Chapter 4: The Next Generation, Kryptonium
[Edited]
Chapter 4: The Next Generation, Kryptonium
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Spring 1969 – New York City
A decade had passed, and the world had changed.
Golden Enterprise had evolved beyond what even I had imagined. We expanded our influence into cutting-edge technology, advanced medical research, and even the aerospace industry. Our acquisition of 1.8% of Stark Industries' shares gave us a foothold in the future of weaponry and innovation. More importantly, it gave me access to Tony Stark's father, Howard—a man whose genius, while undeniable, was still bound by the limits of human understanding.
But for all my wealth and power, nothing mattered more than my family.
William Lin, my son, was now ten years old. And he was extraordinary.
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From a young age, William displayed intelligence far beyond his peers. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, mastering concepts that even trained scientists struggled with. But it wasn't just his intellect that set him apart—he was different in a way that couldn't be explained by ordinary means.
~William was a mutant.~
His ability to absorb and convert any form of energy to strengthen his body made him unique. Heat, electricity, kinetic force—it all fueled him, making him faster, stronger, and more resilient. Unlike other mutants whose abilities manifested uncontrollably, William had an instinctive grasp of his power. He learned to regulate it, control it, and even suppress it when necessary.
But the world was changing, and not for the better. Mutants were beginning to surface in greater numbers, and fear was spreading. I knew that if William's abilities were ever exposed, he would become a target.
I swore to protect him. No force on this Earth—natural or supernatural—would take my son away from me.
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~The Legacy of Alchemy~
It was time for William to learn.
Alchemy had been my greatest weapon, my secret to survival. And now, I was passing it down. At first, he was skeptical—science made sense to him, but alchemy required a belief in something more. I told him the truth: that alchemy was not just a discipline but a force that intertwined with the very fabric of existence.
"Alchemy is about understanding the world beyond what the eye can see," I explained as we sat in my private study, surrounded by ancient tomes and transmutation circles. "It's about control, transformation, and creation."
He was hesitant but eager. I watched as he traced the symbols, his mind working faster than his hands. Within weeks, he was performing basic transmutations. Within months, he was crafting things even I hadn't considered.
He was more than my heir.
He was my successor.
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~The Hidden World Reveals Itself~
The underworld of New York had always been dangerous, but now it was evolving. Mutants were only part of the equation. Rumors spread of creatures lurking in the shadows—vampires that walked among us, sorcerers who wielded forbidden magic, and ancient beings that had long since faded into myth.
I had spent my life building an empire in the human world. Now, I was realizing that the world was far bigger than I had imagined.
Golden Enterprise had already begun investing in supernatural research. We recruited scholars, former occultists, and even some individuals with… gifts. If the future was changing, then I would be ready.
And so would my son.
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[Proficiency Panel Update]
Name: Edward Lin
Age: 42
[Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist)]
Alchemy Proficiency: 79% (Level: Advanced)
Transmutation: 85% (Level: Master)
Reinforcement: 80% (Level: Advanced)
Creation: 72% (Level: Advanced)
Physical Condition: Peak Human
Enhancement: (Enhanced through alchemical reinforcement)
Strength: Planetary Level
Status: Chairman of Golden Enterprise, Head of the Lin Family
Mood: Worried
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $5.4 Billion USD (Owner of Golden Enterprise)
Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, and strategic investments (Including 1.8% of Stark Industries)
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I had spent my life building an empire to secure my name.
Now, I was building a world where my son could thrive.
And no one would stand in our way.
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~Spring 1970 – The Dawn of a New Era~
Over the past decade, Golden Enterprise has ascended to a new level of power. No longer just a dominant force in New York's underworld and business elite, we had expanded into ventures that placed us at the forefront of global influence.
And it all began with the birth of a new metal—Kryptonium.
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~Kryptonium: The King of Metals~
Stronger than both Adamantium and Vibranium combined, Kryptonium was a metal, unlike anything the world had ever seen. Its molecular structure was nearly indestructible, capable of withstanding even the most extreme forces. Its conductivity properties made it ideal for high-energy applications, and its alchemical origins meant that it could be further refined beyond what traditional metallurgy allowed.
