Chapter 4: Recovery Potion, Eliminating the Bracelet

During the following period, Warren fully grasped the essence of what it meant to be the CEO of a large company.

Although Nick Fury seemed unapproachable, he was actually a good person. Warren truly wished to spit in the faces of those smirking politicians.

Shameless!

In the next few days, various forces showed undeniable interest in the Worthington Laboratory, treating it as a coveted piece of meat to compete for. Surprisingly, it was the Military Committee that emerged as the contender.

In essence, the antidote was a specialized military weapon, designed specifically to combat mutants. The demand for it was substantial, to say the least.

Not to mention the demand from ordinary individuals, which was even greater. Even at a slightly higher price, the profit margins were abundant. Moreover, old Worthington was a businessman, and he sold it at a slightly higher cost to make money.

Warren understood that the Worthington Laboratory couldn't be taken away from him, but there were always people bothering him, even suing him, claiming that he shouldn't have control over this technology. They argued that the "antidote" was tied to the mutant problem, which in turn affected the security of the nation and the survival of the world.

What a load of nonsense.

This reminded him of Iron Man 2.

He didn't possess Tony Stark's hacking skills to uncover hidden scandals or the ability to slap someone across the face with impunity.

However, he had a whole team of lawyers to deal with these endless annoyances. At least, he wouldn't let anyone take away the Worthington Laboratory. Private property was sacred and inviolable. Furthermore, the mutant Jimmy, who was the source of the antidote, had been living well. Compared to Stark's laboratory, which didn't treat mutants as humans, the Worthington Laboratory had a conscience in the industry and left them with no handle for criticism.

Once he dealt with these big sharks, he wouldn't have to worry about the small fry. After all, Worthington was a formidable entity.

...

"Dr. Eisner Sinon." Having just finished a heated debate in the hearing, Warren, who staunchly defended his property, arrived at the Worthington Laboratory.

"Mr. Worthington." The newly appointed Dr. Eisner Sinon was also a genetic expert who had been transferred from Worthington Pharmaceuticals to take over the research work at the Worthington Laboratory.

"How is the progress on the development of the new device?" Warren asked directly.

"We have already produced a prototype," Eisner Sinon replied.

"Let me see."

...

An exquisite bracelet.

"Wearing it will eliminate mutant abilities, correct?" Warren asked as he picked it up.

"Yes, it only requires regular replenishment of the 'locus gene solution,'" Eisner Sinon explained.

"And removing it will restore the abilities?"

"Yes, it faithfully replicates Jimmy's abilities. Unlike the previous generation 'antidote,' there will be no painful transformation when using it." Eisner Sinon explained with a hint of pride.

Although it was made entirely according to Warren's requirements, he was impressed that they had completed the task so quickly.

"What about the recovery potion?"

"We have it ready, but it might cause some discomfort."

"I mentioned before that I need the antibodies for the 'antidote.'"

"Yes, the 'recovery' potion contains antibodies for the 'antidote.' This discovery has saved us a lot of time... but it could also be a disaster," Eisner Sinon murmured.

"After I receive the injection, seal all the data regarding the 'recovery' potion. Let's proceed," Warren said, paying no mind to it. As long as the recovery potion didn't become public, it wouldn't be a disaster.

In his angelic form, Warren was certain that his physical condition surpassed the limits of an ordinary person, and he could even fly. He didn't want to lose such abilities.

But the wings were also bothersome when not in use. That's why he had instructed the development of a product that could conceal mutant abilities at any time.

Within a few days, Dr. Eisner Sinon had developed the Elimination Bracelet, which simulated Jimmy's abilities, could suppress mutant powers, and could be removed to deactivate the effect.

However, fully recreating Jimmy's genetic structure was still a distant goal. Currently, Jimmy remained a treasure they couldn't let go of. They needed his genetic material to replicate any antidotes.

"The transformation process might be uncomfortable," Dr. Eisner Sinon reminded him.

"Let's proceed. I'm in a hurry," Warren said.

Warren removed his clothes.

Dr. Eisner Sinon's assistant immediately sterilized the area and injected Warren with the recovery potion.

"Damn it!" Even though he was prepared, the intense pain made him grit his teeth.

The sensation on his back was particularly noticeable—painful and itchy.

Swoosh...

Newly formed wings spread open abruptly, and the angel was back.

"Huff... Huff..." Warren gasped for breath, his muscular definition more prominent.

"What a beautiful physique."

Dr. Eisner Sinon's eyes lingered on Warren with an admiring gaze, as if beholding a precious gem.

"With a slightly different bodily structure from humans, more suited for flight, it's simply perfect!" He exclaimed excitedly, almost unable to resist reaching out to touch.

Fortunately, he remembered that Warren was his esteemed benefactor and restrained himself from doing anything inappropriate.

"The Elimination Bracelet," Warren said.

"Here you go." Dr. Eisner Sinon promptly handed it over.

Click.

As Warren put on the bracelet, the power within his body receded like a tide. The mutant genes within his cells entered a dormant state, and the wings retracted.

This time, there was no pain at all. Warren had successfully completed the transformation from mutant to human.

