"Start injecting!!" Sixteen vials of genetic serum were injected into Harry Osborn's body. The sharp pain wracked Harry, as if his cells were being torn apart, bringing him to his knees in agony.
Connery stood aside, face serious, while Doctor Octopus looked on with a smirk. "The new super spider serum will eventually consume the Green Goblin in his system, but it's a slow, painful process. The Goblin has become part of him, but if successful, Harry will become stronger than Captain America himself—Steve Rogers, the iconic symbol of this country."
Connery and Otto, having grown up under the influence of Captain America's legacy, had once idolized him. Now, their work had taken a different turn, but the influence lingered.
"I'm not so interested in spider serums, but the healing ointment is a game changer," Connery remarked. The lizard gene potion's incredible regenerative abilities had paved the way for a revolutionary healing ointment—Osborn Group's latest flagship product.
"The healing ointment is in clinical trials and will soon hit the market. It's going to bring in billions annually," Doctor Octopus added proudly. Though his true passion lay in energy research, he understood the immense potential of the life sciences and genetic breakthroughs.
His aspirations for a commercial artificial sun had been overshadowed by Tony Stark's arc reactor, but the technology found a new life within the nuclear fusion sector, ensuring the Osborn Group's foothold in the future energy market. Even with the arc reactor, Stark Industries couldn't match the versatility of their new energy solutions.
"Medicine is where the real money is," Doctor Octopus mused with a grin. Under Ethan Hayes' leadership, 30% of the company's revenue was reinvested into research, a significant portion of which Doctor Octopus directed toward his projects. Now, financial constraints were a thing of the past.
Connery, for his part, wasn't envious. With his 2% share in the Osborn Group, he enjoyed significant dividends and had first rights to new product distributions. His market expertise played a crucial role in expanding the company's reach, and his interests were aligned with Osborn's success. Ethan Hayes, in his eyes, was a remarkably generous leader.
As Harry's pained cries began to fade, the stabilizing system activated, revealing a transformed Harry—taller, stronger, with a physique that radiated newfound power. Connery felt a twinge of envy and entertained the fleeting thought of trying the super soldier serum himself. But he quickly dismissed the idea, knowing that suspicion from Ethan could mean dire consequences. Still, he knew Ethan's character well enough to consider the possibility.
Doctor Octopus had his own thoughts. While the spider serum carried risks, the super soldier serum had been refined to near perfection. Its effectiveness depended on the recipient's willpower and genetic potential, as Ethan had once explained. Breaking the body's genetic locks could unlock latent abilities, potentially even approaching godhood.
He also knew that without Ethan's mental conditioning, the mechanical arms grafted to his body might have overpowered his mind. Now, he could keep their impulses in check, but his physical strength was limited. A stronger body, enhanced by the serum, would allow him to push further into his research.
Harry Osborn, feeling the raw power coursing through him, stepped down from the chair. The Green Goblin's influence had vanished, leaving his mind clear and his confidence soaring. He finally felt ready to settle his score with Peter Parker in London, the friend who had betrayed him.
The Osborns had once given everything to the Parkers, but Peter had repaid them with betrayal. In Harry's mind, Peter had stolen his father's life and shattered their friendship. Now, it was time to set things right.
Connery and Doctor Octopus stepped back as applause echoed through the lab. Ethan Hayes entered, accompanied by two women. "Harry, congratulations. You've gained the strength to rival Peter, but don't forget—he can transform into a spider-beast, and his resilience is formidable. You'll need to be prepared," Ethan warned, dousing Harry's euphoria with a dose of reality.
"Ethan, what do I do?" Harry asked.
"Find the best combat instructors, master advanced martial arts, and when the time is right, strike decisively," Ethan advised, turning to Doctor Octopus. "Professor Otto, if Harry decapitates Peter, could the lizard gene regenerate a new head?"
"No," Doctor Octopus replied firmly. "There wouldn't be enough time for such a recovery before death took hold."
