"Dr. Connors, long time no see."
"Mr. Osborn, weren't you recovering? You're well again?"
Connors had been about to resign when summoned by his boss. He felt obliged to apologize; the man had funded his research for years. Though he had lost to a young woman, the new serum would finally regrow his arm.
Before he could celebrate, Maya Hansen had already perfected a safer limb-regrowth drug. Connors was a laughingstock. He decided to buy a dose with his savings.
He hadn't left the Osborn Building when he was dragged to an unknown place. Seeing Norman Osborn, he asked after his health, embarrassed.
"Doctor, I feel better than ever."
Connors did not notice the evil, twisted obsession in Norman's eyes.
"Mr. Osborn—"
"Doctor, you disappointed me. No one takes my money and walks away."
Norman rose, rage seething, eyes flashing green.
"I..."
Connors finally sensed something wrong.
"I think you should see a Doctor."
Norman's eyes narrowed.
"Do you think I'm mad?"
A shadow flashed; Connors felt pain as green liquid was injected.
"Your own child—you should experience it yourself."
Norman laughed.
A tailed Beast roared in the darkness.
"Dr. Helen Cho, the equipment is installed. When can we begin?"
Artoria, having flirted with Hope and slipped away, arrived at another Base to meet Dr. Helen Cho.
"Miss Artoria, the framework is ready. We can start within seven days."
"Just take it slow, no need to rush. Science isn't something that succeeds through recklessness; it's about gradual progress."
As she spoke, Artoria began to tour the facilities. The two of them talked and laughed along the way, having a very pleasant conversation. By evening, Artoria had dinner with Helen Cho and then departed.
"Spider-Man has appeared, so! The Hulk shouldn't be far off now!"
Glancing at a certain brat in red and blue spandex on the newspaper, Artoria thought of that green mountain of a man. Her hands itched with anticipation; having just mastered the Super Strength Punch, she really wanted to test the power of her fists.
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