Norman cast his gaze upon the two reports lying on his desk.
One was the "Human Performance Enhancer," a project he personally supervised. The other was Dr. Curtis Connors' "Lizard Serum" project.
The former had completed animal testing long ago, but because the results were dangerously unstable, Norman had hesitated to move to human trials.
The latter had been progressing slowly until just two days ago, when a major breakthrough was reported: a lab rat had successfully regenerated a limb. It was currently in the observation phase.
If one fails, the other serves as a backup...
With that thought, a flash of cold resolve and madness danced in Norman's eyes. He pressed the intercom on his desk, summoning his secretary, Felicia, to the office.
"Inform Dr. Stromm to arrange human trials for the Performance Enhancer immediately. Then, pay a visit to Dr. Connors' lab. Tell him I am extremely satisfied with his progress and expect him to complete animal trials as soon as possible."
"Understood." The shapely secretary bowed respectfully and exited. However, the moment the heavy doors closed behind her, her expression shifted into something predatory.
She immediately dialed a secure number, her eyes glinting with cold light. "Gentlemen, the Boss can't wait any longer. It seems he's also planning to use Connors' project as a contingency..."
Cheers and celebratory shouts erupted from the other end of the line. After a moment, a voice spoke: "Excellent. Now, go pressure that cripple to begin human trials using veterans immediately.
This way, regardless of whether Norman's personal plan succeeds or fails, we will be the ultimate victors!"
The secretary's heart hammered against her ribs. "And my share afterward?"
"Rest assured, not a penny of yours will be missing. Once we liquidate Oscorp, you'll walk away with at least this much..."
Hearing the astronomical figure whispered over the phone, the secretary grew even more frantic. Without hesitation, she practically sprinted toward Dr. Connors' laboratory.
BANG!
She shoved the door open with arrogant force. "Dr. Connors, I'm pleased to say your project has made 'significant' progress. Mr. Osborn is quite satisfied."
Connors, hearing this, pushed up his glasses and offered a shy, hopeful smile. "I'll keep working hard to wrap up the animal observations."
"Animal observations?" The secretary let out a mocking sneer. "That's over. Mr. Osborn has already sent the pre-clinical reports to the FDA. The clinical trials for disabled veterans start the day after tomorrow."
"What?!" Connors' eyes bulged in disbelief. He instinctively reached out to grab her shoulder with his one good arm. "You can't do that! The long-term observation on the test subjects isn't finished.
No one can guarantee there won't be side effects! Human trials now... that's no different from murder!"
"Doctor, those aren't things you need to worry about." Because Connors was a frail scientist with only one arm, the secretary easily shoved him to the floor.
She looked down at him with disdain. "Caring too much about the wrong things won't end well for you. Remember, without Oscorp, a cripple like you is nothing!"
She trampled on his dignity and strutted away like a conqueror. Left alone on the floor, Connors stared at the glowing green serum in his hand, his expression flickering between desperation and resolve.
"So cold!"
Lying shirtless on a frigid laboratory table, Norman Osborn let out a shuddering breath.
"Mr. Osborn, I must warn you again," Dr. Stromm said, his voice trembling. "The enhancer is still highly unstable. Theoretically, it shouldn't even be in clinicals. You are gambling with your life!"
"I know it's a gamble, but I have no other choice." Norman was too tired to explain his impending genetic collapse. He waved a weak hand after drinking the preliminary solution. "Begin, Dr. Stromm."
Stromm sighed helplessly and activated the chamber. As green gas flooded the sterile compartment, Norman's agonized screams began to tear through the room.
At nearly the same moment, Dr. Connors reached a similar crossroads. He couldn't bear the thought of heroes who had bled for their country suffering because of his unfinished work.
Driven by a "if I don't enter hell, who will" spirit—and a lifelong yearning to be whole—he looked at his stump one last time. He grabbed a vial of the Lizard Serum and plunged it into his arm.
AAAAAAAAGH!
As Dr. Stromm rushed forward to perform CPR on a seizing Norman, the billionaire's hand shot out, a manic grin splitting his face as he snapped the scientist's neck.
In that hour, two of the greatest villains of the spider-world—The Green Goblin and The Lizard—were born.
Having reunited after so long, Harry and Peter talked late into the night. They went from their hypothetical business empire to the stresses of their lives, and eventually to the classic teenage topic: romance. By the time they parted ways, it was past 9:00 PM.
"Looking forward to the good news, Harry!"
After saying goodbye, Peter returned to his bedroom and immediately contacted Herman. He felt it was necessary to give his new subordinate another "reassurance pill" to solidify his loyalty.
"Yes, Herman, I've secured the angel investor. Once the first prototype battery is ready, the funding will flow. Remember, this is for consumer electronics—output stability is the priority..."
As Peter shared the news, an old car radio sitting on his bedside table suddenly crackled to life. It was a gadget Peter had tinkered with that could hack into encrypted police frequencies.
"Calling all units! Emergency on the Manhattan Bridge! Witnesses report... a massive... lizard creature attacking vehicles! Repeat, this is not a drill!"
A lizard monster?
Peter hung up the phone, his brow furrowing. Why is the plot moving so fast? Shouldn't the Lizard wait until graduation?
Then, it hit him. He slapped his forehead. Right. I gave the Doctor the decay rate algorithm early, so I could get my hands on the serum.
Because of his interference, Dr. Connors' transformation had been fast-forwarded. Peter instinctively reached for his tactical suit in his bag.
But his hand paused mid-air. He thought of Gwen's stubborn, determined face from earlier that day.
Maybe... I should give her a chance to grow on her own?
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