Thirty minutes later, a red-gold stream of light streaked across the sky, landing precisely in front of the building on North Brother Island.
The Iron Man armor's faceplate popped open, revealing Tony's excited face.
"Buddy!" Tony jumped out of his armor and quickly walked towards William, who was waiting for him. "What you just said was true? Real limb regeneration?"
"Of course it's true," William said with a smile. "When have I ever lied to you?"
"Then why didn't you tell me before?" Tony's tone held a hint of complaint. "I was still worrying about the material strength for the Hulkbuster armor, and you've already developed biological regeneration technology?"
William shrugged.
"The technology is still in the refinement stage. I didn't want to give you false hope."
As they walked towards the laboratory, William briefly introduced Dr. Connors' research progress.
When he heard keywords like "no side effects" and "full functional recovery," Tony's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
"Do you know what this means?" Tony said excitedly. "This isn't just medical technology; this is a redefinition of the limits of the human body!"
They entered the laboratory, where Dr. Connors was already waiting.
"Mr. Stark, it's an honor to meet you."
Connors extended his hand.
"The honor is mine, Dr.," Tony clasped Connors' hand tightly. "May I see the specific research data?"
Connors immediately brought up all the relevant information.
From the initial theoretical model to the isolation technology of gene fragments, and then to the latest animal experiment results.
Every piece of data was detailed and clear.
Tony quickly scanned the information, occasionally pausing to ask about technical details.
As a genius scientist, he quickly understood the ingenuity of the entire technical roadmap.
"Selective activation of gene fragments... this approach is brilliant!" Tony exclaimed. "How did you think of using this method to avoid whole-genome mutations?"
Connors' face showed a proud smile.
"This is experience gained from mistakes I've made," he said honestly. "In early research, I once caused uncontrollable genetic mutations due to being too eager for success. That failure taught me that every gene fragment's expression must be precisely controlled."
Tony nodded.
He could understand that feeling.
Any groundbreaking technology is born from countless failures.
"What is the success rate now?" Tony asked.
"In experimental animals, the success rate has reached ninety-eight percent," Connors replied. "Failed cases are mainly due to immune rejection caused by individual differences."
"Immune rejection?"
"Yes. The immune systems of a very small number of individuals will recognize regenerated tissue as foreign matter," Connors explained. "However, we have already developed corresponding immunosuppression protocols."
Tony pondered for a moment.
"If applied to humans, what success rate do you anticipate?"
"Conservatively estimated, over ninety-five percent," Connors said with confidence.
Tony took a deep breath.
A ninety-five percent success rate is an astonishing figure for any medical technology.
Not to mention this is a revolutionary technology like limb regeneration.
"William, I want to talk to you alone." Tony turned to William.
The two walked out of the laboratory and into William's office.
"Go on, Tony," William poured two whiskeys. "What are you thinking?"
"I want to invest in this project," Tony said directly. "A large investment."
William was not surprised.
With Tony's business acumen, he couldn't possibly fail to see the immense value of this technology.
"What's the specific investment plan?"
Tony put down his glass and leaned forward.
"I'm willing to invest one billion U.S. dollars for technical refinement and clinical trials. In return, I hope to obtain the right to use the technology and partial ownership."
William shook his head.
"Ownership of the technology cannot be shared." His attitude was firm. "This is our company's core asset."
"Then what about the right to use it?" Tony conceded. "I only need permission to use this technology under specific circumstances."
William carefully considered Tony's proposal.
Stark Industries' financial support could indeed greatly accelerate the commercialization process of the technology.
Moreover, Tony's influence with the government and the Military could also help them get approval faster.
"It's considerable," William finally said. "But the scope of use needs to be strictly limited."
"Of course," Tony immediately agreed. "I mainly hope to use it to help members of the Avengers team. In case someone gets injured on a mission..."
William understood Tony's concerns.
The work of a superhero is indeed very dangerous.
Even with superpowers for protection, accidents are inevitable.
If it could be guaranteed that even fatal injuries could be fully recovered, it would undoubtedly greatly reduce Tony's psychological burden.
"We can discuss the specific terms of cooperation in detail," William said. "But before that, I need to see your sincerity."
"What sincerity?"
William smiled.
"Help us find suitable human trial volunteers."
Tony's expression became serious.
He understood William's meaning.
No matter how perfect the technology appeared, only through human trials could its safety and effectiveness be truly proven.
"I can contact some veteran hospitals," Tony thought for a moment. "There are many soldiers there who were disabled by war. If they are willing to participate in the trials..."
"Not enough," William interrupted him. "I don't need ordinary volunteers."
Tony raised an eyebrow.
"Then what kind of volunteers do you need?"
William walked to the window, looking out at the sea view.
"I need a volunteer for whom even a failed trial would not cause serious consequences," he said slowly. "Someone with powerful self-healing abilities."
Tony instantly understood William's meaning.
"You want to find a superpowered individual to be a guinea pig?"
"Not a guinea pig," William corrected. "A partner. If the technology succeeds, they will gain unprecedented ability enhancement. If it fails, their self-healing ability will ensure there's no life-threatening danger."
Tony was silent.
This idea was bold, but indeed very reasonable.
If a superpowered individual with powerful self-healing abilities could be found, it would indeed minimize the trial risks.
In fact, William had the best choice.
It was that chatterbox, the mercenary who rode a nuclear bomb into space.
Recently, William had also called him, but whether he had changed his contact information or was on an alien date, Deadpool could not be reached.
The contract had also investigated Deadpool, with similar lack of results.
Besides him, suitable test subjects would be quirky villains with some self-healing ability and a slight disability.
Who would be suitable?
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"