Compared to the storm brewing around Nick Fury, Joseph was enjoying a far more relaxed and pleasant time.
He was on a date.
In the heart of Manhattan, inside a cozy French restaurant on Fifth Avenue, the ambiance was elegant and filled with the aroma of wine and spice. Across from him sat Kate Mara, the high-profile federal judge who had recently been in the public spotlight. She was dressed in a refined fuchsia gown that perfectly complimented her graceful figure. The soft lighting danced across her features as she cut into her steak delicately, her tone light and teasing.
"Sir, the male lead in the latest 'Oasis' advertisement is incredibly charming," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "He's become quite the topic in my office lately. Everyone's talking about him. Is he a new student at Xavier's School?"
Joseph smiled warmly.
"That's right," he replied.
Truthfully, several students at Xavier's School could've fit the role well, but after a vote among the female student body, Warren Worthington—better known as Angel—came out on top. His looks and charisma sealed the deal, making him the ideal face for the promotional campaign.
"That commercial has really caused a stir," Kate said, her eyes fixed on Joseph with admiration. "Featuring the Hulk and a Mutant side by side in an ad… That's very much your style, sir. No attempt to disguise the connection between the Second World and the Mutants."
"Why should we hide it?" Joseph asked as he took a sip of wine, setting down a plate of caviar with a slight frown. He was never a fan of such luxurious delicacies. "Secrets don't stay buried for long. Sooner or later, the link between the Second World and Mutants would've been discovered. Might as well confront it head-on."
He had always respected the capabilities of official intelligence agencies. After all, he'd made public appearances in front of S.H.I.E.L.D.—pretending to remain hidden would've been naive at best.
Kate nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. But still, the authorities won't just stand by and watch. They may not be able to target Xavier's School directly, but they won't let the Second World operate without interference."
"So what?" Joseph shrugged, his voice calm and unconcerned. "Even if the government wants to go after Mutants, what does that have to do with a game company? We're a law-abiding, tax-paying business. A model corporate citizen, really."
Kate let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth playfully. "You think the officials care whether your company's operating within the rules?"
Of course, she was right.
The FBI, CIA, IRS, and Homeland Security could easily fabricate reasons to investigate or obstruct any private company. It wouldn't even take much effort to throw wrenches into Second World's operations.
But Joseph remained unfazed.
"The Stark Group is one of our major shareholders," he said matter-of-factly.
"I've heard rumors," Kate replied. "Apparently, Stark Industries is shifting its focus—moving away from weapons manufacturing and towards clean energy. That's strained their relationship with the military. He's offended quite a few powerful people."
Joseph raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting that without arms contracts, Stark Industries is doomed?"
"Isn't it?" Kate tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
"Definitely not," Joseph said with certainty. "In a capitalist society, profits are everything. Stark Industries holds countless futuristic patents and technological breakthroughs. The clean energy sector Tony is developing has enormous market potential. It can be applied across dozens of industries."
He leaned forward, voice growing firm.
"And most importantly… Tony Stark is Iron Man."
Their eyes met. "Kate, this man is the heart and soul of Stark Industries. As long as he's around, the company's influence will only grow. He brings value—enough to keep countless alliances intact."
Kate seemed to have an epiphany. "You're saying that Stark's pivot from arms won't weaken him, but open even more doors in other sectors… and even the military won't dare make him an enemy?"
"Exactly," Joseph confirmed.
While Tony himself may not excel at political networking, he had Pepper Potts—someone who could manage the business empire and cultivate relationships. Together, they formed a powerhouse duo, propelling Stark Industries into a new era.
Kate hesitated, brows slightly furrowed. "Even so… that doesn't mean the government will stop trying to take down the Second World. They won't sit by and let Mutants amass wealth and power through 'Oasis.' It'll make us even harder to control."
"You still don't get it," Joseph said with a soft sigh. "This is a nation where capital reigns supreme. As long as we're willing to spend money, every top law firm in the country will scramble to defend us. They'll dig through every statute and clause to fight back against government interference. If necessary, we'll sue for malicious targeting of a private company."
