Chapter 67: Dr. Strange
Empire State University.
The morning air on the pathways was exceptionally fresh, but Batman's mood wasn't improved by it.
He'd abandoned the plaid shirt this time, wearing a plain black T-shirt instead, a stack of paper documents tucked under his arm.
Yesterday's work registering shell companies and establishing trusts had taken longer than anticipated. Batman hadn't managed to file the memory fiber patent.
These papers he now carried had taken over an hour to compile after leaving Oscorp Tower.
Today marked only the second time since transferring into Peter's body that Batman had entered Empire State University's gates.
The first time had been immediately after the transfer, when Batman used the university's laboratory equipment to conduct a comprehensive examination of Peter's body from inside out.
Students passing by radiated the unique vitality of youth. Batman stood out in the crowd initially, but quickly employed Bruce's masterful acting skills to appear like a typical cheerful student.
He didn't interact with anyone or linger anywhere.
Having already memorized Empire State University's map and building layout, Batman headed directly for the Technology Transfer Office—commonly known as TTO.
"Extremely thorough documentation... You've clearly prepared extensively for this patent submission, Mr. Parker."
Miles Warren, one of the professors evaluating the patent, smiled after carefully reading through all the materials Batman submitted.
Miles Warren was a genius in genetics and cloning, also a biochemistry professor at Empire State University.
Information about him flashed through Batman's mind. He returned the smile. "Yes, Professor Warren."
"We'll spend a day evaluating your memory fiber's patentability and market potential, then decide whether to invest and handle the patent application," Professor Warren said.
"Professor, I want full ownership of this patent's rights, so I'd prefer the university not participate in the investment," Batman declined.
Professor Warren seemed entirely unsurprised. Though accepting university patent investment was what most students who managed to invent something would do, some preferred to retain all rights and refuse investment.
The latter group usually consisted of those who independently completed their inventions. Batman's memory fiber submission fell into this category.
Professor Warren nodded. "In that case, you'll need to bear all patent application and maintenance costs independently. The university can't provide you with resources or legal support."
"You've considered this, correct?"
"Correct," Batman said.
The other professors from various fields seemed slightly displeased by Batman's refusal of university investment, but Professor Warren signaled them not to insist. "No need to force it. I'm sure Peter reached this decision after careful consideration."
After a token discussion, the other professors fell silent. No one wanted to openly contradict this world-renowned legendary professor of biochemistry, genetics, and cloning.
"Thank you." Batman didn't forget his Peter identity, appropriately expressing gratitude to Professor Warren.
"No need. I was just as confident when publishing my first paper, and that confidence has sustained me ever since," Professor Warren smiled. "Peter, leave the rest to our TTO, but could you stay for a moment?"
"I'd like to speak with you. Could you wait in my office for three minutes?"
Batman didn't refuse. After leaving the Technology Transfer Office, he headed directly to Miles Warren's office.
Along the way, Batman still didn't communicate with anyone, but one female student caught his attention.
Blonde hair, fair complexion. Batman had seen her before at the Manhattan police precinct entrance—the one that hadn't been bombed by the Green Goblin.
That day, when the Squid was being transferred to court, Captain George Stacy had briefly spoken with this student at the entrance.
Thanks to Peter's remarkable hearing, Batman knew she was Captain Stacy's daughter, Gwen Stacy.
But Batman's gaze merely swept past Gwen, as though he'd only accidentally glanced at her.
After waiting three minutes in Miles Warren's office, Professor Warren arrived as promised.
Only the two of them were present. Professor Warren showed no professorial airs, personally pouring water and handing it to Batman. "Peter, I'd like you to help me with something."
Batman's brow furrowed imperceptibly.
Professor Warren seemed not to notice Batman's expression, settling into his desk chair. "Oscorp has donated several grants to Empire State University. His son Harry Osborn is naturally known to the school's faculty."
"Peter, as Harry's only close friend at school, I'd like you to contact a biologist at Oscorp through him."
Batman's brow furrowed again. He'd even thought Professor Warren had seen memory fiber's market potential and wanted private collaboration. Batman had already prepared his refusal.
But he hadn't expected Professor Warren to discuss something entirely different.
Even Batman couldn't perfectly predict everything. He looked at Professor Warren. "Who?"
"Professor Curt Connors. He's currently conducting scientific research at Oscorp, and he's also one of Oscorp's scientist-directors," Professor Warren said.
Batman had already vaguely guessed what Professor Warren wanted.
"He and I are friends, but..."
Professor Warren picked up a newspaper and handed it to Batman. "Look, this is this morning's Daily Bugle front page. Oscorp has been taken over by the military, led by the infamous General Ross."
"Ordinary people might not know General Ross, but in upper circles across various fields, almost everyone knows what kind of person he is."
Batman accepted the newspaper. The content was already familiar to him.
Professor Warren appeared quite contemptuous of General Ross, recounting what Batman had already investigated about Ross capturing the Hulk.
"...So, I'd like you to use Harry as an intermediary to warn Professor Connors, help him find a way to leave Oscorp."
"As a friend, I'm concerned his research results will be twisted for various purposes by General Ross."
Batman nodded, not refusing Dr. Warren's request.
On Empire State University's tree-lined paths, small groups of students passed by Batman, laughing and talking.
Clearly in the same world, yet not in the same world at all.
He didn't linger at Empire State University, driving the new car he'd purchased yesterday to Metropolitan Hospital in New York.
Today, Dr. Octavius would be transferred from the police detention cell to the hospital for surgery to remove his mechanical tentacles.
Since the tentacles were connected to his spinal nerves, only the most elite neurosurgeon could perform the operation.
Batman, as Peter Parker, chairman of Parker Industries, had taken responsibility for arranging everything. Fortunately, Metropolitan Hospital in New York had a world-renowned neurosurgeon—Dr. Strange.
Dr. Strange's impossibly steady hands and superior medical skills had earned him the nickname "God's Hands" in the surgical world.
Inside the hospital, Dr. Octavius lay face-down on the operating table. From the corner of his eye, he watched the anesthesiologist inject anesthetic into his body.
He didn't resist. Instead, he closed his eyes, quietly waiting for the surgery to begin.
The four tentacles on his back lay quietly, held up by several supports. As Dr. Strange donned his sterile gown and gloves, the surgery officially began.
Outside the operating room door, heavily armed police officers stood silent guard.
On the hospital rooftop, Batman—already in his Batsuit—waited silently as well, preventing any accidents during the procedure.