Chapter 48: Retrovirus Proliferation

Osborn Industries stood as a juggernaut in the United States. While it often kept a lower profile compared to Stark Industries, its influence was undeniable. Its share of arms contracts with the U.S. military was second only to Stark Industries, a feat that underscored its dominance in the field.

Beyond its ventures in weaponry, Osborn Industries excelled in biotechnology, a field where it held some of the most advanced research capabilities in the world. This was no small achievement, considering the fierce competition from other giants.

At the heart of this success was Norman Osborn, a man who embodied the perfect entrepreneur before his descent into madness. Prior to becoming the infamous Green Goblin, Norman was known for his philanthropy, groundbreaking scientific research, and strong relationships with leading minds, including Dr. Curt Connors and the Parkers. However, beneath this polished exterior lay a man tormented by a hereditary genetic disease that threatened to destroy his family.

This illness, a retrovirus-driven genetic condition, plagued the Osborn family for generations. The disease’s primary characteristic was an excessive number of CAG tandem repeats in the gene coding region, which caused progressive degeneration of the nervous system. Symptoms emerged later in life, but with each generation, the onset came earlier. For Norman, the stakes were personal and dire—his son, Harry, had already begun to show symptoms as a teenager.

It was this looming curse that drove Norman to extremes, ultimately leading him to test an experimental serum on himself, the same serum that would fracture his mind. But Adam Wayne wasn’t concerned with Norman’s descent into madness. He was here to leverage Norman’s desperation.

Sitting across from Norman in the sleek, modern conference room of Osborn Tower, Adam maintained his trademark calm. Norman, though composed, was visibly strained. His hand trembled ever so slightly as he reached for his glass of water, a telltale sign of his affliction.

Adam’s tone was firm but friendly. “Mr. Osborn, everything in this world has a price. I want Osborn Industries’ biotechnology research, and I’m prepared to pay handsomely for it.”

Norman arched a skeptical eyebrow. “Oh? And what exactly are you offering in return, young Mr. Wayne?”

Adam smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. “Our research division has recently made breakthroughs in retrovirus suppression and RNA reverse transcription. We’ve developed techniques that could offer revolutionary solutions to certain genetic disorders.”

He let the statement hang in the air, watching Norman closely. The older man’s hand twitched again, but this time he made no effort to hide it.

Adam continued, his tone almost playful. “I’m sure a man of your intellect can see the potential here.”

Norman’s voice remained calm, though his posture stiffened. “And how can I be certain your claims are legitimate?”

Without a word, Adam reached into his briefcase, pulling out a sleek USB drive. Sliding it across the table, he said, “See for yourself. A small sample of our findings.”

Norman hesitated briefly before inserting the USB drive into his laptop. As the data appeared on the screen, his typically composed demeanor began to falter. His eyes darted across the screen, scanning line after line of groundbreaking research.

“This… this is incredible,” Norman muttered under his breath. His hands trembled as he scrolled further, but his excitement was cut short when the data abruptly ended. The screen showed only blank pages beyond a certain point.

Norman’s bloodshot eyes locked onto Adam’s. “Where’s the rest of it?”

Adam leaned forward slightly, his smile growing. “That depends on what you’re willing to offer in return.”

Norman clenched his fists, his mind racing. For a moment, he considered taking a more forceful approach. But he quickly dismissed the thought. Adam Wayne was no ordinary negotiator, and the consequences of crossing the Wayne family were unfathomable.

“What do you want?” Norman finally asked, his voice low and tense.

Adam didn’t hesitate. “I want access to all of Osborn Industries’ biotechnology research. And I want Dr. Curt Connors. Invite him to work for Wayne Enterprises. If he agrees, you won’t interfere.”

Norman’s gaze darkened, but he nodded. “Fine. You’ll have the research. As for Connors, I’ll leave that to you. If he chooses to join you, I won’t stop him.”

Adam extended his hand, a triumphant smile on his face. “Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Osborn.”

Norman hesitated before shaking Adam’s hand, his mind already spinning with plans. The deal wasn’t ideal, but if it meant curing his family’s curse, it was a price he was willing to pay.

As Adam exited Osborn Tower, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He had just secured access to some of the most advanced biotechnology on the planet, and Norman Osborn had no idea how much Adam would exploit it.