Chapter 58

While Ymir was pondering how long this party would last, Herbert Landon, the headlining guest, had already walked out from the backstage. Maintaining the demeanor of a prominent figure, Herbert did not walk too quickly, always keeping a steady pace.

As Herbert made his entrance, the atmosphere of the party reached a climax. Peter noticed that Herbert’s eyes were bloodshot, his expression somewhat haggard, as if he hadn’t slept all night.

Similarly, Ymir sensed that the speaker’s heart was not as calm as he appeared to be.

But who cared? To Ymir, he was just a background character, not worth much attention.

Ymir and Peter’s speculations were correct. Before stepping on stage, Herbert’s mind was still filled with conflicting thoughts. But by the time he came to his senses, he was already standing on the central stage of the new technology center.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for listening to this old antique’s ramblings on this beautiful evening." Herbert’s humorous and witty opening remarks won him a lot of points.

With no way out, Herbert didn’t even know if Kingpin’s men were lurking below. He had to grit his teeth and follow the planned script: "Tonight, I stand here to announce the arrival of a new era, an era that will allow us to fully understand genetic mutations."

"Most of us know that DNA, the chemical composition shared by human and animal cells, contains the coding for all the characteristics of our life functions." As Herbert spoke, a large 3D virtual projection appeared on the stage.

Just like the virtual projection technology in Tony Stark’s tower, it could be manipulated with Herbert’s gestures. This caught Ymir’s interest; he wasn’t sure if the technology in his previous life had developed to this level.

Perhaps it had, but at least Ymir had never seen it. This novel and interesting technology broadened his horizons.

DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions, guiding biological development and the functioning of life processes. Segments of DNA that carry genetic information are called genes, while other DNA sequences either function directly through their structure or participate in regulating the expression of genetic information.

Herbert looked at the virtual projection of the double helix DNA structure and continued, "However, at times, these gene chains can undergo unique changes, which we call—mutations."

"Due to the complexity and minuscule size of the gene chains, the scientific community has yet to fully control or interfere with such mutations in DNA." A part of the double-stranded DNA structure was highlighted, showing some unusual mutant genes.

"Even our understanding of them is still at a superficial level. We don’t know why they mutate, how they mutate, or what triggers the mutations and the energy required."

Herbert didn’t come to the new technology center to proclaim his ignorance. He already had research results that could change all of that: "Personally, I prefer to call them X-genes, all unknowns."

"Fortunately, our Brand Corporation has collected some data on X-genes and conducted research. By using the latest generation of supercomputers to analyze, organize, and extrapolate this data, we at Brand Corporation are confident that we will soon complete this greatest scientific discovery!"

"Finally, we’re getting to the point..." Ymir looked at the enthusiastic Herbert on stage, somewhat speechless, wondering if Herbert had a background in sales.

He said in a stirring tone, "Yes, we are about to conduct more in-depth research on X-genes, ushering in a new era, using scientifically controllable artificial genes to replace those naturally occurring mutations!"

"This is impossible," Ymir didn’t remember if any mad scientist in the movies from his previous life had succeeded in this research.

But it seemed there wasn’t a villain named Herbert Landon in any of those movies, right?

Was it that the movies didn’t describe it, or that the experiment was never completed?

Ymir thought for a moment, not about Herbert Landon’s speech, but about the consequences if he eliminated Spider-Man to keep him from talking. Would it expose him?

But then again, Peter’s mouth, though chatty, was not entirely untrustworthy. As long as he promised to keep it a secret, he probably wouldn’t leak it.

Just as Ymir was pondering how to make Spider-Man keep the secret forever, a hint of doubt appeared on Peter’s face. His spider-sense suddenly kicked in, and the air around him seemed to emit a barely perceptible danger signal.

Could it be that the Sinister Six were back? Peter immediately became alert.

Sure enough, almost as soon as Peter’s muscles tensed, a maniacal laugh echoed through the room: "Hahaha, Landon, didn’t expect that, did you? Don’t be surprised, I told you, you won’t escape my grasp!"

Without any warning, the roof of the technology center was suddenly blown open by a bomb, and a man on a bat-shaped hoverboard flew in through the hole.

"Green Goblin?" When Ymir saw the concept hoverboard from Osborn Industries, he had already been wondering if the Green Goblin existed in this world. Now, there was no doubt.

"No, it’s the Goblin!" Peter suddenly stood beside Ymir.

He looked at the arrogant hoverboard flying around in the air, his face heavy: "He’s a madman. The first time I met him, he tried to murder Mr. Osborn and Mr. Fisk."

Ymir thought, "If Peter calls him ‘Mr. Osborn,’ it must be the old Green Goblin, not Harry. And who is Mr. Fisk?"

Peter added, "Wilson Fisk, one of New York’s most important philanthropists."

Ymir didn’t care about these details. He stretched his neck, looking for Kathleen in the hall: "Looks like this party is finally over!" Peter patted Ymir on the shoulder, agreeing, "Next, it’s our turn to deal with the Goblin. I’ll hold him off, you protect the guests."

"..." Ymir only wanted to protect Kathleen; he didn’t care about the others.

But Peter didn’t give Ymir time to respond. He crouched and slipped into the chaotic crowd, apparently looking for a place to change clothes. Ymir had always wondered, did changing clothes really boost one’s fighting power? It seemed there were many people in this world with a fetish for strange costumes!