The door of Soren Macaluso's Everlife Medical Center stood wide open, welcoming the steady stream of patients that had become a daily norm. His gaze flickered to the glowing display on his personal panel: [0/300]
The reset was a familiar sight by now, but seeing the progress bar empty only reignited his determination. The rewards were worth the effort, and as long as patients kept coming, he would keep treating them.
Over the next several weeks, Everlife Medical Center's reputation spread like wildfire throughout New York. Patients of all backgrounds, wealthy elites, struggling families, government officials, and even military personnel, flocked to his doors.
From common colds to terminal illnesses, from broken bones to lost limbs, every patient who entered left in perfect health.
Naturally, the media took notice.
"Have you heard about the Everlife Medical Center? They say the doctor there can cure anything!"
"Of course! My neighbor's cousin went in on a stretcher and walked out as if nothing happened. Can you believe it?"
"That's nothing! My aunt had a tumor in her brain. Every hospital in New York said she had a month left to live. But she went to Everlife, and in less than ten minutes, she was cured!"
"Ten minutes? That's impossible!"
"I'm telling you what I saw! Well… I didn't actually see the treatment, but I was there!"
Whether out of awe or skepticism, Soren's name became a household topic. However, not everyone celebrated his success.
Major hospitals, losing patients and revenue, started moving against him in secret. Yet, before they could take any real action, both the police and military intervened.
It seemed that General Ross's influence had come in handy.
One evening, a black sedan pulled up outside Everlife Medical Center. A sharply dressed man stepped out, handed an envelope to Soren's assistant, and left without a word. Soren opened the letter and read it carefully.
"A high-profile gathering of New York's elite, hosted by Norman Osborn…" He mused. "And look at that… Tony Stark is on the guest list."
Tony Stark. The genius billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. Future Iron Man.
Soren leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The superhero scene in New York had yet to fully erupt, but Stark's presence suggested things were beginning.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to make an appearance." Glancing at his task points, he let out a resigned sigh.
[Task Points: 268/300]
As always, once he reached 90% completion, ordinary patients no longer contributed to the tally. He needed to treat someone with a C-rank condition or higher to finish this cycle.
Closing the letter, he made his decision.
"I'm sorry, everyone, but today's treatments are over." With that, he closed the doors of Everlife Medical Center.
The long line of people outside Everlife Medical Center let out a collective sigh of disappointment as the doors closed for the day. Though some wished they could still be treated, none dared to complain.
Everyone knew the rules of the clinic… Soren Macaluso dictated the hours, and once he called it a day, that was final.
The last patient to exit, however, bore a look of stunned relief. With a deep bow toward the clinic, he whispered a heartfelt, "Thank you." before disappearing into the evening crowd.
Inside, Soren took a moment to tidy up before slipping into a crisp formal outfit. He checked the time, just enough to make it to the event. With his abilities, transportation was never an issue.
A blink later, he stood outside an opulent New York hotel, the venue for the evening's gathering of the city's elite.
Handing over his invitation, he allowed the doorman to guide him inside.
A familiar voice rang out as he stepped through the entrance. "Oh, look who finally decided to show up!"
Soren turned just in time to see Norman Osborn striding toward him, impeccably dressed in a sharp tuxedo and holding two glasses of wine.
"Long time no see, Mr. Osborn." Soren greeted, accepting the offered drink.
"Long time indeed!" Osborn chuckled. "You've been making waves, my friend. 'The Miracle Doctor,' 'The Mystic Healer'—the names they're giving you! Honestly, if you start walking on water next, I wouldn't be surprised."
Soren laughed lightly, sipping his wine. "I'll leave the walking-on-water act to the professionals. I just do what I can."
Osborn's presence naturally drew attention, and with him openly showing admiration for Soren, more and more of the city's elite took notice.
Within minutes, Soren found himself surrounded by influential figures, exchanging handshakes, pleasantries, and toasts.
Though he handled the crowd with ease, he welcomed the moment Osborn grabbed his arm and pulled him away. "Come on, I've got someone you need to meet."
Weaving through the gathering, Osborn led Soren toward a well-dressed man surrounded by admirers. There was no mistaking the confident smirk, the well-groomed goatee, or the effortless charm that radiated from him.
This was Tony Stark genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist.
And the Iron Man
"Tony!" Osborn called. "Let me introduce you to someone you'll find interesting. This is Soren Macaluso, owner of Everlife Medical Center and a shareholder of Osborn Industries."
Tony turned, his eyes locking onto Soren. A flicker of curiosity flashed across his face as he extended a hand.
"Tony Stark."
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
Fellow Phantoms and aspiring Phantoms to be, if you seek to access advanced parts of this story procced to my shadowy realm of p@treon.
PhantomDream