Why invent a superhuman serum?
Honestly, Ben didn't want the world flooded with superhumans.
Because you never knew what someone with superpowers would do next.
Even among superheroes, many were essentially newborns, let alone the villains.
Ben's words were like a wake-up call.
Having seen Peter and Ben as successful examples, Connors subconsciously imagined the Lizard Serum as something comparable to Spider-Man's abilities.
"If that's the case, it will be much easier," he said.
"Diluting the serum and reducing its potency can slow down this effect."
The first time he transformed into Lizard Man, he changed back not long after.
But Ben shook his head.
"Diluting the serum won't work, Doctor."
Simply diluting the serum was the most foolish approach.
If you could dilute it, others could purify it, or even buy it in large quantities to replicate the original serum.
In this business, the most important thing was keeping the formula secret. If it were cracked, patent laws would be useless.
After all, the ones most likely to want the formula were the American Military and S.H.I.E.L.D.
What could you do if they managed to crack it?
Sue them?
"Who are you, and why are you suing me?"
Moreover, merely diluting the serum didn't fundamentally solve its side effects.
"My suggestion is to redesign the formula and improve the serum."
In Ben's vision, the serum was merely a therapeutic medicine. After removing superpowers, the side effects would naturally disappear.
Furthermore, the serum had to be a consumable.
It could treat disabilities but absolutely couldn't grant people super-healing abilities.
In fact, Ben planned to release several generations of the serum with varying effects.
Only the serum with the best effects could truly achieve limb regeneration; other versions would have insufficient results.
This way, the serum could maximize its value and generate profit for Primus.
However, Connors clearly didn't entirely agree.
This was different from his original intention for inventing the serum.
Still, he only fell silent for a moment, not voicing any objection.
After all, the serum wasn't entirely his creation from the start.
He had worked with Richard Parker over a decade ago, and even the Lizard Serum with its side effects was completed based on the formulas Richard had left behind.
Now, the serum in Ben's mind was vastly different from his own invention.
He had no right to dictate Ben's ideas.
Besides, he understood that a company's primary consideration was profit. At least Primus was still working for the betterment of humanity.
That was enough.
"Then how do we protect the serum formula?"
He asked.
Connors really didn't want to see another incident like this happen again.
Although Animo's final battleground was Stark Tower, the Monster Bird and Iron Man's aerial combat inevitably affected the surrounding people.
Later, when Ben knocked Animo into the river, it also caused several cruise ships in the river to nearly capsize from the waves.
"We'll start from the source."
Ben took out Animo's variometer and explained, "We just need to control one of the indispensable key ingredients of the serum."
Hearing this, Connors couldn't help but nod.
This way, even if others tried to crack the serum, they would be helpless against an unknown component.
"Then let's start from scratch!"
Connors rubbed his hands together.
"It would be best to set up a small ecological environment."
"I've already got one," Ben nodded. He had rented an entire floor, and only two laboratories were currently in use.
There was enough space.
And soon, once the Stark Technology Expo began, he would have his own building.
Right? Hammer?
The two of them studied together for a while, Connors marveling at Grey Matter.
In his opinion, sometimes Ben, transformed into Grey Matter, seemed completely clueless about some "basic" things, yet he could miraculously point out the very problems that baffled him.
"We don't need to cause a full mutation, just strengthen those special stem cells."
The two of them made rapid progress and were now planning how to mutate the lizard's genes.
At this moment, a ringing sound came from outside the company.
Connors immediately became alert.
He hadn't forgotten he was still a fugitive.
"Don't be nervous, I've arranged to meet Norman Osborn."
Ben jumped off the table and, mid-air, patted the Little Broken Watch on his back, transforming back into a human.
"Norman Osborn?"
Connors became even more nervous.
That was his former boss!
"I'll explain the rest to you later. Just tell him the serum has been successfully developed, and don't reveal anything else," Ben reminded him.
Ben had long planned to help Norman and Harry cure their genetic disease.
However, he didn't want to reveal Little Broken Watch, so he decided to use the serum as an excuse.
He went to open the door for Norman, with Harry following behind him.
As soon as Norman entered, he surveyed Ben's laboratory with an appreciative gaze. Primus now couldn't compare to the original Osborn, but he seemed to see his younger self.
Of course, he hadn't been this excellent back then.
Walking further in, Norman finally noticed Connors.
"Curt?"
He frowned, utterly surprised.
"Long time no see, Mr. Norman."
Connors calmly greeted him.
After the initial panic, Connors quickly relaxed.
Honestly, he had nothing to fear.
Because together, he and Ben were too strong!
So strong that even if the person standing before him wasn't Norman but Iron Man, he wouldn't need to worry.
What could the other party do to him?
Whatever, he'd just go with the flow!
"I've taken in Dr. Connors and completed the serum with him," Ben explained.
He took out a small vial of serum, which was actually a pre-prepared anesthetic.
"Your executives at Osborn told me that you couldn't wait and wanted to experiment with the unfinished serum..." Connors sighed, "And you saw the result."
"I don't know about this."
Hearing this, Norman's expression soured.
His body was indeed starting to deteriorate, but it was far from the point of impatience. How could he be so hasty as to immediately conduct human trials?
Moreover, he hadn't even seen a glimpse of the Lizard Serum from beginning to end.
"It seems they've long wanted me dead," Norman said with a sad shake of his head.
"Now their hopes have been dashed," Ben said with a smile. "Uncle Norman, the serum can cure the Osborn family's genetic defects. That's why I invited you and Harry over."
"You're serious!"
Hearing this news, even Norman couldn't help but clench his fists, losing his composure slightly.
Harry, who had been kept in the dark, was confused.
"Wait, what genetic defect?"
Norman hesitated for a long time before finally telling Harry the truth: "It's a hereditary disease unique to members of the Osborn family. Every Osborn dies before the age of fifty..."
"What?"
Harry's eyes widened in shock.
He didn't quite grasp his own impending death yet, but he remembered that his father would turn fifty in a few years.
"That's all in the past now!"
Ben said confidently.
He raised his arm high, the serum in his hand like a flame of hope.
But Connors understood that it was just a facade. The true flame of hope, Prometheus, had been that watch all along!
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