C 71

In the Marvel universe, Kain felt a sense of exhilaration that he couldn't shake off. "The cost is indeed substantial, but the reward is equally great," he mused, reflecting on the recent developments. 

After waiting several days for a reply from Dumbledore, he was pleasantly surprised by the generosity of the White Wizard King. 

Not only had Dumbledore provided the flesh and blood of a phoenix, but he had also included feathers and tears, all of which were incredibly valuable materials.

"Gold... consumes less than one-third of our resources, and considering the size of the magical world, this is all we can manage," Kain thought. 

The flesh and blood of four dragon species, along with materials from various magical creatures, underscored the vast power of Galleons in the magical realm. 

Kain knew that preserving these rare materials was essential. With the exception of those intended for research, he could store the rest in the space backpack grid of his system.

"As for research, Rick is a suitable choice. I'll have him set up a dedicated team for me," Kain decided after careful consideration. Rick, a researcher in Killian's team, had an impressive academic background and demonstrated strong research capabilities. 

His commitment to the Extremis virus project stemmed from a personal quest to find a cure for his daughter. Since Kain was now promoting the Extremis virus initiative, he promised Rick similar benefits.

Rick's desperation for funds to treat his daughter was palpable. He was doing everything in his power to maintain her medical treatment, which explained why he was eager to assist Kain. 

"A thousand dollars was a generous offer," Kain thought, knowing how much Rick needed it.

"Betty, please have the driver pick me up and take me to the Biological Research Center. How are things progressing with the tasks I assigned you last time?" Kain instructed.

Betty Ross was taken aback by Kain's sudden call. Her boss had been missing for several days, and now he was contacting her out of the blue. 

"I understand, Boss. Driver Paul will be at your doorstep in half an hour. Everything is going smoothly. Currently, we have seven individuals willing to join the project," she replied.

Though Betty held the title of assistant at the Biological Research Center, her role extended beyond mere clerical tasks; she also managed Kain's schedule, a necessary function given her lucrative salary. 

In truth, she relished her boss's extended absences, which allowed her to delve deeper into the center's experimental projects without constant directives from Kain.

Twenty minutes later, Paul arrived at Kain's residence. The driver, was known for his reliability and quiet demeanor. Upon arriving at the research center, Kain was greeted by Betty, who rushed to update him on recent developments.

"Your identity is proving quite useful," Kain noted. Betty had successfully contacted nineteen experts and researchers in the field of biological genetics, but only seven had definitively accepted his invitation. 

The others either had ongoing projects or were skeptical of Kain's confidential initiative, assuming it was a façade.

The seven who accepted were not particularly prominent; they seemed to be the overlooked members of their former teams. However, Betty held them in high regard, believing they could contribute meaningfully to Kain's research center. 

Kain intended to assess these individuals to determine their compatibility with Rick's potential research team.

As they approached the research room, Kain paused and said to Betty, "This concludes your report for today. Your performance has exceeded my expectations. Please arrange a dinner reservation for me. If possible, add one more guest."

"Okay... Boss," Betty replied, her annoyance tempered by a smile. Although she wished to explore the laboratory, she knew Kain wouldn't permit her entry. The center enforced strict security protocols; even with an ID, Betty couldn't gain access.

With a forced smile, she turned away, but her mind was racing with ideas.

"Ladies and gentlemen, how is the research progressing?" Kain inquired upon entering the laboratory. Maya and Killian quickly updated him on their progress with the Extremis virus project.

Under Kain's guidance, they had successfully cultured the cell genes of the Extremis virus with those from two different animals, achieving favorable results in mice and apes. 

If these results continued to hold, the next step would involve conducting market research. The Extremis virus showed remarkable effectiveness in repairing cellular damage and enhancing bioelectric functions. 

Kain envisioned a future where he could create superhumans—though he aimed to limit the effects significantly.

He considered that the serum could ultimately be marketed only as a means to regenerate severed limbs, ensuring that all other enhancement effects would be removed. This would safeguard Kain from allegations of creating superhumans and allow his biomedical company to maintain a reputable image.

"Remember," he instructed Maya and Killian, "we must weaken the serum's effects by at least 90% before releasing it to the public." While musing to himself, 'If we can only offer limb regeneration, we'll be an excellent biomedical company. However, if we mass-produce superhumans, we'll be contending with entire corporations, like the Umbrella Company from Resident Evil.'

After listening to Maya and Killian's reports, Kain urged them to expedite their progress. He then turned to Rick. "Mr. Rick, I need you to assemble another research team. You fit my selection criteria perfectly."

Rick froze at Kain's invitation, glancing around the room at his colleagues. While he typically followed orders without complaint, he was undeniably Killian's most reliable assistant. The unexpected attention from Kain caught him off guard.

Killian felt a twinge of reluctance as he saw Rick being called away. However, he recognized Kain's authority; the Extremis project had reached a pivotal breakthrough, and Kain was still the boss. There was little Killian could do but accept it.

Rick was escorted to an unused research room.

"Mr. Rick, I need your assistance with a crucial research project. In return, your daughter will be among the first to receive the mature Extremis virus serum, and the company will cover her treatment costs. All I require from you is absolute confidentiality and adherence to my directives," Kain stated.

Initially dazed, Rick soon realized the magnitude of this opportunity. He quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course! I understand."

"Excellent," Kain replied. "I trust you will remember my conditions. Next, I'll assign you your research tasks. As for personnel, I recommend individuals from our current team, but you may seek out others as long as they can maintain secrecy."

As Kain finished speaking, another version of himself entered the room, startling Rick. The duplicate's appearance served as both a demonstration of Kain's power and a subtle warning to Rick. 

Although Rick was generally trustworthy, Kain was determined to prevent any potential leaks. The research concerning magical creatures' flesh and blood cells was too sensitive to risk any exposure.

Kain planned to triple the security measures at this research site. Unfortunately, without an advanced AI system like Jarvis, he had to rely on more traditional security protocols.

After dinner, Paul drove Kain back to the villa. Just as Kain was about to exit the car, he stopped Betty, who was reaching for the door handle. "Betty, I would love to invite you in for tea, but it may not be convenient at the moment. I promise to host you next time," he said.

Caught off guard, Betty hesitated, unsure if she should insist on staying or respect his wishes. But Kain swiftly motioned for Paul to drive away, ensuring Betty was sent home.

With the Marvel world managed, Kain prepared for his next venture into the realm of ninjas. Armed with newfound abilities and the Extremis virus combined with his space shuttle system, he felt invincible. 

Unless the Second Hokage resurrected and marked him with the Flying Thunder God technique, no one could threaten his life.

Once in the ninja world, Kain was determined to seek revenge, especially against the Third Hokage and Danzo, who had used Anbu to order attacks against him. They were his primary targets, and he would not rest until he had confronted them.

….

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