Returning to school, Sean found himself thoroughly enjoying the treatment of a celebrity...
Not only was he invited by the university administration to give speeches, but he also effortlessly won the annual scholarship... although this amount of money meant nothing to him now.
Still, the feeling of pretending to be a super academic overachiever was simply too satisfying!
Similarly, Dr. Connors who was deeply devoted to scientific research also experienced a change in his life.
This once washed-up scientist had been ridiculed and mocked by industry peers for his widely dismissed cross-species genetics research, forcing him to humbly teach at New York State University.
However, with the success of Oscorp's press conference, the name "Curt Connors" was suddenly remembered by the academic community. This time, no one dared to continue laughing at the one-armed middle-aged man.
After all, the current mainstream media was filled with nothing but praise. Anyone who spoke out now would inevitably become a target of collective criticism.
"Thank you, Sean. ALZ-112 was entirely your personal invention, it had nothing to do with me." In private, Dr. Connors sought out Sean to express his sincere gratitude.
This reserved one-armed man was genuinely thankful to Sean. Despite his young age, Sean had helped him repeatedly.
Whether it was completing the decay rate algorithm formula or reclaiming the laboratory from Oscorp, this extraordinarily talented young man had essentially changed his life!
"This is what you deserve, Dr. Connors. ALZ-112, like the decay rate algorithm, wasn't perfect. My mind is full of unconventional ideas, but they require a sufficiently brilliant scientist to refine them... and you did exactly that. So the credit should rightfully include you!"
Sean was well aware that ALZ-112, derived from 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes', was not flawless and had its own side effects...
Over time, the human immune system would develop antibodies, causing the condition to regress.
However, with his years of experience in biological genetics research, Dr. Connors had resolved this issue through repeated experimentation.
This world possessed an extremely advanced scientific foundation, which was why someone like Tony Stark could rely on continuously evolving and modified Iron Man armor to stand against powerful beings like the Hulk and Thor.
Here, the power of technology was in no way inferior to magic or superhuman abilities.
Therefore, to Sean, the scientists who played pivotal roles in the future timeline were an immensely valuable and exploitable resource.
Recruiting Dr. Connors was only the first step... many more key figures would gradually join this team.
Before leaving, Sean suddenly turned back and said, "Oh, by the way Doctor, you should prepare a more formal outfit."
Dr. Connors looked puzzled. He rarely participated in any social activities, sometimes even living directly in the laboratory... so he didn't understand why Sean was asking him to dress up.
"According to Harry, you've been nominated for the National Medal of Science. There's a chance you might receive the award personally from the President. For such an important occasion, shouldn't you dress appropriately?"
Sean smiled brightly. In truth, he had also been nominated, but he declined the opportunity. It wasn't the right time for him to draw too much attention.
Having Dr. Connors serve as a shield suited his purposes just fine...
.....
~Oscorp Headquarters – CEO's Office~
"...Sean Cyphers, the scientific genius of the new era! The next Tony Stark!"
In the CEO's office at Oscorp, Harry grinned as he handed Sean the latest issue of 'Vanity Fair'.
As the media's current darling, countless newspapers and magazines were clamoring to interview this newly minted young tycoon.
After finalizing the cooperation agreement with Harry, Sean had received hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation and a stake in Oscorp, officially entering the ranks of billionaires... though he was still far from reaching Tony Stark's level.
"The next Stark, huh? That's quite the compliment..." Sean chuckled as he looked at the magazine cover which featured his own well-dressed and confident youthful face.
He didn't have many thoughts about the media constantly comparing him to Tony Stark.
He believed it wouldn't be long before he met that genius playboy in person. That said, based on Sean's ongoing observations of Stark Industries, Tony should soon be heading to the Afghan frontlines to promote his weapons.
That would mark the beginning of the timeline... the birth of Iron Man, followed by the gradual emergence and assembly of the Avengers, ultimately forming the world's most powerful superhero team.
"How amusing." The feeling of witnessing the growth of these superheroes firsthand was truly entertaining.
Sean turned his attention back to Harry...
Thanks to the overwhelming success of the press conference, the young CEO's situation had improved significantly. At the very least, the board members were no longer clamoring to dismantle Oscorp or sell it off to Wall Street bankers...
Sean leaned back in his chair and spoke, "Alright, back to business. The FDA application has been approved. The next step is clinical trials. I believe ALZ-112 will officially hit the market soon."
ALZ-112 was only the first step in his plans. Dr. Connors' research was nearing completion, which would allow him to launch another breakthrough product and firmly establish himself in the biopharmaceutical industry.
From there, he could build his own laboratory, aggressively recruit top scientific talent, and transform these high-potential resources into his own strength.
He hadn't forgotten about mutants, a massive treasure trove waiting to be tapped...
However, he hadn't yet figured out how to approach the world's most powerful telepath.
"Oscorp is already working to expedite the process. Do you know, Sean? After the press conference, the company's stock immediately stopped falling and began soaring! Based on internal assessments and comparisons to similar drugs, projected sales are estimated at four billion dollars!" Harry spoke excitedly, the immense pressure that had weighed on his shoulders finally easing slightly.
Oscorp had gained a brief respite, the business empire his father had painstakingly built over a lifetime wouldn't collapse under his watch after all.
Sean blinked. He wasn't as thrilled as Harry. Such substantial returns had been expected from the start. This was only the beginning.
"Remember to file for a patent with the PTO."
After spending some time in Harry's office discussing ALZ-112's approval process and post-launch projections, Sean prepared to leave...
With one phase of his work complete, Sean found himself walking down the street when a thought struck him: perhaps it was time to pay Hell's Kitchen another visit. After all, there were still System Points to be farmed.
'Daredevil. The Punisher. Iron Fist. Luke Cage. Jessica Jones... All of them are walking point bags!'
Thinking of the dazzling array of items in the System Shop, Sean couldn't help but feel tempted...
Since that was the case, why not start with these street-level heroes?
A faint smile curled at the corners of his lips. The game was on...