For a time, Zod became the center of attention for countless people. Yet he had little interest in going public—after all, money was no longer an issue for him.
Even at ten thousand dollars per gram, vibranium was in high demand but short supply. No nation could simply buy up all of Wakanda's stock. Secondary Kryptonium, by contrast, had a clear price tag and an active production base—ready to supply whenever needed.
Zod's secretary, a blonde beauty he had recruited, even reported that orders for Secondary Kryptonium had already reached a scale projected for two years ahead.
"Keep producing the Secondary Kryptonium," Zod said. "And bring me talent for weapons development. Blade Tech Industries isn't just about materials—it's about military tech as well."
The blonde, a graduate from a prestigious private university, nodded. Her figure was stunning, but Zod wasn't interested in that—he cared only about competence.
"Yes, boss," she replied.
Her name was Uld, and though she found her attractive, capable boss appealing, she had no intention of office romance. She worked seriously during work hours; everything else could wait until after hours.
Zod watched her leave with quiet appreciation. He had no desire to create accidental Kryptonian offspring, and he certainly wouldn't risk entanglements with anyone else. An unprecedented child between a Kryptonian and a human could easily become a Franklin-level anomaly. For now, Zod's path required absolute restraint.
Zod tapped his fingers against the desk, thinking. Uld and the other young talents were promising, but compared to seasoned experts, they lacked experience. And those seasoned talents, even if unemployed, would quickly be snatched up by headhunters. Blade Tech Industries attracted plenty of attention, but not the truly capable minds—because Stark Industries existed.
"Also," he murmured, "I can't be sure there aren't Hydra or SHIELD agents sneaking in. There probably are."
He rolled a sphere of Secondary Kryptonium between his fingers, smoothing it into a perfect orb from its original cube shape.
If Hydra or agents were spying, Zod didn't care. Without his key knowledge, even if they obtained production processes, it wouldn't matter—they couldn't replicate the alloy.
Thanks to the company's growing influence, Zod had the green light to establish a new subsidiary: Blade Security Corporation.
A private military and security consultancy handling protection, training, and logistics.
In reality, Zod modeled it on Umbrella Corporation's structure. Unfortunately, he lacked their cloning tech—otherwise, he could have captured mercenaries and created unlimited human test subjects.
Zhe Tian Health Products merged into Blade Tech Industries, forming the pharmaceutical arm of the industrial conglomerate.
Just like that, a massive industrial empire had been formed.
Outside, discussion of Zod was rampant.
A young, brilliant entrepreneur—not only had he invented the vitamin∞ supplement (already used by over thirty percent of the U.S. population, with the number still rising), but users reported markedly improved health.
He had also developed a new alloy, revolutionizing materials science worldwide. Blade Tech Industries had quickly grown into a company worth over ten billion dollars. Not yet rivaling Stark, Oscorp, or Hammer Industries, but its prospects were extraordinary.
Zod was hailed as the "Most Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year." Time magazine even put him on the cover.
Uld told him he had been nominated as one of the "Ten Figures Who Will Shape the World This Century." Zod didn't care—Tony Stark had already received such recognition before him.
A joke, really. Tony Stark was just a weapons dealer. Zod had developed a revolutionary alloy and reshaped the global materials industry—and still only got a nomination? He'd only be impressed when Stark became the undisputed leader in new clean energy.
One of Zod's targets was Oscorp, home of the scientist he wanted: Dr. Connors.
The reptilian specialist in cross-species gene transplantation, Dr. Connors was not yet a lizard-man. He was still working for Norman Osborn, researching a super-soldier serum to treat Osborn's retrocellular hyperplasia—though he didn't know the true purpose.
The project had stalled. Connors couldn't manage the violent side effects of the serum.
"Oscorp seems a suitable target," Zod thought. "Norman won't last much longer."
Retrocellular hyperplasia meant no Osborn lived past fifty; most died around forty. Zod figured Norman's time was near. Otherwise, he wouldn't be getting desperate. Could Zod cure him? He didn't yet know. He had never seen retrocellular hyperplasia before.
"Uld, arrange a meeting with Norman Osborn," Zod instructed. "Just say it's about the curse."
Given Blade Tech Industries' current scale and potential, Zod wasn't going to get bounced into the secretary's waiting line. When Norman received Uld's contact, he realized someone might be uncovering his family's secrets.
Normally, Norman would eliminate such threats immediately. But Zod… Norman decided to meet him.
"Boss, Norman Osborn has agreed to meet. He'll come around three tomorrow afternoon," Uld reported.
"Good. Have someone escort him to the biotech lab," Zod said.
Uld was surprised. The biotech lab was a secret department within Blade Tech Industries. Even she, theoretically Zod's highest-authority secretary, was not authorized to access it. But since Oscorp's main business was biotech, she assumed Blade Tech was preparing some form of cooperation.
The next day, Zod met Norman Osborn in the lab.
Norman appeared well, but Zod's super-vision saw the truth: beneath the thick makeup, his complexion was pale and sallow.
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