Kamen Rider ZZZ, the American comic book spiritual mentor

Norman's heart tightened, but his smile remained unchanged: "Mr. Congressman, all of Osborne Corporation's research is conducted under the supervision of the law. Our cooperation with the Department of Defense is transparent and open. The accusations you mentioned are nothing but baseless speculation and malicious slander."

"Osborne Corporation's mission is to use technology to protect national security and the lives of soldiers, and that is beyond question."

Upon hearing Norman's calm yet resolute words, a younger member of parliament responded with a mocking expression: "Protect national security and soldiers' lives?"

“Mr. Osborn, the version I’ve heard is that the Osborn Corporation’s Green Blood Project was designed to create super soldiers, but the test subjects have experienced uncontrollable emotional deterioration and physiological breakdown. Is this true?”

Norman felt immense pressure, but he remained outwardly calm: "Project Green Blood is just an early exploratory study, and all animal experiments have met the standards."

"And the emotional deterioration and physical breakdown mentioned by this congressman sound like a combination of science fiction and conspiracy theory."

"I would like to remind you all that Mr. Tony Stark of Stark Industries is very likely the same person who has been flying in the sky these days in the gold and red armor."

"Congress seems to be welcoming and refraining from interfering with the development of a single-soldier combat suit of steel. What I don't understand is..."

"Why is such heavy scrutiny being placed on the Osborne Group, a law-abiding company?"

Norman's words were clever, attempting to divert Congress's attention to Tony Stark.

The gray-haired senator remained unmoved, saying calmly, "Whether the Gold and Red Armor is Mr. Tony Stark's creation is still undecided by Congress."

"Even so, that's his personal property. What we're more concerned about is whether taxpayers' money is being used for dangerous and uncensored research that could pose a threat to public safety."

"For example, two days ago, your group's headquarters experienced unexplained energy fluctuations and a fire alarm. There are reports that it is related to a test going out of control. What is your opinion on this?"

Norman's heart skipped a beat. He had kept the incident two days ago a closely guarded secret. How could the parliament have found out?

Is there an internal spy, or is some force trying to take down the Osborn Group?

"It was a minor accident caused by a power overload. It was handled properly, and there were no casualties. The report on the incident has already been submitted to the regulatory authorities, and it did not cause any serious consequences." Norman's answer remained impeccable.

He was filled with suspicion and uncertainty. His sharp, eagle-like eyes scanned the entire room, trying to find any clue as to who was trying to harm him.

At that moment, a loud voice came from the audience: "No negative impact?"

Everyone looked over and saw a middle-aged man in a crisp military uniform with gleaming epaulets stand up.

Everyone present recognized him: General Ross!

This sharp-witted senior officer, who has long been in charge of the military's extraordinary projects, is known for his tough style.

The gray-haired senator reminded him, "General Ross, this is a congressional hearing. Please be mindful of your words and maintain order."

General Ross strode forward, his eyes sharp as an eagle: "Mr. Osborne, I am not a politician, I don't know those tricks, I only speak the facts."

"The three cutting-edge projects that the military is collaborating with your group on—the [Adaptive Exoskeleton], the [Neural Combat Panel], and the [Soldier Enhancement Agent]—have been behind schedule and over budget in the past six months!"

"And you, instead, have poured a large amount of military resources into a high-risk project called 'Green Blood' that was not reported to the authorities!"

He slammed a thick folder on the table: "This is the technical assessment report we obtained. Your serum has a major defect that will very likely cause a surge in receptor attack power, potentially leading to physiological collapse!"

"Norman, what are you trying to create? A bunch of monsters?"

"What I find most unacceptable is that you actually set your sights on your own son!"

"Norman! Give the military an explanation!"

These words caused an uproar, and the flashbulbs of the reporters' cameras went off everywhere.

The smile vanished completely from Norman Osborne's face, replaced by a somber, watery expression.

Chapter 27 The Experiment Begins

"General Ross, please watch your words. This is an unfounded accusation without any evidence!"

Norman Osborn slammed his hand on the table, his voice icy: "The group has been doing its best to fulfill its cooperation with you. As for the progress, the field of cutting-edge technology is inherently full of uncertainties. In comparison, is Stark Industries' individual armor more to the General's liking?"

"Hmph!" General Ross snorted. "Stark's individual armor is still undecided, but at least he has produced some usable actual products."

"And you, Norman Osborn, you've only left us with a mess and squandered taxpayers' money!"

As he spoke, he raised his fist: "I recommend that Congress reassess all cooperation with the Osborne Group and suspend all funding and contracts until the safety of the Green Blood Project is determined!"

These words caused an uproar, followed by a chorus of agreement from the members of parliament, making it a universally condemned statement.

I second that!

"I agree, this matter must be thoroughly investigated!"

Norman sat in his chair, listening to the barrage of criticism, his face ashen, silent, his chest heaving violently.

He realized that this was a meticulously planned operation, led by the military, with the entire Osborne Group in mind!

Perhaps they had been planning this for a long time, just waiting for the right moment. Now they've poked out their triangular snake heads, attempting to deliver a fatal blow to the Osborn Group!

Norman remained silent, his face ashen, and surrounded by bodyguards, left the chaotic scene and got into a long, armored limousine.

