Marvel - The Blood God

"It's finally happening."

Maverick raised his right hand, pushing the terrified Norman, Bagan, and General Slocum behind a wall. When Jace saw that someone had escaped, he immediately launched a miniature missile. Maverick cursed, grabbed the three men, and jumped out of the window with them.

With a bang, the podium exploded. Flames and thick smoke rose into the sky as the four men were blown away by the shockwave and fell to the ground.

Jace laughed maniacally as the other two test subjects regained consciousness. They quickly grabbed Vulcan cannons and aimed at Jace, trying to stop him. Seeing this, Jace turned his gun on them. After a hail of bullets, all three Enhancers perished together.

Maverick looked at the disheveled Norman on the ground and said calmly, "Mr. Osborn, your experiment isn't just unfriendly to the environment—it has major flaws."

"Norman Osborn. You must give us an explanation." General Slocum and Bagan glared at Norman. If it weren't for Maverick, they would have died like everyone else.

A distraught Norman hurriedly explained, "Maybe there's an issue with some data. I promise you, I'll fix this problem soon."

"There won't be a next time, Norman Osborn. The Department of Defense will suspend all contracts with your Osborn Group, and I'll send someone to investigate this matter. So many people can't die in vain—the Osborn Group must give our Department an explanation." General Slocum shouted angrily. He was about to leave when he turned to Maverick and said, "Thank you for saving my life, but we won't be cooperating with you either."

"Perhaps," Maverick replied with a nonchalant smile. As long as he controlled the core technology, he wasn't afraid of finding interested parties.

"No chance." General Slocum retorted before striding away. Norman hurried after him to explain. Bagan couldn't help but curse. Thinking of something, he said to Maverick, "Mr. Cassain, you saved my life. I've decided to transfer my shares to you at a low price."

"Business people really have thick skin," Maverick laughed. "No hurry—let the stock price drop a bit more first."

Ignoring Bagan, Maverick turned to leave. Just as he exited the experimental base, Director Fury called.

Maverick complained, "You're more persistent than an ex-wife."

"Can't help it; you're more troublesome than an ex-husband," Director Fury retorted. "Does this have anything to do with you?"

"If I hadn't acted, Norman Osborn and General Slocum would be dead," Maverick said calmly. "Also, if you're interested, listen to Trish's broadcast at noon. You might find some clues."

"I will," Director Fury replied. "Maverick, if Norman Osborn dies before the Osborn Company changes hands, whether you did it or not, we'll stop you from acquiring the Osborn Group."

"Don't worry; I respect the rules of the game," Maverick said with a smile before hanging up. He looked at his phone and smirked coldly. Today, he respected the rules; tomorrow, the rules would respect him.

"Many of you already know there's a significant problem with the Osborn Group's experiment, but you probably don't know why it went wrong."

At noon, Trish's voice echoed across thousands of radios. "I didn't know until I received an anonymous email, which not only documented the Osborn Group's data manipulation but also revealed they used homeless people for illegal human experimentation..."

Trish's report caused a sensation throughout New York City. Countless reporters swarmed the Osborn Building to investigate. The Osborn Group issued a statement calling it slander and reserved the right to sue Trish.

With Maverick backing her, even when the Osborn Group presented evidence to the FBI, the FBI immediately launched an investigation into the company. Simultaneously, the Department of Defense sent officials to hold the Osborn Group accountable.

The Osborn Group plunged into turmoil. The stock price plummeted, and the losses were even worse than what Stark Industries had previously experienced.

In his villa, Tony Stark ate a salad and remarked, "Our vampire friend is ruthless; he tanked the Osborn Group's stock like that. Those shareholders must be crying."

"It's good for us—we made a lot of money." Pepper Potts said excitedly. "We can basically recover from our earlier losses."

"All this money will be used to buy back company stock. I don't want to be kicked off the board again." Tony snorted. He thought for a moment and said to Pepper, "Pepper, start at Stark Industries tomorrow. You'll be vice president for now. After a while, I'll make you president."

Pepper was stunned. "You really want me to manage the company?"

Tony smiled. "Maverick said the next era belongs to you."

"So you sent Happy to Africa?" Pepper sneered. "Tony, he's been with you for over ten years, protecting you and driving you around."

Tony looked a bit embarrassed. "You misunderstand. I just asked him to oversee security training there. I'm Iron Man; I don't need bodyguards anymore. Once he's done, I'll have him head Stark Industries' security."

Pepper was speechless. "There's still such a trick?" She sighed. "Tony, have you ever thought about giving up being Iron Man? You're a billionaire—you don't need to risk your life."

Tony shook his head firmly. "No way. Iron Man is me; I am Iron Man. No one can replace me."

Pepper sighed but didn't argue further. After all, Tony hadn't faced any real danger yet. "I'll try to manage the company, but I'm not sure I'll be any good."

"That's not the Pepper I know." Tony said with a grin. Pepper kissed him on the cheek and got up to review some documents. Being president wasn't going to be easy.

After Pepper left, Tony returned to the basement to continue working. Dr. Ethan frowned. "Tony, none of the elements we've tried can replace palladium."

Tony's face darkened. "Keep experimenting. We must find a new element to replace it; otherwise, I won't live another six months."

Ethan advised, "Tony, if you use the suit less, you'll live longer."

"If life isn't exciting, it's not worth living," Tony replied, shaking his head. He shouted, "Jarvis, pull up information on S.H.I.E.L.D. and the details of my parents' car accident."

Various holographic projections appeared before Tony. Studying them, he asked Jarvis to contact Peggy Carter. "Aunt Peggy, we need to talk," he said.

In just a few days, Norman Osborn looked ten years older. Walking toward the conference room felt exhausting, even though it was only ten meters away.

