470

[Ark Reactor]

Dufran handed over another document, "My lord, I've drafted a preliminary plan for allocating this hundred million dollars. Take a look."

Forseti examined the plan, "Who started this 'Buffett Partnership'?"

"Warren Buffett," Dufran replied after a moment's thought. "He's a newcomer in the business world, establishing Buffett Partners two years ago. I see potential in the company, so I plan to invest one million."

"Change it to 20 million," Forseti said decisively.

Dufran hesitated briefly but nodded, "Understood."

Forseti noticed several familiar names in the plan—future giants starting out now, like Wal-Mart, Pym Technologies, and Trump Real Estate. Dufran's business acumen, sharp as ever, impressed him.

But even the keenest vision couldn't match prophecy. For these companies, Forseti insisted on significantly increasing the investment allocations.

While the immediate burden squeezed most of the funds, Dufran obeyed despite reservations, "My lord, these companies may not warrant such extensive investment, especially Trump, whose growth potential appears average to me."

"It's fine. Follow my instructions," Forseti dismissed any further debate.

Reluctant at the time, Dufran would later realize the profound foresight in these adjustments. It almost made him wonder if Forseti moonlighted as Asgard's god of business investments—but that's another tale.

With the revised plan, Dufran returned to New York, founding "Golden Hand Investment Company" and formally embarking on his career as a business knight.

Meanwhile, at Stark Industries,

The fallout with the Russian gang strained relations between Anton Vanke and Howard Stark. Once confidants and brilliant scientists, they now exchanged few words, if any.

Compounding matters, Artem Ivanov couldn't keep a secret. He boasted to some about his dealings with Anton Vanko, sparking rumors of Stark Industries colluding with Russian gangsters.

Though unsubstantiated, the rumors dealt a blow to Stark Industries' reputation. As a Soviet defector, suspicion naturally fell on Anton Vanko.

Ultimately, under the board's scrutiny, Anton Vanko was demoted from decision-making roles to a mere technical expert.

This further chilled his relationship with Howard, reducing their interactions to functional silence.

With company accountability and strained friendships, Anton Vanko poured himself into the Ark Reactor project.

He even moved his bed into the lab, where he spent weeks studying the energy stone, refining the reactor's design day and night.

His borderline obsessive dedication yielded remarkable results. With insights from the Energy stone, the Ark Reactor—destined to redefine an era—progressed at an astonishing pace.

"This time should work..."

Anton Vanke muttered in the lab.

Disheveled, eyes bloodshot, he resembled a vagabond, yet a glimmer of hope lit his tired eyes.

In the expansive lab sat a large ring-shaped reactor—the prototype for Stark Industries' magnum opus, the "Ark Reactor."

Though far from the envisioned miniature Shiar energy stone, the prototype marked a tangible step towards their ultimate goal.

As long as this prototype maintained stable operation, Stark Industries would secure its place in history.

Anton Vanke adjusted the reactor's parameters, took a deep breath, and activated the switch.

"Hum—"

The reactor hummed to life, its ring glowing with erratic blue light at first, stabilizing under Anton Vanke's careful adjustments.

Minutes passed, the reactor sustained its steady glow... Then hours.

Watching the timer climb while the reactor held firm, Anton Vanko trembled with excitement, his face flushed, "It works! I did it!"

Though only a prototype, the reactor heralded a bright future.

With no setbacks, Stark Industries held a special press conference, unveiling the Ark Reactor's early success. The news captivated the world, dominating headlines for days.

Stark Industries' stock soared to unprecedented heights, and its founder, Howard Stark, became a global icon—an epitome of technology and wealth.

Yet amid the accolades, Anton Vanko's role faded into obscurity. Few remembered the Soviet defector beyond rumors of his shady dealings with Russian gangsters.

"Stark." Anton Vanko entered Howard's office, clutching a document, visibly agitated.

Old Stark frowned, "What's wrong?"

"Why am I listed last?" Anton Vanko pointed at the document, meeting Howard's gaze head-on.

Old Stark paused, "That's the board's decision... You know why."

"But I created the Ark Reactor! I lived in that lab for two months straight, and I was the one who started it for the first time!" Anton Vanke's words rushed out, his breathing heavy.

"Tell me, Stark—who truly built the Ark Reactor?"

Old Stark sighed, "It was a team effort, and you played a pivotal role."

"But my name should be first! You're taking credit that rightfully belongs to me!" Anton Vanke slammed his hand on the table.

"The company recognized your contributions with the highest bonus."

"I don't care about bonuses!" Anton Vanke's voice cracked.

"I want my name at the top. I created the Ark Reactor, not you, Howard Stark!"

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