Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Patting Ivan Vanko on the shoulder, Kain said, "I have a new idea, and I may need your help, Anton, to improve the Pent Group building."

New energy could be integrated into the building's power supply. Additionally, underground passages would be excavated to form a honeycomb-like network connecting key locations such as the Pent Group headquarters, Kain's home, and Umbrella's facilities. 

A large-scale underground research base would also be established, akin to Umbrella's infamous Hive.

With Ivan Vanko's expertise in new energy, transitioning from weapons to civilian applications would be seamless. 

Developing advanced machinery, such as excavators and construction equipment, would be straightforward.

Kain envisioned a concealed underground stronghold—one capable of withstanding even a nuclear detonation in New York. This base would include direct access to the sea, providing a refuge for the basilisk and other magical creatures.

As long as sufficient Ark reactors were in stock, even if New York's power grid were paralyzed, the Pent Building and the underground research base would remain secure.

Kain fully trusted Ivan and Anton Vanko, confident they could handle this massive project. However, he knew it would take several years and likely cost billions or even tens of billions of dollars. 

But to Kain, money was merely a number. Such expenses would be incremental, not immediate.

In the meantime, Kain planned to negotiate with Hydra on launching new pharmaceutical products—ventures that already generated billions in net profits annually and continued to grow year after year.

Anton's earlier concerns about the risks of the new energy war machine lingered in Kain's mind.

 Until these security vulnerabilities were addressed, Kain decided he wouldn't reveal the new energy war machine to the public.

After meeting with Senator Stern, Kain and Betty departed in a car.

They planned to stay in Washington for a few days, as they were invited to a banquet—a birthday celebration hosted by Director Malik for his daughter. 

The event would provide an opportunity to discuss cooperation details with Gideon Malik.

Gideon Malik, a current member of the International Security Council overseeing S.H.I.E.L.D., wielded greater influence in the United States than Senator Stern. 

As a core Hydra member, Malik had remained unexposed even after Alexander Pierce's arrest. Perhaps Pierce had never even known about him.

"Kain, are we planning to win over Mr. Malik? I heard Dad mention him—he's seeking to climb higher, even competing with Dad and others for the position of Secretary of State," Betty asked after getting in the car.

She unbuttoned her collar slightly; the dress she'd chosen for the evening was too form-fitting, making her feel stifled. 

However, Kain misread her discomfort as a subtle hint. The slim dress paired with black stockings suggested that tonight might turn into another passionate evening.

Kain clarified, "Winning him over isn't possible unless we can fully control him, but that's risky. Both Malik and Stern belong to the same organization, and there's a lot of power backing them. Their decisions are driven by profit—whoever offers more benefits gets their loyalty."

The thought of Hydra's power left Kain contemplative. Their influence was so vast that they could casually make decisions like launching a nuclear strike on New York. 

Yet, Kain found it baffling how the Avengers managed to systematically dismantle such an enormous organization.

"Is Hydra really that disorganized? When Pierce was implementing Project Insight, why didn't he coordinate with a few more Hydra executives?" Kain muttered to himself.

Betty, meanwhile, had moved on. "Well, I still have two days to pick out a gift, so it's not too late," she said.

Kain shook his head. "It doesn't matter much. The chips we hold are strong enough. Malik's daughter isn't naive—just give her an expensive gift."

He added, "Even if you gifted a pen, as long as there are mutual interests, cooperation can happen. Stern, on the other hand, is just a typical politician—he doesn't fully grasp the value of vibranium."

Kain paused before continuing to think, 'If we want Hydra to turn its attention to Wakanda, Malik is the one to talk to.'

After a brief silence, Kain looked at Betty and said, "By the way, you should get yourself a private jet. Once Malik's daughter's banquet is over, arrange to order two."

Since acquiring the Osborn Group, the Pent Group had amassed assets worth tens of billions. With several pharmaceutical products nearing launch, the company was on the verge of reshaping the entire industry. 

Buying plane tickets for every trip no longer seemed appropriate.

Though touched by the suggestion, Betty hesitated. "Let's prioritize the company's development. Umbrella still needs capital injections," she said. 

Despite not managing the Pent Group directly, she had a decent understanding of its financial situation.

The company's profit margins were currently limited, while its expenditures were staggering. Without Kain's continued funding, the group's rapid expansion would have been unsustainable.

Kain dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry about the money—you need this more."

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