That was the American way.
Money could build walls thicker than any regulation. Legal warfare wasn't a problem for Joseph—he had the resources and wasn't afraid to use them.
Kate's expression turned slightly amused. "Using the rules to defeat the rules… That's what you told me before. I didn't understand it at the time. But now…"
Her voice softened. "I've heard the employees at Second World are paid significantly more than average. It's created a rush of top-tier talent trying to get in. But with all the spending… are you sure the company can stay afloat?"
"If we were short on funds," Joseph said, raising his wine glass in a toast, "I'd appreciate your offer. But truthfully… money isn't a problem anymore."
Kate blinked in surprise.
In reality, Joseph had been spending like mad recently.
Out of the $2 billion he had raised through the stock market, roughly $1.5 billion had gone into producing hardware for the Second World. With the Stark Group's global factories running nonstop, game equipment was being churned out at a staggering rate.
The first phase of Dr. Helen Cho's "Cradle of Life" project had soaked up another $500 million.
Mr. Gray's research lab received an initial investment of $100 million.
Dr. Banner's lab needed high-end scientific equipment, burning through another $300 to $400 million.
Joseph had made some money through a side business in Wakanda, but even that profitable venture only brought in a few tens of millions per quarter—not enough to cover his larger expenditures.
On paper, things looked tight.
But Joseph wasn't worried. Not in the slightest.
Because recently, he'd secured a new investor: the third major shareholder in Second World—
Emma Frost, the White Queen.
These powerful women were seriously wealthy.
After an in-depth discussion, Joseph discovered that Emma's fortune rivaled even Professor Xavier's. She had once co-founded the infamous Hellfire Club with Sebastian Shaw. While the core members were Mutants, the outer circle consisted of business tycoons, aristocrats, and global elites.
Howard Stark, Tony's father, had once been among them.
The White Queen had made a fortune from those connections.
Even though she'd been imprisoned and her visible assets were seized by authorities, she had reserves hidden beyond anyone's reach.
When she learned of Joseph's plans—perhaps out of belief in his mission or a desire to support the future of Mutants—she invested a staggering $3 billion without batting an eye.
Like Stark Industries and Xavier, she now held a 10% stake.
And so, Joseph had transcended financial constraints. With the official release of "Oasis" approaching, he was about to become someone for whom money simply no longer mattered.
Kate's shoulders relaxed. "Of course, I should've known. For a man like you… money isn't really an issue."
Her admiration was obvious now—deep, unwavering, and nearly reverent.
If Professor X were present, he would've noticed it immediately: the look in her eyes was the same as Moira MacTaggert's.
Kate had clearly become another of Joseph's magical apprentices.
"Let's not talk about business," Joseph said gently. "This evening is about you. Since that incident at the courthouse, life in the federal system hasn't been easy, has it?"
Kate gave a coy smile, her face slightly flushed. "There have been some challenges, yes. But I'm no pushover, sir. In fact… my popularity has only grown since then."
Joseph chuckled. "For a judge, public support is a powerful weapon."
He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a more serious tone.
"But your days of fighting alone are over."
His eyes gleamed. "You've been keeping tabs on the promising up-and-comers in politics, haven't you?"
As "Oasis" launched, Joseph's true plan would unfold.
The infiltration of the political system.
"Yes, sir," Kate replied brightly. She tapped her forehead lightly, and her thoughts linked directly to Joseph's.
"Mr. James, whose son was saved by Wolverine at the Hammer Fair, has completely changed his view of Mutants."
"Reed Strack, the District Attorney handling Mutant-related cases, is strongly biased—but he doesn't yet realize his own children are Mutants…"
One name after another filtered into Joseph's mind, accompanied by comprehensive dossiers.
He nodded in satisfaction.
His two magic apprentices, Kate and Moira, were performing beyond expectations.
And as the final preparations for "Oasis" neared completion, Joseph's vision drew closer to reality.
Because "Oasis" had never just been about making money or recruiting Mutants.
Its true purpose…
Was to find those with the potential for magic.
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