Following the weapon tests, Norman Osborn stepped forward with a striking black-and-white patterned skateboard aircraft.
"This is our company's vertical skateboard aircraft, capable of reaching speeds up to 300 miles per hour and supporting weights up to two hundred kilograms," Norman explained.
He set the skateboard on the ground, and the jets at the bottom began to emit energy, suspending the metal board in mid-air.
With twelve ejection ports, the skateboard offered propulsion in all directions: up, down, left, and right.
"The flight skateboard features force sensors, allowing users to control its direction based on the pressure of their feet," Norman continued, demonstrating by leaning forward slightly and maneuvering the board around the room with finesse.
---
"If you want to add weaponry, I can equip it with miniature air-to-surface missiles and a machine gun," Norman added. To shift public opinion, he showcased the full capabilities of the skateboard aircraft.
"We'll see about that. Any other features?" Adams inquired with satisfaction. Among the showcased equipment, the aircraft stood out, alongside the Alchemy Company's chemical backpack.
By this point, Adams had nearly reached a decision.
"The follow-matching system is another feature. Once paired with a user, the skateboard's permissions are exclusive. For instance," Norman gestured, stepping off the board. The green light turned red, and the board followed him like a loyal pet.
"If someone unauthorized tries to use it, the skateboard activates anti-theft mode, ejecting the user," he explained.
"Let's have Barry try it. If he doesn't like it, even the most powerful tool is useless," Adams suggested with a smile.
"I think he's eager," Norman remarked, noticing Barry's excitement.
Norman approached Barry, bringing the skateboard with him. "Place your paw here. Once certified, this skateboard is yours. Want to try it?"
Barry observed as a white metal plate revealed a black glass screen. Following the instructions, he pressed his paw onto the screen.
"Ding…" An electronic sound signaled the scanning process.
"…Completed!" A cute paw print was incorporated into the skateboard's system.
"Great! Now it's yours. Try standing on it like I did," Norman encouraged.
Barry cautiously stood on the board. As he found his balance, a sense of weightlessness made him stagger momentarily. The force sensors reacted instantly, adjusting the ejection ports. The skateboard tilted, carrying him into the air.
Thanks to Barry's physical control, he quickly adapted, mastering the skateboard aircraft with ease. Initial concerns quickly faded as Barry demonstrated his flying prowess.
Norman, though initially concerned, was impressed. As the developer, he knew the physical demands of mastering the aircraft. But recalling Barry's triumph over Professor Connors, he felt reassured.
After enjoying a flight around the room, Barry returned. If outdoors, he might have soared over New York for hours.
---
With Osborne Industries' tests complete, the selection process was underway, leaving Adams to choose the most suitable weapons.
"Thank you all for your efforts today. I'll announce the results tomorrow. Please be patient," Adams said, shaking hands with Norman and the others outside the training ground.
Though a decision was made, the final choice wouldn't be publicly announced until the companies departed and the unselected ones retrieved their equipment.
Once the technology company personnel left, only Adams, George, and Barry remained.
"It's getting late. Let's have dinner," Adams suggested, checking the time. The weapon tests had taken all afternoon, and it was now past seven o'clock.
The sun had set, leaving a glow over New York. Streetlights flickered on, signaling the start of the city's nightlife.
However, with the night came the shadows of crime lurking in the darkness.
Back at City Hall, Adams led George and Barry to the second-floor dining room.
"Let's order steak tonight," Adams proposed, smiling at Barry as he picked up a knife and fork.
Barry nodded, wrapping a napkin around himself and eagerly digging into the steak, savoring each bite.
---
"How about it, Barry? Have you chosen your preferred weapons?" Adams asked after dinner, wiping his mouth.
Barry hesitated, unsure how to respond.
"Don't worry. Just speak up. I understand your concerns, but there's no need to hide your ability to speak," Adams assured him. He'd known of Barry's speech ability since visiting George's house but saw no reason to reveal it then.
"Alright. I'm mainly concerned about people bombarding me with questions, so I've kept quiet to avoid hassle," Barry admitted.
"I expected your voice to be like a mischievous little boy, but it's quite different," Adams remarked, hearing Barry speak for the first time.
"I was surprised, too, but I've gotten used to it," George chuckled.
"It's fine if you choose not to speak often. Too much attention can be troublesome. I'll keep your secret," Adams promised, redirecting the conversation back to weapons.
"You can choose three weapons. More than that, and you'll lose the public's interest. That's not ideal for you."BH
Extra chapter avilable in PATREON
patreon.com/Achilles_Stein
patreon.com/Achilles_Stein