Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"Kain, are you back?"

"What is it, Carl?"

Kain was surprised. He hadn't been in touch with this high school friend for a long time. The last time they spoke, it had been via email. 

Back then, he, Carl, and Connor had established a securities company and private equity fund that had performed exceptionally well.

From what he knew, the company had capitalized on historical trends and earned a significant amount of money. Now, they were gradually gaining recognition on Wall Street, with more people wanting to join their private equity fund.

"I've saved your game progress so far, but I also know you've been busy lately. I heard you even hired someone to take your university courses for you. Such a pity you didn't go—there were so many beautiful women there."

Carl was still the same chatterbox. If no one interrupted him, he could start talking about video games and somehow segue into the Gulf War, seamlessly connecting the two.

Kain quickly cut him off. "Carl, get to the point. Thanks for saving my game progress, but I promise I'll finish it with you next time."

"Alright, alright. So, there's a banquet being hosted by the president. Connor and I received invitations, but Connor thinks they weren't meant for us. The person they really want to invite is you."

Although Carl liked to ramble, he was good at listening to Kain and quickly got to the point.

"A banquet?" Kain asked casually. "Is it about the situation in the Middle East? I already received an invitation for that. I'll be attending, but under the guise of representing a pharmaceutical company. Who invited you?"

"It's the Wall Street crowd. I heard they're very interested in pharmaceutical companies and probably have their eyes on you. Connor asked me to warn you—you'd better be cautious around them."

Carl explained everything he knew. He was no longer the carefree student he used to be. Now, he was a shareholder in their securities company and the helmsman of the private equity fund, though he generally deferred to Kain's decisions.

"It seems the split within Oscorp Group has something to do with them. Osborne didn't deliver the products they wanted, and they've probably heard about you," Carl added.

Kain clicked his tongue thoughtfully. "I see. I'll handle it at the banquet."

He ended the call with Carl.

The Oscorp Group had initially thrived thanks to military sponsorship. They had done well in developing armaments but had ambitions to dominate the military's human-enhancement programs.

Kain recalled Ross mentioning that the Super Soldier Program was being pursued by multiple factions within the military. Everyone wanted to control their own squad of super soldiers.

Captain America's performance had already demonstrated how super soldiers could excel on the battlefield. The military had its own channels to assess their efficiency in completing missions.

In truth, several biomedical companies were conducting research in this area. However, Kain had intercepted the Extremis virus and was the first to achieve a breakthrough.

The Extremis serum had made Thaddeus Ross the first to achieve success, likely giving his faction significant influence within the military—similar to those who had worked with Erskine and Howard Stark in the past. 

Back then, the military gained victory and power, Howard secured lucrative contracts, and everyone involved benefited.

Kain considered this for a moment but felt there was too little information to draw firm conclusions. He realized that Betty Ross was still an essential ally. 

Although she hadn't been in close contact with her father for years, her recent interactions with the military might have provided her with insights that Kain lacked.

After returning home, Kain contacted Betty. She informed him she would need a day but promised to return by then.

Washington International Airport

After half a month of negotiations, Betty Ross finally concluded talks with the wealthy backers of U-GIN Laboratory. The discussions marked a significant breakthrough, paving the way for future collaborations.

"Ms. Betty, this way!"

As soon as Betty exited the airport, she noticed a young man in a suit waiting for her at the exit, calling out her name.

"Why are you here? I thought you'd be waiting for me at the hotel," Betty said, smiling brightly as she approached Kain.

Two bodyguards followed her closely, both elites trained by Umbrella. They bore the Chakra mark, a sign of their loyalty and unique conditioning.

If the super-soldier serum were to be produced, individuals like them would be the first recipients.

 While others might need to worry about potential side effects, those under the influence of the Chakra curse didn't have to. 

If the serum amplified the good or evil within a person's heart, Kain's subordinates would only grow more loyal. For them, loyalty and recognition were ingrained instincts.

"Head back to New York for now," Kain told Betty's bodyguards. "Consider this time a vacation. I'll contact you after Betty returns."

The bodyguards exchanged brief glances, nodded, and left without protest. Meanwhile, Betty climbed into Kain's car without hesitation.

….

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