The atmosphere inside the car was heavy. The driver and the bodyguard in the passenger seat remained silent, afraid that any small action they might take would provoke Osborne's anger.

Norman slammed his fist on the armrest of his chair: "Ross...Congress..."

He uttered several words in quick succession, his eyes burning with the flames of humiliation.

Putting aside the development of the Osborne Group, the most important thing is that without the cooperation and support of the military, those plans simply could not be implemented!

That was the lifeline he had been preparing for so many years to solve his family's hereditary disease!

In Norman Osborne's eyes, besides anger and humiliation, there was also a deep despair.

Just then, his phone rang. He composed himself and pressed the answer button.

“Mr. Osborne, the situation is somewhat critical.”

How bad was it?

"News of the hearing has spread, stock prices have plummeted, and the military has issued a notice suspending all subsequent funding for all projects and demanding that we submit all data and information related to the plan by next week, otherwise all cooperation will be terminated and all previous investments will be recovered."

A surge of anger erupted from Norman's chest. He felt his head throbbing, his blood pressure soaring, and his vision blurring with each needle!

These incidents, one after another, are simply outrageous!

This is tantamount to uprooting the Osborn Group and pushing it to the brink of collapse!

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath for a long time, and finally opened them. He said calmly into the phone, "Convene an emergency board meeting in one hour and prepare the worst-case scenario."

"Also! Notify the lab to prepare for the final phase of Project Green Blood, and regarding the serum..."

"Use my serum sample!"

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before a trembling voice finally broke through: "Norman, are you sure you want to come in person?! The risk assessment for this final stage is extremely high..."

“I don’t have time!” Norman growled, interrupting. “Ross and those idiots in Congress won’t give us time! The Osborn family can’t afford to wait! My son… can’t afford to wait either!”

"Do as I say, it will happen tonight!"

After saying that, Norman hung up the phone. He leaned back in his seat and watched the scenery rushing past the car window.

He painstakingly built the Osborne Group into what it is today after decades of hard work, and finally had the opportunity to break the family curse.

Is it possible that all our efforts will be in vain because of a small accident?

No! No! The Osborne family has never succumbed to fate.

His father and his maternal grandfather both died from hereditary diseases, suffering greatly. He absolutely could not allow the same fate to befall Harry.

Since there's a risk involved, let him bear it alone.

"Harry, don't worry, your father will clear all obstacles for you. The Osborn family will surely rise to glory under your leadership!"

At this moment, Lin Nan was unaware that, despite his intervention, fate had still managed to steer the plot back on track.

He was lying in bed, eyes closed, entering a lucid dream space, practicing the combat techniques of the two dream capsules.

The seamless switching between impact and wings is very practical, even making him feel a bit like the God of War, General Duanmu. He has speed and strength, and with a barrier dream capsule to replenish his shield, he's all set!

Lin Nan practiced until evening when she suddenly received a encrypted message from Harry.

“Lin, the military and Congress have launched an attack on the group. My father held a board meeting after he came back, and has been silent ever since. I have a bad feeling.”

Harry's messages have always been logical and rational, which means the serum hasn't significantly damaged his sanity, which is a good thing.

But the news about Harry shocked Lin Nan quite a bit. Based on her understanding of Norman and her grasp of the entire plot, this was more than just an ominous premonition.

He replied immediately, "Harry, keep a close eye on your father's movements. If you notice anything unusual, tell me right away! Especially regarding the serum!"

"Lin, you mean my father...?"

Harry's message was cut short halfway through; he had clearly thought of something and was very anxious, so he went to investigate.

Lin Nan's calm state of mind was shattered, and he felt a vague unease.

Perhaps soon, Norman will act irrationally out of despair, making the birth of the Green Goblin a certainty. Not only will he be unable to obtain causality points, but if the plot continues in this way, Spider-Man will still end up on the opposite side of Harry.

Should we force our way in and disrupt the experiment? No, that's not feasible. The time is unknown, the location is unknown, and there are too many variables.

Furthermore, the Osborn Group's security is not to be underestimated; his current dream compatibility and mental synchronization rate simply cannot support him at full power for long.

Dealing with street crime is like a game of cat and mouse, but dealing with a regular army is dangerous and would cause too much of a commotion.

After thinking about it for a long time, I decided to wait and see.

He sent Peter a encrypted message: "Parker, something's happened in Osborne. Be prepared and listen for my instructions."

Peter replied instantly: "Roger that, for Shadow!"

Around 6 p.m., Harry's message came: "My father blocked the news, but I have a bad feeling about it."

"Keep a close eye on things, and contact me immediately if there's any sign of trouble."

Lin Nan put down her phone, fell into deep thought, and slowly exhaled.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness descended upon the earth. The main laboratory atop the Osborne Building entered an unprecedented state of alert.

All staff and non-core researchers were dismissed, the elevators and passageways leading to the top floor were blocked, and the heavy-duty alloy doors were closed, reflecting a cold, metallic glint.

All internal independent power supplies were activated, isolating the building from other parts.

Norman Osborne changed into a sterile gown and stood in front of the metal control panel. The screen no longer displayed various monitoring icons, but rather an agreement, the signature field blank.

On the workbench to the left, a specially made silver metal box was opened, and a syringe lay quietly inside.

The syringe was filled with a viscous, pale green liquid that emitted a faint glow.