"Mr. Carl, thank you for your appreciation," Stern finally said. "But I'm used to staying here, and I don't plan to resign for the time being."
In the end, Stern still rejected Carl's invitation.
He was currently at a critical phase in an experiment. If he could make a breakthrough, he was confident it would attract numerous wealthy investors to fund his research.
More importantly, the discovery could potentially benefit all of humanity, win him a Nobel Prize, and establish him as one of the greatest biologists in history.
Carl wasn't surprised by Stern's refusal—he already had a good idea why.
It was mainly tied to Dr. Banner. A few years ago, Bruce Banner, the genius scientist with seven doctorates, had been recruited by a U.S. general to work on the "Army Biochemical Force Enhancement Project."
The project's true purpose was to recreate the "Super Soldier Serum" from World War II, using remnants of Captain America's blood.
Unfortunately, the experiment went terribly wrong, exposing Banner to gamma radiation and transforming him into the monstrous and powerful Hulk.
Since then, General Ross had been obsessed with capturing Banner, hoping to harness the Hulk's strength for military purposes.
But Banner, unwilling to let his destructive side become a weapon, went on the run.
During his escape, Banner—using the alias "Mr. Green"—had contacted Dr. Stern online. He had even sent Stern a sample of his blood, hoping Stern could find a way to cure him.
Stern had been amazed by the blood's unique properties. Without Banner's knowledge, he secretly cloned the sample, hoping to develop a miraculous drug that could cure hundreds of diseases and cement his name in scientific history.
"Dr. Stern," Carl said with a calm smile, "I know you have high hopes because of the blood Mr. Green provided you.
But you may not fully understand where Mr. Green came from. Even if you manage to achieve a breakthrough, you might not get the chance to announce it."
Stern's face changed the moment Carl mentioned "Mr. Green."
"How do you know that name?" he demanded, his voice wary.
Mr. Green was the online pseudonym Banner had used. Stern had never told anyone about it.
Carl nonchalantly stirred his coffee with a small spoon and explained:
"I have a lot of friends, so naturally, I know more than most. Let me briefly explain the situation you're caught up in."
He then calmly laid out everything—Banner's real identity, the tragic Hulk transformation, the government's hunt for him, and the danger Stern would face if he continued working with the blood sample.
"You're saying," Stern said slowly, "that even if I successfully develop something, I won't be allowed to publish it? That General Ross could confiscate my work—or worse, have me arrested?"
Carl nodded.
"Exactly. And knowing the way your country's government operates, that's a very real risk."
Stern's face darkened. He was beginning to realize the truth—and it wasn't in his favor.
Carl leaned forward, his voice steady and persuasive:
"Now, let me fully explain the offer I'm making. Think about it carefully.
First, Hudson Group will completely fund your research.
Even if it takes five or ten years to develop a drug that can cure hundreds of diseases, you'll have a steady flow of funding, the best laboratory equipment, and a team to support you.
Second, once you achieve results, you can publish under your own name. No one will steal your discoveries. You'll have every chance to win the Nobel Prize and earn worldwide recognition.
As for General Ross and any other problems... I'll handle them."
Carl gave a faint smile.
"Also, you'll be working alongside some of the best biologists alive. I'm confident they'll inspire and assist you in ways this small university never could."
Stern sat there, visibly torn.
A cure for hundreds of incurable diseases would not only bring unimaginable wealth—it would change the course of medical history.
Of course, Carl knew such a breakthrough would threaten entrenched interests.
Pharmaceutical giants, politicians, and even world powers would want to suppress or control it.
But Hudson Group wasn't afraid of that fight. And neither was Carl.
If someone wanted to mess with him now, they'd find they weren't dealing with an individual—they were taking on an entire organization.
Carl had his own team of elite lawyers. On top of that, he was now friends with Tony Stark.
Given the way the world was trending, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to touch him.
Carl wasn't even afraid of the darkness lurking beneath the surface of society.
With his current strength, if he truly didn't care about the consequences, he could send the leader of this country to the cemetery tomorrow.
After all, no matter how powerful an ordinary human might seem, in front of a capable individual, they were still fragile.
But he wouldn't do that—not because he couldn't, but because it would trigger an all-out crusade from every superhero across the world.
The gain would not outweigh the loss. He would instantly become a public enemy.
However, if he acted in the name of justice—for the health of all humanity, to help those suffering from terminal illnesses—and stood up against corrupt government officials and greedy capitalists trying to block him...
Then that was a different story.
Carl firmly believed that as long as a superhero had even a shred of justice in their heart, they would side with him.
They might even join his cause willingly.
It didn't matter if Dr. Stern wasn't able to develop the cure immediately.
Carl valued Stern's unparalleled talent in biological sciences.
At the very least, with Stern's expertise, they could work on using Hulk's blood to create physical enhancement potions and develop other biotechnological advancements to benefit humanity.
And if possible, Carl planned to "invite" Dr. Banner himself to join their cause too.
As for experimental equipment and research funding?
Carl was going to invest at the highest standard—whether Stern agreed to join or not.
After hearing the conditions Carl laid out, Stern paced anxiously around the lab for a long moment before finally coming to a decision.
"Alright," Stern said, turning around with determination in his eyes. "If you can truly deliver on your promises, then I agree to join Hudson Group."
Stern knew deep down that he had no guarantee of succeeding in developing a universal cure.
And Carl's offer was simply too good to pass up.
Even if he made a major breakthrough, there was no certainty that the traditional capitalists could offer anything better—or protect him better than Carl could.
The fact that Carl knew about "Mr. Green" and could still move freely without fear made it clear: Carl had real power.
"Welcome to Hudson Group," Carl said with a bright smile, standing up and extending his hand.
"I'll send a team tomorrow to pick you up. Your current experimental samples will be carefully transported to your new lab."
Stern shook Carl's hand firmly, a small sense of excitement brewing in his chest.
If Stern hadn't agreed, Carl wouldn't have forced him.
However, he would have certainly paid a visit tonight to take a copy of Hulk's blood samples and all of Stern's experimental data—just in case.
In his current situation, relying solely on training chakra and developing new chakra natures wasn't enough to dramatically increase his power in the short term.
But acquiring a steady stream of advanced serums, like the Super Soldier Serum and potential Hulk-based transformations?
That was a different story entirely.
"Now, with Dr. Stern and Dr. Ethan working openly, and Dr. Smith and Dr. Lister operating from the shadows...
Once I bring Dr. Banner into the fold, it shouldn't be too difficult to develop a stable enhancement serum!"
Carl thought to himself as he walked through the green, sunlit campus of Greyburn College.
Dr. Ethan, who had spent some time staying with Tony Stark, had made his own decision after learning about Carl's philosophy:
The Hudson Group sold life-saving green Power Pills and Military Ration Pills at near cost, ensuring even the poorest could survive without fear of hunger or disease.
Moved by Carl's integrity and compassion, Dr. Ethan had resolutely joined the Hudson Group as well.