**
The next day, Link brought some technicians from the Osborn Group to the gym. After unlocking it, he instructed them to take measurements. The underground level would remain untouched, but the ground level was to be remodeled. The ceiling height was sufficient to lift a large SUV, and automatic robotic arms, a lift, and computers were to be installed.
This was a small, automated factory—Link's personal asset. Naturally, he was footing the bill. The underground shooting range remained, as it was where Link and Jessica practiced shooting. The Osborn Tower's top floor wasn't designed for a shooting range, for obvious reasons.
Jessica still needed to practice with guns, as energy weapons couldn't be used casually. The difference was significant, but she could use firearms for training while designing energy weapons with the help of intelligent systems.
Link was preparing for the Chitauri invasion.
He modified his vehicles, trained Jessica, and conducted multiple tests on his armor. Time flew by, and the Osborn Group continued to thrive. Whenever Link had the time, he instructed Alfred to guide the research teams. The Osborn Group was making significant strides in the pharmaceutical industry, constantly launching new drugs.
At the same time, the weapons division was producing some orders for the military, though the volume wasn't large. More focus was placed on manufacturing prosthetics.
The Osborn Group had retained both its biotechnology and medical divisions. The biotech department focused on researching bionic prosthetics, which Link had developed using bionic fibers.
These fibers mimicked muscle tissue, while titanium alloys simulated bones, all controlled via a biochip linked to the nervous system.
When the nervous system sent signals to the chip, it received neuronal information, controlled the metallic bones, and transmitted micro-electric currents to stimulate the bionic fibers.
The fibers would contract to simulate muscle movement, coordinating with the metallic bones to complete the action. It sounded complicated, but signal transmission was fast, allowing for almost instant execution.
Moreover, the biochip recorded behavior patterns, constantly adjusting until it achieved complete human-machine integration.
When Link initially acquired the weapons division, it wasn't solely for weapon production—he had his eyes on the equipment and workforce.
In nearly two years, the Osborn Group's market value had surpassed $350 billion, with massive growth potential still ahead.
Norman Osborn's management skills were undeniably impressive. He had entirely abandoned research, focusing solely on managing the corporation with outstanding results.
...
The Osborn Group wasn't the only entity growing. Tony Stark had completed his new energy initiative, sending Stark Industries' stock soaring.
The Joint Construction Company was also flourishing. The two skyscrapers they had completed were already being leased, with luxury apartments also available for rent. New construction plans had commenced.
Link wasn't allowing them to expand too quickly, as the extent of the damage from the Battle of New York was still unknown. He had also taken precautions in case Loki targeted his building.
As Link was wrapping up preparations, the inevitable finally happened.
"Link, we need you!" Coulson called. "A S.H.I.E.L.D. jet will be picking you up shortly!"
"Alright, where should I wait?" Link asked.
"Right at your penthouse," Coulson replied, before hanging up.
Link glanced at his phone, chuckling. After all this time preparing, it was finally about to begin. The Space Stone was practically within his grasp.
But how would he get it?
The Tesseract was probably already in Loki's possession; otherwise, Coulson wouldn't have contacted him. After all, it had been nearly two years since Link had been on a mission.
That was a long time. Now, with this sudden call, Link calculated the timeline—it was about right, wasn't it?
He glanced down at his watch. He only needed to bring his suit and hoverboard; no weapons were required.
After all, the final battle would take place in New York. There was no need to inform Jessica just yet; there would be time for that later.
"Alfred, activate the Yan-type hoverboard!"
"Yes, sir!" Before Alfred finished speaking, a hatch opened, and the hoverboard rose, floating next to Link.
Link grabbed it, and the power system immediately shut down. It began disassembling into pieces.
Made of titanium alloy and equipped with nanotechnology, the hoverboard transformed into a wide, platinum-colored bracelet on Link's right wrist. The bracelet had a triangular power indicator—powered by the new element, as the hoverboard couldn't be fully nanofied.
His armor was stored in the left-hand watch, which didn't require a power source and was fully nanofied.
...
Link walked onto the helipad, expecting the arrival of a Quinjet. However, the helipad wasn't large enough for it to land.
Still, the Quinjet could hover in place, opening its rear door as a ramp. Link stepped outside to wait.
Sure enough, a Quinjet soon arrived, hovering above the pad as its rear door slowly opened. Link stepped aboard and found only the pilot present.
"Sir!" The pilot greeted him before turning back to close the door and take off.
Link took a seat in the co-pilot's chair, fastening his seatbelt and putting on a headset. "Is this a new model?"
"Yes, sir," the pilot confirmed.
Link didn't say much after that, observing the pilot's operation and watching the instruments. He could memorize the process and read the manual later; he'd be able to fly it himself soon enough.
After this battle, he would definitely need one of these!
The pilot, seeing Link remain silent, focused on flying. Meanwhile, Link continued studying the controls.
The jet soon landed on an aircraft carrier at sea. Nick Fury was there to personally greet him.
"Link, long time no see," Fury said, extending a hand.
Link replied, "Director, I wasn't exactly looking forward to seeing you. So what's going on?"
"If it weren't something serious, you wouldn't have called me."
Fury laughed. "You're not suited for regular missions anymore. This time, we need to assemble more firepower. Others are on their way too."
"We'll discuss everything soon!"
"Alright." Link followed Fury into the carrier, arriving at the command center. Though Link had seen it in movies, seeing it in real life was still a bit surprising.
Link asked, "Does this thing fly?"
"You noticed?" Fury asked, a bit smug.
"Yes. At the very least, this command center isn't designed for underwater operations. S.H.I.E.L.D. has come a long way," Link remarked, scanning the room before pulling out a cigarette. "Got a smoking area?"
"Of course. Agent Hill, show Link to the smoking area," Fury instructed, turning to Agent Hill. "Also, show him the combat suits."
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(End of Chapter)