Currently, Umbrella's only responsibility was protecting Kain's biological research center, and they didn't have any external contracts.
For now, daily training was sufficient. However, given the company's current rate of expansion, it was likely that by next year, Umbrella would secure contracts either from the U.S. government or other corporations.
Kain's long-term vision encompassed four core industries:
Machinery manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals Military security New energy development
Once these were fully developed, Kain envisioned himself becoming the most powerful corporate figure on Earth—the Marvel Universe's Umbrella.
Arranging things for Laura didn't take Kain long.
While Laura had done well in developing a pharmaceutical wholesale trading company, her potential used here paled compared to another venture Kain had in mind.
The pharmaceutical company, supported by a full research team, had already secured a military contract—an annual order that alone surpassed the military company's profits.
For a time, Laura believed the CEO of the biopharmaceutical company would be Betty Ross. Both companies had been established simultaneously, but Kain's favoritism toward Betty had always been evident.
When Laura received the unexpected news, she initially thought it was a hallucination. Once she confirmed it wasn't, she agreed without hesitation.
This decision was especially appealing to Laura, as the new position granted her access to project details from the biological research center. She saw no reason to turn it down.
Following this, Kain asked Laura to handle the transition formalities with Betty. Moving forward, Betty would no longer personally manage operations, leaving the responsibility entirely to Laura.
Moscow
The city was blanketed in snow and ice, but the cold didn't bother Kain. His body, enhanced by phoenix and fire dragon genes, radiated heat like a living furnace.
Betty Ross once joked that drinking his milk felt like drinking a glass of hot water.
Before arriving, Kain had tasked others with gathering information on Anton Vanko. To his surprise, the investigation went smoothly.
The information on Vanko was handed over to him shortly thereafter. It seemed Anton Vanko was still somewhat infamous.
Upon returning to Moscow, Vanko was known to vent his frustrations, frequently claiming that Howard Stark had stolen his technology. These accusations persisted until Vanko's health deteriorated in old age.
The apartment where Vanko and his son, Ivan, lived was in a state of extreme disrepair, equivalent to a slum in Moscow. Ivan made a living by doing maintenance work to support them both.
When Kain arrived at the dilapidated building, he instructed his team to wait downstairs while he went up alone. Even without a visible escort, Kain felt no need for concern.
His body was protected by a layer of armor magic even while he slept, and he doubted that Vanko or his son could pose any real threat to him.
After Kain went upstairs, just as he was about to knock on the door, a scruffy, middle-aged man stepped out of the neighboring room and stopped him. The man spoke in Russian, a language Kain couldn't understand.
"I'm here to see your father," Kain said calmly.
He knew Ivan Vanko could understand English. Without waiting for a response, Kain used an unlocking spell to open the door to Anton Vanko's room and stepped inside.
Seeing this, Ivan became agitated and rushed to stop him, but as he approached, an invisible force immobilized him. Unable to move, he was compelled to follow Kain into the room, stopping near his father's bed.
"Anton Vanko? Your health doesn't look good," Kain said, observing the frail man on the bed.
"You're dealing with more than one complication. At this rate, you won't last more than a few years. The medical care in Moscow won't save you, and even if you made it to the U.S., no hospital could cure you. But you're lucky—you've met me."
Kain pulled a stool and sat by Anton's bedside. Ivan, realizing that Kain meant no harm, became less aggressive after regaining control of his body. He started speaking to Kain in Russian, but Kain held up a hand to stop him.
"I don't understand Russian, but I know you can understand English, Ivan Vanko," Kain said.
With a wave of his hand, Kain cast a minor healing spell on Ivan. It wasn't a miracle cure, but it improved Ivan's physical condition, restoring some of his strength and energy.
"I know that you and Howard Stark co-developed the Arc Reactor, and that you still possess the knowledge to replicate it. I want you to join my company. I'll support all of your research, provide you with money, fame, and even restore your health. What do you say?"
At that moment, Anton suddenly sat up, his movements steadier than before. Ivan, startled by his father's sudden vigor, rushed to help him but soon noticed that Anton's expression had improved significantly.
Anton stared at Kain, his hand touching his chest as if to confirm the newfound energy coursing through his body.
"What's the catch?" Anton asked. "Money, fame... Are you just after the Arc Reactor technology?"
Kain smiled. "Not just the technology. You and your son are rare talents in this field. I want your expertise to help improve the Arc Reactor. Why waste your potential here? Come back to the U.S. with me. Work for my company. Together, we'll build something greater, and you'll reclaim everything you lost."
Anton considered Kain's words. The offer was tempting. The mysterious man had already proven his capabilities by healing him. Anton's sudden recovery wasn't due to vodka; it was the work of this stranger.
Beyond his own health, Anton thought of his son. Ivan was a genius and deserved better than wasting his life in a decrepit apartment, struggling to survive.
"I agree," Anton said finally. "Ivan and I will accept your offer. The Arc Reactor technology will be yours."
Kain stood, smiling. "Excellent. Let's leave this place. It's no environment for either of you. Your travel arrangements are already made, and I promise you'll be well cared for in America. You'll have your health, and the Arc Reactor will reach its full potential."
Father and son exchanged a glance. For the first time in years, there was hope in their eyes as they prepared to leave the dilapidated apartment—and their hardships—behind.
….
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