The university president's office was exactly what Alex expected. Expensive furniture, golf trophies, and photos with political figures. President Harrison sat behind his massive desk, trying to look authoritative.
"Mr. Chen, I understand you've purchased significant shares in our institution."
"Controlling shares," Alex corrected. He sat across from Harrison without being invited. "Which makes me your boss."
"Now see here, young man. The university has a board of directors, established procedures—"
"Had." Alex placed legal documents on the desk. "Maya hacked your financial records. Elena bought out the other board members. David provided legal oversight as a federal consultant."
Harrison's face went red. "This is preposterous! I'll fight this in court!"
"With what money? Your salary comes from me now." Alex leaned back in his chair. "But don't worry. I'm not firing you."
"You're... not?"
"I'm demoting you. You'll be my personal assistant. Salary: minimum wage."
*HUMILIATION SUCCESSFUL*
*TARGET BROKEN*
*+200 VILLAIN POINTS*
Harrison slumped in his chair. "What do you want?"
"Simple. This university is going to become the best in the country. We're hiring new professors. Building new facilities. Offering full scholarships to deserving students."
"That sounds... reasonable."
"Oh, and we're establishing the Harrison School of Janitorial Excellence. You'll be the head instructor."
Harrison's eyes widened in horror. "You can't—"
"I can. I own you now." Alex stood. "Classes start Monday. Don't be late."
As Alex left the office, his phone rang. Maya's voice was excited.
"Boss, you need to see this. I found something in the university's servers."
"What kind of something?"
"Project Olympus had a backup site. Hidden in the university's research labs. It's been running experiments on students."
Alex's blood went cold. "How long?"
"Five years. Maybe more. They've been testing enhancement serums in the cafeteria food. Looking for candidates."
*NEW THREAT DETECTED*
*OLYMPUS REMNANTS ACTIVE*
*MISSION: ELIMINATE THREAT*
"Maya, lock down the university. No one in or out. Elena, get our team here now. David, we need federal backup."
"Already on it," David's voice joined the call. "FBI units are ten minutes out."
"What about Agent Chen?"
"Director Chen is coordinating from federal headquarters. She says to be careful. These people are desperate."
Alex walked toward the research building. His enhanced senses picked up chemical traces in the air. Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
*DANGER LEVEL: EXTREME*
*ENHANCED ENEMIES DETECTED*
*RECOMMEND IMMEDIATE EVACUATION*
"Boss," Maya's voice was urgent. "I'm seeing at least twenty enhanced individuals in that building. They're not students anymore."
Alex smiled grimly. "Good. I was getting bored."