Chapter 48: Targeting (Roland has been replaced with Jhin in earlier context)

Fuda studied the intelligence he had obtained from the Trauma Team, sinking into deep contemplation. The moment he saw the serum’s capabilities, he realized the enormous potential behind it. If they could integrate the underlying technology into Berserk Cyberware...

That thought alone sent his mind racing. His first instinct was to find a way to obtain PROJECT Corporation’s formula—ideally steal it, if possible. After all, they were just a small company.

But since PROJECT had already signed cooperation agreements with major corporations, he planned to try the official route first. If that failed, he would move on to other methods.

And if nothing else worked, they would simply acquire the company. The other corporations might be willing to stir up conflict with PROJECT, but Biotechnica had no such intention.

The attraction of that formula was simply too overwhelming.

Obtaining the formula and the development approach behind it would allow them to rapidly produce various new types of pharmaceuticals. Fuda didn’t even dare imagine how much this could boost Biotechnica’s valuation.

His eyes reddened at the thought. He could practically see himself being rapidly promoted.

After forcing himself to calm down with a deep breath, he summoned his subordinates and instructed them to initiate negotiations with PROJECT Corporation.

“Let’s hope they have the sense to cooperate… otherwise…”

A cold snort escaped him.

Meanwhile, Kang Tao, Arasaka, and the rest had also noticed Biotechnica’s movements. Naturally, none of them warned Roland.

They were observing, waiting to see whether Roland could withstand the pressure from Biotechnica. Though this wasn’t Biotechnica’s territory, they were far from harmless.

If Roland couldn’t hold the line, they wouldn’t mind extending a “helping hand.” After all, letting Biotechnica obtain the formula would only harm their interests—Biotechnica would demand a sky-high price for everything.

Compared to that enormous corporation, they much preferred a smaller, more manageable company like PROJECT to retain control of the formula.

But if Roland proved capable of holding his ground... then they would need to reassess PROJECT’s background. Their current investigations revealed nothing suspicious, but…

The company’s founder was questionable. It was as if he had “awakened overnight.”

They didn’t believe such a story. To them, Roland looked more like a puppet placed there by someone hidden behind the scenes.

...

“You’re telling me Biotechnica wants to meet with me?”

Roland narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the employee who had rushed in with the news.

“Yes, boss. They didn’t give details—just that they want to speak with you.”

The employee nodded repeatedly. Roland immediately began to consider what Biotechnica might be after.

“They couldn’t have discovered the serum already…? Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.”

With that in mind, he instructed his staff to bring the Biotechnica representatives in.

Soon after, the Biotechnica team arrived at the meeting room Roland had prepared.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Roland. I’m Owen, the representative of Biotechnica. I look forward to working with you.”

Owen stepped forward and greeted Roland with polished, professional ease.

That caught Roland slightly off guard, though he didn’t show it. He simply shook Owen’s outstretched hand.

“I’m Roland. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Owen.”

He recognized Owen as the unlucky Biotechnica representative who had previously met with Fiers. Seeing him assigned to meet Roland now… perhaps he’d been demoted.

After all, Roland had a very realistic understanding of how small his company truly was.

“What brings your company here today?” Roland asked.

“Haha, nothing too pressing. We simply heard that your company recently partnered with the Trauma Team, as well as Kang Tao?”

Owen laughed lightly, speaking in a calm, easy tone.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Roland nodded, offering no further elaboration.

Unbothered, Owen continued, “I’ve also heard that your company—specifically you, Mr. Roland—recently developed a new type of pharmaceutical?”

“To be precise, I was the one who developed it.”

Roland looked directly into Owen’s eyes as he spoke. Upon hearing this, Owen’s expression hardened for an instant. If what Roland said was true, the company’s greatest asset wasn’t the formula—it was Roland himself.

Realizing this, Owen’s smile widened.

“I wonder if Mr. Roland has considered selling company shares, or perhaps accepting external investment?”

“Selling shares? Far too early for that. I haven’t considered it. But investment… I’m open to discussing that.”

Roland smiled.

“That’s excellent. To be honest, we’re very interested in acquiring the formula for that pharmaceutical. If possible, we’d like you to hand it over now.”

Owen smiled politely as he extended his hand—ready to seal the deal as soon as Roland shook it.

Roland was important, yes, but the formula mattered more. Geniuses were common; geniuses who produced results were not.

“Ah, I believe you misunderstand, Mr. Owen. I accept investment in exchange for dividends, but I do not sell my formulas.”

“We can waive the dividends. Just give us the formula.”

Owen’s expression didn’t change; he remained perfectly cordial. Roland simply smiled and shook his head in refusal.

Owen’s smile gradually faded. He looked at Roland calmly.

“Mr. Roland, are you serious?”

“Of course. I never lie.”

Roland held his gaze with a smile.

Owen quietly put away the contract, gestured for his team to leave, and cast Roland a deep, lingering look before walking out.

Once he was gone, Roland spoke immediately.

“Lissandra, keep an eye on Biotechnica. I have a feeling they’re preparing something big.”

“Understood, sir.”

When Owen relayed everything back to Biotechnica, Fuda let out a helpless sigh before chuckling.

“Looks like our friend isn’t as cooperative as we’d hoped. Go ahead—begin the operation.”

His subordinates nodded, and a conspiracy aimed squarely at PROJECT Corporation began to unfold.

When Weis saw the incoming communication request from Owen, he narrowed his eyes. That man never contacted him without a reason—this visit had to mean something.

After connecting the call and listening to Owen’s proposal, Weis’s expression shifted into one of quiet bewilderment.