Chapter 39: The Gift of Immortality

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The world had barely begun to digest the collapse of Vought International when NeoTech made its next move. The announcement came quietly at first—nothing more than a press release on their website. Yet within hours, the news had spread like wildfire across every corner of the globe.

NeoTech had done the impossible.

They had released the cure for cancer.

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NeoTech Headquarters, New York City

Marcus sat in his office, his eyes flicking across the various screens that monitored global reactions. The world was still in shock from NeoTech's rapid ascension, and now, this—an achievement that had eluded humanity for centuries. The cure for cancer was more than a medical breakthrough. It was a symbol of what NeoTech could accomplish, and it was only the beginning.

Wang Ling entered the room, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It's spreading faster than we anticipated. News outlets are scrambling to keep up with the demand for details. Governments are reaching out, looking for partnerships. NeoTech's name is on every headline."

Marcus didn't look up from the screens. "Good. Let them see what we're capable of. This isn't just about curing a disease. It's about reshaping humanity's destiny."

Wang nodded, stepping forward to stand beside Marcus. "And the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Even our critics can't argue with this. The cure has been tested, verified, and it's already being distributed globally."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but his eyes gleaming with a sense of victory. "This is just the first step, Wang. The cure for cancer is a gift, but it's also a message. NeoTech isn't here to play by the old rules. We're not Vought. We're something much greater. And now, the world knows it."

Wang's smile widened. "The beginning of a new era."

Marcus turned to face him, a cold determination in his gaze. "We're not just curing cancer, Wang. We're curing humanity. NeoTech will lead mankind into the future, one that reaches beyond the petty limitations we've imposed on ourselves. This is about more than just medicine. It's about evolution."

Wang nodded in agreement. "And with the cure comes loyalty. Nations will align themselves with NeoTech out of necessity. No government will want to be left behind in the face of such a monumental breakthrough."

Marcus rose from his chair, stepping toward the massive window that overlooked the bustling city below. "And after this, we move on to the next phase. Space. The stars. We will push humanity to reach beyond this planet, to conquer new frontiers. NeoTech will lead the way, and when we do, no one will dare challenge our vision."

Wang watched Marcus carefully, impressed by the clarity of his ambition. "You're thinking bigger than anyone else ever has. They won't see it coming."

Marcus's voice was quiet but resolute. "They won't have a choice. We're going to build a new world order, one where humanity is no longer at the mercy of disease, death, or even this planet's limitations. We will shape the future, and anyone who resists will be swept aside."

Wang gave a curt nod, his respect for Marcus deepening. "I'll prepare the next steps."

As Wang left the room, Marcus stood alone, watching the skyline. He had transcended the old world's limitations. Vought had been a stepping stone, nothing more. With NeoTech, Marcus would forge something far greater, something that would last for millennia. And the cure for cancer? That was just the beginning.

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Global Reactions

The world had never seen anything like it.

News anchors struggled to find the words to describe what NeoTech had accomplished. Social media platforms were flooded with disbelief, joy, and praise for the company that had seemingly handed humanity a miracle. Hospitals worldwide were already receiving shipments of the cure, and doctors who had spent their careers fighting cancer now found themselves standing on the brink of a medical revolution.

NeoTech had not just delivered a cure; they had altered the course of human history.

Governments, scrambling to comprehend the scale of the development, were caught in a whirlwind of meetings and negotiations. Every leader, from the most powerful nations to the smallest, wanted a piece of NeoTech's technology. It wasn't just about healthcare anymore; it was about global influence. Whoever controlled NeoTech's resources controlled the future.

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The Boys' Safehouse

Butcher watched the news with narrowed eyes, his jaw clenched as the anchor on the screen delivered the day's biggest headline: "NeoTech Releases Cure for Cancer—A New Dawn for Humanity?"

M.M. sat beside him, shaking his head in disbelief. "They've done it. They've actually done it."

Butcher grunted, tossing the remote onto the table. "Bastards know exactly what they're doin'. They didn't just cure cancer—they've made themselves gods."

M.M. leaned forward, rubbing his temples. "How the hell are we supposed to go up against that? People will worship them for this. They already are. NeoTech's untouchable now."

Butcher's expression darkened. "Nothing's untouchable, mate. They've just made themselves a bigger target. You cure cancer, and people start askin' what else you're capable of. Marcus ain't doin' this outta the kindness of his heart. He's got somethin' bigger planned."

M.M. raised an eyebrow. "Like what? They've already cured the most feared disease on the planet. What's bigger than that?"

Butcher's eyes flicked to the screen as images of NeoTech's sprawling headquarters flashed across it. "Power. Control. They're not just tryin' to heal the world. They're tryin' to own it. And once people realize what they're really after, it'll be too late."

M.M. frowned, nodding slowly. "So what's the move?"

Butcher downed the rest of his drink, his mind already racing. "We find out what Marcus is plannin'. NeoTech's just gettin' started, and I'll be damned if we let 'em take over without a fight."

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**Maeve's Penthouse, New York City**

Maeve sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes glued to the TV as the news about NeoTech played on a continuous loop. Elena was beside her, equally entranced by the monumental announcement.

"I can't believe it," Elena murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. "They've done it. They've cured cancer."

Maeve leaned back, her mind swimming with conflicting emotions. "Yeah, they did. But this… it doesn't feel right. It's too much, too fast."

Elena glanced at her, confused. "How can curing cancer be a bad thing?"

Maeve sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's not that it's bad, but Marcus doesn't do anything without a reason. He's not some benevolent savior. He's got a plan, and this is just the first step. NeoTech's not about saving lives—it's about controlling them."

Elena frowned, her concern deepening. "You think they're planning something bigger?"

Maeve nodded. "Definitely. And whatever it is, it's going to change everything. NeoTech didn't just cure cancer for the hell of it. They want something in return."

Elena bit her lip, the weight of Maeve's words sinking in. "So what do we do? Can we even stop them?"

Maeve stood, pacing the room. "I don't know. But we can't just sit here and watch while Marcus takes over the world. We need to be ready for whatever's coming next."

Elena watched her, worry etched on her face. "Do you think the others are going to stand up to him? Homelander? A-Train?"

Maeve shook her head. "Homelander's finished, and A-Train's not stupid enough to cross NeoTech. Marcus is on a different level now. He's thinking beyond us—beyond everything we've ever known."

Elena nodded, the gravity of the situation settling in. "Then I guess we'd better be ready for the fight of our lives."

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NeoTech's Vision

In the weeks following the cure's release, Marcus and NeoTech continued their quiet ascent. The world marveled at the miracle they had been given, unaware of the true scope of Marcus's ambitions.

Behind closed doors, NeoTech was already working on the next phase of their plan.

The stars.

Marcus had always seen beyond the boundaries of Earth. The cure for cancer was merely a stepping stone, a way to secure loyalty and resources. But his true goal was far grander: the conquest of space, and the establishment of a human presence among the stars.

NeoTech would lead humanity into a new era, one where death, disease, and weakness were relics of the past. And Marcus would stand at the helm, guiding mankind to its destiny.

As the world celebrated, Marcus watched silently, knowing that the real battle was yet to come.

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