Chapter 518: The Hand and the Tsukuyomi Society (Part 1)

The third type of clients drawn to nanomedical technology was wealthy elders. While nanotechnology couldn't extend life, it could detoxify the body, ridding it of minor ailments. Many in this demographic were willing to spend a fortune, even for minimal health improvements. 

Some even inquired whether nanotechnology could enhance certain "abilities," a request they were willing to pay handsomely for. The prevalence of May-December romances among the wealthy wasn't surprising—after all, as they'd put it, it was "for love."

Of course, such enhancements were possible, but neither Daniel nor Helen Zhao had any interest in pursuing that avenue.

"Boss, you came at the perfect time. We have a patient who may need your expertise," Helen said. She had witnessed Daniel cure numerous terminal illnesses and knew his skills well. At one point, Helen wanted to analyze the formula Daniel had used to cure ailments like AIDS, but he dismissed it as unique to each patient, claiming that Chinese medicine couldn't be generalized.

Helen had come to believe him, reasoning that if Daniel had the ability to mass-produce cures, he wouldn't hide it, especially for a disease like AIDS, which would yield both fame and fortune. She hadn't initially believed in Chinese medicine, but after seeing him successfully treat patients with herbs and acupuncture, she'd become a believer. Given this world filled with superheroes, magicians, aliens, and gods, it wasn't hard to accept things like Qi and internal energy.

"You couldn't handle it?"

"Nanotechnology isn't a cure-all, and I shouldn't have to explain that to you," Daniel replied.

"Alright, I understand. I'll arrange for the patient to come by. She's in New York, so I'll get in touch right away and forward you her records."

"Got it. By the way, have you heard about ADDC9?"

"Do you even need to ask?"

Daniel immediately realized it was a silly question. As one of the world's leading research facilities, they kept a close eye on all cutting-edge medical developments.

"I'll go get the records."

"Interesting. So, it was all a scam from the start," Daniel muttered to himself, after analyzing ADDC9 in the lab. Based on the preliminary data, he'd quickly identified a major flaw in the drug.

"How could no one else notice something so obvious?" he thought, puzzled.

His quick identification of the drug's issues was thanks to his extensive knowledge, but even a less experienced researcher could have spotted the problem with some patience. Yet, the internet was flooded with praise for the drug.

"This is a medicine aimed at the elderly, no less. The shamelessness is appalling."

"Boss, are you testing ADDC9?" Helen asked, reentering with a file in her hands. She glanced at the data displayed on the holographic screen.

"Just a favor for a friend," Daniel said.

"These side effects… How could they miss this?" Helen asked, her face turning grim as she scanned the data.

"I'll inform the World Medical Association about this. This project smells of major corruption."

With billions of dollars at stake, corruption was almost guaranteed.

"Marvel's world is seeing a rough patch, especially with all these scandals in the medical sector. From Umbrella Corporation to Triskelion and now this… The lure of wealth really brings out the worst in people," Daniel remarked.

"Alright, let them deal with it. Let's focus on this patient instead." Daniel knew that once ADDC9's issues became public, the hype would die down. He didn't care if some investors suffered financial losses. If they were willing to profit off of vulnerable people, they deserved what they got.

"A famous singer who's lost her hearing? What a tragedy," he muttered, glancing over her medical record. For a singer, especially one with real talent, hearing was more critical than looks. Her career had ended two years prior, and since then, she'd been trying various treatments without success. She'd only recently heard about Daniel's lab and wanted to give it a try.

"She's here," Helen said, glancing at her phone. "She must be desperate."

Daniel and Helen headed to the adjacent hotel where the patient was staying. Helen had already performed a detailed examination on her ears, so Daniel didn't need to reexamine her.

"Ms. Nakashima, I can treat your condition, but I'll be using traditional Chinese medicine. Are you willing to proceed?"

"Yes."

The singer accepted without hesitation. Despite her wealth, she hadn't been able to cure her hearing loss, a condition that left her in constant anguish. Her hearing was so impaired that even hearing aids couldn't help.

"Alright, please bear with me." Daniel took a long silver needle and carefully inserted it near her ear. To her credit, she didn't flinch; most people would've recoiled at the sight of such a long needle approaching their ear. Daniel had done this intentionally to test her resolve; if she'd hesitated, he would have refused treatment.

"You're all set. Now, get some rest," Daniel said, withdrawing the needle. The procedure looked dramatic, especially with a needle that long piercing the ear.

"Dr. Zhao, who might this be?" As Ms. Nakashima departed, a group of people approached. An elderly man in his seventies, flanked by six beautiful women, led the way. Two of the women looked like twins, and each woman appeared to be from a different country. The group's striking appearance even made Daniel do a double-take.

