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After Anton's reminder, the three scientists in the underground lab became more aware than ever of just how crucial their research on the Skrulls was.

In fact, this was likely the most important project they had ever undertaken.

Whether or not they could thwart the alien conspiracy depended entirely on their abilities.

This wasn't just a challenge for humanity—it was a personal test for each of them.

The weight of responsibility settled heavily on their shoulders.

"Don't stress too much—I believe in your abilities," Anton said with a reassuring smile, noticing the tense atmosphere in the lab. "Before things escalate, I'll do my best to buy you as much time as possible. As for everything else, leave it to me."

He had complete confidence in the three men before him.

Mr. Fantastic, Dr. Lizard, and the Hulk—each one a world-class scientist in his own right.

Especially Reed Richards.

In the comics, he was the one who ultimately cracked the Skrulls' shape-shifting ability.

If these three brilliant minds working together couldn't develop a solution, then perhaps humanity deserved to lose.

"We'll do our best," Connors said, nodding firmly.

"That's right," Reed added. "We won't let you down."

"Good. I'll leave you to it," Anton said. "If you make any breakthroughs or need anything, contact me immediately. Trust me—no matter what you require, I can get it within three days."

"Understood."

With that, Anton left the underground lab, caught a taxi, and headed straight to Oscorp.

Oscorp Tower

Chairman's Office

Despite it being after work hours, Harry Osborn was still buried under a mountain of paperwork.

Since his father, Norman Osborn, had returned to the company not long ago, Harry had expected some relief.

But after only half a month of handling business operations, Norman had dumped the workload back onto him, opting instead to lock himself away in his personal lab to focus on weapons development and genetic research.

As a top-tier scientist and an obsessive geneticist, Norman had once tried—and failed—to develop a cure for the Osborn family's hereditary disease on his own.

Realizing he couldn't achieve his goal alone, he had gone all-in on science, using Oscorp's resources to gather some of the world's leading experts in biotechnology and genetics, hoping to push forward groundbreaking research.

It hadn't worked.

Now, however, thanks to the Life Formula developed by Connors and his team, there was finally hope of curing the Osborn genetic disorder for good.

With that burden lifted, Norman had rekindled his passion for scientific research, leaving corporate affairs entirely in Harry's hands.

Knock, knock!

A sudden knock on the door interrupted Harry's work.

He looked up as his assistant stepped inside.

"Sir, Anton Jameson is here to see you."

Harry's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.

"Let him in," he said. Then, as an afterthought, he asked, "Did he mention why he's here?"

"No, sir," the assistant replied.

"Alright. Bring him in," Harry said, his expression turning serious. "And listen—this is a private meeting. No interruptions, no matter what, until we're done."

"Understood."

The assistant nodded and left.

A moment later, Anton was led into the office to meet Harry.

Harry had changed drastically from the somewhat immature young man Anton had first met.

Though there were still traces of youth on his face, he now carried himself with the aura of a leader—no longer just another rich heir.

"Long time no see, Harry," Anton said as he sat down on the sofa. He wasted no time getting to the point. "I'll be direct—I'm not here about the Illuminati."

Harry froze for a moment.

Not here about the Illuminati?

That was completely different from what he had expected.

He couldn't think of any other reason Anton would want to meet with him.

Before Harry could ask, Anton spoke again.

"Have you seen Nick Fury recently?" Anton asked. "Or has he contacted you—or any of the other Avengers—privately?"

Harry frowned slightly, thinking for a moment before shaking his head.

"No, I haven't seen Nick Fury in a long time," he said. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "As for whether the others have met or spoken with him, I wouldn't know."

"What about Tony Stark?" Anton pressed. "Do you think he's been in contact with Fury recently?"

"Hard to say," Harry admitted, his frown deepening. "Why are you asking? What's going on?"

"There's something wrong with Nick Fury," Anton said with a sigh. "I have reason to believe he's been replaced—by an alien."

Harry's eyes widened in shock.

"What?"

The way Anton had phrased it left no room for misinterpretation. He understood exactly what he meant.

"You know I run the Men in Black now, right?" Anton continued. "It's an organization established by the World Security Council to deal specifically with extraterrestrial threats. According to what we know, a group of aliens arrived on Earth in the 1990s. They're called Skrulls. They're shapeshifters—they can take on human appearances and blend into society undetected."

Harry listened intently, then asked, "If this Nick Fury is really a Skrull, what does that have to do with Tony?"

"The Skrulls infiltrated S.W.O.R.D., and as you know, S.W.O.R.D. operates under S.H.I.E.L.D.," Anton explained. "Not long ago, Nick Fury personally requested a transfer to S.W.O.R.D. However, after the Skrulls were exposed, Fury was forced to take responsibility. So he left—took the Skrulls with him and escaped Earth."

Anton's voice lowered slightly.

"But now, we've found Nick Fury at Stark Industries."

That revelation sent a chill down Harry's spine.

The pieces were falling into place.

Harry took a moment to process Anton's words, his shock giving way to deep concern.

"So… you're saying this 'Nick Fury' who appeared at Stark Industries is actually a Skrull impersonating him, while the real Fury is off-world?"

"Exactly." Anton nodded. "This is classified information. Very few people know about it. But if this Skrull is up to something, he won't stop at Tony—he'll try to make contact with the rest of the Avengers, including you."

"I get it now," Harry said, exhaling sharply.

Anton had come here to plant a mole—to have someone on the inside keeping an eye on things.

Classic move.

Without hesitation, Harry said, "If anything happens, I'll notify you immediately."

…

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