Chapter 15: A New Era Begins
[Edited]
Chapter 15: A New Era Begins
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~Spring 2000 – Nevada~
Golden Aerospace had reached its peak, standing at the forefront of space exploration, technology, and industry. The world looked to them as the pioneers of the new millennium, but for Edward Lin, it was time to take a step back. After decades of building an empire, he had done enough. Now, the weight of leadership would pass to his son.
Standing on the balcony of Golden Tower, Edward gazed out at the vast Nevada landscape. William stood beside him, hands in his pockets, exuding confidence.
"It's time, William," Edward said calmly. "The future belongs to you now."
William nodded, having long prepared for this moment. "I'll take us beyond the stars, Father. But I need you here on Earth, keeping everything steady."
Edward smirked. "Of course. The world still needs me in the shadows. But from now on, you're the face of Golden Aerospace, the Lin Family. The new generation must lead."
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While William took over operations, Evelyn Lin also began preparing for her transition. She had spent decades managing the business empire alongside Edward, ensuring its stability. Now, she was ready to step down as well.
She sat across from William's wife in their private estate, sipping tea as she reviewed financial reports. "It's time for you to learn, my dear. Managing an empire isn't just about numbers—it's about control, influence, and keeping everything in balance."
William's wife, Mei Lin, intelligent and capable, listened intently. "I'll do whatever it takes. William shouldn't carry everything alone."
Evelyn smirked. "Good. Then I'll teach you everything you need to know. After that, I'll finally take my well-earned rest."
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~Beyond the Stars~
William's vision for the future was clear—outer space. The successful test flights and extraterrestrial encounters of the past years had proven one thing: humanity was ready to expand beyond Earth. While governments hesitated, Golden Aerospace pushed forward. The first permanent lunar base was nearing completion, and Mars was no longer a distant dream.
In a board meeting, William outlined the next steps. "We're going beyond Mars. Deep space exploration is the future. We will lead the charge."
The room erupted in agreement. Golden Aerospace was now more than just a company; it was the future of humankind.
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~Waiting for the Avengers~
While William looked to the stars, Edward remained on Earth, watching the shifting tides. He knew what was coming. The world was on the verge of a new age—one that would soon be defined by superheroes.
Tony Stark, the heir to Stark Industries, was growing restless, and his genius would soon reshape the world. The seeds of the Avengers were being planted. Edward had spent his life preparing for the unknown, and now, the stage was set.
From the shadows, he would watch. He would wait. And when the time was right, he would act.
The age of heroes was about to begin.
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~2008 – New York City~
The towering headquarters of Golden Enterprise loomed over the Manhattan skyline, a symbol of decades of ambition, strategy, and power. The Lin family empire, once forged in the shadows of Chinatown, now stood openly among the most influential entities in the world. Edward Lin watched from the upper floors, his gaze sweeping across the city where his journey had begun.
New York had changed, yet it remained the epicenter of global power. The financial heart, the technological frontier, and soon—the battleground for what was to come. Edward had always been patient, always planning. Now, he was content to observe as William Lin took the reins.
William had grown into his role seamlessly. With Golden Aerospace leading humanity into space, Golden Enterprise managing vast global assets, and the next generation of the Lin family secured, Edward had little left to prove. His empire was stable and untouchable. The time for direct control had passed.
Evelyn Lin sat across from him in their penthouse overlooking the city. She, too, had begun preparing for the transition. "William's wife is adapting well," she noted. "I've been teaching her everything she needs to know. Soon, I'll step back as well."
Edward nodded. "It's time. We've done enough."
She smirked. "You sound like you're retiring."
Edward chuckled. "Not quite. But I don't need to stand at the front anymore."
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While William expanded their reach into the stars, Edward remained grounded. He knew the world was on the verge of change. Stark Industries had just seen the return of its prodigal son, Tony Stark. Rumors swirled of advanced armor technology, of something that could redefine warfare and industry alike.
