The Waldorf Astoria in New York is hailed as the 'epicenter of all civilization'...
Few hotels in the world can match its legacy, having witnessed countless historic events and hosted numerous global luminaries, including an untold number of world leaders.
It's said that at its peak, the hotel accommodated thirty-two heads of state simultaneously, with the political leaders and foreign ministers of all five permanent UN Security Council members staying there, earning it the playful nickname "Little United Nations"...
Tonight, under the flashing lights of cameras, luxury cars pulled up one after another at the hotel's entrance. Socialites and business elites, all impeccably dressed and exuding confidence, stepped out, presenting their invitations before being ushered into the grand reception hall like a tidal wave.
Around 6:30 PM, as night draped the city in its inky veil, New York (the city that never sleeps) burst into a symphony of dazzling lights and lively clamor...
Harry stepped out of his new car, arm-in-arm with a tall, stunning woman who appeared to be a well-known model. Surveying the throng of reporters, he felt a swell of satisfaction.
'At least I won't be outshone by Stark,' he thought to himself.
Tonight's gala was a celebration for Umbrella and Oscorp...
The sales of their genetic pharmaceuticals were soaring, and with Worthington out of the picture and the promising future of the Metis serum, manufacturers and distributors were practically tripping over themselves to praise Harry and Sean, eager to elevate them to near-mythic status.
Of course, after the recent upheavals, Harry (under Sean's guidance) had made examples of a few unscrupulous companies to establish dominance. To carve out a position in an industry quickly, a balance of incentives and intimidation was essential, especially for emerging giants like Oscorp and Umbrella.
Harry strode into the hotel with an air of triumph. As one of the hosts, he didn't even need to show an invitation... his face alone was enough to have the staff escort him to the reception hall.
The young Osborn heir had been riding high lately, as if blessed by Lady Luck. Worthington's downfall after the mutant attack had left a gaping void in the market, one ripe for the taking.
Oscorp, once dismissed as a lost cause, had seized the opportunity. Bolstered by the success of their genetic drugs, they had secured a firm foothold, while Umbrella secured a steady cash flow to fund Dr. Octavius's new energy project.
Unnoticed by many, these two fledgling enterprises had grown rapidly, standing tall like eaglets spreading their wings.
"Why are you alone?" The surprised Harry spotted Sean standing by himself in the crowd. The man was far from the socially awkward scientist type.
"Gwen was supposed to come, but Dr. Connors' experiment has reached a critical stage in live testing, so..." Sean shrugged helplessly.
"Since you're here, the honor of hosting falls to you." Clapping Harry on the shoulder, Sean raised his voice with a smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, our young and passionate Harry Osborn is thrilled by your presence tonight! May you all have a wonderful evening... to New York!"
His words ignited the room...
As the crowd cheered, socialites and elites swarmed Harry, who could only respond with polished smiles and rehearsed pleasantries. Though taxing, such social niceties were well within his capabilities.
When he looked around for Sean however, his friend had vanished.
A flicker of irritation rose in Harry's chest... but as his companion gazed up at him adoringly and guests showered him with flattery, the feeling dissipated.
This kind of adulation, this sense of being the center of attention, was something he'd never experienced before.
No longer just "Norman Osborn's son", he was now the "helm of Oscorp Industries"...
The subtle shift filled him with pride. He was no longer a mediocrity living in his father's shadow, but a self-made success...
...
Meanwhile, Sean had slipped away to the observation deck overlooking Park Avenue...
Below, the streets teemed with life... cars streaming past, pedestrians weaving through the crowd, skyscrapers towering on either side, their neon signs painting the night in vibrant hues.
With a glass of fine wine in hand and a tailored suit hugging his frame, standing here did make one feel like part of the elite.
"Sir, Victor Von Doom has begun his move."
A faint crackle of static preceded the emotionless voice of Skynet in his earpiece.
Leaning against the railing, Sean let the cool night breeze wash over him. The lively hum of the gala drifted out, mingling with Harry's laughter.
Compared to managing corporate affairs and negotiating tedious contracts, the young Osborn was clearly more at home in such settings.
Sean wasn't surprised by the report. Beneath Victor Von Doom's arrogance lay deep-seated insecurity. Hailing from the war-torn Eastern European nation of Latveria, he had grown up surrounded by conflict, famine, and disease... a world devoid of hope.
Through sheer brilliance and relentless effort, Doom had crossed oceans to reach this land of opportunity, only to find it far from the paradise he'd imagined...
This nation discriminated against outsiders, marginalized non-natives, and, above all, looked down on the poor and rootless.
"Rising from nothing, clawing his way to the top, amassing wealth and status beyond most people's wildest dreams... To strip that away from Victor would be to push him to the brink..."
"...A man on the edge will take desperate, reckless measures." Sean smiled faintly.
Watching these heroes and villains emerge in real time was surreal. It was like knowing the plot of a story and observing it unfold from beginning to end.
"Sir, I do not understand your actions." After a pause, the artificial intelligence voiced its confusion, "You possess power sufficient to claim everything this world has to offer, yet you adhere to rules that hold no sway over you, much like a gambler who could overturn the table at any moment but chooses to play by the casino's whims."
Sean blinked, then chuckled, "Have you been studying my behavior? Is this how AI learns?"
"...Skynet, I follow the world's rules because flipping the table is boring." He gazed up at the star-studded sky, "If you keep overturning the game, soon no one will play with you. Just because you have the power to break free doesn't mean you must flaunt it to prove your strength..."
"...Being a tyrant brings no rewards, only endless rebellion and a world reduced to smoldering ruins. Another world's Superman taught us that." Sean stretched out his hand, staring into the infinite void.
Beyond the galaxy lurked a cosmic titan in search of six legendary gems, a true adversary.
"This planet is perpetually favored (or plagued) by aliens, cosmic deities, one crisis after another, requiring teams of superheroes to save the day. It's like an endless comic book series..."
"...I hope my presence can change that. Humanity shouldn't need superheroes to survive. Earth shouldn't live in fear of invasion. I want to free people from this planet's confines, to venture into the starry sea, to pioneer a new age of interstellar colonization!"
The AI fell silent. After a moment, it responded, "Sir, you wish to become humanity's leader, a ruler wielding both sword and code. Those who submit to your will shall abide by your laws; those who refuse to kneel shall be erased."
Sean smiled faintly. Turning back toward the gala, he watched the mingling guests, their laughter blending with the music.
Harry stood at the center, surrounded by fawning pharmaceutical reps. The hierarchy of power and status was evident at a glance.
"When I first arrived in this world, I just wanted to live quietly. Then I realized that to secure my life, I needed greater strength. Now, having kicked aside every obstacle in my path and standing where I am today... I see that I can do more."
The young man paused, taking a deep breath before declaring:
"I want people to know they don't need superheroes!"