Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

Over the past year, Tony hadn't just been focused on researching new elements.

In his spare time, he designed new Mark-series suits and studied biology.

Now, he found himself in his underground lab, observing Bruce Banner's latest discovery.

"This is incredible," Tony exclaimed, his eyes widening as he studied the data. "These plant genes have somehow seamlessly combined human and insect DNA. It's like nothing I've ever seen or even heard of before."

Banner nodded in agreement, sharing Tony's amazement.

"Exactly. When I first saw this genetic sequence, I couldn't believe it either. It's astonishing that such a gene could exist in the world."

After marveling for a while, their expressions gradually turned serious.

"Whoever developed these genes must be a major player on the international stage," Tony speculated.

Initially, he had suspected Umbrella's Tokyo branch of creating these human-insect hybrids. However, further investigation revealed it was merely a ploy by Umbrella. This realization left Tony with a bitter impression of the corporation.

"Agreed," Banner said grimly.

"Who do you think it could be?" Tony asked.

"I'm not sure. Umbrella, Osborn Industries, the Life Foundation, AIM, or even powers from Europe, Russia, or India—it could be any of them," Banner replied.

As he spoke, a thought struck him.

"Also, there's always the possibility of involvement by a nation's military, like General Ross's unit…"

"That makes sense. We need to narrow down our suspects. Who would collaborate with the Ten Rings and even conduct experiments in the Middle East?"

"Plenty of people. Capitalists will do anything for profit, even sell the rope to hang themselves," Banner said, shaking his head.

"But who would fund the Ten Rings?"

At this, both men exchanged a glance and simultaneously uttered the same answer:

"The United States."

Last year, public protests and rising costs had pressured the U.S. government to reduce its military presence in the Middle East.

However, after the devastating Gomira massacre, those calls had mysteriously died down, with troop deployments even increasing.

While the general public saw only the Ten Rings' atrocities, Tony and Banner, two of the world's smartest minds, were not fooled. They understood there was more at play behind the scenes.

"If we want to get to the bottom of this, we'll need to investigate the military," Tony concluded.

"Banner, don't you have a girlfriend who's General Ross's daughter?"

Hearing this, Banner's face fell, and he looked away in silence.

Tony noticed his reaction and guessed something had happened. Choosing not to press further, he changed the subject.

"Not that I'm one to talk. I can't even solve my own problems, let alone deal with the insect hybrids."

Banner clenched his fists, seemingly making a decision.

"I'll go find Elizabeth."

Tony patted him on the shoulder, about to say something when his phone rang.

*Ring, ring…*

Tony glanced at the caller ID. It was Pepper.

"Hey, Pepper. What's up?"

"Tony, Obadiah and Ivan just went to Hammer Industries. Justin Hammer is holding a press conference claiming they're developing a new generation of armor. What should we do?"

.........

At Hammer Industries, Justin Hammer stood on a stage, basking in the attention of a room full of reporters.

"With Obadiah Stane and Ivan Vanko now part of Hammer Industries, we're poised to develop the next generation of armor."

"Those arrogant competitors will see that their suits are worthless compared to ours! Hammer Industries is destined to rise and reclaim its place at the top of the world!"

The room erupted in applause as reporters eagerly snapped photos. Controversial news like this was their bread and butter, guaranteed to grab headlines and boost sales.

After Hammer finished his speech, Obadiah took the stage with equal confidence.

"With our technical expertise, I assure you that within six months, the first batch of our revolutionary suits will hit the market!"

As Obadiah concluded, it was Ivan's turn to speak. However, he declined to take the stage, disliking the spotlight.

.......

By noon, Justin Hammer returned to his office, only to be greeted by an ecstatic secretary.

"Mr. Hammer, our stock price has risen by 10% this morning!"

Hearing this, Hammer's face lit up with a smile.

"Excellent! Ha!"

Sinking into his plush office sofa, he felt particularly satisfied. Unlike Tony, who was purely a scientist, Hammer was a capitalist through and through. To him, profit was all that mattered—morality and ethics be damned.

"What's got you in such a good mood?"

A sultry voice came from the doorway as a strikingly beautiful woman entered the room.

She stood about 5'7", with green hair, emerald eyes, and a tight green leather outfit that highlighted her curves. Her name was Ophelia Sarkissian, better known as Viper, one of Hydra's top leaders.

Seeing her, Hammer immediately signaled for his secretary to leave. The secretary promptly exited, closing the door behind her.

"Miss Sarkissian, what a pleasure! It's been a while."

Ophelia sat gracefully on a nearby sofa, crossing her legs and exuding charm.

"Mr. Hammer, I'm here to purchase something from you."

Hammer didn't know her true identity but was well aware of her influence and resources.

"Miss Sarkissian, you're too kind. For someone like you, a simple call would have sufficed. What do you need?"

"The Arc Reactor technology."

Hammer's expression stiffened at her words.

Ivan had joined Hammer Industries on the condition that his Arc Reactor technology wouldn't be exploited. Hammer had agreed to this, understanding how crucial the promise was to securing Ivan's cooperation.

"I'm sorry, but—"

"Ten billion dollars, plus control of the Middle Eastern arms market."

Hammer swallowed hard, his eyes flashing with greed.

Ophelia, noticing his hesitation, felt a wave of contempt. Typical capitalist.

Still, for the sake of Hydra's Insight Project, she maintained her composure, even amplifying her allure.

The Insight Project required a massive energy source. While nuclear power could work, it paled in comparison to the potential of the Arc Reactor.

"No one will offer a better price than I just did," Ophelia pressed.

"If I had it, I'd gladly sell it to you. But Ivan only agreed to join us because I promised not to force him to hand over the technology," Hammer explained.

Ophelia's demeanor instantly changed. Rising to her feet, she coldly declared, "Then I'll talk to him myself."

"Wait! I'll come with you," Hammer blurted out, unwilling to let her confront Ivan alone.

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