Chapter 176: Chapter 176 Harry Osborn—A True Superhero for the System
"Symbiote?"
Hearing this, Anton eyes widened with sudden realization.
"That right," Eddie confirmed, his expression heavy with concern. "The armor on Harry—it made from a symbiote."
Eddie paused, his voice lowering.
"Venom tells me it smells like one of its own. That armor probably retains all the symbiote abilities… but it feels dead, like a tool, not a living thing. Osborn Corp must've found a way to control symbiotes."
Anton frowned, his thoughts racing.
"So that it… Looks like Osborn Corp has succeeded where the Life Foundation failed."
The pieces clicked into place.
Anton hadn't forgotten how the Life Foundation collapsed only to be absorbed by Osborn Corp.
Despite S.H.I.E.L.D. interest in the aftermath, they couldn't interfere directly in Osborn operations. Research on symbiotes had clearly continued.
What had once been illegal experimentation had shifted into the realm of legitimacy, conducted under the aegis of Osborn Corp formidable resources.
From the way Harry was showcasing the armor, it was evident: Osborn Corp had found a functional, powerful path to harness symbiotes.
Onstage, Harry black armor radiated an aura of ominous power, confirming Anton suspicions.
The armor was living technology, crafted from symbiotes that no longer retained independent will.
Harry confident demeanor suggested that these symbiotes were entirely subdued—reduced to tools, their biology harvested to create the ultimate weapon.
Harry voice boomed across the venue as he addressed the audience:
"Osborn Corp has always believed in taking on greater social responsibility. Ensuring peace and societal stability is a duty we cannot shirk."
He gestured dramatically as he continued.
"After thorough consideration, we've created a special division."
"The purpose of this division is to collaborate with the New York Police Department Special Task Force. I, Harry Osborn, as Chairman of Osborn Corp and the leader of this division, will officially join the NYPD Special Task Force as a consultant."
There was a deliberate pause before Harry added with a knowing smile:
"In fact, I'll be working alongside some of your favorites—yes, like those famous turtles you've all come to love."
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Ever since the Ninja Turtles joined the NYPD Special Task Force, their popularity had skyrocketed.
Within months, they had become New York beloved mascots, even inspiring the task force to redesign their emblem to incorporate turtle imagery.
But that was secondary to what Harry was announcing.
Hovering mid-air on his flightboard, Harry spoke with sincerity. Despite his elevated position, his tone wasn't condescending. Instead, it carried a genuine, humble conviction that resonated with the audience.
His every word left the audience hanging on his promises of heroism and societal commitment.
Anton, however, wasn't as easily convinced. He leaned toward Eddie, whispering, "Osborn armor... it impressive, but it far from harmless. This is a power move."
Eddie nodded grimly, while Venom stirred uneasily within him.
Anton eyes remained fixed on Harry as he concluded his speech.
A potential ally—or a dangerous competitor? Time would tell.
Harry paused, then continued before anyone could respond:
"In a way, I'll be a new kind of superhero, here to serve the people. But unlike vigilantes, I'll be a police task force consultant with the authority to participate in law enforcement operations."
"A consultant? Participating in law enforcement? A new superhero?"
The crowd exchanged puzzled glances.
This was the first time they had witnessed the formal announcement of a superhero emergence at such an official event.
Tony Stark declaration that he was Iron Man didn't count—it had been made at a press conference, not during the dramatic birth of a hero.
After all, everyone agreed that the true birthplace of Iron Man was the street outside Stark Industries HQ, where Tony Stark had been famously pummeled by the Iron Monger.
Photos of the event had been plastered across the Daily Bugle front page, and even now, many people still kept those colorful images.
Tony detractors, in particular, cherished the pictures, delighting in using them to mock him.
Both Anton, Tony, Justin Hammer, and others in attendance wore expressions of disbelief—stunned by the sheer boldness of Harry move.
To openly announce himself as a new superhero, with an official partnership with the NYPD granting him law enforcement privileges…
It was nothing short of audacious!
Compared to this, every other superhero looked like a freelance vigilante, while Harry had stealthily aligned himself with the establishment and gained the status of a legitimate official.
Justin face twisted in frustration.
He knew exactly why Harry was making this bold proclamation in front of such a large audience.
It was all because of Tony Stark.
By becoming Iron Man, Tony had captured public attention, driven up Stark Industries' stock, and brought in tremendous benefits.
Clearly, Osborn Corp was looking to replicate that success by introducing their own superhero, designed to attract attention and elevate the company profile.
And among Osborn Corp ranks, who better to take on that mantle than Harry Osborn himself?
Justin glanced at the expressions of the audience.
Seeing their intrigue and admiration, his frustration deepened further.
Clearly, Osborn Corp had struck gold.
After today, the company would bask in an unprecedented spotlight.
Though the future was uncertain, as long as Osborn Corp could maintain this level of attention—coupled with Harry promise to actively participate in NYPD task force operations, intensify efforts against crime, and bolster public relations—they would have a chance to rival Stark Industries in public standing.
At this moment, the pressure Osborn Corp was exerting on Justin Hammer had already surpassed that of Stark Industries.
After all, Stark Industries had withdrawn from the weapons business.
In contrast, Harry actions signaled that Osborn Corp had no intention of scaling back its arms division. Instead, they were preparing to aggressively expand, using the guise of a superhero to market their weapons to law enforcement, the military, and the general public.
"A clever strategy..."
Justin expression was cold as he glared at Harry on the stage, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"You sly little brat, I underestimated you!"
Anton and Tony Stark were also quick to grasp Harry true intentions.
Becoming a superhero wasn't the goal; it was simply a means to an end.
Unlike Harry claims of pursuing justice and peace, his ultimate aim was to strengthen Osborn Corp position in the market.
If justice were truly the objective, perhaps only the idealistic Spider-Man could genuinely embody such a motive.
Anton rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his impression of Harry subtly shifting.
From his initial collaboration with the Daily Bugle to now standing independently as a corporate leader, Harry had matured significantly in just six months, developing into a shrewd and calculating strategist.
No wonder Norman Osborn had placed such confidence in his son.
That said, if Harry intended to become a superhero, what alias would he adopt?
Surely he wouldn't call himself the "Second Green Goblin," right?
Anton mulled over the thought.
Harry, however, didn't seem inclined to announce a superhero alias just yet.
After presenting Osborn Corp initiatives and his plan to debut as a superhero, Harry shifted gears, focusing on showcasing Osborn Corp cutting-edge technologies and its upcoming line of national defense products.
By "national defense," he was clearly referring to advanced weaponry.
This development caused Justin Hammer expression to sour even further.
"Even if you pull off this stunt, Osborn Corp will still be left in the dust by Hammer Industries... The future belongs to Hammer Industries!"
Justin momentary frustration gave way to a triumphant grin.
His trump card, after all, was something that would exceed everyone expectations.