Marvel: Trading with Worlds

If Ross was keeping secrets from his partners, Kain would consider ending their collaboration and finding others to work with. Extremis was in high demand—buyers weren't an issue.

Ross sighed deeply and downed the rest of his drink. "The losses were heavy. The reason? Unknown."

Kain blinked in surprise. It wasn't like Ross to give such an inept response. If his assessment was correct, the super soldier squad consisted of around sixteen individuals.

 A "heavy loss" likely meant they'd lost at least ten of them in what should have been a straightforward victory.

If that wasn't a disaster, Kain didn't know what was.

"I'm guessing quite a few people are looking to replace you," Kain remarked dryly, nodding toward a group of attendees. One of them was speaking with Betty, clearly attempting to flatter her.

But Kain knew that they actually wanted to approach him for cooperation through Betty. They may not have the intention to completely replace Ross, but they certainly aimed to gain a substantial share of power.

Kain didn't trust them much, though, because they were of the same kind, and there was only so much to go around. If they tried to take it all, some would inevitably go hungry.

"Ross, I think we need to collaborate more closely," Kain said, intending to accelerate his own development, but it required the sincerity of Ross and his associates. 

Getting the full super soldier serum from them would be impossible with money alone. He needed more in return.

"The super soldier serum has made progress, and I think we should renegotiate the division of interests—or you could offer more benefits."

At this, Ross's eyes widened in shock, and in a low voice, he asked seriously, "Are you sure? It's not the defective super soldier serum, but the Captain America one?"

"It's that super soldier serum. But are you sure you want to discuss this here?" Kain replied.

Kain understood the significance and power of the super soldier serum. Originally, Dr. Erskine had made only a few doses, then destroyed them, and the formula was lost. 

Though a few serum samples remained, both the military and Howard Stark had failed to replicate it.

The super soldier serum that created Captain America was what the military desired. Initially, the Extremis virus serum wasn't bad, and if it had been perfected, it would have been even stronger. 

But the heavy losses among the soldier squads gave the military a new assessment of the Extremis virus serum, leading Ross to increase his purchases.

"I'll find you at your hotel after this," Ross said, his voice grave.

After saying this, Ross downed his drink in one gulp, set the empty glass aside, and walked off to speak with others.

He needed to calm his restless heart and think carefully about how to cooperate with Kain. From the looks of it, Kain seemed dissatisfied with the current arrangement.

Ross thought it was understandable, given the magic of the Extremis virus serum. Without the military, no one else could obtain it so easily. However, the redistribution of benefits might not be something others would agree to.

To expedite the development of the super soldier team, Ross had reluctantly agreed to Kain's demands, but he worried that others might not be as flexible. Kain didn't seem like the type to compromise.

If the super soldier serum could be produced in large quantities, Ross's position wouldn't be limited to that of a general—he could take a major step forward.

The banquet was boring, at least to Kain.

Ross had already reminded him of the banquet's purpose: to continue promoting the war and, at the very least, to gain benefits. 

The war, which had originally been going well, encountered an unexpected setback, and even the super soldier squad had suffered heavy losses. The common soldiers would, of course, not be spared.

Under the bombardment of missiles, the once nearly invincible local army suddenly found itself facing a well-equipped special forces unit.

 These operatives were also familiar with American military intelligence in the Middle East.

These were merely speculations from the military, but aside from intelligence leaks, they couldn't think of another explanation—unless the forces in the Middle East had more accurate satellite surveillance than the United States.

So far, the American military had killed or injured over a thousand people. They hadn't released such a massive number, instead concealing it. 

Official reports claimed only 13 casualties, most of whom were either killed by landmines or attacked by cunning terrorists.

"Kain, this is Senator Stern."

After a while, Betty Ross introduced a senator—a bit overweight, but with a kind smile on his face.

Kain immediately recognized him as a member of Hydra's development branch.

After seeing this, Kain shook his hand with a smile and said, "Senator Stern."

Senator Stern returned the smile and said to Kain, "Mr. Pent, I think your biopharmaceutical company has tremendous potential. If possible, I would like to introduce you to a few partners who could help your company grow faster and, at the same time, secure more benefits."

Kain smiled back and replied, "Thank you, Senator, but unfortunately, this isn't New York. Otherwise, I would definitely invite you to try some of the city's famous dishes."

Hydra wanted to cooperate with him? Were they still after the Extremis virus serum?

Kain was more open to cooperation if it was with Hydra. After all, Hydra was part of S.H.I.E.L.D. and even had a connection to one of the six Infinity Stones—the Space Stone.

"That's fine, Mr. Pent. I'm from Washington," Stern said, clearly pleased with Kain's response.

Seeing Kain's openness to cooperation, Stern couldn't help but smile even more. As long as the young biopharmaceutical tycoon was interested, they wouldn't have to deal with a headache like Tony Stark.

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