Chapter 225: I Don't Need Your Gratitude
Tony Stark realized he'd been too naive. Having removed his Mark IV armor, one wrong word meant complete disaster.
But Tony maintained composure. As though completely oblivious to Max Dillon's threat, he drained his glass, then regarded Max across the bar:
"Good questions. I'll answer them one by one. First—why I could find you. That's simple. Batman provided every possible location you might appear."
Max's features scrunched together: "What??"
"You heard correctly. Batman." The instant Tony saw Max's reaction, he knew he'd stabilized the situation. "The legendary guy who moves around, turns invisible, transforms into a bat."
"Oh, right—I mean the real Batman. Not that blood-drinking impostor on Rikers Island."
Watching Max open his mouth, clearly preparing more Batman-related questions, Tony quickly continued:
"Second question—same answer. That bat provided addresses including your home."
"When asking me to contact you, he said New York's power grid contained a thinking lightning ghost. Starving, but fundamentally good."
Those obviously weren't Batman's exact words. But Tony wasn't someone who'd obsess over precision at moments like this. He needed to redirect Max's attention before verbal inconsistencies emerged:
"I've got two character flaws: can't resist fascinating technical problems, and can't stand watching good people suffer. You checked both boxes. That answers your third question."
Max laughed coldly. Golden electrical light flashed through his eyes, suggesting imminent attack:
"You're too naive, Tony Stark. You removed your armor, standing before me in that fragile flesh. Aren't you afraid I'll electrocute you into charcoal?"
Hooked.
Tony maintained his casual demeanor, spreading both hands:
"Come on, man. From your daughter, I sensed you're an excellent father. Despite your transformation, your family shows zero rejection. Your daughter kept circling you constantly."
"That demonstrates the profound security you've provided her. Deep enough to completely reshape a child's instinctual danger perception. You've made her believe Dad—even transformed into something different—remains her protective hero. Not something frightening."
Hearing Tony mention his daughter, Max's face showed unmistakable pride.
"So I refuse to believe such a father represents a threat requiring conspiracies. I believe this father is just... temporarily experiencing some electrical leakage."
Tony noticed the fleeting pride across Max's features. His mouth curved slightly upward:
"And I happen to be New York's best engineer. Bar none."
Tony nearly reached out to pat Max's shoulder, but withdrew decisively after an electrical arc zapped his fingertips.
"As for removing the armor?" Tony tapped the faintly glowing reactor in his chest. "Can't drink properly wearing that thing. Also couldn't convince you I want friendship, not a specimen for study."
"So—want to solve your electrical problem together? I've got New York's best laboratory and coffee. Success means you stop starving, and I get bragging rights with that bat. Failure means... well, at least we tried. And unlimited coffee."
After this extended monologue, Tony's throat felt parched. But he resisted turning for another drink.
He watched Max somewhat nervously, prepared to flee at the slightest emotional shift, then don armor and employ physical persuasion.
Tony's concerns proved unnecessary.
Max withdrew his golden electrical aura, regarding Tony with slight embarrassment:
"Never knew the famous playboy Tony Stark could talk so much."
"Forced into it." Tony relaxed completely. "Your aggressive posture scared me more than terrorists pointing guns in the Middle East."
"Like I wasn't terrified when you showed up armored at my house." Max responded irritably. "Now we're even."
---
Harry's rationality, memories, emotions had merged with Green Goblin's madness, paranoia, violence—fusing into an entirely new, extremely dangerous personality.
From Harry's perspective, he wanted to believe Peter Parker. He fully understood and felt Harry's emotions toward his father, the complex feelings regarding Peter.
But from Green Goblin jr's perspective—even witnessing Norman Osborn sleeping peacefully in the Batcave—he'd interpret and respond to everything through Green Goblin jr's conspiratorial thinking and control obsession.
This created internal contradiction. Despite knowing his words would wound Peter Parker's heart, his voice remained shrill, cutting:
"A long-missing father. An old friend transformed into a hero. A rescue story missing every single detail. Peter, this reunion you've prepared—the script's too perfect."
"Perfect like it was custom-designed to earn my trust."
"Then what? I'm supposed to be grateful? Hand over everything Osborn owns, thanking you for redeeming me and Father?"
Batman's expression revealed nothing. Heart apparently carved from stone:
"I don't need your gratitude."
"That was sarcasm!"
"I won't explain anything to you now, Harry." Batman advanced step by step. "I'll find solutions for your father's condition and yours. During that time, I'll manage Oscorp for you."
Harry Osborn stood motionless, watching Batman's relentless approach. Mockery crossed his features:
"Look—true colors revealed."
Facing Batman's extended hand, Harry offered zero resistance, allowing Batman to bind him thoroughly with webbing.
Even restrained, the mockery never left Harry's face—as though he'd successfully proven Batman was a long-plotting fraud.
Batman remained silent, extracting a vial from his utility belt.
The gamma inhibitor—created after learning Harry had injected super-soldier serum and become Green Goblin jr.
Without hesitation, Batman inserted the needle into Harry's skin, watching his gaze grow unfocused before the gamma inhibitor induced unconsciousness.
Batman's hands steadied Harry's collapsing form, preventing him from hitting the ground. He positioned Harry beside Norman Osborn, then turned toward Morbius—who'd remained completely silent since arriving in the Batcave.