Dr. Keitz, Gene Modification Technology

"What leverage?" Nathan Hawke immediately asked.

"Gene Modification Technology. This technology was improved by Kalkov, but Mr. NEST-S decided to seal it. It's currently in a base in Europe," Ryoma Sengoku said. Nathan Hawke reacted instantly.

"What about Igniz? Has he contacted Dr. Keitz?"

"I'm not sure. However, Dr. Keitz hinted to me that as long as I obtained the Gene Modification Technology, he would come with me, while also implying he didn't want to get caught in the crossfire," Ryoma Sengoku replied.

"So?" Nathan Hawke raised an eyebrow.

"So, Dr. Keitz has likely received an invitation from Igniz and is currently considering it. If we don't get this technology, Dr. Keitz will probably go to Igniz for it," Ryoma Sengoku finally answered with certainty.

"What else can we say? Let's do it." Nathan Hawke stood up and said to Ryoma Sengoku, "Tell me the exact location when you get back. You can do that, right?"

"Of course. Wait for my good news," Ryoma Sengoku said and left.

Nathan Hawke looked at Electro beside him and said, "No need to watch anymore, let's go."

When Nathan Hawke handed the briefcase to Andrew for safekeeping, Andrew asked with a puzzled look, "Boss, do you have something to do? Should I come along too?"

Nathan Hawke instructed, "No need. For the next few days, focus on practicing your Telekinesis and developing your own skills. Ask Master Zhen Yuanzhai for guidance. Although Master Zhen Yuanzhai doesn't have Telekinesis, his martial arts mastery is more than enough to teach you. Also, the KOF tournament contestants are all strong fighters, so fight well. Consider it training for you; you still have too little experience fighting against strong opponents."

"Okay," Andrew blinked his eyes.

This guy. Nathan Hawke felt a bit speechless internally. At this moment, he really wished this guy would fight Iori Yagami. But then again, this guy can fly, and most characters in the world of KOF actually can't fly.

"Right," Nathan Hawke said seriously.

"What is it, boss?" Andrew, like a curious baby, blinked his eyes.

"Don't reveal that you can fly. Absolutely do not reveal it," Nathan Hawke said very, very seriously.

Andrew nervously agreed, "Okay, okay." Internally, he thought, How does boss know I was planning to fly and bombard them with Telekinesis if I couldn't win?

"In this world, if you can fly, people will want to dissect you immediately. Be careful," Nathan Hawke waved his hand and left.

A few days later.

Having received the news, Nathan Hawke and Electro arrived at a bar.

"This way, boss," Ryoma Sengoku led the two to a private room.

When Nathan Hawke entered, he found two people already waiting inside. Seeing Nathan Hawke enter, they stood up.

"Nathan Hawke."

"Max Dillon."

"Dr. Keitz."

"Ramon."

"Ramon?" Nathan Hawke looked at the other person, who was wearing a small eye patch and had a shrewd, cunning look. This guy was one of the teammates of the main protagonist "K" in the second season.

He then looked at Dr. Keitz.

Dr. Keitz had short, black hair neatly combed back. He had deep brown eyes that exuded a focused and calm demeanor. His facial features were clearly defined, and his face was well-proportioned, displaying a determined and confident aura.

He had a slender build and stood tall, exuding a healthy and sharp presence. He often wore a white lab coat, reflecting his dedication and persistence in scientific research. His demeanor was steady, and his actions revealed wisdom and calmness.

"Just some gene injections," Dr. Keitz said with a smile, shaking Nathan Hawke's hand.

Nathan Hawke raised an eyebrow. This guy had some personality, and his handshake was quite firm.

After the five were seated, Dr. Keitz spoke first, "Ramon was hired by me. However, I heard from Mr. Ryoma Sengoku that Mr. Hawke's subordinate is an electrokinetic?"

As soon as Dr. Keitz finished speaking.

Zzzzt...

Electro floated up, crackling with electricity all over its body.

"Subarashii," Dr. Keitz exclaimed, looking at the floating Electro. Ramon behind him also looked at Electro in surprise.

"I thought Hongran from the KOF tournament was very powerful, but I didn't expect Mr. Hawke's subordinate, Mr. Max Dillon, to surprise me even more."

"We can test the combat power," Nathan Hawke said, looking at Ramon behind Dr. Keitz.

"Haha, no need, no need," Dr. Keitz quickly waved his hand.

"Then, let's start preparing our plan," Ryoma Sengoku said.

Dr. Keitz nodded and began to explain, "There are currently three locations for this Gene Modification Technology, improved by Kalkov: one obvious and two hidden. Besides the one Mr. NEST originally placed at the European branch, I've investigated the other two. One is with Zero. The other is in Igniz's possession."

