Oscorp Tower. Lobby.
Dr. Connors looked like a frail old man. Without his Lizard transformation, a single security guard could take him down.
But the Spider-Serum coursing through his veins told a different story. He had the strength of ten men, even in human form.
He walked past the reception.
"Dr. Connors? What are you doing here?" the guard asked, surprised.
The news of his firing—and his monstrous alter ego—hadn't reached the lower-level staff yet. SHIELD and the government had suppressed the Lizard's identity to prevent panic.
"Mr. Osborn asked me to return," Connors smiled.
It was a simple lie.
"Right this way, Doctor," the guard swiped his keycard, letting him in.
Connors exhaled. If the guard had hesitated, he would have killed him.
He was no longer just a scientist. He was a predator.
He had a plan. He would raid the gene vault, steal every sample and prototype, and then disappear. He and Peter Parker would go underground.
Connors hated Norman Osborn. Osborn had killed Richard Parker (Peter's father) and stolen their research.
"Peter is the key," Connors thought as the elevator rose. "With his help, we will unlock the Genetic Gate."
But there were obstacles. Ghost Spider (Gwen) and... Vincent Hall.
Vincent's water magic terrified Connors. It reminded him of Magneto—a force of nature that science couldn't easily explain.
"We need more data on mutants," Connors decided. "If I can splice mutant genes... maybe I can find a way to counter him."
He thought of Bolivar Trask and his Sentinel program. Trask hated mutants, but his research was invaluable.
Maybe I can find Mystique, Connors mused. Her shape-shifting gene could stabilize the chimera serum.
The Lab.
Connors plugged a drive into the mainframe. Using the credentials of the deceased VP, William Menken, he began downloading everything.
"Dr. Connors?"
Harry Osborn stood in the doorway, looking shocked.
"Harry," Connors turned slowly. "You should be out partying. Why are you here?"
"My father is dying. Menken is dead. Someone has to run this place," Harry said, stepping back. "I know about the Lizard. It was you."
"Your father created this mess," Connors said coldly. "He killed Richard Parker. He doomed you to that genetic curse."
"Why?!" Harry shouted.
"Ask him in hell," Connors sneered. "I just paid him a visit before coming here. He's gone."
Harry's face went pale. "You killed him?"
"He was already dying. I just hastened the process."
Harry turned to run.
Connors ripped his lab coat, revealing eight spider legs bursting from his back.
"Run, Harry."
Slash.
A claw grazed Harry's chest, drawing blood.
Harry scrambled into the secure lab, locking the glass door. He collapsed, convulsing.
"The spider venom..." Connors laughed. "It's fatal."
Harry crawled toward the prototype armor—the Green Goblin suit.
"Medical protocols engaged," the suit's AI announced. "Injecting emergency serum."
Harry screamed as the suit injected him. The serum mixed with the venom and his own genetic disease.
Connors ignored him. The download was complete. He grabbed the samples and walked out.
On his way out, he stabbed the friendly security guard through the chest.
"No loose ends."
He hailed a taxi. Destination: Hell's Kitchen.
Long Island Estate. Morning.
Vincent woke up to the smell of lingering perfume.
Natasha was gone.
A note was on the pillow: [Pleasant transaction!!]
Vincent chuckled bitterly. "Transaction, huh?"
She was still keeping her distance. But the note implied there would be a next time.
He checked the System.
[Mission: Fragrance of Heroes (Infinite)]
[Status: COMPLETE (3rd Time).]
[Reward: Cyan Blind Box (Rollover Active).]
"Cyan Box secured," Vincent noted. "One more, and I get a Red Box."
He looked at his stats.
[Wealth: $10.1 Billion]
[Desire Points: 1.48 Million]
[Rewards: 1 Blue Box, 1 Cyan Box]
He had 1.48 million Desire Points. Enough to do some minor upgrades, but not enough for another Awakening.
"Next target: Magneto," Vincent decided.
He needed an introduction. And he knew just the person.
Ding-Dong.
The doorbell rang again.
Vincent frowned. He quickly stripped the bedsheets and tossed them in the laundry, clearing the "battlefield."
He went downstairs and opened the door.
Standing there was Natasha Romanoff. Again.
"Natasha?" Vincent blinked. "You just left. Forgot something?"
The woman smiled. It was Natasha's face, Natasha's body, Natasha's voice. But the smile... was different.
"What's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me?"
Vincent's Hydro-Kinesis flared.
The blood flow was different. The heartbeat was different.
This wasn't Natasha.
It was Mystique.
Now Get The FULL NOVEL at Once!
Get 40% OFF for limited time only.
@patreon.com/Authorizz