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Link was still uncertain about the exact name of the Ravagers' fighter jet, but he knew its design well. The main wings extended outward on both sides, each splitting into three smaller wings. Beneath the primary wings were two jet exhausts, with additional propulsion units in the rear and on the smaller wings. This abundance of propulsion made the jet incredibly agile.
Link realized that he could adopt a similar design for the flying hoverboard he was developing. However, since there wouldn't be a physical control stick, the board would require an AI system for flight assistance. This concept also served as a good reference for future spaceship designs. The fighter's overall shape was reminiscent of a swallow, making it reasonable for Link to model his hoverboard after the bird's aerodynamic form.
Without delay, Link dove headfirst into development!
Meanwhile, Jessica spent the next day reminding Norman Osborn and Wilson Fisk about the importance of monitoring patients post-treatment. They couldn't allow patients to leave immediately after being cured; a mandatory observation period was crucial. Regular check-ups were also necessary, though that would likely prove more challenging, as these individuals might not return unless they fell ill again.
Both Norman and Fisk took the matter seriously, and Matt Murdock, while sympathetic to the poor, knew the legal ramifications of breach of contract. If any patients attempted to flee, they'd be violating the agreement.
While Norman Osborn wasn't too concerned, Fisk certainly was. If anyone crossed him, they might simply "disappear." Fisk was not someone to be trifled with—he would not hesitate to eliminate those who angered him.
To mitigate this, Matt frequently visited the hospital, using patient care as a pretext to repeatedly remind everyone of their legal obligations.
The first treatment cycle concluded successfully. After the observation period, the cured patients were gradually discharged. Viewers who had been following the televised program were brimming with hope, and public demand for the miracle drugs surged. With growing enthusiasm, Osborn Corp's stock prices began to skyrocket.
Investors clamored for shares, but they weren't yet available. Both Link and Norman Osborn had previously acquired substantial holdings, but they couldn't hold onto them indefinitely. Stock liquidity was a requirement, and although Osborn Corp had been on the brink of bankruptcy, they decided to hold out a bit longer. The timing had to be right.
Link opted to release ten million shares into the market, but rather than flooding the market all at once, he planned a gradual release to push up the price. Dumping them all at once would result in losses; slow, controlled releases would ensure steady gains as the stock's value climbed.
...
The second phase of trials commenced with the same meticulous procedures. As the second wave of patients entered treatment, the first group returned for periodic follow-ups.
By the time the third phase was completed, the year had drawn to a close. Link had finally perfected the hoverboard's design. Snow began to blanket New York City, and Osborn Corp's stock prices surpassed the $100 billion mark. Production of the miracle drugs had started, and orders were pouring in. Rather than focusing on the U.S. market, Osborn Corp prioritized exports, particularly targeting the vast markets of the East.
They offered low prices, and even with tariffs, the cost remained affordable. Link also worked tirelessly to incorporate the drugs into various healthcare systems, further reducing prices. His strategy was simple: lower profit margins in exchange for massive sales volume.
Meanwhile, the new headquarters for Osborn Corp was complete, and both Link and Norman agreed it was time to relocate.
The old Osborn building was put up for sale, and the proceeds were earmarked for repaying Link's financial investments.
The top floor of the new tower was unlike Tony Stark's open-concept design. While the outdoor space resembled a heliport, the interior was divided into functional areas. The open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area seamlessly flowed into one another, but there were also private study rooms, bedrooms, guest rooms, bathrooms, and a luxurious shower room.
One floor below was a fully sealed automated factory, accessible only by a staircase from the top floor. No elevator provided direct access, ensuring security. This factory was key to producing Link's hoverboards and combat suits. He had already designed the hoverboards, even managing to acquire a cold fusion reactor from Tony Stark, utilizing the new element Stark had developed.
Moreover, Link had completed his research into nanotechnology. With it, he wondered why he would ever need a tight combat suit. He wasn't a hand-to-hand fighter—his strength lay in ranged weapons, such as firearms and throwing knives. He realized there was no need to adhere to the classic superhero aesthetic.
While new ideas brewed, Link's immediate focus was on overseeing the corporation's move. The upper floors of the building were dedicated to research labs, which fell under his jurisdiction. Link began reviewing all current projects, quickly identifying those with potential and assembling research teams to handle them. Projects that seemed hopeless or fundamentally flawed were swiftly canceled, and their resources reallocated.
These decisions were made in secret, with Norman Osborn acting as a public intermediary. Link preferred to remain out of the spotlight for now. He didn't want his role exposed prematurely, as such revelations could raise too many questions. Additionally, with Osborn Corp now under the media's intense scrutiny due to the success of its miracle drugs, it was better for Link to stay in the background.
As the company's profits surged, its stock price soared to $200 billion, marking Osborn Corp as a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry. Though not the largest, its valuation was impressive.
At this point, Link reached out to Pepper Potts to negotiate the merger of Stark Industries' weapons division with Osborn Corp, with Stark Industries gaining a stake in Osborn Corp in exchange.
The deal included Stark Industries' factories and R&D labs but excluded past weapon designs. The rights to produce those weapons remained with the U.S. military. Stark Industries took a 20% stake in Osborn Corp, valued at $40 billion, reducing Link's stake to 52%. Norman Osborn held 20%, while 8% of the shares remained in circulation on the stock market.
This structure would stand for the foreseeable future, though any new shareholder negotiations would require careful consideration. Link had no intention of further diluting his control.
The weapons development department had shrunk after Tony Stark shut it down, leading to an exodus of research personnel. However, the labs and equipment remained intact, as did the production lines. Norman Osborn had already lobbied the military to secure contracts, ensuring that these top-tier facilities and workers remained active.
With these matters settled, Link could finally focus on the final refinements to his designs.
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