General Ross's Call

"Mr. Osborn, there are rumors that you killed a foreigner in the Clinton District (Hell's Kitchen) a few days ago. How do you explain this?"

As usual, after every major incident, Harry had to deal with a troublesome press conference.

Though Harry was confident he could handle these issues, he still had to put on the proper show, especially now that Norman's political career was at a critical juncture.

"Miss reporter, let me correct your phrasing. That was not a 'foreigner,' but a professional killer, and my actions were self-defense. In fact, my lawyer is already handling this matter. You're welcome to follow up."

When Harry said the words "professional killer," a wave of gasps swept through the room.

"My apologies, that was poor wording on my part." The reporter quickly apologized and sat down.

In truth, this question was one Harry had arranged himself—someone was bound to ask about it eventually, so it was better to have his own people do it.

"No problem," Harry said with a smile, nodding as he pointed to a spirited young man in the audience. "You there, reporter. What's your question?"

"How did you subdue that professional criminal? There are rumors that you performed as heroically as Captain America fighting Nazis, and some even speculate whether you've undergone the same human modification as Captain America?"

Harry smiled. This, too, was a question he had arranged.

"Reporter, what's your name?"

The young man paused, then realizing Harry was giving him a chance to get noticed, answered excitedly:

"My name is Eddie Brock. You can call me Eddie. I'm still in college."

"Working your way through school, standing on your own? Then I suppose we're kindred spirits in a way?"

Harry's reply drew laughter from the crowd, and many cast friendly smiles at Eddie. Giving young people opportunities now and then, while leaving a good impression, was important.

"Back to the point. Thank you for the question, Eddie. This actually ties into our company's new product."

Harry gestured for Heli to step forward.

"This is a new type of exoskeleton, designed specifically for law enforcement officers. It enhances the user's physical strength and power, and is equipped with bulletproof steel plates."

In the video, Heli lifted a 300kg barbell with apparent ease.

Then, the on-site video demonstrated the exoskeleton's simulated combat test footage, drawing murmurs of amazement from the audience.

"As everyone knows, our company was attacked and robbed not long ago. Many industrial exoskeletons were stolen, causing public panic. I deeply apologize for that."

Harry set down the microphone and bowed deeply.

"Mr. Osborn, we all know that wasn't your fault. It was the criminals' fault. You don't need to blame yourself," Eddie continued.

"No. Using technology to improve lives and build the future has always been Osborn Company's mission. That's why I developed this exoskeleton and decided to sell these suits to the NYPD at cost price!"

The audience erupted in applause.

"In fact, over the past few months, we've reached a deep cooperation with the NYPD to clean up several high-crime areas in the city, especially Hell's Kitchen!"

Another round of applause.

Harry paused to take a sip of water, and the crowd waited patiently for him to continue.

"I know some people have said in the past that my father and I mentioning that name publicly is a form of discrimination. But is the name really the problem?"

"Drugs are rampant, crime is out of control, unemployment is everywhere—a child born in Hell's Kitchen might learn to use or even sell drugs by the time they're ten, or even younger. Turning a blind eye to these problems while obsessing over a name—that's the real discrimination!"

"Osborn Group is about to launch renovation measures. In the future, once these issues are resolved, if you want, you can give it a more meaningful name!"

"You know what to do! Vote for Norman Osborn!"

The press conference ended with applause.

Watching the recording of last week's press conference, father and son clinked their glasses.

"You seem to have more potential as a politician than I do, my son."

"Come on, Dad. That was just the script Heli wrote earlier. If I had a choice, I'd rather have her deliver those lines."

"So, you two..." Norman straightened up and made a gesture.

Harry rolled his eyes at his father. "Come on, I'm only seventeen, Dad. And there are some things I still need to figure out. At least wait until you're president before I make any decisions."

"Oh, spare me. Don't I know you? Speaking of which, you're almost an adult. Anything you want?"

"The New York City power grid. That's it." Harry shrugged.

"Speaking of which, the mayor agreed to delay the project timeline, but the new grid has to use Doctor Otto's nuclear fusion technology. I agreed."

Harry didn't mind. Nuclear fusion was always meant for the New York power grid anyway. And wasn't this technically exceeding expectations? After all, the original grid design used hydropower.

The only problem now was Kingpin. But to checkmate that fat man, he still needed a bit more leverage. These past few days, that desperate fat man had stirred up no small amount of bloodshed.

Ring ring—

It was Norman's phone.

"General Ross." Norman shot Harry a look. "How are things?"

"Not good, Norman. Stark's been missing too long. Congress is worried the new weapons might fall into enemy hands."

Hearing this, Harry found it strange. He remembered Stark's disappearance shouldn't have lasted this long, should it?

Then a thought struck him—in the movies, the U.S. military didn't have his power armor... That meant Stark's trip to Afghanistan and everything that happened there would be different. Besides, this world wasn't exactly the movie world he knew.

Was this the butterfly effect?

"Is Harry with you?" General Ross asked, specifically requesting Harry.

"Wait a moment, I'll go call him over."

After a brief silence, Harry spoke:

"General Ross, is there something you need?"

"I'll be direct. Is that rumor true? The Human Augmentation Technology?"

So it was about that. General Ross had always been obsessed with human augmentation, and he had created something like the Hulk, never ceasing his pursuit of Banner after his disappearance.

"No, General. If we had obtained controllable technology, we would have contacted you for cooperation immediately." The father and son exchanged a knowing smile.

As for the uncontrollable kind, that was another matter. Ross naturally caught the nuance in Harry's words, but he misinterpreted Harry's meaning—he thought Harry was referring to the Green Goblin Enhancer, the project they had abandoned.

"..." Silence came from the other end of the line.

Just then, Harry suddenly realized that General Ross, as a military heavyweight, held significant value in his support. Perhaps he could engage in deeper contact and cooperation with Ross.

"However... General, you might be interested in another project of ours..."

Harry reported Doctor Connors' ongoing research to General Ross, and as expected, it piqued his interest.

If he could secure Ross's support as well... With heavy bets placed simultaneously in the military, political, and business spheres, Harry had no idea how Kingpin could turn the tables.