Chapter 99: The Soul Beneath the Cold Exterior
The transformation began with the eyes. Professor Lizard's cold golden vertical pupils blinked, reverting to human circular shape.
Then, like a reptile shedding skin, Professor Lizard's scales peeled away in large patches. Sharp fangs and claws gradually retracted.
After Batman's nearly fifteen minutes of continuous guidance, Professor Lizard transformed back into the scientist Connors once more.
This was the most Batman had spoken in one stretch since arriving in this world—whether as Peter Parker or as Batman.
"Everyone..."
The restraint straps on the metal chair had been torn open significantly by the massive lizard. Now restored to human form, transitioning from cold-blooded reptile back to warm-blooded scientist, Professor Connors descended unimpeded.
"I think I've grasped a hint of the mechanism for transforming into the Lizard and reverting to human."
"Next time I can try controlling the transformed body to cooperate with your examinations."
The Hulk had also reverted to Dr. Banner, who stepped forward to support Professor Connors. "Congratulations."
The Hulk and Professor Lizard couldn't stand each other, but in human form they shared similar burdens.
Professor Connors placed his intact left arm on Dr. Banner's shoulder. The two scientists approached Batman together.
Batman remained expressionless in place, but Dr. Banner and Connors didn't mind. Even Dr. Octavius, after sampling and sectioning the lizard tail, joined them.
Fifteen minutes of tireless guidance restoring Professor Lizard's humanity—all three scientists had witnessed Batman's actions firsthand.
Regardless of later reflections, currently the three scientists temporarily acknowledged Batman's character, understanding exactly what kind of soul resided beneath this inhuman, cold exterior.
"I'll come every morning to conduct research with you until we find a method to restore Professor Connors."
Batman turned to leave after speaking, but Dr. Banner stepped forward, blocking him. This scientist—the frailest in human form—posed a particularly sharp question:
"What if we never find a method? Like the Hulk inside me?"
"I once treated Hulk as a disease. To cure it, I became an expert in gamma radiation, physics, mathematics, biology, medicine, engineering... across multiple knowledge domains."
"But it didn't cure Hulk."
Everyone knew the renowned Dr. Banner held seven doctoral degrees, yet few knew that beyond those seven doctorates, Dr. Banner had also become an expert in other fields attempting to cure Hulk.
But Hulk persisted. One of the world's greatest minds hadn't solved this "disease."
Professor Connors's expression shifted. He'd never considered this possibility—or rather, instinctively avoided thinking about it.
Batman looked down at Dr. Banner, considerably shorter than himself. He remained expressionless, voice low:
"That's why I need you, Dr. Banner."
"Cure him. Or make him like you—a warrior capable of controlling this power."
....
Brooklyn, Parker Industries.
With Harry Osborn purchasing an entire industrial park and merging it into Parker Industries, Batman's downgraded version of the Arkham suit cape—producing memory fiber—now had complete production lines.
Orders flowed constantly, including from Oscorp and Stark Industries.
Even Batman's "Project David" target—Ant-Man Hank Pym's Pym Technologies—had placed orders.
Batman didn't interfere. Nearly all business operations were handled by his assistant, now appointed CEO—Chief Executive Officer Alice.
This young woman with a clean background and strong ambition hadn't disappointed Batman's expectations.
Initially requiring Batman's frequent guidance, through continuous contact with various client enterprises, training, plus dedicated study, she could now complete most of Batman's workload.
That remaining portion Alice couldn't handle still required Batman's attention as Peter Parker—like Silver Sable's visit.
Batman currently lacked Parker Industries' own office building. His office remained the old Parker Industries chairman's office.
With the door closed, only Batman and Silver Sable sat facing each other across the desk.
"So... where should I begin?"
Silver Sable looked at the person opposite—wearing a thin trench coat, hair swept back meticulously, stubble barely concealing youthful inexperience—Peter Parker.
"That guy already told me about your situation, Miss Sable."
Batman switched vocal tones, using Peter Parker's distinctively youthful voice. Combined with his deliberately mature appearance, it created a slightly awkward impression—like a child wearing adult clothes.
"A young, wealthy, beautiful woman wanting to transform her security company into an international rescue organization."
Whether speech patterns, mouth movements, or subconscious body language—Batman perfectly separated Peter Parker from himself. Even Silver Sable, who'd encountered Batman multiple times at close range, didn't realize they were the same person.
"He's already provided partial designs. I've made modifications based on practical considerations. The final rescue equipment and gear total seventeen types."
Batman produced pre-prepared blueprints, placing them on the desk and pushing them toward Silver Sable.
"Oh. Okay."
Silver Sable didn't know what to say, simply picking up the blueprints to examine carefully.
She and Batman had met several times, even cooperated once. They were somewhat familiar.
But this was her first meeting with Peter Parker. An exploited student and a CEO needing business transformation—they had little common ground.
"I've already ordered production tools for the equipment and gear in these blueprints. I estimate providing the first batch of prototypes by mid-September, with subsequent production adjusted according to your specific needs."
Peter as portrayed by Batman immediately discussed business, commerce, efficiency—making Silver Sable's head spin.
After hurriedly discussing details, Silver Sable didn't linger at Parker Industries, leaving like a flash of light.
Silver Sable's reaction fell within Batman's expectations.
Batman likewise didn't linger at Parker Industries. He summoned Alice, instructing her to immediately begin scouting Manhattan locations—land or high-rises—to establish Parker Industries' corporate headquarters.
Time had reached afternoon. Batman drove non-stop straight to Forest Hills in Queens—Aunt May's home.