C 106

Stockman was indeed an excellent scientist, with outstanding achievements across many fields.

But let's focus on teleportation technology. In layman's terms, it is fixed-point transmission!

This kind of groundbreaking research, which could easily change the world, is not something that Stockman could achieve on his own. 

Yet, in his hands, this theoretical marvel has progressed to the practical stage. The only remaining hurdle is one of "stability."

Many people find this incredible. But Stockman made it happen.

This success catapulted him to global fame, earning him a place among the greatest scientists of all time. 

It also elevated the TCRI Research Institute, where Stockman works, to a coveted status as a cutting-edge technological hub, inspiring countless aspiring scientists.

What no one knows, however, is that Stockman merely stumbled upon this breakthrough.

As Anton once put it, Stockman, ever the opportunist, happened to pick up a piece of alien technology—one of three parts of a disassembled teleportation device that had fallen to Earth. 

With just this fragment of the device, Stockman managed to reverse-engineer the process from an incomplete blueprint, leading to his current advancements.

While deducing the process from a fragmentary prototype was no small feat—proving Stockman's brilliance—it falls far short of the acclaim he now enjoys in the scientific world.

This is Stockman's greatest secret.

Now, Phil—using the alias "Hobgoblin"—was subtly hinting at something.

"What do you mean?"

Stockman suppressed his nerves, glaring coldly at Phil. "Goblin, don't you trust me?"

"No, Doctor, I trust your abilities." Phil shook his head. Then, noting Stockman's irritated expression, he chuckled. "I just think that the core of this teleportation technology you're working on seems… incomplete. Don't you agree?"

"..."

A long silence followed. Stockman glanced at the alien technology in front of him, his prized discovery, and realized Phil was right. His confidence faltered.

"You're right. It isn't perfect," Stockman admitted, slumping slightly.

"We can fix that," Phil said smoothly, his tone taking on a strange, magnetic quality. "And then, we'll release every criminal in this world. Not just the Green Goblin. Not just Shredder. Everyone."

Stockman froze, his mind reeling at the suggestion.

Phil continued, his voice tempting, his masked face betraying a crooked smile beneath. "When that happens, every criminal in the world will owe us. They'll be grateful."

He paused, savoring the moment, then added in a playful inner monologue, 'Wow, that sounded like something straight out of a second-rate villain's script. Maybe I do have a talent for this after all.'

"You're insane!" Stockman spat, recoiling. He failed to notice Phil's silent laughter as he glared at him coldly. "Before any of that, we must first rescue Master Shredder!"

"Of course," Phil agreed with a shrug. "And after that, we'll rescue the Green Goblin. Then we can get our revenge… on Batman, right?"

Stockman scowled but said nothing.

"Up to you," Phil said nonchalantly, masking his amusement.

Meanwhile, at DC Corporation...

It was nearly the end of the workday when Anton received an unexpected visitor—Harry Osborn.

"Harry, long time no see," Anton greeted, raising an eyebrow. He hadn't expected the heir to Oscorp to show up at DC Corporation, especially when the company's internal power struggles were at their peak.

"Anton."

Harry looked exhausted. Gone was the youthful energy he once radiated; instead, he resembled an overworked child laborer who hadn't had a proper rest in ages.

 It was clear that the Osborne Corporation's power struggle had reached a boiling point.

Harry was determined to protect his father's legacy, but the shareholders were circling like vultures, eager to seize control of the company that rightfully belonged to the Osborne name.

Looking at Anton with a seriousness that couldn't be ignored, Harry said, "I'm here to ask for your help."

"How can I help you?" Anton asked, genuinely surprised.

The Osborne power struggle? That wasn't something he had any sway over.

"It's about my father."

Harry hesitated, gritting his teeth before continuing, "I found something in Osborne Manor. You already know, don't you? My father's disappearance isn't what the public believes—it wasn't some abduction or imprisonment by the Green Goblin, right?"

Anton sighed. He wasn't surprised Harry had uncovered the truth. Meeting Harry's gaze, he nodded. "Since you've figured it out, there's no need for me to keep hiding it."

After a moment of thought, Anton explained, "Just as you suspect, your father is the Green Goblin. After the Lizard incident, Norman broke Connors out of the NYPD's custody and developed a body-enhancing serum. But as you've likely guessed, the serum's side effects left him… unhinged."

"Body-enhancing serum…"

Harry closed his eyes, a pained expression crossing his face. When he opened them again, there was bitterness in his voice as he asked, "It's because of the genetic disease, isn't it?"

Anton nodded silently.

At the end of the Green Goblin incident, Norman had made Anton and Spider-Man promise not to reveal the truth to Harry. 

Anton had honored that request until now. But since Harry had uncovered the secret on his own, there was no longer any reason to withhold the truth. Anton believed Harry could handle it. 

After all, this wasn't an unredeemable tragedy.

"So… my father isn't dead?"

Harry's eyes lit up with hope as he asked, "Can I see him?"

"Sorry," Anton replied, shaking his head. "His mental state is worse than you can imagine. But don't worry—he's in a safe place. We're working on a way to counteract the serum's side effects. With some luck, you may be able to see a healthy and stable Norman Osborne in the near future."

"Thank you," Harry said after a pause. He didn't say anything more and quietly left.

But the knowledge that his father was alive seemed to have lifted a weight off his shoulders. There was a newfound determination in his posture as he walked away—he was more resolved than ever to protect the Osborne legacy.

'If my father returns and finds Osborne has been stolen from us…' Harry thought grimly. 'I couldn't forgive myself. And he'd never forgive me either.'

Anton watched Harry leave, his thoughts drifting to his best friend, Spider-Man.

During the Green Goblin incident, Spider-Man had the power to stop Norman but hadn't been able to use even 20% of it effectively. That memory still troubled Anton.

'I need to train him', Anton decided. The hectic days had almost made him forget about it, but no longer.

Glancing at the sky, Anton got up, headed downstairs, and drove his car toward Midtown High School in Queens.

The students had just been dismissed for the day.

Among them, Spider-Man—now something of a school celebrity—stood side by side with his girlfriend, Gwen, preparing to walk her home.

However, as they reached the school gate, Peter's eyes landed on a familiar sports car parked not far away. His expression changed slightly.

"Gwen, something's come up. I can't walk you home today!" Peter said hurriedly, offering her an apologetic smile before rushing off.

Taking a quick detour to avoid prying eyes, Peter made his way to the car and slid into the passenger seat as if he'd done it a hundred times before.

"Anton, what's going on?" Peter asked, his tone serious. Yet there was a flicker of excitement in his voice, as though he were anticipating something big. "What can I do for you?"

"Actually, Peter, there is something you have to do," Anton replied with an equally serious expression.

"Really?"

Peter's eyes sparkled. Praise from Anton—someone he deeply admired—sent a jolt of excitement through him, filling him with a quiet sense of pride.

"Yes, really," Anton confirmed, his demeanor lightening as a smile crept onto his face. "I'm taking you somewhere. You'll meet a few new friends and, while we're at it…" He gave Peter a knowing look. "I'll teach you a few things."

…

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