Chapter 74: The Incident

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Link had no major assignments at the moment, but Coulson still tasked him with gathering intelligence. Link speculated that Nick Fury's main focus was on Captain America. In a typical situation, he would have been sent to check in on things or offer psychological counseling to the Captain, but that wasn't the case this time.

It was likely a matter of trust. Nick Fury probably worried that Link's psychological prowess was too strong to be trusted easily.

With no immediate tasks, Link turned his attention to his experiments. His drug development moved swiftly, with each new product being highly effective. Additionally, he was delving into nanotechnology, and as he continued to expand his knowledge across various fields, his intellectual capabilities soared. Link grew more and more satisfied with his enhanced brainpower.

His mental processing was lightning-fast, and coupled with his already strong physical cells, he found that learning and thinking happened at an unprecedented pace. The only limitation he faced was acquiring foundational knowledge across different disciplines. If he could study somewhere beyond Earth, like on an alien planet, he could reach even greater scientific heights. He mused that Asgard might be a potential destination in the future—they had vast knowledge accumulated over millennia.

However, Asgardians seemed to focus more on muscle than on fortifications. They believed in their military strength but had almost no defense infrastructure. Their palace, for instance, only had one shield, and it activated painfully slow. Despite being strong, their internal defenses were lacking, as evidenced when the Dark Elves easily breached them.

**Find a way to visit someday!**

...

Meanwhile, in Norman Osborn's world, the military finally sent a representative. General Sokom led the team, and they first watched a demonstration of the flying glider, which left the general unimpressed.

He then inquired about the progress of the Super Soldier Serum project. During the discussion, Osborn had to explain incidents of lab mice becoming violent. But despite Osborn's attempts to justify the project, General Sokom remained uninterested in their research. His priority was the space program, and unless Osborn Industries presented something more groundbreaking, the military would cut their funding.

This wasn't just about losing money; it would significantly impact Osborn Industries' market value. Norman Osborn tried his best to persuade the general, but his efforts were in vain.

Link had warned Osborn about this, and now it was confirmed. The military was shifting their investments to SpaceX.

Soon, the situation escalated, and the media began to report on it. Norman Osborn read the headlines without much emotion.

Would the board of directors oust him?

At this point, it didn't matter. The Super Soldier Serum research had failed, and they would need to start from scratch. It was no longer a worthwhile pursuit.

And without it, there was no way to cure his genetic disease. His last hope now rested on Link.

Osborn decided to call him.

"Mr. Lin, I was wondering if you would have time to join me for dinner this evening?" he asked.

"Of course, Mr. Osborn. I've been expecting your invitation," Link replied with a chuckle. "I'll be bringing my girlfriend as well."

That evening, Link and Jessica arrived at Osborn's invitation, keeping a low profile to avoid reporters.

"Welcome!" Norman Osborn greeted them warmly, introducing himself to Jessica before they all took their seats.

Link handed Osborn a sealed envelope. "Here's the treatment for your son. Just inject him when you return home. He'll experience a mild fever, but that's normal."

"The fever will last about twenty-four hours. Simple physical cooling methods will suffice," Link explained.

"Thank you," Norman said, accepting the metallic envelope without opening it. He then sighed, "The military pulled their funding. They're no longer interested in Osborn Industries' research."

"I heard," Link responded with a smile. "The media's been all over it. Their sources are quite accurate."

"What's your plan moving forward?" Osborn asked, his face serious.

"Call me Norman," he offered, to which Link smiled and nodded. "Then you can call me Lin."

"Lin, what are your plans for Osborn Industries?" Norman inquired further.

Link laid out his vision. "First, we need to reclaim the company's shares. After that, I'll provide a batch of medicines, including the formula for gene therapy injections and some other powerful pharmaceuticals."

"I also plan to bring Stark Industries into the fold. Their weapons division has shut down, but I hope to persuade them to invest in Osborn Industries."

"If that doesn't work, we can buy out the division."

"Medicine and weapons will become the two pillars of Osborn Industries, and we'll sell off other divisions, such as the energy sector."

"Tony Stark is about to develop new energy solutions, and we won't be able to compete."

Norman Osborn nodded thoughtfully. The strategy made sense.

"And after that?" Norman prompted.

Link continued, "We should invest in United Construction Company. I believe you've heard of it. If we partner with Rand Enterprises and Stark Industries, Osborn's strength will grow exponentially."

"With those alliances, pushing Osborn Industries' market value beyond two hundred billion won't be a problem."

Norman smiled. "Lin, you should take over Osborn Industries yourself."

"No, I prefer to keep things simple. What I want from Osborn Industries is the status it provides," Link said. "I have other matters to attend to, and having the same standing as Tony Stark will make it easier for me to accomplish my goals."

Norman was taken aback by this unexpected remark.

Link chuckled, "Money doesn't mean much to me. I'm not a capitalist who needs to endlessly chase profits. I have no desire for that."

"I just need enough. So you can manage the company without worrying about shareholders."

Norman nodded, relaxing slightly. "Alright, it seems I'll still have work to do."

After dinner, they parted ways quietly, avoiding attention. They had also discussed plans to suppress Osborn Industries' stock value. It wouldn't be difficult, as many of the company's secrets were already in Osborn's hands.

Especially now!

Returning home, Norman Osborn called his son, Harry, and prepared the medical supplies before administering the injection.

"Dad, what is this?" Harry asked after receiving the shot.

"It's medicine," Norman sighed. He then explained the genetic disease that ran in their family. "Son, we finally have a cure. Only now do I feel safe enough to tell you."

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