Edward had followed Howard Stark's work closely in the past, and he recognized the same brilliance in Tony. The young Stark had potential—but he also had arrogance and recklessness. A dangerous combination.
Evelyn tapped a report on the table. "Stark's disappearance and return from Afghanistan… it's no coincidence. Something happened out there."
Edward leaned back. "The world's about to shift. We'll be watching."
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Golden Enterprise's headquarters was more than a corporate office—it was a fortress, a symbol, a landmark. A legacy built through blood, steel, and alchemy. And now, Edward Lin watched from above, knowing the next chapter of history was about to unfold.
The age of superheroes was beginning.
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~2008 – New York City~
The skyline of New York had changed over the decades, but the towering headquarters of Golden Enterprise remained a defining landmark, standing as a testament to Edward Lin's vision and legacy. He and his wife, Evelyn, had chosen to settle here once more, returning to the city where it had all begun. While William Lin expanded their reach into the cosmos, Edward remained on Earth, watching, waiting. The world was about to change again, and he intended to be ready.
Despite stepping back from direct control, Edward felt the restless stirrings of ambition within him. The years of overseeing an empire had dulled his edge, but now he had time—time to refine his craft, time to push his limits once more. It was time to grind again.
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[Proficiency Panel]
Name: Edward Lin
Age: 81/85+500
[Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist)]
Alchemy Proficiency: 97% (Level: Grandmaster)
Transmutation: 97% (Level: Grandmaster)
Reinforcement: 97% (Level: Grandmaster)
Creation: 96% (Level: Grandmaster)
Physical Condition: Enhanced Human+ (Alchemically Reinforced)
Enhancement: 500 years (Life-extension elixirs & alchemy)
Strength: Late Stage God-King
Status: Chairman of Golden Enterprise, Head of the Lin Family,
Mood: Calm, Focused
Skill: Inspect
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth - $5.43 Trillion
Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, an Aerospace company, hospitals, research facilities, security forces, mercenary companies, rare resource monopolies, 3.7% Stark Industries shares, etc.
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~Chaos and Control~
New York's underworld was shifting. Wilson Fisk had made his move, consolidating power and carving out his kingdom in the shadows. The crime families, the syndicates—they were all bending to his will, or they were being erased. Yet, through all the chaos, one place remained untouched: Chinatown.
The Golden Dragon Society had faded into the background, operating in silence, but their presence was still absolute. No outsider dared to challenge their dominance. Chinatown was Edward's home, and though he no longer sat upon the throne of the underworld, his legend ensured that peace remained. Even Fisk, for all his ambition, knew better than to provoke the Golden Dragon Society.
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~A Golden Opportunity~
While the streets simmered with tension, Edward saw another kind of opportunity—one that had nothing to do with violence or power plays. It was a simple game of numbers, and he had always played it well.
The world had been shocked by the news: Tony Stark, the genius billionaire, had been kidnapped. Stark Industries' stock was in freefall, plummeting as uncertainty gripped the market. Panic-stricken investors scrambled to sell, afraid of what the future held.
Edward, however, remained calm.
Sitting in his penthouse office, he watched the stock charts fluctuate. He placed a call. "Acquire another two percent of Stark Industries while the price is down," he instructed. "Quietly."
A voice on the other end acknowledged the order before hanging up. Edward leaned back, fingers steepled. This was an easy play. The world didn't know what he did—that Tony Stark would return. And when he did, Stark Industries would skyrocket beyond its previous heights.
It was only a matter of time.
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Edward had spent years building his empire, securing the future of his family. But now, he was turning his focus inward. His skills had plateaued, but that was only because he had allowed it. He needed to push himself again. He needed to surpass even his limits.
Alchemy was boundless, and he had yet to tap into its full potential.
As the world unknowingly approached the dawn of the Avengers, Edward Lin prepared for what was to come. His hands were no longer tied by corporate responsibilities or political maneuvering. Now, he had the time, the resources, and the hunger to ascend once more.
And this time, nothing would hold him back.
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To Be Continued…