but after a thorough beating from Adam he sobered up. He weighed his options before agreeing, he didn't want to die and if he could change his current condition why wouldn't he agree?

Adam was satisfied, "Don't worry about your current state. If my calculations are correct the first dose of injection almost fully utilised the lizard characteristics to restore your right arm and what you have experienced should be the residual effect of it. It should wear off in a day or two."

Since the deal was made there was no need for him to stay any longer, "I will come back when you are normal again."

Adam left after saying his piece. Connor growled slightly as he watched Adam's figure vanish in the darkness.