Short Selling
In an underground base 300 meters below the Umbrella Building in Manhattan, New York, Adam stood with his hands behind his back, observing the test subject in the laboratory.
The test subject had already transformed into something monstrous.
A new creature's head had grown, gradually replacing the original head, which had moved to the left chest. The right chest had protruded strange objects, and new hands had nearly detached from the abdomen.
The right hand's eyeball had further enlarged, evolving into a giant claw, while the left hand and both feet were transforming into beastly forms.
This was the second stage of the G-virus. The Nemesis parasite had taken control, generating new bone structures, skin, brain, and a new skull.
"Ugh..."
The creature in the lab occasionally writhed as if trying to awaken, but was quickly sedated and calmed down.
After watching for a while, Adam frowned slightly.
"Something's wrong. G-3 has entered the second stage faster than G-2, but it's consuming more nutrients and doesn't seem any stronger than G-2."
"Did the experiment fail?"
As he pondered, Red Queen's voice interrupted him.
"Master, we have received combat results from a C-2 virus-enhanced subject in the Middle East. The results are not very promising."
Adam, snapped out of his thoughts, responded immediately.
"Combat results already? Is there footage?"
The initial C-1 virus rapidly enhanced users but turned them into insect-like monsters, which was unacceptable and unsellable to most people.
It had minimal commercial value unless someone was desperate. Thus, Adam had made improvements, suppressing some insect genes, allowing gradual enhancement without altering appearance.
Only when the host faced a lethal attack would the virus fully activate, unleashing insect gene enhancements.
This improved C-2 virus was one of his best-selling products. He also had a stronger C-3 virus but wouldn't sell it without developing the C-4 virus first. His business principle was always to hold back the latest product.
"There is combat footage. Transmitting data now."
As Red Queen spoke, a projection appeared before Adam, though the data was still loading. He realized further optimization of data transmission was needed.
It was 2008, and most people still used 3G networks. 4G wouldn't appear until 2013. Despite having developed 4G-equivalent speeds with Red Queen, it still felt slow.
After a few minutes, the data finished transmitting, and the projection began.
The footage showed Tony fighting a small-time leader. Watching the leader fully activate the C-virus, triggering insect genes, Adam quickly analyzed the data.
It seemed to involve mantis genes while retaining much of its humanity. Strength increased about thirtyfold, speed reached 100 meters in three seconds, and defense could withstand regular rifle bullets.
However, the fight was too short to gauge endurance, and though the leader retained humanity, intelligence seemed diminished, evolving in front of an enemy.
This flaw hadn't been fully addressed in the C-3 virus and would need improvement in the C-4.
With the projection ending, Adam remembered something else. The storyline had reached the point where Iron Man would soon reveal new energy in the Middle East.
Stark Industries' stock would soon rise, possibly doubling or tripling.
"Red Queen, buy back all shorted Stark Industries stock."
Knowing the Marvel storyline, Adam anticipated Tony would soon return to the U.S, shut down the weapons research division, and halt all arms deals, causing Stark Industries' stock to plummet.
He had shorted the stock last month, making a significant profit. But due to the heavy investment in shorting Stark Industries and acquiring Starship Company, his liquidity had been tight.
"Yes, Master."
Just as Adam prepared to continue researching the G-3 virus, the test subject in the lab opened its eyes.
"Roar!"
Despite being sedated with numerous needles, the subject tore out the needles and broke free of its restraints with its enormous right arm. Red Queen immediately detected the anomaly.
"Beep beep beep..."
As alarms blared, four fully armed security personnel in black tight uniforms appeared at the door, wielding specially thick rifles, aiming at the test subject.
"Roar!"
The creature roared, slamming its giant right fist into the thirty-centimeter-thick bulletproof glass. The glass cracked under the impact.
Watching from behind the glass, Adam showed a hint of interest. The glass could withstand high-caliber sniper bullets but cracked under a single punch.
The G-3 virus evidently provided much more strength than the G-2, and the subject's resistance to heavy sedation indicated significant evolution.
"Bang!"
The creature struck the glass again, deepening the cracks until they spread across the entire surface. Finally, the glass shattered.
"Roar!"
With a victorious roar, the creature charged at Adam. The security personnel opened fire without hesitation.
"Ratatat..."
Bullets struck the creature but failed to break its skin, merely indenting slightly before bouncing off. The security personnel's faces changed.
Their rifles were not ordinary but powerful electromagnetic rifles, used only by core security personnel in the base. Yet these weapons had no effect on the creature, highlighting its terrifying strength.
Seeing the creature close in on Adam, the security personnel dropped their rifles and drew black knives, rushing forward. They were T-3 virus-enhanced individuals, far from weak themselves.
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