----
The following morning, Osborn Enterprises once again dominated the headlines.
"Osborn Tower Bombed Again!"
The media was ablaze with coverage. This time, Norman Osborn took to the airwaves, criticizing the superheroes for failing to protect the public's property, despite profiting from taxpayer funds.
He went on to claim that superheroes should not be idolized they were simply people with extraordinary abilities. The general public, Osborn argued, needed to stop viewing them as saviors.
"Norman's really pushing it, huh?" Barton muttered, watching the broadcast from a secure location.
"Does he really think we need him to protect us?" Falcon asked, adjusting his glasses.
This only made sense if Norman's political agenda was trying to gain leverage amidst the Superhero Registration Act mess.
Rogers grimaced. "This whole split Iron Man and the pro-regulation side vs. Captain America and the anti-regulation side it's dangerous. And now that Superman is involved with Tony Stark, things are going to get more complicated."
He turned his attention to a more personal matter. "Did you hear? Tony met with Nolan."
"You mean... Nolan, the one running Osborn?" Falcon said, eyebrows raised. "What's Tony up to now?"
"All I know is that Stark's pushing for full oversight of superheroes," Rogers said, balling his fists. "If that means Nolan's part of it, then I'm worried about what happens next."
---
In Osborn's Laboratory
Meanwhile, Nolan was deep in conversation with an unshaven scientist, his deep focus lingering on a new research direction.
"Doctor Octavius, you're seeing the pattern, yes?" Nolan asked, his eyes scanning the screens filled with data.
Doctor Otto Octavius, known as Doctor Octopus, nodded, flipping through the data, his eyes wide with excitement.
"Doctor Nolan, I had no idea you were so versed in neurophysiology and atomic physics," Octavius marveled, impressed by the breadth of Nolan's knowledge.
Nolan merely smiled.
"Understanding the mechanisms of neural transmission and the integration of exoskeletal extensions are just the beginning," Nolan responded, calmly flicking a switch. "What you need now is precise micro-sensors and responsive actuators. I've already mapped out some Zeta-Rays exoskeleton data and cross-referenced it with your previous attempts."
Octavius eagerly accepted the materials Nolan handed him, diving into the research without a second thought.
"I've been struggling with this issue for years!" he said with awe. "But this—this could work!"
Nolan observed quietly, noting how the brilliant scientist was already immersed in the information, as expected. He had no doubt that Doctor Octopus could accelerate the development of the mechanical arms of his tentacles, which had already fascinated the scientific community.
"I'm sure you've encountered a similar issue before with mechanical appendages," Nolan said. "But this new data allows for perfect integration between biological tissue and machines. What you're trying to do is not merely enhance the body's movement, but expand the neural system itself."
Otto raised his brows. "You know about my project involving the merger of machine and man?"
"Of course," Nolan said. "I've already looked into your past research. That's why I want to offer you something more." He turned, presenting a set of corporate documents. "Osborn Enterprises is ready to fund your next big step. I'm opening a new department: Artificial Intelligence and Engineering. And I want you to be second-in-command."
"Second-in-command?" Otto asked, brow furrowing.
Nolan's smirk was unshakable. "Yes, because I'll be the CEO of this venture. But I believe your intellect can take this project to the next level."
Otto's eyes lit up with curiosity. He hadn't considered it—being a chief engineer under a company that offered practical resources. And the idea of having a solid budget was tempting.
"I'll join," Octavius said, his voice resolute.
---
A New Addition to the Team
Later that day, the tension outside Osborn Enterprises had reached a boiling point. The building was once again at the center of the news, not for any crime committed, but for a more personal reason: Doctor Octopus was now officially part of Nolan's growing organization.
In the adjacent lab, Nolan began preparing for the next phase of his strategic operation.
Meanwhile, Spider-Man Peter Parker was starting to regret his earlier actions. He had helped out but had caused a mess, leaving things far worse than he anticipated.
His focus shifted as the chatter from his earpiece indicated a new target: the Rhino. Nolan needed someone to handle the powerful brute.
Peter sighed, wiping his brow. "Can't just leave these guys around."
With everything getting out of hand, it was clear that Nolan had far grander plans. From Doctor Octopus joining the fold to Peter's constant internal struggle, the stage was set for a new era of heroism or villainy.
----
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