No one spoke; they listened patiently. Dr. Keitz continued, "The European branch is heavily guarded, so we can't go there. Igniz's location is absolutely out of the question. Only Zero's location remains."

Then Dr. Keitz looked at Ramon beside him.

Ramon revealed a cunning smile and said, "The intelligence I've gathered is that NEST's Zero made a deal with the leader of Vipers, Dragon. Part of that deal included a copy of Kalkov's improved Gene Modification Technology."

"Dragon Country's customs are heavily guarded, but as the largest trading organization, NEST can handle it as long as they pay the legal taxes."

Ramon held up one finger.

"A data disc containing the Gene Modification Technology. It's stored in a safe along with some other supplies. It's currently at a NEST port in Japan. The estimated time is about 10 days from now."

Dr. Keitz added, "I've been there. Besides NEST's security, there are Viper experts secretly guarding the interior. However, not all the supplies have been gathered yet, and according to my inside informant, the safe containing the data disc hasn't been transported to the port yet."

"During this time, I'll find opportunities to go to the port more often. I'll draw a map then," Dr. Keitz said, looking at the three, then seriously added, "If we succeed, I'll go with you. If we fail..."

"Don't worry. We won't fail," Ryoma Sengoku said confidently. "Aside from the Vipers' experts, the rest of NESTS' security forces are a piece of cake, unless they're executives." He then winked at Nathan Hawke.

Nathan Hawke, meanwhile, considered the timeline.

In 10 days, around mid-July, he might have enough time to find trouble with the Hell Band and acquire their blood.

"Okay. I'll contact Ryoma Sengoku then," Nathan Hawke decided.

"Alright, we'll be taking our leave then." Dr. Keitz nodded to Nathan Hawke, who might be his future boss, and departed. Ramon followed closely behind.

After they left.

"I don't think he's the kind of person obsessed with technology," Nathan Hawke said, looking at Ryoma Sengoku. He only knew a little about Dr. Keitz from the original story and hadn't paid much attention to him. Now, after interacting with him, he realized the man's goal seemed to be something other than scientific research.

Ryoma Sengoku thought of something and chuckled, "That's because his original dream wasn't to be a researcher." He then struck a boxer's pose. "His lifelong dream has been to become a fighter. Gene Modification Technology was just a necessity for him to achieve that dream. One of the reasons he's unwilling to work for Igniz is that he doesn't want to remain just a 'researcher'."

Nathan Hawke couldn't help but shake his head. "It seems that to become a scientist, one must first be a good researcher."

Ten days passed. Aside from watching a match featuring the superhuman team and Andrew, the remaining time was spent formulating plans and memorizing the port maps Dr. Keitz had drawn. Retreat routes around the area were also planned.

They met at a safe house marked by Ramon.

Ramon's expression was serious. "Dr. Keitz sent the latest message: the leader of the Vipers, Dragon, is at the port. This transaction must involve something more valuable. The Gene Modification Technology is just a bonus. Are we still proceeding with the plan?" Ramon watched Nathan Hawke's expression closely. If he said no, Ramon would call off this job, though he had already received the deposit.

"Yes, we're definitely going," Nathan Hawke said, relaxing his shoulders. "It's a good opportunity for me to see how strong I've become."

Electro let out a cold smirk, the corners of his mouth turning up. He'd been doing too many good deeds lately; a bit of killing wouldn't be so bad.

Ramon watched their eager postures, then turned around with a sly expression, his thoughts hidden.

"If that's the case, then let's begin."

As they went downstairs, Ramon noticed Electro was nowhere to be seen and asked curiously, "Where's Max?"

"He's already on his way," Nathan Hawke replied calmly.

At the same time, he put on his hooded cap and headed towards the NESTS port not far away.

"Isn't this different from what we agreed on?" Ramon couldn't help but worry. According to the original plan, they were supposed to enter using port work permits, then go to the utility room, incapacitate the laborers hired by NESTS, obtain their ID cards to the processing workshop, and then sneak into the warehouse to find the recording disc.

"We have the quickest means," Nathan Hawke said, slightly displeased with such methods as they lowered his prestige.

As the chairman of a superhero company in the Marvel universe, he was being asked to do such things. Even if they succeeded, would Dr. Keitz look down on him if he acted in such a dishonorable manner, and would he renege on their deal afterward?

"Wait, we'll create an opportunity for you. You just need to grab it," Nathan Hawke said, stretching his muscles.

"You, this!" Ramon started to say, but stopped mid-sentence. His usually cunning and sharp expression turned into one of wide-eyed shock as he looked at Nathan Hawke, who was floating in the air. Nathan Hawke ascended higher and higher before flying towards the port.

"You, you, you, you can fly?" Ramon shook his head frantically, goosebumps rising on his skin.