**
Otto asked, "Mr. Link, you seem certain that my design will succeed?"
Link hadn't expected the scientist to be so perceptive. He responded, "From a business perspective, I probably shouldn't tell you this."
"But it doesn't really matter. Your design does have flaws, and your calculation data isn't accurate. There's an issue with stability."
"However, your concept is solid, and that's what we're really buying—your idea and data."
Otto was in disbelief. "I don't believe it. My calculations are flawless."
Link chuckled and said, "You can name your price. We'll purchase it as if it's a success."
Otto fell silent. After all, if they were willing to pay as though it had already succeeded, how much could it be worth? While Stark's arc reactor technology was already on the market, and was cleaner and safer, nuclear fusion wasn't cheap to develop.
To achieve practical fusion power, the investment would be massive. If successful, though, it would draw the attention of investors everywhere. But success hadn't been achieved yet, and Otto was still searching for backers. Osborn Industries was the only one willing to take the risk.
After much internal debate, Otto finally decided and said, "I want to be part of the future project."
"I need to know where I went wrong."
Link nodded. This was the mindset of a true scientist. He replied, "The first experiment won't happen now but later, in space. We'll conduct the initial test there."
"And the first application of the technology will be in the Avengers' space headquarters as its power source."
"Later on, Osborn Industries will compete for the contract to supply New York's power grid using this technology."
Otto understood. Space was an ideal location to mitigate the risks of failure, and the Avengers would be the first to use it.
"Can I be involved?" Otto asked.
"Of course. You can join Osborn Industries, and you'll receive 5% of the patent royalties. Afterward, you'll lead the construction of the power plants," Link said.
"No problem. So, can you tell me now?" Dr. Octavius was eager.
Link shook his head. "First, let's sign the contract. This is a commercial secret. Only once you're part of the company and the ownership of the technology is settled can I share it with you."
Otto blinked in realization. He had been too hasty. Of course, they wouldn't reveal such sensitive information just yet.
"By the way, Dr. Octavius, please don't tell anyone that I know the technology," Link suddenly reminded him. "In the Avengers, I'm known as an archer."
With that, Link turned and left, leaving Osborn to handle the remaining negotiations.
Otto turned to Osborn and asked, "Norman, why is Mr. Link so secretive?"
"Even though he didn't say much to me, I can tell he understands nuclear fusion."
Osborn chuckled. "Otto, Link is a genius, but he hates unnecessary trouble."
"All the pharmaceuticals in our company were actually developed by him. Every research team works under his guidance. Now, with you and your technology, Osborn Industries is ready to enter the energy sector, too."
"Don't overthink it—Link's just a low-profile guy."
Otto finally understood. No wonder Osborn Industries had turned around so quickly and was growing stronger. If they succeeded in breaking into the energy sector, the company would rival Stark Industries.
While Osborn Industries had surpassed Stark Industries in market value, especially with its rise in pharmaceuticals, Stark's influence remained greater.
Stark Industries had left behind the weapons sector, but its other divisions, particularly clean energy, were thriving.
If Osborn Industries succeeded in nuclear fusion and implemented it, they could easily dominate the power industry and overshadow the top three power companies.
The implications were enormous, and Otto accepted this reality.
Soon, the contract was signed, and all of Otto's equipment and data were transferred to Osborn Industries. Link immediately began the research, focusing on utilizing helium-3 for nuclear fusion.
They recalculated everything, ensuring the correct processes and outcomes. A single mistake could lead to disastrous results, even if the initial calculations seemed correct.
...
*Beep beep*—Link's communicator rang. It was from the Collector.
Link answered, and the Collector appeared on the virtual screen. "Link, I've arrived."
Link, a bit excited, asked, "Is the Avenger ship here?"
"Of course. It's right beside me." The Collector turned the camera, revealing a spaceship.
It was a replica of the *Minerva*. The Collector remarked, "I must say, you've designed it beautifully. We've used our energy sources, but you can replace them anytime."
"As per your specifications, the modular design makes future repairs convenient."
"Shall we proceed with the transaction?"
Link replied, "Yes. Tomorrow, I'll bring a team up. Oh, wait—let's sync our space-time clocks and agree on a time for the inspection. After that, we can finalize the deal."
"No problem!" The Collector ended the call, and Link immediately summoned the Avengers.
When they heard that the Avenger ship had arrived, everyone was thrilled.
The next day, as scheduled, several Quinjet fighters took off. A few were already in production, enough for them to travel into space.
Captain America wasn't much of a pilot, so he and Natasha squeezed into one of the fighters together.
The Avenger ship opened its bay doors, allowing the jets to land inside. Led by the Collector, they proceeded to the control room.
Stark immediately planted himself in the captain's chair, glancing around with a mix of pride and excitement.
Link, unfazed, pulled out a USB drive and inserted it into a terminal. "Lux, check the ship."
"Yes, Commander!" Lux, the new AI system designed by Link to assist with the ship's operations, responded.
Lux began scanning the ship, completing the inspection and monitoring in no time. Her primary role was surveillance and support.
Link then took out the Power Stone, and the Collector brought forth the Orb of the Cosmos. Link placed the stone in its central slot, and the Orb closed around it.
The Power Stone was too dangerous to handle directly unless someone had immense strength. Link wasn't interested in blowing up their new ship, and the Collector was equally cautious.
"Here's the remaining payment. Our transaction is complete. I'll take my leave now," the Collector said respectfully, acknowledging Link's strength.
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(End of Chapter)