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Chapter 231: Prelude to the Global Joint Summit
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
The Global Joint Summit was a grand event for the political and business circles of Earth.
For a major capitalist like Bruce Wayne, getting a spot was incredibly simple.
Bruce had one advantage over Tony: his Wayne Enterprises touched upon every industry. If Wayne Enterprises were to collapse, a small-scale economic crisis would inevitably erupt.
Stark Industries, on the other hand, was previously more specialized, focused solely on selling arms, making it a relatively easy target. If something happened to Stark Industries, only the Military and the world's major armed groups would be affected, with no impact on the bigger picture.
Furthermore, many major arms manufacturers had long been trying to take down Stark Industries.
It could be said that Tony's decisive move to shut down the weapons division and shift the company's focus to providing clean energy through Cold Nuclear Fusion was an absolutely correct decision.
Every industry needs energy.
"Mr. Wayne, welcome. Allow me to... uh..." The greeter hadn't finished speaking before Wayne ignored him, pushed the door open, and walked straight in.
His limping, staggering gait immediately caught the eyes of many high-society figures. The fact that the Playboy Bruce had become a cripple was quietly circulating among their circles, drawing both pity and ridicule.
Bruce simply gave a polite nod, pushed past the people in his way, scanned the room, and walked directly to three people who were having a discreet conversation in a corner.
"...Tony, I'll be direct. I want to get my hands on the Hulk's blood. A body would be even better, even a small piece would do."
"General Lane, as a member of the Military myself, I'll be direct. What's in it for me if I help you? Or perhaps, you could make a different request."
General Sam Lane, the hardliner who took over the Super Soldier Program after Ross's death, had long coveted the Dionesium Technology in Tony's possession.
"What about the Super-Soldier Manufacturing Technology? Although A.R.G.U.S. under your command can supply the Military with Super Soldiers on a large scale, I'm worried you'll cut off the supply chain one day." General Lane displayed a soldier's directness and decisiveness. "I need the complete technology you possess, not just a little bit squeezed out like toothpaste like before, which resulted in zero progress in our reverse-engineering research."
The Military was frustrated. They had once gathered their most elite scientists, yet they were helpless against the incomplete formula for the Dionesium.
Tony smiled. This crippled version of the Dionesium Technology required the formula to be combined with water from the Lazarus Pit. With only a portion of it, it was completely useless.
"In fact, our investigation in Gotham City has made breakthrough progress, specifically concerning the Falcone Family." General Lane's gaze, as sharp and cold as a goshawk's, shot toward him.
Tony remained impassive, sitting there calmly.
"If the Military attacks the Court of Owls on their own initiative, I won't let you off the hook," Tony replied. "The Court of Owls and I have a cooperative relationship. They are of some use to me."
"Then give me the complete technology!" General Lane extended his hand, his face stern. "In return, I will ensure long-term acquisition orders for Oscorp's military weapons."
At the side, the expression of the young Green Goblin, Harry Osborn, shifted subtly as he looked at Tony.
General Lane was very confident, because Oscorp's situation was terrible.
This biotech giant had suffered a massive blow after the Lizard incident. Old Osborn had died of illness, Harry Osborn took over, and with great fanfare, he delved into clean energy, only to be effortlessly crushed by the even more brilliant Tony.
Biofuel Electricity Generation was far less appealing than the safer, more efficient, and cheaper Cold Nuclear Fusion.
To be honest, a large portion of Oscorp's current revenue was supported by A.R.G.U.S.
Tony lowered his head in thought. The other two men watched him, awaiting his decision.
Suddenly, Tony smiled.
"Lane, I can give you the complete technology. You must honor your promise. Not just weapons—Oscorp can also prioritize supplying you, General, with its latest biochemical agents and other products," Tony said.
General Lane's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
This deal wasn't just a transaction of interests, but also the establishment of a relationship. Until the Military had a way to counter Tony, they would maintain a good relationship with him.
General Lane's figure gradually receded, quickly disappearing without a trace in the bustling, massive conference hall.
Harry Osborn grinned, revealing his now unsightly teeth. "Thank you, Tony."
