The moment the words Super Soldier Serum were spoken, the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.
The representatives of the top military-tech corporations, usually composed and reserved, could not conceal their excitement. Everyone understood what this meant.
Decades ago, the Super Soldier Serum had created Captain America, a living legend whose name still echoed in history. To hold even a fragment of that legacy now was to grasp the possibility of recreating a symbol of power that could rival nations.
This project wasn't just science. It was prestige, influence, and a key to rewriting the future balance of power.
But bidding for it wasn't as simple as raising a hand.
The military would never hand over something this critical to just anyone. The chosen companies would have to demonstrate not only vast resources but also expertise in genetics, biochemistry, and other advanced life sciences. The stakes weren't money alone it was about capability, vision, and trust.
By that measure, Nolan's company, Locke Technologies, seemed to be at a disadvantage.
Yes, Nolan himself held a doctorate, but his expertise was in engineering and mechanics. When it came to the fields of biology and genetics, he was competent but far from the towering names gathered in the room. To surpass the world's leading biogeneticists was, in the eyes of many, laughable.
And yet, Nolan knew Locke Technologies wasn't without hope.
Hidden within his company was a gem: Helen Zhao, a brilliant geneticist whose future achievements would one day shake the foundations of biotechnology. She would go on to pioneer the Cradle of Life Project, using cutting-edge bio-nanotech repair systems that could mend cellular damage and extend human vitality.
Her talent alone was proof that Locke Technologies wasn't just a manufacturer of machines.
Even more, Nolan wasn't empty-handed. While his system didn't directly provide biological technology, it contained enough supporting data and auxiliary fields that he could, with effort, build himself into a formidable scholar in genetics. With the right push, he could stand toe-to-toe with those "top experts."
He was determined. No matter what, Locke Technologies had to secure a place in the Super Soldier Serum research program.
But before Nolan could make his case, a voice cut through the air.
"Osborn Industries requests to join the research team for the Super Soldier Serum."
The speaker was Norman Osborn.
Whispers stirred across the hall. If Locke Technologies was considered a dark horse, then Osborn Industries was a giant among wolves. Their weapons and technology leaned toward specialized, high-end solutions, but where they truly dominated was in biotechnology. Their advancements in genetic engineering were already notorious, and many present knew their name was almost synonymous with breakthroughs in human enhancement.
Once Osborn declared its interest, several more companies quickly followed, each presenting their bids and proposals.
The numbers plummeted, the terms grew harsher an endless spiral of undercutting.
The competition was brutal.
Nolan couldn't help but shake his head at the sight.
He turned to his right-hand man. "Simon, place our bid. Whatever it takes, Locke Technologies must be on the list of approved research partners for the Super Soldier Serum."
Simon Phillips hesitated. "Boss, with respect, our company's focus has always been mechanical and engineering products. Genetics and biology aren't our strongest fields. Even if we win a spot, this doesn't exactly align with our current direction."
Nolan's gaze sharpened. "Simon, we are not just a mechanical company. We are a technology company. And technology isn't confined to gears and circuits. Every field mechanical, digital, biological is interconnected. To master one is to step toward mastering them all. More importantly, do you understand what it means to gain access to the Super Soldier Serum? This is more than business. This is destiny."
Simon fell silent.
He realized Nolan's arguments boiled down to one undeniable truth: whoever possessed the serum could attract talent, influence governments, and redefine the future of warfare.
Finally, Simon exhaled. "Alright, boss. What's our limit?"
Nolan smiled faintly. "Our limit is that there is no limit."
The room stirred as Locke Technologies' bid was announced.
Executives and scientists from competing corporations turned their heads toward Nolan, eyes filled with disbelief. Their expressions seemed to say: Are you insane? You'd throw away profit like this?
But Nolan ignored them.
Money mattered. But the future mattered more. And Nolan was playing for the future.
Besides, there were countless ways to make money. But chances like this the chance to grasp power that could stand against gods came once in a lifetime.
He thought of Emil Blonsky, the soldier who had already been injected with the serum twice. If the military had been willing to risk such trials, it meant the serum was closer to success than failure. The success rate might be low for now, but it was real.
Then there was Norman Osborn's infamous formula the Goblin Serum. Rumors suggested it wasn't too different from the Super Soldier Serum, perhaps even built upon its foundation. But like many of Osborn's creations, it remained incomplete.
Nolan's thoughts drifted further.
What if I combine the serum with Wakanda's Heart-Shaped Herb?
The serum would give him the strength of Captain America, while the herb would grant the vitality and enhancements of Black Panther. Fused together, bolstered by his exoskeletal armor, it would make him nearly untouchable.
Enough to face the dangers that loomed on the horizon. Enough to protect himself in a world where gods and monsters walked freely.
Even if all else failed, his system offered backdoors to other methods of biological enhancement ones far more reliable than freak accidents like the Fantastic Four or the Hulk.
Eventually, the bids concluded. The military made its selections, and Locke Technologies secured a coveted spot.
Nolan had won.
As the meeting dissolved, Norman Osborn himself approached, extending a hand with an almost disarming smile.
"Dr. Locke, it's been some time."
Nolan's brow rose. "Dr. Osborn. I didn't expect you to greet me so warmly."
In these circles, "Doctor" carried far more prestige than "Mister" or "CEO." It was a badge of intellect, authority, and elegance.
"Your company's display at the last Defense Expo impressed many of us," Osborn said smoothly. "To see Locke Technologies advance so boldly it's admirable. Truly, it's my honor to finally speak with you."
Then, in a more measured tone, he added, "Still, I must be candid. Locke Technologies specializes in mechanics. The Super Soldier Serum is... complex, to say the least. The research stretches across multiple disciplines, and even we, with our expertise, find it daunting. I wonder if it might benefit you more to trade away your rights to this project, rather than pursue it."
Nolan heard the message beneath the words: this was not a threat, but an olive branch. Osborn wasn't looking for conflict. Their companies' core specialties barely overlapped; in fact, collaboration might even be possible in the future.
Nolan smiled politely. "I appreciate your advice, Dr. Osborn. But Locke Technologies can't ignore bioengineering entirely. This project is a test, perhaps even a stepping stone."
Osborn nodded approvingly. The two exchanged a few more courteous words before parting ways.
As Nolan watched him leave, it was hard to reconcile this charismatic, brilliant industrialist with the infamous Green Goblin he would one day become.
But Nolan didn't dwell on it.
He had what he came for.
Locke Technologies was officially on the Super Soldier Serum project list. That meant he now had access to one of the military's most closely guarded secrets.
And even as he prepared to dedicate time to its study, fate was already moving elsewhere.
In the vast deserts of New Mexico, under the weight of storm and sky, a streak of light tore across the heavens.
A hammer, wreathed in power, fell to the earth.
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