"Well done, Dr. Eisner Sinon." Warren couldn't help but praise him. After all, he had achieved such results in just a few days.

"This is an area where I can take pride." Dr. Eisner Sinon didn't mince his words.

"So, do you want to take it a step further?" Warren asked.

Dr. Eisner Sinon's eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting... No, no, science should be built upon a foundation of ethics."

Recently, Colonel William Strucker's affairs had been exposed. Mutant experimentation was now a taboo topic, and only Worthington Laboratory, which was reasonable and in high demand, managed to survive.

Of course, it was also because their gene targeting technology couldn't allow the source sample to perish until they fully deciphered the genes of a mutant.

As Warren dressed, he said, "Some people act for personal purposes, some for money, some for honor, and some for saving the suffering."

"Which one are you?" Dr. Eisner Sinon cautiously asked.

"I'm the second type. You can become the third type."

"What do you mean?"

Warren adjusted his collar and said, "Mutants possess not only destructive powers but also the ability to heal and save lives. Some mutants have astonishing regenerative abilities, able to heal severed limbs or punctured hearts in a short time. If..."

"If we replicate these abilities using Worthington Laboratory's gene targeting technology—no fabrication, just replication—we can develop a potion that accelerates human healing

and regeneration, allowing for limb regrowth and recovery from severe injuries!" Dr. Eisner Sinon's eyes lit up, and he eagerly added, "This could be achieved with the genetic replication of a mutant possessing extraordinary regenerative capabilities."

Warren smiled, patting his chest with his left hand. "Money."

He then patted Dr. Eisner Sinon's shoulder with his right hand. "Honor."

Finally, he joined his hands together. "And the salvation of those who suffer. We can accomplish all of that."

It was truly enticing because, from an expert's perspective, with Worthington Laboratory's gene targeting technology, this goal should be within reach as long as they had a mutant sample with super-healing abilities.

"But will it be allowed? Or should we..." Dr. Eisner Sinon, being of a certain age, couldn't help but express his hesitation, wanting to say more but not daring to.

Sneak around?

Even if they were to carry out covert operations, Dr. Eisner Sinon would likely agree now because the temptation was simply too great.

"No, why should we sneak around? We should do this openly and let everyone praise us!" Warren declared.

Not only did he want to make money, but he also wanted to establish a monument.

Dr. Eisner Sinon nodded, for he preferred to conduct human experiments openly and ethically.

"It will take some time. Wait for my good news."

...

Before boarding the helicopter, Warren said to Neveah, "Tomorrow, convene a high-level meeting."

"Of course, sir."

Once he finished dealing with the antidote situation, he could venture into new avenues of wealth and indulge in card-drawing.

Neveah remained optimistic. "Your firm stance will inspire confidence in the shareholders and investors. Today's hearing couldn't even touch us, thanks to you."

With the assistance of his advisory team, Warren had managed to protect the Worthington Laboratory. After all, there were still many forces collaborating with them. While the antidote might be coveted, it wasn't easy to snatch away.

Although it wasn't an exciting battle, it conveyed one message to the outside world: Warren, the new owner of Worthington, could safeguard the interests of the company.

Even if Warren was solely focused on securing funds for his card-drawing.

The conversation he had just had with Dr. Eisner Sinon was about paving the way for the next phase of the company's development under Worthington Pharmaceuticals. It was a recommendation from his subordinates, and he found it to be an excellent direction to pursue. However, before that, they needed to convince the government to grant them the legal authority to research mutants.

In this regard, Jimmy, the prime example of the antidote, was a compelling case. As the source of the antidote, he had been living well, albeit without complete freedom.

"Stern... He's nothing but an old dog."

Smiling at his own boss's foul language, Neveah could only nod.

Warren's insults weren't just because Stern caused him trouble, but also because the guy was a lapdog for Hydra and quite old. So, calling him an old dog was justified.

The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a Hydra lackey, was able to launch a nuclear missile towards New York during the events of The Avengers. This world had been infiltrated too deeply by Hydra, to the point where even the United States was... Ahem.

But Warren couldn't do anything about it now. His main goal was to avoid dental problems... I mean, make money!

He wanted to make money and draw cards—lots and lots of cards!

"Also, one more thing. You previously asked me to keep an eye on Tony Stark's news and report back to you. He received the Annual Contribution Award two hours ago."

"Not bad."

He received the award because of the quid pro quo between Stark Industries and the Department of Defense. His invention, the Jericho Missile, was purchased, so the Department of Defense naturally presented him with an award as a gesture of appreciation.

"It's about time. It's the perfect opportunity for us to make money."

Traveling to the Marvel universe, how could he not profit from Tony Stark?

Moreover, Warren still had control over Worthington Group, which meant he could profit even more.

"Do you admire Mr. Stark?"

"No, I only care about his money-making ability. Also, prepare 10 kilograms of gold for me."

"Very well." Neveah, as the chairman's secretary, could handle such small matters.

Finally, he could draw a rare card!

But it was expensive—drawing a rare card cost nearly half a million dollars.