"This is my boss, Dr. Daniel Davis. And this is Mr. Yashiro Yakuji," Helen introduced, providing some background. Like the previous patient, Mr. Yashiro was Japanese and owned one of the largest private security companies in Japan, renowned worldwide.

Private security companies were commonplace in the Marvel world, where crime was rampant. However, only a few companies stood out, like Silver Sable's agency, which provided Daniel's security personnel.

"These are Mr. Yashiro's daughters, Ms. Ryoko and Ms. Kiyoko Yashiro." Helen introduced two of the women, omitting any details about the other four.

"Ryoko and Kiyoko Yashiro, half-sisters?" Daniel's gaze lingered briefly on the two women. Despite being sisters, they looked entirely different. Ryoko had light brown hair and an athletic build, while Kiyoko wore a traditional kimono, giving her a delicate appearance. However, her sharp gaze hinted at a personality that didn't match her gentle exterior.

"Dr. Davis, I've heard impressive things about you. I hope we have a chance to collaborate someday," Mr. Yashiro said with a polite smile.

"Perhaps," Daniel replied politely, though he had no real intention of pursuing a partnership. His relationship with Silver Sable's agency was smooth, and he didn't plan to switch.

"Excuse me, I need to prepare some medication," Daniel said, nodding to the group before departing. While Yashiro's daughters were undoubtedly attractive, Daniel had long since grown accustomed to beautiful women.

"Are you serious? How could they do this?" Rebecca's face was furious as she reviewed the data Daniel had sent her on ADDC9.

"Of course. All for profit. Leave this to me; you shouldn't get involved."

"Understood." Having survived the bioterrorism crisis, Rebecca knew how far some people would go for profit. Without Daniel's support, she might have taken the initiative to expose them, but with him on the case, she saw no reason to endanger herself.

"Right, I almost forgot to mention…" Daniel said, recalling Rebecca's earlier request. She'd mentioned a family friend suffering from Alzheimer's.

The patient was a university professor, recently retired due to his illness.

"This is more than just Alzheimer's…" Daniel muttered, skimming the records Rebecca had sent over.

"A hereditary mental disorder combined with Alzheimer's? Talk about a double whammy. And this is his son? FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit? Impressive—oh, so it's him." 

Realization dawned as Daniel matched the patient's profile with his FBI file—Spencer Reid, the criminal profiler. Daniel wasn't too surprised; with the existence of companies like Umbrella, nothing was too far-fetched in this universe.

"Las Vegas really knows how to play dirty, huh?" Daniel mused. The city, known as the entertainment capital of the world, was hardly welcoming to math geniuses like Spencer Reid. Although movies made winning millions in casinos look feasible, Vegas banned anyone with a mathematical edge.

Many top mathematicians found themselves blacklisted by Vegas casinos, who feared they'd use their skills to win big. Ironically, those who lost big were never banned; instead, the casinos were more than willing to lend them money.

Winning big in a casino was a pipe dream; once someone started winning too much, the casino would simply close the table.

"Hello, Dr. Reid? This is Daniel Davis, a friend of Rebecca's. Can we arrange a meeting?"

"Yes, of course. Thank you so much." Spencer's voice sounded almost shaky with gratitude.

"What's up, Spencer?" His visibly emotional reaction drew attention from his colleagues. It was rare to see him so moved.

"It's nothing. Just scheduled an appointment for a specialist," Spencer replied, explaining the situation. His colleagues were all aware of his mother's condition.

"That's great news. JJ, accompany Spencer tomorrow," their supervisor suggested.

"Will do."

"ADDC9 has severe side effects? What's going on, Seino? Is this true?" Meanwhile, in a high-end lab in Japan, the director held up a newspaper, grilling one of the leading researchers behind ADDC9.

"It's just a minor side effect, nothing to be concerned about. All drugs have side effects, don't they?" the young researcher replied indifferently.

"A minor side effect? Do you realize the situation we're in? Reporters are outside demanding answers. What am I supposed to tell them?"

"That's your problem, Director. Don't forget, without ADDC9, you wouldn't be in your position. Trust me, I'm close to perfecting the formula."

"You…" Despite his anger, the director dared not retaliate. The researcher was right—his position was thanks to the hype surrounding ADDC9. If this scandal broke, he'd be the first to take the fall.

In fact, many of the director's superiors had also profited handsomely from ADDC9, which was why no one had questioned it. As Daniel had suspected, the potential profits and political gains were so substantial that they'd blinded people to the drug's flaws.

"What's going on? I was so close to success, so why is this happening now?" Once the director left, Seino, the lead researcher, dropped his indifferent facade and frantically dialed a number.

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]

[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]