That technology existed somewhere in this building right now.
Alex needed it. Or something like it. His enhanced cognition was powerful but his body was still pathetically weak.
In a universe with super soldiers and gods and alien invasions, being a normal human was a death sentence.
Getting access to Oscorp's research was critical. This internship, if Norman offered it, could be his path to survival.
But there was another possibility too. Another potential enhancement that wouldn't require years of research and development.
The spider.
The genetically modified spider that would bite Peter Parker and give him incredible powers. Alex knew it was coming. Knew the field trip was scheduled for next month. Knew exactly where it would happen.
What if he arranged for the spider to bite him instead?
'No,' Alex thought immediately. 'Too risky. Peter Parker is the protagonist. The main character. The spider was meant for him. Comic book logic, destiny, narrative structure, whatever you want to call it. That spider was designed to give Peter Parker powers.'
But Alex wasn't Peter Parker. He was an extra. A background character who wasn't supposed to matter.
And he knew enough about comic books to understand what happened to extras who tried to steal protagonist powers.
More often than not, the results were catastrophic. Mutations instead of enhancements.
Madness instead of strength. Death instead of transformation.
The spider-bite had worked perfectly for Peter because Peter was the chosen one. The hero. The person the narrative protected.
Alex was not that person.
'I need to think smarter,' he realized. 'I'm not using my enhanced intellect to its full potential. I'm thinking like a desperate person instead of like someone with peak human cognitive function.'
His mind jumped tracks. Started thinking about other universes. Other comic book worlds.
DC Comics existed in his original world too. Batman. Superman. Wonder Woman. A whole parallel universe of heroes and villains.
What would Batman do in this situation?
Batman didn't have powers. Just peak human conditioning, incredible wealth, advanced technology, and strategic brilliance. He stood beside gods and survived through preparation and intelligence.
'That's might be my path,' Alex thought. 'Not trying to steal spider powers or experiment on myself with unstable serums. Research. Development. Create my own enhancement that's safe and controlled.'
But he would start with what existed here at Oscorp. Study their research. Understand what they had discovered. Learn from their successes and especially from their failures.
Then develop something better. Something stable. Something designed specifically for his body and his needs.
It would take time. Years probably. But it was the smart play. The safe play. The play that wouldn't end with him dead or mutated in some horrible way.
"Mr. Carter?"
Alex looked up. Nora stood waiting.
"Mr. Osborn will see you now."
Alex stood. Followed her down a hallway to a set of double doors. Real wood. Probably mahogany. Handles that looked like brass but were probably gold.
Nora knocked once and opened the door.
"Mr. Carter, sir."
She stepped aside. Alex walked past her into Norman Osborn's office.
The space was enormous. Bigger than Alex's entire apartment. Windows along two walls provided panoramic views of Manhattan.
A desk that looked carved from a single piece of dark wood dominated one end. Bookshelves filled with scientific journals and business texts lined another wall.
Norman Osborn stood behind the desk. He was in his late forties. Tall. Fit despite his age. Hair that was going gray at the temples.
Sharp features that reminded Alex of a hawk. Cold blue eyes that seemed to look right through you.
"Mr. Carter." Norman's voice was smooth. Controlled. "Please sit."
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