Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 33: The Return to the Grind

2008 – New York City

The skyline of New York had changed over the decades, but the towering headquarters of Golden Enterprise remained a defining landmark, standing as a testament to Edward Lin's vision and legacy. He and his wife, Evelyn, had chosen to settle here once more, returning to the city where it had all begun. While William Lin expanded their reach into the cosmos, Edward remained on Earth, watching, waiting. The world was about to change again, and he intended to be ready.

Despite stepping back from direct control, Edward felt the restless stirrings of ambition within him. The years of overseeing an empire had dulled his edge, but now he had time—time to refine his craft, time to push his limits once more. It was time to grind again.

---

[Proficiency Panel]

Name: Edward Lin

Age: 81/85+500

Alchemy Proficiency: 99% (Level: Grandmaster)

Transmutation: 95% (Level: Grandmaster)

Reinforcement: 93% (Level: Grandmaster)

Creation: 90% (Level: Grandmaster)

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $1.23 Trillion

Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, security forces, mercenary companies, rare resource monopolies, 3.7% Stark Industries shares

Physical Condition: Enhanced Human+ (Alchemically Reinforced)

Enhancement: 500 years (Life-extension elixirs & alchemy)

Status: God-King Level Powerhouse

Strength Levels:

Normal → Peak Human → Superhuman → Disaster Level → Planetary → Star Level → Half-step God-King → God-King → Single Universe → Multiverse → Beyond Multiverse.

---

Chaos and Control

New York's underworld was shifting. Wilson Fisk had made his move, consolidating power and carving out his kingdom in the shadows. The crime families, the syndicates—they were all bending to his will, or they were being erased. Yet, through all the chaos, one place remained untouched: Chinatown.

The Golden Dragon Society had faded into the background, operating in silence, but their presence was still absolute. No outsider dared to challenge their dominance. Chinatown was Edward's home, and though he no longer sat upon the throne of the underworld, his legend ensured that peace remained. Even Fisk, for all his ambition, knew better than to provoke the Golden Dragon.

---

A Golden Opportunity

While the streets simmered with tension, Edward saw another kind of opportunity—one that had nothing to do with violence or power plays. It was a simple game of numbers, and he had always played it well.

The world had been shocked by the news: Tony Stark, the genius billionaire, had been kidnapped. Stark Industries' stock was in freefall, plummeting as uncertainty gripped the market. Panic-stricken investors scrambled to sell, afraid of what the future held.

Edward, however, remained calm.

Sitting in his penthouse office, he watched the stock charts fluctuate. He placed a call. "Acquire another two percent of Stark Industries while the price is down," he instructed. "Quietly."

A voice on the other end acknowledged the order before hanging up. Edward leaned back, fingers steepled. This was an easy play. The world didn't know what he did—that Tony Stark would return. And when he did, Stark Industries would skyrocket beyond its previous heights.

It was only a matter of time.

---

The Road Ahead

Edward had spent years building his empire, securing the future of his family. But now, he was turning his focus inward. His skills had plateaued, but that was only because he had allowed it. He needed to push himself again. He needed to surpass even his limits.

Alchemy was boundless, and he had yet to tap into its full potential.

As the world unknowingly approached the dawn of the Avengers, Edward Lin prepared for what was to come. His hands were no longer tied by corporate responsibilities or political maneuvering. Now, he had the time, the resources, and the hunger to ascend once more.

And this time, nothing would hold him back.

To Be Continued…