The sea breeze was gentle, carrying a refreshing coolness after the passing rain. Though the summer sun still burned fiercely overhead, the ocean surface remained pleasantly tempered by the lingering moisture in the air.
Then—
A low, thunderous hum echoed across the sky.
A uniquely designed aircraft emerged from the clouds, its sleek body cutting through the air with precision. Painted boldly across its surface was a red-and-white umbrella emblem—the unmistakable symbol of the most dominant corporation in the world today.
Umbrella.
And seated within that aircraft…
Was none other than its founder and CEO—the legendary eighteen-year-old trillionaire, Peter Parker.
When most people described wealth, they spoke in terms of "millionaires" or "billionaires."
But Peter?
His title was different.
Trillionaire.
The difference between "billion" and "trillion" might seem like a matter of wording—but in reality, it was a gulf beyond comprehension.
A billionaire possessed wealth in the hundreds of millions.
A trillionaire?
Possessed a thousand billions.
A full trillion dollars.
-----
In another world, the first truly private corporation to reach a trillion-dollar valuation had been Apple, in 2018.
Even then, it had not held that position for long.
Umbrella, however, was different.
Three months ago, it had surpassed Stark Industries to become the number one company on NASDAQ.
And now—
It had achieved something unprecedented.
Reaching a trillion-dollar valuation…
Eight years earlier than Apple ever had.
In this world, Apple still existed, and its trajectory closely mirrored that of its counterpart. Since the release of the iPhone 4 in 2008, it had been steadily rising.
But at present?
Its market value sat at just over two hundred billion.
Barely one-fifth of Umbrella's.
And Peter…
Did not hesitate.
He had no intention of diverting his focus into developing smartphones or entering the mobile hardware industry directly.
But ignoring it?
That would be foolish.
Because the profit margins in that sector were staggering—easily rivaling those of his healing serum.
After all…
Not everyone could afford a healing serum.
Not everyone needed one.
But in the future?
Who could live without a smartphone?
…
More importantly, Apple already possessed a mature and powerful operating system ecosystem.
With Peter's artificial intelligence technology integrated into it…
He could dominate the entire digital landscape.
No need to build from scratch.
No need to waste time.
Investment.
Guidance.
Technological enhancement.
With just those three factors—
He could shape another trillion-dollar empire.
…
And so, without hesitation, Peter injected fifty billion dollars into Apple through the market. At the same time, he exchanged four percent of Umbrella's shares for a portion of Steve Jobs' holdings.
To seal the deal—
He provided something far more valuable.
A custom-made healing serum.
Tailored specifically for Jobs—who, in the original timeline, would not have had much time left.
Combined with additional acquisitions from the open market…
Peter secured over thirty-seven percent of Apple's shares in one decisive move.
Becoming—
The largest shareholder.
Though he had yet to obtain absolute control, it hardly mattered.
Because the second-largest shareholder—
Steve Jobs—
Was now firmly tied to him.
And that man alone…
Was worth more than gold.
…
The aircraft descended slowly toward the waters of the White Sea.
As the Umbrella transport landed on the flagship vessel below, Peter stepped out, dressed in light, casual attire. At his side was his ever-capable assistant, Felicia, moving with effortless grace.
Awaiting them on deck—
Was General Andrey.
"Mr. Peter, welcome," the general greeted.
"General Andrey" Peter replied with a smile, extending his hand.
Their handshake was firm.
Measured.
Professional.
General Andrey glanced upward, shielding his eyes slightly from the blazing sun.
"The sunlight is getting quite intense," he said. "Shall we continue this discussion indoors?"
Peter followed his gaze briefly—but his attention was not on the sun.
It was on everything else.
"I see your side has taken this demonstration very seriously," Peter said calmly, his eyes sweeping the surroundings.
Though nothing appeared out of the ordinary—
He knew better.
Surveillance.
Defense systems.
Observation units.
All hidden.
All watching.
"But I prefer efficiency," Peter continued. "Let's begin the demonstration now."
He raised a hand slightly, then added with a faint smile—
"And besides… it won't be showing off for much longer."
He pointed upward.
Confusion flickered across the faces of those present.
Then—
Peter looked to the sky.
…
In the next instant—
An invisible force surged outward like a tidal wave.
The ocean trembled.
A deafening roar erupted as thousands of tons of seawater were violently torn from the surface, rising into the air as if seized by a colossal, unseen hand.
The surrounding sea churned wildly—
Yet the flagship beneath their feet remained perfectly stable, untouched by the chaos.
General Andrey's eyes widened.
Water.
Everywhere.
Endless masses of seawater hovered in the air, suspended unnaturally, forming a massive crystalline barrier around them.
But that…
Was only the beginning.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions rang out like fireworks bursting across the sky.
The suspended water began to break apart, rapidly expanding into vapor under immense pressure. The sudden transformation generated violent shockwaves, sending ripples through the air itself.
Steam rose.
Condensed.
Gathered.
…
At Peter's gesture—
The vast mass of vapor surged upward, coalescing into a dense, brilliant white cloud.
And in the next moment—
That cloud spread wide across the sky…
Completely blotting out the blazing sun.
The scorching heat vanished.
The sky dimmed.
And under that artificial shade—
Silence fell.
Because in that single display—
Peter had shown them something far beyond weapons.
He had shown them—
Power.
--------------
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