"Osborn Group collaborating with Stark Industries?" Harry Osborn's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing Tony Stark's proposal. After all, countless companies and individuals desired a partnership with Stark Industries. Tony Stark's immense wealth, generosity, and unrivaled ability to generate profit were universally acknowledged.
In this world, the number of people wanting to do business with Tony Stark might surpass those in any movie universe wanting Wang Duoyu to invest in their dreams.
Harry vividly remembered that Norman Osborn had once hoped to collaborate with Stark Industries. However, despite being a significant player in its own right, Osborn Group had no connection with Stark Industries. Norman Osborn neither had personal ties with Tony Stark nor held any respect for Obadiah at the time, thus missing any opportunity to establish a partnership with Stark Industries.
"Yes! I agree!" With an opportunity to work with Stark Industries now before him, Harry couldn't afford to pass it up. He quickly agreed, fearing any potential changes that might arise if he hesitated.
However, Harry's eagerness revealed his inexperience. If Norman Osborn were still alive, he would undoubtedly seek to secure as many benefits as possible from such a deal. But the young Harry had no such considerations.
Tony Stark wasn't surprised by Harry's enthusiasm. Given the current state of Osborn Group and the fact that many within likely questioned Harry's leadership after Norman's death, this partnership was a much-needed chance for Harry to prove his capabilities and stabilize the company.
"I'll handle the aftermath with the Spider-Men. Contact me if you need anything." Clark said, observing Tony Stark and Harry Osborn's budding collaboration before turning to Steve and Tony.
Clark understood that while he and Robert provided the muscle for the Avengers, the organization's operational and financial management, as well as its negotiations with governmental bodies, were primarily handled by Tony Stark and Steve Rogers.
Clark had no desire to reveal his true identity or engage directly with governmental forces. The presence of Steve and Tony was crucial for these interactions. This sentiment was shared by others in the group, like Robert and Peter Parker, who also wished to keep their identities under wraps. Unlike Tony, whose public persona and lifestyle made his superhero activities transparent, most superheroes preferred to remain anonymous.
Even Bruce Wayne, whose life mirrored Tony's in many ways, chose to keep his Batman identity secret, driven by his own concerns.
Thus, Clark knew it was essential to brief Steve and Tony on his plans. Harry Osborn and Osborn Group joining the Avengers could also aid in his endeavors. Clark was confident his actions would remain hidden from the authorities and private entities, but the rescued individuals might inadvertently reveal his identity. Given Superman's fame, any unexplained heroics would likely be attributed to him, regardless of direct evidence.
Government agencies, in particular, needed no proof to cast suspicion. The Avengers' previous interference with official attempts to exploit the Spider-Men would likely lead to renewed tensions and public disputes. Even if the Avengers managed to maintain a favorable position in public opinion, there was no guarantee the authorities wouldn't smear their reputation.
Therefore, Clark needed to ensure that Tony and Steve were prepared for any backlash that might arise from his actions.
"Don't worry, if it weren't for my own limitations, I'd join you in your mission. You're doing great. Keep following your heart, and I believe in you!" Steve Rogers said earnestly to Clark.
"There was a time I doubted your intentions, but now I see it was my old age and cynicism speaking. You're like a beacon of hope, striving for the light. I hope the new era you lead inspires more to awaken the goodness within them," Steve continued, reminiscing about his past idealism.
"It's not that simple. The modern world is far more complex. Even though Superman was once revered as a god, how many truly followed him or were inspired to be better because of him? There's a significant gap between having a role model or faith and the reality of everyday life," Tony Stark added, feeling reflective.
"Indeed, I can only ensure that my actions align with my values. Beyond that, there's not much I can guarantee," Clark agreed, acknowledging the limits of his influence. Despite his global fame and the countless lives he had saved, he was realistic about the limited number of people genuinely changed by his example.
"If you encounter any issues or uncertain intelligence, contact me and Jarvis. We'll support you," Tony advised, reminding Clark of the importance of technological aid. "Your strength is formidable, but don't underestimate the power of technology. Try to keep your identity hidden to avoid escalating conflicts with the authorities."
"Understood. I'll be careful," Clark replied before vanishing into thin air.
"Is it really that complicated?" Robert mused, watching Clark disappear. He had thought Clark's strength would suffice to handle any situation but now realized that official entities might be greedier and more self-righteous than he had imagined. Their attempts to study the Spider-Men seemed almost justified in their eyes, making it challenging for even the Avengers to hold the moral high ground.
"Should we help out?" Robert considered assisting Clark instead of sparring with Kara, as initially planned. His shape-shifting abilities made him less vulnerable to detection, allowing him to disrupt the authorities' efforts effectively.
"Alright," Kara agreed, feeling a sense of duty to help her brother. Besides, she and Robert were among the few Avengers who could genuinely aid Clark.
While Pietro and Barry Allen had incredible speed, rescuing and locating dispersed individuals was beyond their scope. Susan Storm, with her invisibility, could help evade detection, but her limited strength made penetrating highly secure facilities a challenge.
Seeing that Susan hadn't thought to offer her assistance, Kara and Robert decided not to involve her and quickly took off to join Clark.
"I have something to take care of. Do you want to come with me, Harry?" Peter Parker asked after Kara and Robert had left, glancing at Harry Osborn.
"Uh... you go ahead. I'll stay and discuss the partnership details with Mr. Stark. I'll catch up with you later," Harry responded, momentarily stunned. While the other Avengers believed Peter needed time to cool off, Harry knew he was heading to meet Wade and chose not to join him. Harry preferred to avoid further interactions with Wade after their torturous lunch experience. Even if Wade joined the Avengers in the future, Harry would still try to keep his distance.
"Okay then," Peter replied, disappointed. He had hoped Harry could help buffer Wade's relentless taunts, fearing that without Harry, he might end up fighting Wade instead of talking to him.
"You sure about letting him go alone? Maybe we should discuss this later?" Tony suggested to Harry, concerned about Peter's emotional state.
"No need to worry. Don't underestimate Peter; we grew up together..." Harry quickly reassured Tony, not wanting to reveal the actual reason for Peter's departure and Wade's involvement.
"Alright, if you say so..." Tony replied, misinterpreting Harry's words as a sign that Peter needed some time alone to gather his thoughts.
As the Avengers' base quieted down, Tony and Harry began planning their business collaboration. Such a partnership wouldn't be immediately publicized but would start with a front company to help bolster Osborn Group's standing before making the alliance official.
Meanwhile, Pietro and the others left the base to rest and continue developing their abilities. Their performance during the Spider-Man incident had been lackluster compared to their previous encounter with the Shadow Soldiers. At least then, they had each taken down several foes. Robert's recent remarks had made them realize that their path to greater strength relied solely on their own efforts and exploration, with no guaranteed outcome.
Nevertheless, they remained determined to keep pushing forward, motivated by their desire to remain in the extraordinary world they were now part of and their inability to turn a blind eye to its challenges.
Elsewhere, Peter Parker found Wade, who had been eagerly waiting for him. Wade's eyes sparkled beneath his mask at the sight of Peter, not just because of their bond but also because Peter held the key to Wade's continued entanglement with the Avengers.
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