"It's no big deal," Tony said, smiling and waving his hand dismissively. "Given our close cooperation, I was happy to help." He narrowed his eyes, watching the direction in which Lane had left.
Sam Lane, Lois Lane's father, Superman's future father-in-law, and also a staunch anti-Superman hardliner.
They had met in such a venue and reached an agreement that re-established both their interests and their relationship.
Tony even saw Black Widow. Natasha's enchanting figure and beautiful face were quite popular in a setting like this.
"This is getting more and more interesting..." Tony's expression was playful as he turned his head to look at the limping Bruce Wayne walking toward him.
Bruce's expression was very serious. His impeccable attire completely suppressed the appearance of his physical disability, and no one dared to look down on him.
"I thought you'd have healed that leg by now. Want me to send a good doctor over to treat you?" Tony said sarcastically, looking at the Bruce he hadn't seen in a long time.
"What you did in South Asia was too much," Bruce said coldly.
"But I compensated for all the losses of the poor and didn't harm a single innocent person," Tony sneered. "Weren't they just a bunch of outdated cars? With my abilities, I can casually assemble cars more powerful than the originals. As for the rich? Losing a car is no big deal."
Bruce stared at Tony. "That's why I didn't stop you."
Tony looked annoyed. Staring at that deadpan face, he felt the urge to slap it.
"Stop me how? Like last time? By building a piece-of-cake armor, a second-generation Anti-Tony Armor?" Tony retorted with cold sarcasm.
That time, if Tony hadn't needed Bruce to stay alive to fight the Court of Owls, he would have slapped him to death long ago.
"I didn't come here to argue with you. Since you're here, you must already know what's going to happen," Bruce said calmly. "A group of Mutants is secretly gathering here. The Brotherhood of Mutants might try something against the leaders of various countries. You have to stop them, not just for the sake of world stability, but for your own kind, the Mutants."
"You're wrong about one thing. Magneto isn't coming for the world leaders; he's coming for me," Tony said nonchalantly, looking at the clearly surprised Bruce. "You shouldn't be concerned with such trivial matters, but with the star-destroying event that endangers the Earth."
(end of chapter)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
The Global Joint Summit was a grand event for the political and business circles of Earth.
For a major capitalist like Bruce Wayne, getting a spot was incredibly simple.
Bruce had one advantage over Tony: his Wayne Enterprises touched upon every industry. If Wayne Enterprises were to collapse, a small-scale economic crisis would inevitably erupt.
Stark Industries, on the other hand, was previously more specialized, focused solely on selling arms, making it a relatively easy target. If something happened to Stark Industries, only the Military and the world's major armed groups would be affected, with no impact on the bigger picture.
Furthermore, many major arms manufacturers had long been trying to take down Stark Industries.
It could be said that Tony's decisive move to shut down the weapons division and shift the company's focus to providing clean energy through Cold Nuclear Fusion was an absolutely correct decision.
Every industry needs energy.
"Mr. Wayne, welcome. Allow me to... uh..." The greeter hadn't finished speaking before Wayne ignored him, pushed the door open, and walked straight in.
His limping, staggering gait immediately caught the eyes of many high-society figures. The fact that the Playboy Bruce had become a cripple was quietly circulating among their circles, drawing both pity and ridicule.
Bruce simply gave a polite nod, pushed past the people in his way, scanned the room, and walked directly to three people who were having a discreet conversation in a corner.
"...Tony, I'll be direct. I want to get my hands on the Hulk's blood. A body would be even better, even a small piece would do."
"General Lane, as a member of the Military myself, I'll be direct. What's in it for me if I help you? Or perhaps, you could make a different request."
General Sam Lane, the hardliner who took over the Super Soldier Program after Ross's death, had long coveted the Dionesium Technology in Tony's possession.
"What about the Super-Soldier Manufacturing Technology? Although A.R.G.U.S. under your command can supply the Military with Super Soldiers on a large scale, I'm worried you'll cut off the supply chain one day." General Lane displayed a soldier's directness and decisiveness. "I need the complete technology you possess, not just a little bit squeezed out like toothpaste like before, which resulted in zero progress in our reverse-engineering research."
