"A new element."
Ben's smile carried the confidence of someone holding all the cards. "It can perfectly replace palladium as a power source. As a substitute, it contains no toxins whatsoever, and its radiation emissions are virtually harmless to human body."
Ben had no intention of playing games with cryptic hints about Howard Stark's theoretical work or leading Tony through some elaborate journey of discovery. Such an approach would have been problematic for multiple reasons. First, explaining how he knew about Howard's classified research would raise uncomfortable questions about his sources. Second, and more importantly, why should he gift ownership of such a revolutionary discovery to the Stark family?
Some might argue that this approach was unfair, but Ben would counter that Nick Fury's eventual plan to simply hand over Howard's research to Tony was equally questionable. The difference was that Fury lacked the scientific capability to actually synthesize the element himself. Howard Stark had only theorized about the element's existence—he had never actually discovered or refined it into a usable form.
The theoretical framework was still largely unknown to the scientific community. Ben had succeeded in extracting and synthesizing the new element only because he possessed advance knowledge of its existence combined with advanced alien technology. In every meaningful sense, he was the true discoverer of the element.
Ben had decided to name it "Zanium" after the fictional element from the Ben 10 universe, though he kept that particular reference to himself. Even if Nick Fury eventually appeared with Howard's old research notes, Ben's priority in actual synthesis would be undisputable.
Howard had been limited by the technology of his era, unable to move beyond theoretical speculation. S.H.I.E.L.D. and Tony remained ignorant of the element's existence, leaving Ben as the sole individual capable of producing it. At most, one could argue that great minds thought alike—that multiple geniuses might independently arrive at similar conclusions.
For Tony, however, this revelation was nothing short of devastating. During his recent decline, he had desperately searched for alternatives to palladium, exploring every possibility his considerable intellect could conceive. Despite months of intensive research, he had found nothing.
Now a teenager was casually informing him that he had discovered a new element? The implications went far beyond the immediate medical solution. This represented a fundamental challenge to Tony's identity as the world's preeminent genius. He hadn't been defeated in some peripheral field like biology or medicine—he had been comprehensively outmatched in physics and chemistry, the very foundations of his expertise.
The blow to his ego was complete and undeniable. Tony Stark, the man who had never encountered a problem he couldn't solve, had been utterly surpassed by someone young enough to be his son.
"Did you really discover a new element?" Tony asked, his voice carrying a mixture of disbelief and desperation.
Tony's skepticism deepened when he discreetly instructed Jarvis to investigate Ben's academic records. The results were almost insulting—Ben's grades were merely average. The idea that someone who had barely mastered high school chemistry could discover new elements seemed absurd.
However, Jarvis's surveillance attempts didn't go unnoticed. Eunice, Ben's AI assistant, easily detected the intrusion and reported it immediately. Ben's face flushed slightly with embarrassment as he considered his mediocre academic performance, but he quickly reminded himself that his grades had no bearing on his current capabilities.
Rather than hide his awareness of Tony's investigation, Ben decided to demonstrate his abilities directly. He activated the web-shooters on his wrists, though instead of firing webbing, the devices established a connection between Eunice and Tony's computer systems.
Jarvis attempted to resist the intrusion, but the advanced alien technology overwhelmed his defenses within seconds. Control of the workshop's holographic displays transferred to Ben's command.
With a casual wave of his hand, Ben activated the projection system. The air around them filled with a three-dimensional representation of atomic structure, with countless particles dancing in complex patterns that resembled a miniature universe. The display showed the precise arrangement of the new element, its electron configuration, and its potential applications.
Tony stared at the holographic model in amazement, his scientific mind immediately recognizing the elegance and sophistication of the design. This was no theoretical framework or rough approximation—it was a complete, detailed analysis of a functional new element.
"I call it Zanium," Ben said, using the name he had chosen for the element.
Ben felt comfortable revealing such detailed information to Tony because he understood the man's character. Despite his flaws, Tony Stark possessed an unshakeable moral code when it came to intellectual property. His ego would never allow him to steal another person's work and claim it as his own.
Tony's expression was a study in conflicting emotions. His face contorted as he struggled between his desperate need for the element and his inability to accept that someone else had surpassed him. After decades of being the smartest person in every room, this was his first encounter with truly crushing intellectual defeat.
"How did you do it?" Tony asked, his voice hollow with shock.
Ben shrugged with apparent nonchalance. "Just some research."
The casual dismissal was perfectly calculated to maximize Tony's frustration. Ben continued, "It's up to you whether to use it or not. Now that you've seen the element's structure, I'm confident that someone with your intelligence can figure out how to synthesize it."
He was throwing the choice back to Tony, maintaining the pretense that this was a favor rather than a desperate negotiation. Ben moved toward the window, opening it to reveal the howling winds hundreds of meters above the city.
"Or you could use it secretly," Ben added with a knowing smile. "I might not even notice."
With that parting comment, he leaped from the window, his dark silhouette vanishing into the night sky. Ben had deliberately avoided stating his specific requirements for the deal, but his true objective was already in motion.
The real target was Hammer Industries. When such a massive corporation collapsed, it would attract countless predators seeking to claim pieces of the wreckage. Primus Technologies lacked the established infrastructure to compete effectively in such a feeding frenzy, but with Stark Industries as a partner, Ben could potentially acquire the entire company intact.
This negotiation had been extraordinarily profitable. By demonstrating his discovery of the new element, Ben had established himself as Tony's intellectual equal while simultaneously offering a solution to his medical crisis. All it had cost him was a few days of research using technology that Tony couldn't even comprehend.
