New Discoveries in the Arctic (Seeking Follow-ups, Seeking Collections)

"Shock: Oscorp Industries' Genetic Laboratory Sealed Off, Lead Professor Kurt Connors Under Police Surveillance. Sources Say the Suddenly Appearing Monster..."

The next morning, Obadiah had just stepped into his office when he saw the headline splashed across the front page.

"Oscorp Industries? Hmph, daring to compete with me for military contracts—now you're getting your comeuppance."

The moment he saw the news, Obadiah felt an immense wave of satisfaction.

Although the public had been kept in the dark about Tony Stark's disappearance, high-ranking government officials were fully aware of it.

Thus, with its genius weapons R&D expert gone, Stark Industries' influence in the military had plummeted overnight.

And yet, Oscorp Industries seemed to have gotten wind of some inside information. Seizing the opportunity of Tony Stark's disappearance, they had been actively courting the military.

Rumor had it they were on the verge of signing a major long-term contract.

"Still, it's not like we came away empty-handed. Though it cost us some effort, we managed to secure a partnership with the government to participate in the post-disaster relief and reconstruction project."

Tony's disappearance had weakened Stark Industries' standing among the elite.

But for Obadiah, it was a golden opportunity to take full control of the company.

Besides, while the "post-disaster relief and reconstruction" project might seem like a losing venture, in reality, it held unexpected rewards.

"Contact all key personnel and shareholders. I want an important meeting in half an hour."

After instructing his secretary and putting down the phone, Obadiah thought about the special gains he'd made from this partnership, and an uncontrollable, ecstatic grin spread across his face.

Half an hour passed quickly.

The massive conference room was now packed with people, all dressed in suits and expensive ties, the picture of successful businessmen.

These were mostly Stark Industries' top brass and shareholders.

"Mr. Stan, why have you called us all here so suddenly? What important matter do you need to announce? Has something gone wrong with the company?"

Everyone had arrived, but they saw Stan sitting in the boss chair at the head of the long table, his back still turned to them, showing no sign of facing them.

Finally, one shareholder couldn't help but ask, his tone laced with worry.

As shareholders, they had naturally heard some unfavorable rumors about Stark Industries.

"Oh? It seems this gentleman isn't optimistic about our company's future. In that case, I'll take your shares off your hands. Don't worry, I'll give you the highest market price."

Without even turning around, Obadiah spoke in a voice dripping with pressure.

"Uh, Mr. Stan, that's not what I meant..."

This shareholder naturally wasn't about to give up his stake so easily.

"Sorry, but you're no longer a shareholder of this company, so you can't participate in this meeting."

As Obadiah's words fell, Two burly men in black suits and black sunglasses, who had been waiting outside, strode into the conference room. Ignoring the shareholder's protests, they dragged him out by force.

"Now, I hereby announce that Stark Industries' Bio-Genetic Laboratory is officially established as of today."

"Who agrees? Who opposes?"

Slowly turning around, Obadiah stated his decision in a firm tone.

"Mr. Stan, why would you suddenly establish..."

Pepper, as the CEO's secretary, naturally had the right to attend this high-level meeting. But before she could finish her question, Obadiah cut her off.

"Congratulations, Ms. Potts. On behalf of Tony, I approve your six-month paid leave. You don't need to involve yourself in company matters for now."

"So, does anyone else have any questions?"

Seeing the situation, no one else dared to voice opposition. After all, it was just setting up an ordinary bio-genetic laboratory.

"Hmph, smart move."

Obadiah put on a warm, friendly smile, but inwardly, he sneered.

Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, in Director Nick Fury's office.

"So, nearly half a month has passed since Tony Stark's disappearance, and you're telling me you've still found nothing? Are all our S.H.I.E.L.D. agents incompetent?"

Fury's already dark face turned even darker.

Nearly two full weeks had gone by, and they still had no leads on the missing scientists. It was as if they had vanished from the face of the Earth.

"Apologies, Director. We've searched remote areas all over the world. We even sent agents to Wakanda, that backward agricultural country in Africa."

"Unfortunately, we've found nothing so far. However, we've now begun searching the polar regions. If we don't find any trace of the scientists there, then I'm afraid..."

Agent Hill's expression was equally grim.

To find these missing scientists, they had mobilized tens of thousands of low-level agents worldwide for a sweep search.

Yet they had made no progress. Worse, during the search, they received the devastating news that another lab had been stripped clean.

"Director, while we haven't found any evidence yet, my gut tells me this is connected to him. Should we focus our efforts on..."

"That's impossible. Now the President has proposed it, and the United Nations is leading the call for all nations to reach an agreement—no country or organization is allowed to investigate anything about that person."

Agent Hill could already sense it. As the Director, how could Nick Fury not feel it too?

But even if they had solid evidence, what good would it do?

Right now, that person's status on Earth was equivalent to the "ancestor" of every nation. Every country had to kowtow to him; otherwise, no one could guarantee whether he might replay the scene of the Moon on Earth.

No country wanted to see one of its major cities wiped off the map overnight.

"Forget it. Keep investigating this matter, but as for the final outcome..."

Honestly, Nick Fury had already lost hope.

Ring, ring, ring...

"Take it here. Let's see if something big happens again this time."

Nick Fury kept up his tough talk, just like last time.

"Hello, this is Hill. What did you say? Another scientist has gone missing? And it's Professor Connors, who was under strict police surveillance?"

"Well, another piece of bad news, as expected."

Without Hill even reporting, Nick Fury already knew this was another disaster.

"Director, Professor Connors has disappeared..."

Ring, ring, ring...

Hill had just hung up and was about to report to Nick Fury when her phone rang again.

"Take it... uh, maybe you should step out this time."

As Agent Hill's phone rang again, Nick Fury's previously firm tone suddenly wavered. Even as Director, he couldn't bear to be embarrassed twice in front of his subordinate.

"Yes, Director."

Hill barely suppressed a smile, quickly walked out of the office, and answered the call.

But the moment she stepped out, she abruptly swung the door back open. Her steps were no longer calm, and her usually composed face was now filled with shock.

"Director, they say they've discovered something in the Arctic ice layer..."

PS: Thanks for everyone's monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Keep reading, please!