Applying to Oscorp

Lee Stein's application to Oscorp's Talent Development Program went smoothly. After all, his grades were there for everyone to see.

Besides, the school had only approved his application. To intern at Oscorp, he still had to pass an interview. That was the real hurdle.

After his application was approved, he was able to drop his electives without a hitch. In theory, students weren't allowed to drop them, and missing classes would cost them credits. But since he'd applied for an early internship, they made an exception and canceled those courses.

The interview was scheduled for the next day. Since his electives had been canceled, he didn't have to attend class, either. After taking care of everything, Lee left the school and went home. He collapsed into bed, hoping to make up for the energy he'd lost staying up all night.

The following afternoon, inside Oscorp Tower, the headquarters of Oscorp.

"Hello. How may I help you?"

As Lee approached the reception desk on the first floor, a pleasant-looking white woman immediately smiled and greeted him.

"Hello. I'm here for an internship interview."

Lee nodded politely.

"Mr. Lee Stein?"

The receptionist glanced at the lone nameplate on the desk beside her and asked to confirm.

"Yes, Lee Stein, from Midtown School of Science and Technology. I'm interviewing for an internship with Dr. Connors," Lee said, nodding.

"Very well. Here's your nameplate. You're in luck; you're the only internship candidate being interviewed today. I'm sure Dr. Connors will have more time for you. Good luck with your application!"

"Thank you for the kind wishes, ma'am."

Lee took the nameplate from the receptionist and thanked her politely, then rode the escalator straight up to the third floor.

Maybe it was because he was only there for an internship interview, or maybe because he was the only candidate being interviewed that day. Either way, there was no guide waiting for him as he'd expected, so he had to ask for directions as he made his way to the lab run by Dr. Connors.

But even after he found the lab, he hit another dead end. The glass door was locked tight and could only be opened with an employee ID card.

Left with no other choice, Lee knocked on the glass door.

"Young man, what can I do for you?"

A middle-aged white man with blond hair and glasses came over and opened the glass door with his left hand.

What drew the eye was his missing right arm. His forearm was gone, missing from the elbow down.

Curt Connors, Oscorp's chief geneticist, and the future Lizard.

The man's distinctive missing arm made it easy for Lee to recognize him.

"Hello, Dr. Connors. I'm here for an internship interview. My name is Lee Stein."

Lee spoke calmly and confidently.

"You're from Midtown School of Science and Technology, right? I'm terribly sorry. I thought you'd arrive later!"

Connors suddenly remembered that he had an interview scheduled that day and apologized.

"Doctor, there's no need to apologize. I'm the one who came early. I was so nervous about the interview that I couldn't sleep all night."

Lee followed Connors into the lab, looking around curiously at all the equipment.

"Lee? What are you doing here?"

A delighted voice suddenly rang out.

"Good afternoon, Gwen!"

Lee smiled and nodded.

"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you secretly followed me!"

Gwen Stacy came over with a bright smile, then teased him.

"I'm here for an interview."

Lee unhurriedly pointed at the nameplate on Gwen's chest. "Actually, if your nameplate didn't say you were an assistant, I'd suspect you of following me."

"An interview? With Dr. Connors?"

Gwen eyed Lee skeptically. "I'm not surprised you chose to start your internship early, but are you sure you filled out the right form? I thought you'd go to Stark Industries or Hammer Industries. You know Oscorp specializes in biomedical science and chemistry."

"Gwen, you two know each other?"

Connors turned and interrupted them.

"Yes, Doctor!"

Gwen smiled. "He's my classmate, the top student at Midtown School of Science and Technology. He's the one who took first place in class from me."

"Really?"

Connors raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued.

"Of course. He transferred here a month ago and swept the monthly exams, but as far as I know, he's more interested in mechanical subjects. I don't know why he came here."

Gwen looked a little helpless as she said this. Usually, the honor of first place belonged to her.

"Maybe a beautiful young lady is more appealing to him than machines."

Connors teased Gwen, then turned to Lee with a smile. "Lee, pursuing a girl isn't a bad thing, but if you want to stay in my lab, you'll need to prove you have real talent."

"Doctor, you're the perfect wingman!"

Lee smiled and gave Connors a thumbs-up, earning a glare from a blushing Gwen.

But with a face as thick as a city wall, he didn't care in the slightest. He simply pretended not to notice and said to Connors, "Of course. My knowledge will satisfy you, too. I'm an all-around talent."

"So confident?"

Connors was thoroughly intrigued now.

"Of course. Gwen only praised my mechanical knowledge, but I'm just as good when it comes to biology!"

Lee answered with composure.

Connors smiled and patted Lee on the shoulder. "All right, confident young man. One question: if your answer satisfies me, you'll pass the interview. And maybe you can invite Gwen out to celebrate over dinner!"

Lee gestured for him to go ahead.

Connors said, "This is my arm. Unfortunately, it's gone. How do you think I could grow it back?"

"Doctor!"

Lee stared at Connors speechlessly and rolled his eyes. "Doctor, I'd love to use this question to prove how smart I am, but the answer is practically posted all over this place..."

As he spoke, Lee pointed at the nameplate on Connors's chest, then at the words "Cross-Species Genetics Laboratory" hanging by the door.

"Cross-species genetics. Many reptiles, like lizards and salamanders, have amazing regenerative abilities. If people could be given the regenerative genes of these creatures, growing back a severed arm would be a small matter."

"Uh... all right. Good observation skills."

Connors followed Lee's gaze around the room and froze for a moment, then laughed. "Since you think that question was too easy, I'll give you another chance to show what you can do. How do you think we could create the regenerative gene serum you just described?"

"Impossible!" Lee answered firmly.