With only one ton produced annually, Kryptonium became the most valuable strategic material on the planet—worth at least 2.5 times the price of Vibranium, depending on its application and market conditions. And only Golden Enterprise could produce it.
Our monopoly on this metal granted us influence far beyond Wall Street or the criminal underworld. It was no longer just about wealth; it was about control. Governments, corporations, and shadow organizations alike sought access, but we dictated the terms.
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An Alliance with Stark
It didn't take long for Howard Stark to recognize the value of Kryptonium. Our existing stake in Stark Industries, though minor at 1.8%, had already opened doors for collaboration, but this changed everything.
Stark Industries became our primary weapons development partner, utilizing Kryptonium to enhance their next-generation armaments. Stronger alloys, lighter aerospace materials, and energy-diffusing armor were just the beginning. Through Stark, we gained military contracts and deeper access to cutting-edge research, ensuring that Golden Enterprise remained indispensable to the defense sector.
But where Stark saw innovation, I saw an opportunity.
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~Investing in the Future~
While Golden Enterprise dominated established industries, I had my sights set on the future. The rise of computing, biotech, and energy solutions heralded a new technological revolution, and I intended to be at the heart of it.
We established a venture capital wing, investing in emerging technology companies that showed promise. Some of these startups would become giants in the years to come, ensuring that Golden Enterprise's influence extended beyond traditional industries. We weren't just adapting to the future—we were shaping it.
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~Security and Power~
With our ever-growing assets and influence, security became paramount. I established Golden Security, a private security company designed to protect our businesses, properties, and key personnel. Our operatives were highly trained, armed with the best weapons money could buy—and, when necessary, enhanced through alchemical reinforcements.
Beyond our borders, we needed more than security—we needed power. Thus, Golden Enterprises Mercenary Division was born. This was no simple band of hired guns; we deployed elite operatives across the world, securing resources and rare minerals from foreign nations. Where governments failed, we succeeded. Where negotiations faltered, we applied force.
In the shadows, we became a force that even intelligence agencies took note of.
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~Rivals and Blood Feuds~
Expansion always comes at a price. Not everyone welcomed Golden Enterprise's rapid growth.
Old-money conglomerates, threatened by our rising dominance, sought to block our deals, sabotage our ventures, and buy out our partners. What they didn't anticipate was the supernatural backing they had in their corner—vampires.
These creatures, lurking within the highest echelons of industry, had long manipulated the corporate world from the shadows. With our expansion threatening their interests, tensions began to rise. Subtle business maneuvers escalated into assassination attempts, industrial sabotage, and clandestine warfare.
I knew that if Golden Enterprise was to truly rule, we had to win not just in boardrooms, but in the dark places where these creatures thrived.
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~The Burden of Power~
With all my achievements, there was one challenge I could not ignore—my own limits.
Alchemy had brought me to unparalleled heights, but progress had slowed. At my level, further mastery was akin to approaching divinity. Grandmaster-level proficiency was the domain of god-king-tier powerhouses, beings capable of shaping the world with a thought.
I was close—but not close enough.
Yet, as I looked at William, my son, now ten years old and displaying abilities beyond anything I had imagined, I realized something.
Maybe my true legacy wasn't just about my own power.
Maybe it was about what I would leave behind.
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[Proficiency Panel Update]
Name: Edward Lin
Age: 43/85
[Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist)]
Alchemy Proficiency: 80% (Level: Advanced)
Transmutation: 86% (Level: Master)
Reinforcement: 81% (Level: Master)
Creation: 73% (Level: Advanced)
Physical Condition: Peak Human
Enhancement: (Enhanced through alchemical reinforcement)
Strength: Planetary Level
Status: Chairman of Golden Enterprise, Head of Lin Family
Mood: Expectant
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth - $12 billion (Golden Enterprise market value estimated - $5.8 billion, 1.8% Stark Industries stake, etc.)
Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, manufacturing plants, and mineral operations
Security Force: Golden Security & Golden Mercenary Division
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I had built an empire that stretched across industries, controlled metals that defied reality, and forged alliances with the most powerful minds of the century.
But with new enemies rising, the supernatural world stirring, and my own power reaching a critical threshold—one thing was clear.
The real war was just beginning.
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To be continued...