Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 8: Forging the Future

---

Spring 1970 – The Dawn of a New Era

Over the past decade, Golden Enterprise had ascended to a new level of power. No longer just a dominant force in New York's underworld and business elite, we had expanded into ventures that placed us at the forefront of global influence.

And it all began with the birth of a new metal—Kryptonium.

---

Kryptonium: The Metal of Kings

Stronger than both adamantium and vibranium combined, Kryptonium was a metal unlike anything the world had ever seen. Its molecular structure was nearly indestructible, capable of withstanding even the most extreme forces. Its conductivity properties made it ideal for high-energy applications, and its alchemical origins meant that it could be further refined beyond what traditional metallurgy allowed.

With only one ton produced annually, Kryptonium became the most valuable strategic material on the planet—worth 1.5 times the price of vibranium. And only Golden Enterprise could produce it.

Our monopoly on this metal granted us influence far beyond Wall Street or the criminal underworld. It was no longer just about wealth; it was about control. Governments, corporations, and shadow organizations alike sought access, but we dictated the terms.

---

An Alliance with Stark

It didn't take long for Howard Stark to recognize the value of Kryptonium. Our existing stake in Stark Industries, though minor at 1.8%, had already opened doors for collaboration, but this changed everything.

Stark Industries became our primary weapons development partner, utilizing Kryptonium to enhance their next-generation armaments. Stronger alloys, lighter aerospace materials, and energy-diffusing armor were just the beginning. Through Stark, we gained military contracts and deeper access to cutting-edge research, ensuring that Golden Enterprise remained indispensable to the defense sector.

But where Stark saw innovation, I saw opportunity.

---

Investing in the Future

While Golden Enterprise dominated established industries, I had my sights set on the future. The rise of computing, biotech, and energy solutions heralded a new technological revolution, and I intended to be at the heart of it.

We established a venture capital wing, investing in emerging technology companies that showed promise. Some of these startups would become giants in the years to come, ensuring that Golden Enterprise's influence extended beyond traditional industries. We weren't just adapting to the future—we were shaping it.

---

Security and Power

With our ever-growing assets and influence, security became paramount. I established Golden Security Solutions, a private security company designed to protect our businesses, properties, and key personnel. Our operatives were highly trained, armed with the best weapons money could buy—and, when necessary, enhanced through alchemical reinforcements.

Beyond our borders, we needed more than security—we needed power. Thus, Golden Enterprises Mercenary Division was born. This was no simple band of hired guns; we deployed elite operatives across the world, securing resources and rare minerals from foreign nations. Where governments failed, we succeeded. Where negotiations faltered, we applied force.

In the shadows, we became a force that even intelligence agencies took note of.

---

Rivals and Blood Feuds

Expansion always comes at a price. Not everyone welcomed Golden Enterprise's rapid growth.

Old-money conglomerates, threatened by our rising dominance, sought to block our deals, sabotage our ventures, and buy out our partners. What they didn't anticipate was the supernatural backing they had in their corner—vampires.

These creatures, lurking within the highest echelons of industry, had long manipulated the corporate world from the shadows. With our expansion threatening their interests, tensions began to rise. Subtle business maneuvers escalated into assassination attempts, industrial sabotage, and clandestine warfare.

I knew that if Golden Enterprise was to truly rule, we had to win not just in boardrooms, but in the dark places where these creatures thrived.

---

The Burden of Power

With all my achievements, there was one challenge I could not ignore—my own limits.

Alchemy had brought me to unparalleled heights, but progress had slowed. At my level, further mastery was akin to approaching divinity. Grandmaster-level proficiency was the domain of godfather-tier powerhouses, beings capable of shaping the world with a thought.

I was close—but not close enough.

Yet, as I looked at William, my son, now ten years old and displaying abilities beyond anything I had imagined, I realized something.

Maybe my true legacy wasn't just about my own power.

Maybe it was about what I would leave behind.

---

[Proficiency Panel Update]

Name: Edward Lin

Age: 42

Alchemy Proficiency: 85% (Level: Grandmaster)

Transmutation: 80% (Level: Master)

Reinforcement: 75% (Level: Master)

Creation: 65% (Level: Expert)

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth - $12.5 Billion

Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, manufacturing plants, and mineral operations

Security Force: Golden Security Solutions & Mercenary Division

Physical Condition: Peak Human (Enhanced through alchemical reinforcement)

Status: Architect of a New World Order

---

I had built an empire that stretched across industries, controlled metals that defied reality, and forged alliances with the most powerful minds of the century.

But with new enemies rising, the supernatural world stirring, and my own power reaching a critical threshold—one thing was clear.

The real war was just beginning.