Norman cast his gaze upon the two reports on the desk.
One was the "Physical Enhancement Formula" that he had personally supervised.
The other was the "lizard serum" project from Dr. Curt Connors.
The former had completed animal trials long ago, but because the effects were unstable, he had been hesitating whether to proceed with human trials.
The latter had been progressing slowly until he suddenly heard of a major breakthrough the day before yesterday; limb regeneration had been initially achieved in mice, and it was currently in the follow-up observation stage.
If one failed, there was still the other as a backup... Thinking this, a trace of determination and madness flashed in Norman's eyes.
He then pressed the call button on his desk and summoned his secretary, Saji, to the office, giving the order:
"Inform Stom to immediately arrange human trials for the 'Physical Enhancement Formula,' and then pay a visit to Dr. Connors' lab."
"Tell him I am very satisfied with the progress of his project and encourage him to keep up the good work and complete the animal trials as soon as possible."
"Understood." The hot-bodied female secretary respectfully exited the room, but her expression changed instantly once the door was closed.
She immediately dialed a number, a cold light flashing in her eyes:
"Gentlemen, the boss can't wait any longer. Moreover, he seems to intend to start Connors' project as well, as a backup plan..."
Hearing this, cheers and celebrations immediately erupted from the other end of the line. After a moment, someone spoke:
"Very good. Next, go and pressure that cripple to immediately conduct human trials using veterans... This way, regardless of whether Norman's plan succeeds or fails, we will be the ultimate winners!"
Hearing this, the female secretary felt her heart rate accelerate:
"And after it's done?"
"Don't worry, you'll get every cent of your share. Once we sell off Oscorp, you'll get at least this much..."
Hearing the astronomical figure mentioned on the other end of the phone, the female secretary became even more excited. Without any hesitation, she immediately jogged to Connors' lab.
Bang!
Rudely pushing open the door, the female secretary spoke haughtily:
"Dr. Connors, I'm glad your project has finally made significant progress. Mr. Norman is quite satisfied."
Hearing this, Connors smiled and pushed up his glasses, speaking somewhat shyly:
"I will continue to work hard and strive to complete the animal trials as soon as possible."
"Animal trials?" The female secretary couldn't help but sneer:
"That's over. Mr. Norman has already sent all the follow-up preclinical research reports to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Disabled veterans will be arranged for clinical trials the day after tomorrow."
"What?!" Connors' eyes widened in disbelief. He subconsciously reached out to grab the secretary's shoulder:
"You can't do that! The follow-up observations of the animal trials haven't even been completed. No one can guarantee that there won't be accidents. Conducting human trials now—how is that any different from murder!"
"Doctor, these are not things you should be concerned about."
Because Connors had only one arm and was just a frail scientist, the female secretary easily pushed him to the ground, looking down at him from above:
"Caring too much about certain things won't do you any good! You should know that once you leave Oscorp, you, a cripple, will be nothing!"
Secretary Saji easily trampled on Connors' dignity and left haughtily like a victor.
Leaving Connors alone on the floor, his expression flickering as he looked at the serum in his hand... "So cold!"
Lying shirtless on the cold examination table, Norman couldn't help but sigh.
"Mr. Norman, I must remind you again that the Physical Enhancement Formula is still very unstable. Theoretically, it shouldn't even be in clinical trials yet. You are risking your own life by doing this!"
"I know it's a risk, but I have no choice." Norman didn't bother to explain further, merely waving his hand weakly after drinking the formula:
"Begin, Dr. Stom."
Stom, the project leader, sighed helplessly and had to start the device as instructed.
As the green gas filled the sterile chamber, Norman began to scream in agony.
Almost at the same time Norman received the Physical Enhancement Formula, Connors made the same decision.
He didn't want those heroes who had bled for the country to suffer an undeserved catastrophe because of him.
Thus, with the spirit of "if I don't enter hell, who will?" and a longing for limb regeneration.
After one last look at his stump, Connors unhesitatingly took out a vial of lizard serum and injected it into himself.
"Aaaaaah!"
As Dr. Stom, who had kindly come forward to perform CPR on Norman, had his neck snapped by Norman with a sinister grin.
At this point, the two major villains of the Spider-Man World, the Green Goblin and Dr. Lizard, were born together... Because the two had reunited after a long time, Harry pulled Peter aside to talk about many personal matters.
The two talked about everything from a business empire that was still just a dream, to the troubles in their respective lives, and from those small troubles to the romantic matters that teenagers inevitably discuss.
Their conversation lasted until after nine in the evening.
"I'll wait for your good news, Harry!"
After a reluctant farewell to Harry, Peter returned to his bedroom and immediately contacted Herman.
Since he was a newly recruited subordinate, Peter felt it necessary to give him some reassurance to demonstrate his extraordinary nature as a boss and, in passing, boost his subordinate's favorability:
"Yes, Herman, I've found an Angel investor. As long as you can produce the first sample battery, the funds will arrive soon.
Remember, this battery is for powering mobile phones, so the power output must be stable enough..."
While Peter was sharing the good news with Herman, the old car radio Peter kept by his bedside suddenly made a sound.
This was a little gadget Peter had put together; the radio could hack into exclusive police wireless channels, helping him quickly keep track of police incidents in New York City.
"Calling all units! Calling all units! Emergency on the Manhattan Bridge! Witnesses report... a giant... Lizard Monster is attacking vehicles! Repeat, this is not a drill!"
Lizard Monster?
Peter hung up the phone, his brow arching slightly.
Why is the plot starting so soon?
Wasn't Dr. Lizard supposed to appear only when he and Gwen were nearing graduation?
After a brief daze, Peter couldn't help but slap his forehead!
How could I have forgotten?
Because he wanted to obtain the lizard serum sooner, he had given the Decay Rate Algorithm to the doctor ahead of time.
In this situation, it was only natural that Dr. Lizard would be born early.
With that thought, he almost subconsciously reached for the Battle Suit in his bag.
But just as his hand reached out, it suddenly stopped.
In his mind, Gwen's stubborn and unyielding face subconsciously appeared.
Perhaps... he should give her a chance to grow on her own?