It wasn't just the overwhelming stress; Norman's health was deteriorating. Doctors had urged him to be hospitalized several times, but how could he stop now?

FBI investigations, Department of Defense scrutiny, a plunging stock price, lawsuits from Max and the families of the homeless—all were thorny issues.

Norman took a deep breath, trying to appear composed. He knew the board would blame him today, but he didn't care. The only one who could save the Osborn Group was Norman Osborn himself.

He opened the door, ready to greet everyone, but found the directors gathered around a young man he recognized—the head of the Council of Blood, Maverick Cassain.

Norman's heart sank. "Mr. Cassain, you don't seem to be a director of our company," he said cautiously.

"Not yet, but soon. I'm planning to exchange my shares for Mr. Bagan's Stark Industries shares," Bagan said with a smile.

Norman frowned. "Owning shares doesn't make you a director. That requires a board resolution."

"Don't be upset, Mr. Osborn. I'm just here for a visit," Maverick said with a smile. "Besides, I don't want to be a director—I want to be chairman."

"Dream on. I am the chairman of the Osborn Group." Norman retorted angrily.

A director spoke up, "You are now, but not for long. Because of your recent mistakes, we've decided to remove you."

"That's right—we're dismissing you." another added.

Over 80% of the directors nodded in agreement. Norman hurriedly protested, "Without me, the Osborn Group will collapse."

"No, the Council of Blood will take over," Maverick said calmly. "I have solutions for Max's lawsuit and the human enhancement drug issue."

"It's you." Norman realized everything had been orchestrated by this vampire to swallow up his company. "He's a vampire. If he joins the Osborn Group, the Department of Defense will terminate our contracts. Our stock will become worthless."

The directors were unfazed by Maverick's identity. One smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. Mr. Cassain has agreed to buy my shares at a high price."

"I'm also exchanging my shares for Stark Industries stock," another chimed in.

Many directors nodded, having already struck deals with Maverick. Those unwilling to sell received assurances that Maverick would buy their stock at a guaranteed minimum if prices fell below expectations.

In essence, the entire board, except for Norman, was now aligned with Maverick.

Flushed with anger, Norman shouted at Maverick, "I won't let you succeed. I'll stop you from buying the Osborn Group."

"And how will you do that?" Maverick sneered. "I have billions at my disposal. I'll soon be the largest shareholder, and you'll be kicked off the board."

"It's over, Osborn. No one can stop me now," Maverick declared confidently. "Now, let's proceed with the meeting. Mr. Osborn doesn't look well. Let's send him home to rest."

"Norman, you really don't look good; you should consider hospitalization," Bagan said mockingly.

Norman trembled with rage, pointing a shaking finger at Bagan. Just as he was about to speak, he clutched his chest, gasping for breath, and collapsed to the ground.

"Mr. Osborn." the directors exclaimed.

"Someone call an ambulance," Maverick ordered. "In his current state, he's no longer fit to be chairman."

"Agreed. Mr. Cassain, who do you suggest should temporarily manage the group on Mr. Osborn's behalf?" Bagan asked.

"I'm not chairman yet, but I propose Vice President McCann," Maverick replied with a sly smile.

"Vice President McCann it is, then." the directors agreed jovially. Looking at Norman on the floor, they shook their heads. He was defeated and didn't even realize his trusted allies had betrayed him.

In the hospital, Norman's voice was icy as he asked, "So, McCann has been in the vampires' pocket all along?"

"Yes. He couldn't resist the allure of the human enhancement serum," Niles replied. At this moment, only Niles and Dr. Storm had come to see Norman. No one else—when the ship sinks, the rats flee. It was the same everywhere.

In truth, had Niles not been so entangled in matters, he might not have come. Only Dr. Storm genuinely cared about Norman.

"I won't let him get away with this." Norman seethed. "How many shares has Maverick acquired?"

"Currently only 5%. It's been announced, but he has to wait two days before acquiring more," Niles informed him. "Mr. Osborn, the vampire has deep pockets; we can't fight him."

"Damn it." Norman cursed. After a moment of thought, he gritted his teeth. "Dr. Storm, I want to inject the human enhancement serum."

Dr. Storm was startled. "Norman, the serum has side effects."

"I have no choice. It's the only way to survive and reclaim my company."

Despite Dr. Storm's reluctance, he prepared everything under Norman's orders and personally oversaw the experiment.

The experiment was a success—Norman regained his health and possessed a physique several times stronger than an average person. But it also failed—he developed an extremely evil split personality.

As soon as this dark persona emerged, he strangled Dr. Storm, simply because the doctor had opposed human experimentation multiple times.

From that moment, Norman became the supervillain known as the Green Goblin.

Seeing Norman kill Dr. Storm, Niles was terrified. He was about to flee when Norman turned to him. "Come back to the Osborn Group with me. I'm taking all the data and cutting-edge weapons. The company is mine; no one can take it from me."

Niles asked cautiously, "Mr. Osborn, you're no longer the chairman."

"Then I'll seize it by force and pin everything on Dr. Storm."

"I'll follow all your orders, sir." Niles quickly assured, though sadness tugged at him. Dr. Storm had been so loyal, yet Norman killed him and tarnished his name.

Facing the ruthless Norman, Niles didn't dare resist and obediently complied. Soon, the Osborn Group reported a theft—not only of valuable data but also high-tech weapons like gliders, bio-suits, and pumpkin bombs.

Under Norman's secret manipulation, the FBI targeted Dr. Storm, and the Osborn Group blamed the illegal human experiments on him.

With that settled, Norman planned to deal with Maverick directly. Since he couldn't beat him in business, he'd eliminate him physically. But to Norman's frustration, Maverick had disappeared to a casino.

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