Alex suddenly froze in shock as he processed what he had just received from the Forge. An overwhelming surge of information flooded his mind after all, genetics was no joke. The sheer complexity of the knowledge was staggering, but as always, Alex was prepared. His newly upgraded car, outfitted with an advanced AI responsible for driving, ensured that no accidents occurred despite his momentary lapse in focus.
As he regained his composure, his thoughts raced through the endless possibilities that had now opened up to him. This wasn't enough for a full species transformation so he couldn't just become a Kryptonian like Superman but the potential was still immense. He could add or modify genetic traits, unlock dormant abilities, or even suppress certain genes entirely. Fortunately, the Forge had already ensured that no one could clone him, removing any immediate urgency for self-experimentation.
However, this power required extreme caution. The first step was to have Watcher comb through every available database on superhumans whose abilities stemmed from genetics. Once the data was compiled, he would meticulously cross-reference it with his own knowledge from the comics, ensuring he didn't accidentally experiment with the DNA of someone tied to a god, demon, or eldritch entity. Genetic modification was already dangerous enough he had no intention of inviting cosmic horrors into the equation.
For now, his meeting with General Ross took priority. Once that was out of the way, he could begin strategizing. One particularly lucrative and socially acceptable application of his new knowledge stood out: curing genetic diseases. If he could develop treatments for conditions like cancer, muscular dystrophy, or hereditary disorders, he could reshape the medical industry and amass a fortune in the process. But he needed to tread carefully; breakthroughs of this magnitude would undoubtedly attract attention from powerful players who might want to control or suppress his research.
One step at a time. First, he would handle Ross. Then, he would redesign the future of human evolution on his terms.
The Meeting
Alex's car had barely rolled to a stop in front of Nexus Headquarters before his assistant started banging on the window, urgency written all over his face.
Alex sighed. He hadn't even unbuckled his seatbelt yet.
You get what you pay for.
If he wanted a professional secretary like Pepper Potts or Mercy Graves, he would have to invest in better talent. But for now, his current aide would have to do even if he panicked at the first sign of a high-ranking official breathing down his neck.
With measured patience, Alex stepped out of the car and adjusted his suit. The front entrance of Nexus Headquarters loomed ahead, the building sleek and modern a growing powerhouse in the tech industry.
Inside, the tension was palpable.
His employees and executives moved with hurried precision, clearly aware of the importance of the visitor waiting upstairs. Even the receptionist, who usually had a casual, rehearsed smile, looked slightly on edge.
Alex entered the meeting room, immediately taking note of the setting.
A large conference table was set with a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic along with at least ten different kinds of snacks. A typical corporate hospitality move, meant to ease tensions before negotiations.
It clearly hadn't worked.
General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross sat at the table, arms crossed, his expression severe and impatient. Not a single drink or snack had been touched.
They really thought some refreshments would pacify him? Alex mused. Amateurs.
As soon as he stepped inside, Ross rose from his chair, offering a firm handshake.
Alex took it, keeping his posture relaxed but professional.
"Good day, General," he said. "What's so urgent that I had to rush over?"
Ross wasted no time.
"I need your expertise in designing specialized weapons for an important mission. The deadline is unknown, but because the target is constantly moving, it's urgent."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "I see. And why come to me? There are plenty of more established companies some with better resources and faster production speeds."
Ross exhaled sharply, as if he had already gone through this argument several times today.
"That may be true, but the prices they're demanding are ridiculous. Stark has cut most of his military contracts since he started flying around in that armor of his. Luthor is wrapped up in other projects, the Wayne team outright refused, and the remaining corporations are either overcharging or unreliable."
Alex smirked. "So, in other words, you came to me because I have no major allegiances, and you expect me to offer a fair price."
Ross's expression remained unreadable.
"Something like that," he admitted. "Now, let's talk business. First, look at the project details then we can discuss terms."
The general reached into his uniform and pulled out a thick file, placing it on the table.
Alex picked it up and casually flipped through the first few pages but within seconds, he realized exactly what he was looking at.
This was about the Hulk.
There were no direct mentions of him no name, no codename, no green-skinned giant smashing things but the parameters outlined in the documents were unmistakable. The strength levels, durability estimates, regeneration rates, and necessary countermeasures all pointed to one specific target.
At least, this was the Hulk in his current state not his world-breaking, full-power version.
Alex sighed internally. He should have seen this coming. Ross's obsession with capturing the Hulk was practically a walking cliché at this point.
You'd think, in a world constantly on the brink of disaster, he'd have better things to do… but no. Hatred trumps logic.
Still, as Alex continued scanning the document, he saw an opportunity.
Ross wanted a weapon to contain the Hulk. But if Alex played this right, he could design something that appeared to help Ross while secretly ensuring Hulk could escape.
A few ideas came to mind immediately:
An inferior Nth metal bullet, infused with a specialized alchemy-based drug potent enough to slow the Hulk down, disrupt his regeneration, or cloud his mind, but not enough to permanently harm him.
A specialized drone system, incorporating Alterra technology, designed to track, or contain rather than outright neutralize.
Or perhaps a reinforced containment cage, crafted from experimental alloys he had studied while attempting to recreate Nth metal strong enough to hold the Hulk temporarily, but with a built-in weakness only he would know about.
