Chapter 304: C264
Harry's opponent was none other than Norman Osborn—the Green Goblin—who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Since the Fantastic Four joined the research team led by Connors and Banner, their combined expertise, along with Reed Richards' contributions, finally led to the development of an ultimate antidote to counteract the side effects of human enhancement drugs.
Of course, this didn't mean human enhancement agents could now be mass-produced. At the very least, creating a super-soldier like the Green Goblin remained highly improbable, relying on the so-called right time, right place... and sheer luck.
Human enhancement agents were still incredibly dangerous. The risk of gene collapse from injection was extraordinarily high, and the mortality rate was terrifying.
Even for those who survived the most dangerous phase, long-term side effects were inevitable.
And yes, there would be side effects.
The exact nature of these side effects remained unclear, but it was likely that even successful subjects would develop genetic disorders, significantly shortening their lifespan.
From the only known "successful" case—Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin—his descent into mental illness and the emergence of a violent second personality were considered a lucky outcome.
The sewer experiment team speculated that it might have been the Osborn family's genetic defects that allowed a sort of "poison versus poison" effect, enabling him to survive.
However, the sewer experiment team didn't focus solely on human enhancement agents. Building upon the research, they developed a new drug designed to unlock human potential—Life Medicine.
Life Medicine could stimulate latent potential within the body, pushing it to human limits while also increasing lifespan.
For the Osborn family, it offered hope beyond simple enhancement: it could treat their hereditary genetic disorders.
With long-term use, Harry's generation could finally end the genetic curse that had plagued their family for years.
Not only would they become healthy, but with training, they could easily reach peak human physical condition.
When Norman returned to normal, he received the news from his former employee, Dr. Connors. Overcome with emotion, he burst into tears.
He planned to return to Oscorp and share the good news with Harry, but before he could, the Battle of New York broke out.
Anton found Norman and advised him to stay hidden for the time being. The news of his recovery was kept secret—even from Harry.
Anton explained that at a critical moment, Norman might need to assume the Green Goblin persona once again, joining the battle in New York to help turn the tide. This would also allow Norman to publicly redeem himself from his past as the Green Goblin.
When Wayne Enterprises launched Life Medicine, Norman Osborn would become its most effective spokesperson. The drug would instantly sweep the globe, becoming one of the most influential inventions of the 21st century.
Anton's plan was sound.
But Anton hadn't anticipated the story taking such a dramatic turn. Loki had managed to control almost all the Avengers—including Harry.
Now, standing face-to-face with Norman, the darkened Harry felt nothing. There was no excitement, no recognition, no familial bond.
His face, hidden beneath his mask, was cold and expressionless—as if Norman were just another stranger.
Harry's attacks were swift and relentless.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Missiles shot from his flying glider—nearly identical to Norman's—trailing long streaks of flame as they hurtled toward the Green Goblin.
"Harry..."
Norman's voice was heavy beneath his mask. Seeing Harry's lifeless, controlled demeanor made his fists clench in rage. His hatred wasn't for Harry—it was for the manipulative force pulling the strings.
What should have been a heartwarming reunion between father and son had turned into a deadly confrontation.
With no other choice, Norman engaged, firing his own missiles from the glider beneath his feet.
BOOM!
A massive explosion lit up the sky. The shockwave rippled outward, shaking the walls of nearby skyscrapers. Glass windows shattered instantly, raining down shards like a deadly crystal waterfall.
Fortunately, the residents of the entire Manhattan area were evacuated in a short time or hid in safe houses in the basements; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Seeing this, the surrounding Chitauri soldiers didn't dare to approach. They circled around, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.
Despair crept into their hearts.
On this remote planet, how could there be so many monsters?
Even by universal standards, the combat power of these people wasn't weak. But how could so many of them be gathered on Earth?
Click!
Loki clenched his fist, his knuckles clearly visible.
Seeing Batman suddenly summon so many allies left him speechless. He didn't even know what to say.
With the arrival of these superpowered beings, the battle had fallen into a strange stalemate.
As time passed, the Chitauri soldiers continued pouring into Earth, along with the turtle-like bio-warships hovering in the sky.
But even that wasn't enough. The defenders in Manhattan managed to hold their ground, and Loki's forces were being pushed back.
But Loki hadn't expected Batman to have so many allies beyond the Justice League.
Where did all these people come from?
Though he had some knowledge of Earth, he couldn't comprehend how Batman had managed to gather such a terrifying force in just over a year.
"Do you see now?" Anton said, noticing Loki's expression shift. His voice was cold. "The Chitauri will never conquer Earth."
"No, you don't understand at all," Loki replied, quickly regaining his composure. A smile crept back onto his face. "The Chitauri aren't the key."
"The Earth cannot escape."
"What's more," Loki continued, sneering, "the Chitauri army you see now? This is just a drop in the ocean. Even if you have the upper hand, how long can you last?"
"You can't close the portal," he taunted, "and you can't stop the Chitauri invasion."
Anton sighed. "There's no point talking to you."
Whoosh!
Without warning, he drew his grapple gun from his waist and fired at Loki.
Loki dodged quickly but froze mid-motion when he realized the grapple wasn't aimed at him—it was targeting the scepter in his hand.
What?! Loki's eyes widened in disbelief.
The scepter's power resonated with him perfectly. Giving it up wasn't an option. Besides, this was something he was supposed to return to Thanos—though whether he actually would was another matter entirely.
Whoosh!
Loki struggled, tightening his grip on the scepter, refusing to let Batman take it.
But before he could react further—Boom!
Batman fired a terrifying laser.
Loki was forced to release his grip as the floor beneath him exploded, leaving a massive hole. Dust and debris flew into his face, blinding him for a moment.
Across the battlefield, Anton now held the Mind Scepter. The entire process had gone smoother than he'd expected.
His earlier conversation with Loki had just been a distraction to catch him off guard.
Why else would he waste time chatting with Loki?
A so-called "god" who only played with conspiracies and tricks, who never cared about mortal lives, and who saw himself as superior—Anton had nothing but contempt for him.
Even before he'd crossed into this world, the character he despised the most had been Loki.
"You bastard!" Loki roared, seeing the scepter in Anton's hands. In a fit of rage, he lunged forward.
But before he could get far, a tall, slender figure appeared behind him.
Boom!
Wonder Woman's kick connected with Loki's side, unrestrained and brutal.
Whoosh!
A sharp pain shot through Loki's waist. The terrifying force sent him flying like a ragdoll, crashing through the air and plummeting from the height of Stark Tower.
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