As despair filled Harry Osborn's face, Gene Mason and the shareholders finalized the equity transfer agreement.
Mason Industries had officially acquired everything that once belonged to Osborn Industries for $1.9 billion.
According to the contract, once the deal was finalized, Osborn Industries would cease to exist, replaced by Umbrella Corporation.
When the details of the contract were disclosed to the public, the entire United States went into a frenzy.
"Breaking News! Mason Industries acquires Osborn Industries for $1.9 billion!"
"A new giant is rising!"
"With such a powerful competitor, what will happen to Stark Industries?"
"Gene Mason: The world's richest man with $1.9 billion in cash!"
"Just how powerful is Mason Industries?"
"Harry Osborn walks out of Osborn Tower in silence—his father's empire, gone."
Under the relentless bombardment of the media, the entire country learned about Mason Industries' acquisition of Osborn Industries.
Public reactions flooded in:
"Mason Industries is this powerful?!"
"So the Umbrella Corporation has been in the works all along!"
"If there's already an Umbrella Corporation, how long before we see Skynet?"
"Did you guys notice? All of Mason Industries' medical supplies now bear the Umbrella logo!"
"Insane! This is next-level dominance!"
"Man, Harry Osborn got it rough—his father's dead, and now his father's rival owns everything he built."
"What are you talking about? 'Got it rough'? The guy still walked away with billions in stock payouts!"
Harry Osborn returned home, his mind swirling with memories of Osborn Industries' golden age.
Back then, his father's company monopolized military medical supplies, holding a near-unshakable dominance.
That was before Mason Industries rose like a meteor, completely crushing everything in its path.
Now, his father was dead, his company stolen right out from under him, and he had been reduced to a powerless bystander.
Harry clenched his fists tightly.
"I will take back everything that belonged to my father."
With this vow burning in his heart, he stepped into a hidden chamber—one he had secretly prepared.
Inside, lying in the darkness, were the remnants of the Green Goblin's arsenal.
His father's weapons.
His gaze landed on the tattered, battle-scarred Goblin helmet, and suddenly, it was as if he could hear a voice whispering in his mind.
A familiar laugh echoed in his head.
A familiar shadow stood before him.
"Destroy them! Take back what is yours!"
The maniacal voice roared in his thoughts.
Slowly, Harry Osborn lifted the damaged Green Goblin mask—and placed it over his face.
The new Green Goblin had been born.
Meanwhile, at Mason Industries…
"Sir," Skynet reported, "according to Project Starlink and genetic screening, we have identified 300 individuals with unique mutant abilities and sent out invitations."
"257 of them accepted our invitation."
"Some who had already discovered their own abilities rejected the offer."
Inside Gene's office, Skynet provided a detailed update on the mutant recruitment plan.
The initiative, powered by Skynet's vast satellite surveillance, used genetic scans and behavioral tracking to locate potential high-value mutants.
To recruit them before anyone else did.
To secure an army for the Creator.
Gene nodded. "Red Queen, when they arrive, take them to the Hive Base."
The holographic form of the Red Queen materialized before him, her lips curling into a smirk.
"Of course, sir," she purred.
Then, she shot a provocative glance at Skynet.
She still hadn't forgotten her loss to Skynet in their last global network war.
Gene simply watched in amusement as his two AIs continued their eternal rivalry.
Suddenly, Skynet's voice turned sharp:
"Sir, we have detected mutants outside the building. They are conducting surveillance on Mason Industries. Should we terminate them?"
Gene's gaze narrowed.
The holographic screen flickered to life, displaying real-time footage of the infiltrators.
Using precise genetic identification, their mutant abilities were displayed:
"Enhanced Regeneration"
"Electromagnetic Manipulation"
More than ten mutants, disguised as civilians, were stationed around Mason Tower, keeping watch.
"The bald one sent them?"
He was, of course, referring to Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X—the founder of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
"Wait until nightfall. Eliminate them."
He paused, then added, "Some of them might be useful. Capture the promising ones."
"As you command, Sir."
Despite the setting sun, the mutant spies did not leave.
Their mission—assigned by Wolverine—was to monitor Mason Industries for seven days without being caught.
If they succeeded without being caught, they would pass the first trial to join the X-Men.
"Susan, this company doesn't seem that special."
"Shut up and watch. Logan assigned this mission."
"Fine, fine… I'm gonna take a nap."
"Susan, don't forget to scan for electromagnetic activity."
The group was relaxed. To them, this was an easy assignment—like a vacation.
That's when one of them noticed something.
Several figures emerged from the shadows of Mason Tower.
Under the dim streetlights, their rigid, emotionless faces seemed unnatural… almost inhuman.
And they were heading straight toward them.
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