"This is a last resort... Maybe I'll succeed!"
Connors sat alone in his office, a surge of anger rising in his chest at the thought of a lifetime's work about to go to waste.
Those bastards in the mainstream scientific community mocked him as a mad scientist pursuing research that's destined to fail.
Even Norman Osborn who had funded and supported him all these years had abandoned him in his darkest hour.
The ugly, twisted faces of those who ridiculed his disability flashed through his mind. The beautiful dream once filled with flowers and honors had been shattered by cruel reality...
Without this research, what could he possibly achieve in the future?
It was as if a voice echoed deep in his heart like the devil in 'Faust' tempting Connors to take the risk, to make that bold and reckless decision...
Perhaps Lady Luck would smile upon him. The chances of human trials succeeding were minuscule, but when he imagined a future of poverty, of academic ridicule and doubt...
"I refuse to accept this!" Connors shouted, sweeping the documents off his desk like a gambler who had lost everything, determined to stake his last chance on a desperate comeback.
He stared at his empty sleeve, an impulse surging within him like erupting volcanic lava, completely overwhelming the last barriers of reason.
Retrieving a reagent from the lab's refrigeration unit, Connors returned to his office, locked the door, and prepared to begin human trials.
Clutching the flawed serum, he knew this reckless gamble was practically suicidal... but he had no other choice...
Oscorp would soon withdraw funding and reclaim the lab, leaving him with nothing.
"God help me," Connors muttered a prayer in preparation for injecting himself.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
"Dr. Connors, are you in there?" The sudden knocking interrupted his experiment.
The one-armed man tensed slightly, recognizing the voice of Sean, the intern. He wondered what the bright young man could want.
"I'm in the middle of some research. What is it, Sean?" Connors asked nervously.
"Oh, well, I was just talking to Gwen about your cross-species genetics study. She mentioned the project was stuck on the decay rate algorithm... I've read all your books and papers... Could I come in?" Sean stood outside the door.
He knew Dr. Connors had dedicated his life to cross-species genetics in an attempt to integrate reptilian traits into humans to restore physical disabilities.
Yet this groundbreaking research which could have stunned the world had been stalled by the biological equation...
Without the decay rate algorithm, progress was impossible...
The office door opened and Connors gestured for Sean to enter.
The young man's eyes flickered to the reagent on the desk, 'So my moves against Oscorp have pushed him this far... to the point of human experimentation on himself...'
"Do you have any suggestions for my research?" Connors asked dismissively.
Though Sean was talented, he doubted the young man could offer anything useful. A lifetime of work had been stuck at this stage.
Countless attempts had failed to yield the correct decay rate algorithm. Sean was only twenty, with mere months of exposure to cross-species genetics...
Connors didn't expect any groundbreaking insights.
"Dr. Connors, I've read your books and papers on cross-species genetics. It's a brilliant vision. If realized, the possibilities would be endless." Sean's face was full of admiration, as if he had complete faith in Connors' work.
His sincerity moved the older man. Connors had always lacked validation since mainstream academia dismissed him as delusional.
Apart from Norman Osborn (who only cared about commercial returns), no one believed in his research.
"Thank you, Sean. Most people think cross-species genetics is insane." A flicker of gratitude appeared in Connors' eyes.
No one had ever spoken to him like this.
Seeing he was gaining control of the conversation, Sean allowed a faint smile.
The one-armed doctor who had been lost in academia for years was no master of social skills. Otherwise, he might have noticed the hollow flattery beneath Sean's seemingly earnest words.
"Doctor, I've reviewed your comparative reports and data... This is the decay rate algorithm I came up with. Could you check if it needs corrections?"
Connors almost laughed inwardly.
There was no way Sean could solve this problem. But seeing the young man's eagerness, he didn't want to crush his enthusiasm.
He took the notebook filled with complex equations ready to dismiss it–
...Only to freeze in shock and stared at Sean in disbelief.
"You... This is incredible! Sean, you're a genius! A true genius!" stammered the overwhelmed Connors.
The problem that had plagued him for years had just been solved just like that.
"Doctor, the formula isn't perfect yet. I was hoping you could refine it." Sean smiled humbly.
He didn't want Connors to use the algorithm immediately only to end up like the original timeline, transformed into a monstrous lizard due to genetic instability.
"But... Fine... Sean, I'll be honest. This lab is funded by Oscorp, but they've hit financial trouble. They're pulling out and reclaiming the lab... in other words, I don't have much time left." Pain flickered across Connors' face.
Time was now his greatest enemy. Even with success within reach, he needed more of it.
"Doctor, have you forgotten the original purpose of this research? If cross-species genetics succeeds, it could save millions of disabled people, freeing them from physical limitations and societal prejudice. And its potential goes even further... human-animal genetic fusion could be a monumental leap in evolution!"
Sean's voice was passionate, painting a grand vision that felt undeniably real.
He continued, "This algorithm isn't perfect, it was just a flash of inspiration. It needs someone deeply familiar with cross-species genetics to refine it. Dr. Connors, we can do better. We just need a little patience."
Like a Wall Street broker, Sean skillfully guided Connors' thoughts and swayed his resolve.
"But Oscorp..." The memory of Norman Osborn's abandonment made Connors hesitate again.
"Funding won't be an issue. Trust me, give me two days."
Sean's promise carried an air of certainty, his youthful face radiating conviction.
Connors studied the miracle-bringing young man through his glasses.
Though doubt lingered, he chose to believe Sean. Perhaps deep down he too wanted the perfect outcome Sean described...
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Read ahead on my P@treon...
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