Tony remained in his workshop long after Ben's departure, alternately furious and fascinated by what he had witnessed. The casual arrogance of the young man's exit had been infuriating, but the scientific implications of the discovery were undeniable.
"Who does he think I am?" Tony muttered, though the anger was directed more at himself than at Ben.
After venting his frustration, Tony settled back into his chair, his mind clearer than it had been in weeks. The new element he had desperately sought was now within his grasp, discovered by someone else and offered as part of a deal he didn't yet fully understand.
The reality was both humbling and liberating. Pride demanded that he refuse the help and continue searching for his own solution, but pragmatism insisted that such an approach was tantamount to suicide. There was no guarantee that a second unknown element existed on Earth, and even if it did, Tony might not live long enough to find it.
"Jarvis," Tony said suddenly, "help me investigate the Osborn Group's financial records for this month."
The AI quickly penetrated Osborn's security systems and retrieved the requested information. "The analysis is complete, sir. The self-healing serum appears to generate no direct revenue for Osborn Industries. All profits are being transferred to external accounts."
"So the self-healing serum really has nothing to do with Osborn," Tony mused. "He's not benefiting from it at all."
The revelation clarified the situation considerably. Both the self-healing serum and the new element originated from Primus Technologies, not from Norman Osborn's research division. Ben Parker, despite his mediocre academic record, had been concealing extraordinary scientific abilities.
With achievements like these, Ben could have easily dominated any academic environment. The fact that he had chosen to maintain average grades suggested a deliberate strategy to avoid unwanted attention.
"So, sir," Jarvis ventured, "are you going to use Zanium to replace the palladium?"
"Of course," Tony replied without hesitation. "Why wouldn't I?"
The response surprised Jarvis, who had expected more resistance given Tony's pride. "I thought you might be concerned about accepting help from—"
"Didn't you hear him?" Tony interrupted, his tone defensive. "This is a deal. He's asking me for help!"
The distinction was crucial to Tony's ego. Accepting the element wasn't a sign of weakness—it was a business transaction between equals.
"Okay, I admit that I lost this round," Tony continued, his voice carrying grudging respect. "But it doesn't matter. I won't always lose. In fact, I always win in the end, remember?"
With that declaration, Tony began working. Despite seeing the holographic display for only a few seconds, he had memorized every detail of the element's structure. His eidetic memory had captured the precise arrangement of particles, their rotation patterns, and the energy relationships between them.
The process of synthesizing the element would be complex and dangerous, requiring the construction of specialized equipment and the manipulation of forces that could easily prove fatal if mishandled. But Tony Stark had never been deterred by technical challenges, and the prospect of saving his own life provided powerful motivation.
As Tony began his preparations, he couldn't help but feel a grudging admiration for Ben Parker's approach. The young man had demonstrated superior scientific knowledge, offered a life-saving solution, and managed to maintain the upper hand in their negotiation without ever revealing his true objectives.
It was exactly the kind of strategic thinking that Tony could appreciate, even if he resented being outmaneuvered by someone half his age.
Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Natasha Romanoff was providing Director Nick Fury with a comprehensive report on their visit to Primus Technologies.
"Coulson and I have completed our assessment," Natasha said, handing over a detailed analysis. "Ben Parker is the adopted son of Ben Parker Senior and May Parker. He has displayed exceptional capabilities since childhood."
"According to our investigation, he demonstrates maturity far beyond his years and doesn't behave like a typical kid. His mediocre academic performance is almost certainly a deliberate disguise," Natasha continued.
When someone demonstrated extraordinary abilities, every aspect of their behavior took on deeper significance. Fury nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"Through our direct contact, we were unable to identify additional serums at the Primus facility, but there's a high probability that he has concealed other formulas. Additionally, he showed considerable wariness toward me, suggesting he may have learned about S.H.I.E.L.D. through independent channels."
"Also, when we visited Primus, he was the only person present. However, based on the facility's equipment and usage patterns, there should be at least more scientists working there."
Nick Fury agreed with these assessments. As a top-level agent, Natasha's observational skills were excellent. But he wanted to explore another angle.
"What's your personal evaluation of him?" Fury asked.
Nick had reviewed the footage of the sonic levitation car and was beginning to suspect that Primus might have the potential to replicate Iron Man technology. At the very least, they seemed more competent than Hammer Industries.
"I think he's less dangerous than initially assessed, but you know, he's still very young..." Natasha thought back to Ben's interaction with Trevor Cole, where his attitude had shifted dramatically after their initial meeting. She still believed that Ben's coldness had been a response to Trevor's condescending behavior.
"I recommend a gentle approach," she concluded.
"So there's a possibility he could join the Avengers?" Nick Fury's eyes lit up with interest.
"What about Tony Stark?" Natasha asked. "His condition has been deteriorating for a long time. If this continues, your second member might die before you can recruit him."
"It seems he hasn't found a solution to his problem yet," Nick Fury said with the satisfied expression of someone whose plans were proceeding perfectly.
What Fury didn't realize was that he was already too late. His strategy had been to allow Tony to reach the point of desperation, ensuring that any help would be received with gratitude. Only then would he reveal Howard's research and offer Tony a path to salvation.
"Just wait and see," Nick Fury said confidently. "He'll obediently join my Avengers!"
The Director's confidence was absolute, unaware that his carefully laid plans had already been disrupted by a young man who understood the game far better than anyone suspected.