Harry nodded, absorbing their advice. "Ethan, I'm grateful for everything you've done for me," he said, bowing slightly.
"You'll always have a place here, Harry. Remember that," Ethan replied warmly.
Raven, standing nearby, watched Harry leave with a thoughtful expression. The successful integration of the spider serum made her wonder about her own potential. If Harry could merge with the defective super soldier serum and spider gene, what more could she achieve by leveraging her shapeshifting abilities? The thought of absorbing multiple powers was tantalizing.
"Julia, are you ready?" Ethan turned to Julia Roberts, who nodded slowly.
"Promise me, Ethan—this super soldier serum can truly reverse aging?" Julia, now thirty-four, feared that age would soon make her less desirable to Ethan. She needed the serum's benefits not just for youth but for strength.
Ethan nodded to Doctor Octopus, who prepared the equipment. Connery exited the lab as Doctor Octopus made the final adjustments before stepping back. Julia lay down, bracing herself for the injection. Ethan's psychic powers gently connected with her mind, easing her into a deep sleep.
"Raven, let's begin," Ethan instructed, and Raven began operating the machinery.
As the serum coursed through Julia's bloodstream, she convulsed in pain. Ethan closely monitored her, ready to intervene if anything went wrong. He wouldn't risk Julia's life, especially since she had chosen to stay by his side.
Raven watched the monitors as Julia's cells began mutating, her genes breaking down and recombining. Under Ethan's psychic support, the transformation progressed rapidly. Julia's body adapted, becoming stronger and more youthful.
"The stabilizer is active. Julia's transformation is complete," Raven announced.
As the machine released Julia, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her skin was smoother, her body more toned, and her figure more refined. "Congratulations, Julia, you've become even more beautiful," Raven said, smiling.
"Really?" Julia asked, her delight evident as she admired her reflection.
"Get dressed," Ethan advised before turning to Raven. "Make sure to secure all core research data. I don't want a repeat of the Connors incident where sensitive information was too accessible."
Raven nodded. While Osborn Group's security had improved, discretion remained paramount.
"I might need a special AI to help manage everything," Ethan mused.
Raven raised an eyebrow. "If you mean real AI, that's a tall order. The Osborn Group looks strong, but we still have significant debts."
Ethan remained confident. His wealth could sustain their growth. "Finding the right AI talent is the real challenge," he said, thinking of Tony Stark.
"Check Tony's schedule for me," Ethan instructed Raven.
"Understood," Raven replied.
Julia, now dressed, marveled at how her clothes seemed looser, her body transformed. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy towards Raven, whose connection with Ethan seemed unbreakable.
"But first, teach Julia how to control her new strength," Ethan said as the doorbell rang, signaling their next guest.
Ethan declined Julia's invitation to stay, leaving her to train under Raven's guidance. Following Sandy's directions, he arrived at a high-rise near Central Park, where Black Widow, Raven, and Julia had all taken up residence. Their proximity gave them a clear view of Ethan's villa, a subtle but constant presence in his life.
It amused Ethan—were they keeping an eye on him? He didn't mind. Their competition only heightened the enjoyment of their company.
"Honored Lord, you've arrived," Sandy Brandenburg, dressed in a nun-style maid uniform, greeted him with a deep bow.
Even Inez, usually bold, seemed shy in her nun-style outfit, handing Ethan a glass of water. Sandy knelt to help him change into slippers, while Inez respectfully stood by.
Ethan chuckled softly. "You've truly outdone yourselves," he remarked, smiling warmly.
Sandy's eyes sparkled as she adjusted his slippers. "Master, do you like it?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Yes, I do," Ethan replied, his smile broadening.
As he settled onto the couch with Sandy and Inez beside him, the sound of roaring engines outside caught his attention. Through the window, he saw a familiar red and gold Mark armor, pursued by a squad of war machines.
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