With the right approach, he could walk away with a lucrative contract, gain valuable resources, and make sure Ross never got his hands on Hulk permanently.
Alex shut the file and looked up, expression neutral.
"Let's talk specifics, General."
At that moment, Alex felt the familiar hum of the Celestial Forge, a subtle yet unmistakable pulse of energy coursing through him.
[Shadow Clones (Generic Naruto Fanfiction) (100CP)
Ah, shadow clone no jutsu. The signature jutsu of the Naruto franchise. And now you can join in on the fun. You have a copy of a technique scroll for the shadow clone jutsu, of such quality that an idiot could teach himself from this thing in virtually no time at all. It even has safeguards built-in that eliminate any possibility of killing yourself by putting too much chakra into it, or getting a headache from too many clones dispelling at once or anything like that. The worst that can possibly happen is that it fails to work. You still can only make as many shadow clones as your chakra can support but outside of that you can feel free to abuse this handy jutsu for training, decoys, diversions, paperwork, chores, or whatever else you can imagine. In the event that this technique is supposed to have some additional features in the particular fanfiction you go to, or even a better version, this scroll will contain both versions.]
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Alex felt a new energy coursing through his body chakra. It was faint, almost minuscule, but unmistakably there. Perhaps, as his physical fitness improved, his chakra reserves would grow as well.
The jutsu he received only allowed him to create a maximum of two clones a limitation, but one he could potentially overcome with training. If he could expand his reserves and refine his control, he might be able to increase the number of clones over time.
Even at this level, it was one of his best rolls so far. The ability to handle multiple tasks at once was invaluable. He could conduct research, oversee experiments, and work on multiple projects simultaneously, dramatically boosting his efficiency.
But there was more.
If chakra existed within him now, it meant it could be harnessed for alchemy, potentially enhancing his mutagenic experiments. He could create chakra-infused plants a fusion of alchemy, genetics, and chakra cultivation.
The possibilities were endless.
Now, it was time to return to the negotiations.
Ross didn't waste any time. "We need something deployable, effective, and controllable. If we're dealing with enhanced individuals, we can't afford weapons that risk collateral damage or go out of control."
Alex leaned back slightly, tapping a finger on the closed file. "Controllable, huh? That depends on how much flexibility you're willing to give me in the design. Some of these specifications are… ambitious."
Ross's expression hardened. "We're willing to pay for results. But I need assurances that what you develop won't fail at a critical moment."
Alex gave a knowing smirk. "I don't do failure, General. However, if you want something tailor-made to neutralize enhanced individuals, I'll need access to certain classified research materials specifically, a small sample or data from the Super Soldier Serum project. Understanding how enhanced physiology works would let me craft something far more precise."
Ross's jaw tightened. "A physical sample is out of the question. That data is highly restricted, even to me."
Alex expected that answer. He wasn't naïve enough to think Ross would hand over something as valuable as an actual serum sample but that had never been the goal.
"Then at least provide historical research files past attempts, experimental results, even failures. If I can analyze what worked and what didn't, I can ensure your weapon is actually effective. Without that, I'm working off incomplete data, which means more testing, more time wasted, and more money spent."
Ross stared at him, his eyes sharp, gauging whether this was a bluff.
Alex held his gaze, completely unfazed. He knew how the game was played. Ross wasn't the type to trust easily, but he was pragmatic. If giving Alex select research files could speed up development and increase the project's chances of success, then it was a small price to pay.
Finally, Ross exhaled sharply and gave a short nod. "I can authorize select data files, but nothing beyond that. No samples, no active compounds, and no access to live subjects. Just records."
"Fair enough," Alex said, keeping his expression neutral. Inside, he was already planning how to use that data for his own research. Even limited information could provide a foundation for his own experiments, and with his genetic knowledge and alchemy, he could reverse-engineer some of the key principles behind the serum.
With the agreement set, the two of them finalized the contract details. Numbers, deadlines, deliverables everything locked in. Ross made sure there were strict security protocols in place, and Alex made sure he had enough freedom to modify the project to his liking.
Finally, Ross stood up, offering a firm handshake.
"We'll be in touch once the first prototypes are ready," Alex said as he shook the general's hand.
Ross gave a curt nod. "See that you don't waste my time."
With that, the general turned and left, his footsteps heavy with purpose.
The moment the door shut behind him, Alex let out a slow breath, leaning back in his chair. A small, satisfied smirk formed on his face.
This was a win.
Ross thought he had just secured a powerful new weapon.
Alex had just secured a goldmine of genetic research.
[Monster Hunted (Everyone Else is a Returnee) (100CP)
Metal and stone are only a small group of materials used in the creation of equipment. Much more prevalent is the use of the flesh of monsters. From the feathers to the fur to the blood of them, every part of a monster can be used for something by a skilled craftsman. Luckily you just so happen to have a replenishing supply of monster bits. You can choose the class of monster flesh you receive, though the stronger the material the less of it will be supplied.
You may only get a handful of 5th class feathers, while you could get a metric ton of 1st class scales. New material is supplied each month. Among these you may even get some magic cores.]
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