Back at school, Sean thoroughly enjoyed the treatment of a celebrity. Not only had he been invited by the university to give a speech, but he had also effortlessly secured the annual scholarship. Though that money meant little to him now, pretending to be a genius student felt ridiculously good!
Dr. Connors, who had devoted himself to scientific research, had also seen his life change. Once a washed-up, down-on scientist, he had been mocked and ridiculed by his peers for his unfavored research into cross-species genetics, leaving him with no choice but to teach at the State University of New York.
Following the success of Osborn Industries' press conference, the name Curt Connors was suddenly remembered by the academic world. This time, however, no one continued to mock the one-armed middle-aged man. Public opinion was filled with praise, and anyone who stepped forward to criticize him now would inevitably become a target for everyone.
"Thank you, Sean. ALZ-112 was originally your personal invention. I had nothing to do with it." In private, Dr. Connors sought out Sean and offered his sincere thanks.
The inarticulate, one-armed middle-aged man was genuinely grateful to Sean. Though Sean was still young, he had helped him time and again. Whether it was completing the evolutionary formula for the Decay Rate Algorithm or reclaiming control of the laboratory from Osborn Industries, this exceptionally gifted young man had changed his life!
"This is what you deserve, Dr. Connors. Like the Decay Rate Algorithm, ALZ-112 is not flawless. I have plenty of wild ideas in my head, but I need an outstanding scientist to refine them. You did that, so the honor should be yours as well!"
Sean naturally knew that ALZ-112 from Rise of the Planet of the Apes was not perfect and came with side effects. As time passed, the human immune system would develop antibodies, causing the condition to return. Dr. Connors, who had likewise spent years researching biological genetics, eventually solved this problem after a period of repeated experimentation.
This world possessed an extraordinarily advanced scientific foundation. That was why Tony Stark could rely on his constantly evolving and upgraded Iron Armor to battle powerful beings such as Hulk and Thor. The power of technology was no weaker than magic or superhuman abilities.
Thus, scientists who occupied important positions in the future timeline were undoubtedly precious resources of tremendous potential for Sean to use. Bringing Dr. Connors aboard was only the first step. More significant figures would join this ranks one after another in the future.
"Oh, right, Doctor. You should prepare a more formal outfit." Just before leaving, Sean suddenly turned back and said.
Dr. Connors looked baffled. He had almost no social life whatsoever and sometimes even lived directly in the laboratory, so he did not understand why Sean wanted him to prepare formal wear.
"Harry told me that you've become a candidate for the National Medal of Science. You might have the chance to receive an award personally from the president. For an occasion that important, you should dress formally, shouldn't you?"
Sean smiled brightly. In truth, he was also among the candidates, but he had turned down the opportunity. It was not yet the right time to draw too much attention. With Dr. Connors serving as a shield in front of him, doing things himself would be much more convenient.
"...Sean Sipes, a scientific genius of the new era! Stark the Second!"
In the president's office at Osborn Industries, Harry smiled and handed Sean the latest weekly magazine. It was an interview from Vanity Fair. As the media's newest darling, Sean had no idea how many newspapers and magazines wanted an interview with this newly risen young billionaire.
After reaching a partnership agreement with Harry, Sean had received hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation, along with a portion of Osborn Industries' shares. He could now be considered one of the billionaires, though he was still quite a ways from Tony Stark's level.
"Stark the Second, huh? That's certainly a high compliment..." Sean smiled faintly as he looked at the youthful, confident face on the magazine cover, dressed sharply in a suit. He did not have many thoughts about the media constantly comparing him to Tony Stark.
He believed he would meet that playboy with a genius mind before long. Then again, based on Sean's continued attention to Stark Industries, Tony should soon be heading to the front lines in Afghanistan to promote weapons.
This was the beginning of the entire timeline: the birth of Iron Man, followed by the appearance and assembly of the Avengers, who would eventually form the most powerful team of Superheroes in this world.
"Interesting." Watching the Superheroes grow up like this was genuinely fascinating.
Sean turned to look at Harry. Thanks to the unprecedented success of the press conference, the young president's situation had improved considerably. At the very least, the shareholders on the Board of Directors were no longer clamoring to break up and restructure Osborn Industries, or package it up and sell it to Wall Street bankers.
"Enough of that. Back to business. The FDA application has been approved, and next comes the clinical trial stage. I believe ALZ-112 will officially hit the market very soon."
Sitting in his chair, Sean considered ALZ-112 merely the first step in building his career. Dr. Connors' research was about to succeed, and then he could capitalize on that momentum to firmly establish himself in the biopharmaceutical industry, build his own laboratory, and aggressively recruit scientific talent, turning these highly promising resources into power in his own hands.
He had not forgotten about the enormous treasure trove known as Mutants. It was simply that Sean had not yet figured out how to deal with the most powerful telepath in the world.
"Osborn Industries is already working to speed up the process. Do you know, Sean? The moment the press conference ended, the company's stock price immediately stopped falling and began soaring! According to the company's internal estimates, based on sales figures after similar drugs were launched in the past, it is expected to reach four billion dollars!"
Harry spoke excitedly. The crushing pressure that had weighed on his shoulders could finally be eased somewhat. Osborn Industries had won a moment to catch its breath. The business empire his father had spent a lifetime building would not collapse in his hands after all.
Sean blinked. He was not as excited as Harry. Such generous returns had long been within his expectations. Besides, this was only the beginning.
"Remember to apply to the PTO for a patent." Sean sat in Harry's office for a while longer. After discussing the current approval process for ALZ-112 and the general situation after its launch, he prepared to leave.
With this phase of work over and his immediate tasks finished, Sean was walking down the street when he suddenly remembered that perhaps he ought to visit Hell's Kitchen for some fun. After all, he could grind some system points there.
Daredevil, Punisher, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones...
Those were all heaps of points! Thinking of the dazzling array of items in the shop, Sean could not help feeling tempted. In that case, he might as well start with these street-level heroes.
Before you continue