Chapter Fourteen: The Lich King Declares Himself Free of Greed [Please Support and Recommend the New Book]

"Mr. Norman, although you may not have heard of ‘Shinra’ before, please trust that ‘Shinra’ is, without question, the most principled biotechnology company when it comes to transaction rules and the spirit of contracts."

They conduct convincing, fair business deals.

Even in death, they will not let you go—such is their contract.

This is the well-founded principle of the Scourge Legion.

The green card in Erika’s hand flipped; swiftly, a test tube filled with green liquid appeared as if by magic. The seamless transformation sparked a trace of astonishment in Norman, and made him more inclined to believe Roald’s assurances.

“If your company has a better treatment, I wouldn’t mind cooperating. But the premise is that its effects are truly as powerful as you claim, and that it can cure my genetic disease. That is the sole and fundamental requirement for our collaboration.”

For Norman, a shrewd businessman and researcher, as long as there’s profit to be made in the deal, it matters little whether the drug in the test tube works as promised. Erika’s display alone provided ample reason to consider partnership.

After all, refusal wasn’t an option for him—on multiple levels.

As a biologist, he could surmise what had happened to Erika, especially given the gene technology context.

Moreover, the prospect of a cure for his hereditary disease—regardless of whether it was genuine—was tempting enough to try.

“A genetic disease in the family is not difficult to resolve for ‘Shinra.’ If you wish, ‘Shinra’ can even forge you a brand-new body tailored to your needs as a premise for our cooperation. Of course, this is far more advanced than anything you possess now.”

“The flesh is weak, mechanical ascension…” Roald dangled an even greater lure before Norman.

“Human potential itself is infinitely evolvable. We are dedicated to research and modification, continually advancing the human genome. However, it is always best to prescribe the right remedy. Before preparing your medication, I will need you to collect more blood samples, preferably those containing special abilities. In no more than a month, you will receive a drug that perfectly cures your hereditary disease.”

“Like those mutant blood samples,” Roald added after a moment’s thought.

If he could rely on Osborn’s resources to obtain blood samples with special abilities, it would streamline his collection process and lay deeper traps for S.H.I.E.L.D. later on.

The disease he had labored over for so long now seemed trivial in the other’s words, which felt unreal to Norman. Yet Erika’s existence convinced him they had no reason to deceive him.

If malice was their intent, they could have simply tossed him from the top floor—there was no need for such subterfuge.

“Do you see the reagent on the table? Mutual trust is the foundation and most crucial element of any partnership, isn’t it?”

With a snap of Roald’s fingers, the reagent floated to Norman’s side. “So I’ll also give you a month to study it. Feel free to experiment, make copies if you wish. I believe once you see its effects, you’ll have full confidence in our deal.”

“But what’s the price?”

Grasping the floating test tube with a serious expression, Norman Osborn examined it closely. He still found it hard to believe—such an important item, and yet the other party wasn’t afraid of its secrets being leaked or its formula analyzed?

What did this signify?

Either they were unconcerned with imitation, already possessing a mature production or anti-counterfeiting system, or perhaps, to them, this was as common as any mass-produced item on the street.

Or perhaps Osborn’s current technology couldn’t analyze the gene sequence in the reagent, or even if he could, he wouldn’t be able to reproduce it—making it their unique patent.

Still, why had he never heard of this company?

Regardless, Norman was moved.

As a biologist, he understood the value and significance of anything revolutionary. Now that the reagent was in his hands, there was no harm in running some tests—what if it truly worked?

“This is the most basic courtesy ‘Shinra’ extends to you, my friend,” Roald nodded at Norman from the screen, though Norman could only hear his voice in the blue-hued display.

“It’s really not that complicated—merely a small gift. This reagent can grant a normal person, once enhanced, physical abilities beyond ordinary limits and can also lengthen life by five to ten years. We have released models I, IV, and VV for this purpose.”

The changes in the human body post-enhancement could not be faked, and Norman himself was a formidable scientist. A single analysis of Roald’s reagent would reveal that there was actually nothing to be deciphered.

Like a witch’s potion requiring heel shavings and mushroom lizards—strange, perhaps, but imbued with unique meaning. These were products of magic, not science.

Nonetheless, for Norman at this stage, it was a potent, epoch-making technology.

Osborn might truly rise to greatness, especially in biotechnology.

“There are multiple models?”

“Of course!” Roald smiled. “We have everything you can’t imagine.”

“The principle of trade is mutual benefit, Mr. Norman. No one enjoys the fruits of cooperation without fulfilling obligations. Now that the gift has been exchanged, let’s discuss my requirements.”

“When your wish is fulfilled, I want a share of Osborn Industries. As a partner, Shinra shares many strategic interests with Osborn. Compared to Stark, I have greater confidence in your company’s future in genetic technology.”

With Tony about to be kidnapped, Stark Industries would soon face turmoil—a matter of time. This was Shinra’s best opportunity.

Roald only ever needed a cover, a shield in the public eye; demanding the entire Osborn Industries would be unrealistic—it was better to leverage Norman’s platform.

At the same time, investing in Osborn signaled their sincerity.

From now on, you would be a comrade in pursuit of a better future—or, more precisely, a fellow bearer of burdens.

“That’s within my expectations. I see no reason to refuse.”

Norman set down the reagent, stood, and extended his hand to Erika, who had just pocketed her phone. “Miss, I look forward to our partnership!”

“Likewise.”

As Erika’s figure shattered like fragments of glass before Norman’s eyes, he sat on the sofa for a long moment, unable to recover from the bizarre scene.

A scientist, devoted to science, felt his convictions waver because of science itself. He gazed at the reagent on the table and a parchment contract that radiated a chill.

“What archaic method is this? Who still signs contracts like this?”

He felt as though he had been dreaming, as if he had just dealt with someone from another dimension. Perhaps after today, a new door had opened before him.

So such companies and people were truly hidden in this world?

He glanced at the small handgun in his hand—a fine piece of technology.

Norman tossed it to the ground.

But after a moment’s thought, he picked it up and tucked it away again.

The extraordinary were few in this world; most were still ordinary people.

There’s no need to trouble oneself unduly.

Besides, he had developed that gun himself.

Wakandan materials were expensive.

At that moment, the office doors were finally forced open by Osborn’s security team.

“Boss, are you alright?”

Norman waved them away dejectedly, signaling that he was fine.

“Have the engineering department sweep the office for electromagnetic frequencies. Find the signal source.”

Erika’s disappearance had been so bizarre that she was impossible to track—even sending men after her would be futile.

This was the only way to try to trace the origin.