Chapter Twenty-Five: The Lich King Thinks New York Is Simply Amazing

“Mr. Norman, we meet again.”

Before coming, Roald had already spoken with Norman on the phone. Hearing the familiar voice, Norman Osborn set aside the file in his hands and turned around.

“Hello, you’ve finally arrived!”

Learning that Roald had completed what he needed, Norman had canceled all his meetings to wait here. On one hand, he yearned for the so-called “Shinra” research drug Roald had promised; on the other, he wished to express his sincerity.

He thought Erika had already given him enough surprises, but seeing Roald suddenly appear in his office, Norman was once again witness to the mysterious nature of the “Shinra” corporation. It also solidified his resolve to delve even deeper into human genetic research.

The potential of the human body is its greatest treasure. As a geneticist, Norman was deeply convinced of this.

“Although the process was somewhat troublesome, the gene sequence of your hereditary disease is indeed quite tricky, Mr. Norman. Our researchers approached it from the mystical side, so the research took a little longer. But I’m here to bring you good news.”

“The mystical side?” Norman was puzzled.

“Rather than calling what you have a hereditary gene disease, it would be more accurate to call it a special kind of curse. As a biotechnology company with deep experience, we of course have our own experts in this field. Fortunately, the drug research has succeeded. Its effects will absolutely cure your illness and cut it off at the root. Of course, your other family members will also need to take the medication.”

With that, Roald handed the vial containing the “Necrotic Elixir” to Norman.

Norman took the vial, gazing at the green, translucent liquid. The healthy color felt almost unreal to him.

Could the curse that had tormented him for so long really be resolved so easily?

Had he just heard mention of the power of the “mystical side”?

Holding the vial, Norman’s expression grew increasingly serious. “This ‘mystical side’ you refer to—what exactly do you mean?”

“You might call it sorcery or magic. I wonder if your family once crossed a black witch, who then set such a vicious curse upon you?”

“But there’s no need for concern—even if it is mysticism, ‘Shinra’ is absolutely professional in this regard. While this kind of treatment may sound unheard of, I assure you, the results will be extraordinary.”

“How should I use it?” Norman finally voiced his greatest concern.

“Dilute it and inject intravenously, three times a day, five milliliters in total. Of course, you can also have someone else test it first, but the supply is limited. How you use it is up to you.”

Norman nodded.

“Since this is a collaboration, I believe my personal appearance here has already demonstrated my sincerity. The treatment will need to proceed gradually to resolve your condition at its core. At first, you might experience mild discomfort or possibly some skin discoloration, but once you get past the adaptation phase, your body will gradually return to normal.”

“After that, we can discuss the specifics of the partnership between ‘Shinra’ and Osborn.” Roald spoke with patience and sincerity. “Of course, Mr. Norman, if any adverse effects result from your own misuse, you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility of failure.”

“Other than this hereditary disease, I don’t think there’s anything else I need to worry about,” Norman replied with a slight smile. “If the treatment succeeds, I believe Osborn will be open to collaborating with Shinra at any level.”

The hereditary disease had afflicted his family for several generations. When he learned he wouldn’t live past thirty-five, Norman’s spirit was shattered. Now, seeing hope, and knowing his son would be spared as well, he grasped at this final lifeline, at a loss for words.

“You may also choose to study the ingredients within, but please remember the foundation of our cooperation: we’ve shown you sincerity, and we hope you won’t undermine our friendship.”

“Of course, Mr. Roald. We’re friends now, aren’t we?”

Norman walked over, poured Roald a glass of wine, and handed it to him. “This is our little secret. The Osborn family treats every sincere friend well.”

“Just as my coming here in person demonstrates Shinra’s sincerity, I feel the same way. To our friendship! I must say, New York is truly marvelous—I love it here.”

“My friend, a toast. I hope we can gather like this more often in the future.” Norman raised another glass, handing one to Grommash as well.

“Certainly.”

Roald also raised his glass.

Once diluted, the “Necrotic Elixir” would not kill Norman. In fact, it could slowly transform his body into a new, vital state, enhancing his physical abilities and making his muscles more solid while significantly slowing aging.

It’s well known that the effects of substances are mutual; if aging slows, doesn’t one feel younger?

Roald had no intention of harming Norman; in fact, he rather admired him.

The Osborn family wasn’t too bad, and the Osborn banner was a useful one; he still needed Norman at the forefront.

While Roald and Norman enjoyed dinner at Osborn Tower, at the same time, in an underground laboratory in District 13, many people in white coats were busy analyzing and testing various samples.

Nick Fury walked in.

Coulson had gone to another lab.

“How’s it going? Have you finished analyzing the tissues from those monsters?”

The researchers inside all shook their heads.

“Director, although we’ve tested these tissues and used various drugs to observe their activity, we’ve found that the cells are dead. They show no signs of life. The decayed muscles and bones exhibit no bioenergy at all. It’s as if they’re moving through technology we simply can’t comprehend.”

“What does that mean?”

“In other words, according to our analysis, these monsters seem to be driven by a special energy source. It’s as if the world is a giant culture tank—if someone inputs the right genetic code or utters some activation incantation, as long as there’s a special energy present, these things can be awakened. This leads me to a troubling hypothesis.”

The lead researcher hesitated, then gave Nick Fury the answer he least wanted to hear.

“Mass-produced biological weapons.”

“And cheap, expendable ones at that.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. These were all biologists; they knew that for life to exist in such a way, defying all scientific logic, was inconceivable. It was enough to make Darwin question his own theories, to raise Newton from his grave.

Nick Fury seemed almost unsurprised. Over the past month, he had seen things he hadn’t encountered in the previous decade.

He was, unwittingly, getting used to it.

“What about those cards? Have you managed to analyze the energy in them? Any useful data?”

He wasn’t even sure what he wanted to confirm; he simply needed to know what that energy was.

As for Roald, Nick Fury remained suspicious. The two people around Roald had unknown backgrounds, and Roald himself wielded formidable power, yet seemed to have no sense of belonging here—and represented a considerable risk. Fury would not rest until he understood everything.

It was clear the agents would have to redouble their efforts.

Coulson returned.

“Director, I think the team has found something valuable.”

“Osborn, Pinnacle Technologies, another research institute, plus a hospital and a school… All of them are potentially involved in biotechnology research.”