Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 7: The Next Generation

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Spring 1969 – New York City

A decade had passed, and the world had changed.

Golden Enterprise had evolved beyond what even I had imagined. We expanded our influence into cutting-edge technology, advanced medical research, and even the aerospace industry. Our acquisition of 1.8% of Stark Industries' shares gave us a foothold in the future of weaponry and innovation. More importantly, it gave me access to Tony Stark's father, Howard—a man whose genius, while undeniable, was still bound by the limits of human understanding.

But for all my wealth and power, nothing mattered more than my family.

William Lin, my son, was now ten years old. And he was extraordinary.

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A Son of Two Worlds

From a young age, William displayed intelligence far beyond his years. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, mastering concepts that even trained scientists struggled with. But it wasn't just his intellect that set him apart—he was different in a way that couldn't be explained by ordinary means.

William was a mutant.

His ability to absorb and convert any form of energy to strengthen his body made him unique. Heat, electricity, kinetic force—it all fueled him, making him faster, stronger, and more resilient. Unlike other mutants whose abilities manifested uncontrollably, William had an instinctive grasp of his power. He learned to regulate it, control it, even suppress it when necessary.

But the world was changing, and not for the better. Mutants were beginning to surface in greater numbers, and fear was spreading. I knew that if William's abilities were ever exposed, he would become a target.

I swore to protect him. No force on this Earth—natural or supernatural—would take my son away from me.

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The Legacy of Alchemy

It was time for William to learn.

Alchemy had been my greatest weapon, my secret to survival. And now, I was passing it down. At first, he was skeptical—science made sense to him, but alchemy required a belief in something more. I told him the truth: that alchemy was not just a discipline but a force that intertwined with the very fabric of existence.

"Alchemy is about understanding the world beyond what the eye can see," I explained as we sat in my private study, surrounded by ancient tomes and transmutation circles. "It's about control, transformation, and creation."

He was hesitant but eager. I watched as he traced the symbols, his mind working faster than his hands. Within weeks, he was performing basic transmutations. Within months, he was crafting things even I hadn't considered.

He was more than my heir.

He was my successor.

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The Hidden World Reveals Itself

The underworld of New York had always been dangerous, but now it was evolving. Mutants were only part of the equation. Rumors spread of creatures lurking in the shadows—vampires that walked among us, sorcerers who wielded forbidden magic, and ancient beings that had long since faded into myth.

I had spent my life building an empire in the human world. Now, I was realizing that the world was far bigger than I had imagined.

Golden Enterprise had already begun investing in supernatural research. We recruited scholars, former occultists, and even some individuals with… gifts. If the future was changing, then I would be ready.

And so would my son.

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[Proficiency Panel Update]

Name: Edward Lin

Age: 42

Alchemy Proficiency: 90% (Level: Grandmaster)

Transmutation: 85% (Level: Master)

Reinforcement: 80% (Level: Master)

Creation: 70% (Level: Expert)

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $12.4 Billion USD (Owner of Golden Enterprise)

Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, and strategic investments (Including 1.8% of Stark Industries)

Physical Condition: Peak Human (Enhanced through alchemical reinforcement)

Status: Architect of the Future, Protector of the Lin Legacy

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I had spent my life building an empire to secure my name.

Now, I was building a world where my son could thrive.

And no one would stand in our way.