The Military was frustrated. They had once gathered their most elite scientists, yet they were helpless against the incomplete formula for the Dionesium.
Tony smiled. This crippled version of the Dionesium Technology required the formula to be combined with water from the Lazarus Pit. With only a portion of it, it was completely useless.
"In fact, our investigation in Gotham City has made breakthrough progress, specifically concerning the Falcone Family." General Lane's gaze, as sharp and cold as a goshawk's, shot toward him.
Tony remained impassive, sitting there calmly.
"If the Military attacks the Court of Owls on their own initiative, I won't let you off the hook," Tony replied. "The Court of Owls and I have a cooperative relationship. They are of some use to me."
"Then give me the complete technology!" General Lane extended his hand, his face stern. "In return, I will ensure long-term acquisition orders for Oscorp's military weapons."
At the side, the expression of the young Green Goblin, Harry Osborn, shifted subtly as he looked at Tony.
General Lane was very confident, because Oscorp's situation was terrible.
This biotech giant had suffered a massive blow after the Lizard incident. Old Osborn had died of illness, Harry Osborn took over, and with great fanfare, he delved into clean energy, only to be effortlessly crushed by the even more brilliant Tony.
Biofuel Electricity Generation was far less appealing than the safer, more efficient, and cheaper Cold Nuclear Fusion.
To be honest, a large portion of Oscorp's current revenue was supported by A.R.G.U.S.
Tony lowered his head in thought. The other two men watched him, awaiting his decision.
Suddenly, Tony smiled.
"Lane, I can give you the complete technology. You must honor your promise. Not just weapons—Oscorp can also prioritize supplying you, General, with its latest biochemical agents and other products," Tony said.
General Lane's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
This deal wasn't just a transaction of interests, but also the establishment of a relationship. Until the Military had a way to counter Tony, they would maintain a good relationship with him.
General Lane's figure gradually receded, quickly disappearing without a trace in the bustling, massive conference hall.
Harry Osborn grinned, revealing his now unsightly teeth. "Thank you, Tony."
"It's no big deal," Tony said, smiling and waving his hand dismissively. "Given our close cooperation, I was happy to help." He narrowed his eyes, watching the direction in which Lane had left.
Sam Lane, Lois Lane's father, Superman's future father-in-law, and also a staunch anti-Superman hardliner.
They had met in such a venue and reached an agreement that re-established both their interests and their relationship.
Tony even saw Black Widow. Natasha's enchanting figure and beautiful face were quite popular in a setting like this.
"This is getting more and more interesting..." Tony's expression was playful as he turned his head to look at the limping Bruce Wayne walking toward him.
Bruce's expression was very serious. His impeccable attire completely suppressed the appearance of his physical disability, and no one dared to look down on him.
"I thought you'd have healed that leg by now. Want me to send a good doctor over to treat you?" Tony said sarcastically, looking at the Bruce he hadn't seen in a long time.
"What you did in South Asia was too much," Bruce said coldly.
"But I compensated for all the losses of the poor and didn't harm a single innocent person," Tony sneered. "Weren't they just a bunch of outdated cars? With my abilities, I can casually assemble cars more powerful than the originals. As for the rich? Losing a car is no big deal."
Bruce stared at Tony. "That's why I didn't stop you."
Tony looked annoyed. Staring at that deadpan face, he felt the urge to slap it.
"Stop me how? Like last time? By building a piece-of-cake armor, a second-generation Anti-Tony Armor?" Tony retorted with cold sarcasm.
That time, if Tony hadn't needed Bruce to stay alive to fight the Court of Owls, he would have slapped him to death long ago.
"I didn't come here to argue with you. Since you're here, you must already know what's going to happen," Bruce said calmly. "A group of Mutants is secretly gathering here. The Brotherhood of Mutants might try something against the leaders of various countries. You have to stop them, not just for the sake of world stability, but for your own kind, the Mutants."
"You're wrong about one thing. Magneto isn't coming for the world leaders; he's coming for me," Tony said nonchalantly, looking at the clearly surprised Bruce. "You shouldn't be concerned with such trivial matters, but with the star-destroying event that endangers the Earth."
(end of chapter)
