Chapter 201: Massive Change in World

After leaving Liv at the forensic department, Peter headed home as quickly as possible.

He had a press conference to give about a new project he had been developing—one that would generate enormous revenue while simultaneously providing genuine benefits for the future.

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Smoothing down his suit, he let out a quiet sigh and put on his best smile—the one he reserved for the public. Anyone watching would have seen a charismatic young man with no ulterior motives, brimming with a desire to help humanity. Kind, approachable, sincere. Everything about him was reminiscent of Tony Stark’s public persona.

He pushed through the double doors, smiled at the cameras, and greeted everyone with practiced warmth. Once behind the podium, he began.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I hope today is a rewarding day for everyone present and everyone watching at home. This press conference was called to announce the upcoming launch of a new product developed by the finest scientists at Abstergo Industries—including myself."

Several people in the front rows began taking notes. Others raised their phones to record.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that, with the support of the Vice President, Abstergo Industries will be launching its first satellite. It is called IRIS—a satellite designed specifically to enhance global telecommunications and improve meteorological response capabilities for weather-monitoring devices. A tribute to the capabilities of the ancient Greek goddess herself."

Applause rippled through the crowd. Camera flashes lit his face.

"I am also pleased to announce the release of a new video game," Peter continued, his tone shifting to something more playful. "A revolutionary, never-before-seen experience. Something that may stretch the mental capabilities of many."

He stepped slightly to the side and extended his hand. The screen behind him illuminated, displaying the game’s cover art.

"The first VRMMORPG¹—a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game—was created with hard work, an unhealthy amount of coffee, far too many sleepless nights, and a great deal of enthusiasm and hope."

The lighthearted delivery earned genuine smiles and laughter from the audience. Several reporters wrote at furious speeds, their pencils practically catching fire.

"The official name of the game is Sword Art Online, or SAO. Players will enter a virtual world called Aincrad, where they will control their avatars exactly as they would their real bodies—through the NerveGear."

He gestured toward the sleek device displayed behind him. Dozens of cameras clicked simultaneously.

"The NerveGear is a virtual reality helmet capable of stimulating all five senses directly through the brain. Once the player lies down, the helmet delivers a small, entirely harmless electrical discharge that induces immediate sleep. Maximum playtime is eight hours. Anyone attempting to exceed that limit will be automatically ejected by the emergency failsafe to ensure proper rest. The helmet poses no negative effects to the user, features the most advanced security protocols ever created by Abstergo, and maintains a unique uplink to the IRIS satellite for superior global connectivity."

Several rounds of enthusiastic applause filled the room, accompanied by audible gasps of amazement.

"The game and helmet will be released within one week," Peter announced. "The price will be affordable for everyone. A detailed report outlining all of the game’s features, precautions, and relevant information will be uploaded within a few hours. I imagine many of you have questions, so please raise your hands. Yes, ma’am...?"

"Nora West, Daily Planet," a sharp-eyed young woman said, standing with her recorder already running. "I would like to know why you created this game, what it could possibly contribute to society, and why you did not pursue something more impactful—like your previous cancer cure. Has Abstergo run out of meaningful ideas and resorted to entertainment to raise funds?"

Peter chuckled softly. "Answering your questions, Miss West—this is a cure. Not like the cancer cure, but it is one, in its own way."

"A cure for boredom, Mr. Parker?" Nora pressed.

"No, Miss West. The game I created will be an opportunity for all those living with disabilities."

Before Nora could follow up, another voice cut in.

"Jesse Wells, STAR Newspapers," a young woman called out. "Could you elaborate on that kind of cure, Dr. Parker?"

"It would be my pleasure, Miss Wells," Peter replied. "The game was specifically designed to stimulate all five senses. As we know, many people do not have the privilege of experiencing all five. Beyond that, some individuals live with physical disabilities—such as the loss of a limb."

He paused, letting his words settle over the audience. Quiet nods rippled through the crowd.

"The game will make those limitations disappear. It will allow a blind person to see. A deaf person to hear. A colorblind person to distinguish every shade. It will even allow a person who has never walked to stand and run. They will experience what a normal life feels like. They will experience feeling normal. That is why I created this game—so that those who have endured a difficult life can experience what the rest of us take for granted, even if only for a few hours."

Astonished silence hung in the room. He could see it in their eyes—respect, longing, joy, and countless other emotions he chose not to name.

"We do not know what they feel," Peter said quietly. "But I can make them feel what we feel, even temporarily. This will serve as a bridge until I develop permanent cures for these conditions and make our prosthetic technologies stable and safe for everyone."

He delivered the last statement with deliberate nonchalance, as though he had not just dropped a bombshell on national television. Reporters’ eyes widened. Hands shot into the air.

"Jonathan Kent, from the—" a young man began.

"Does Abstergo Industries plan to expand beyond the areas already mentioned?" Jonathan asked.

"Well, now that you mention it," Peter said, "I am planning to establish a new headquarters linked to Abstergo Industries in Paris. Something completely different from our current operations."

"Could you tell us more about this new venture?"

"Of course. It is hardly worth keeping secret when everyone will find out eventually. The Paris headquarters will specialize exclusively in the feminine sphere—fashion, footwear, cosmetics, perfumes, and everything related."

Every woman in the audience who heard those words developed an almost sickly gleam in her eyes. Peter studied the reaction and allowed himself a single internal thought.

I am going to be disgustingly rich.

"The Paris headquarters will operate under the name L-Corp," he continued.

"And before anyone takes offense—I have not forgotten the gentlemen." He winked toward the male reporters. "I am also opening a purely masculine headquarters in London, under the name Kingsman."

"Oh! Before I forget—Abstergo Industries internships are now officially open."

It was the men’s turn to develop a subtle gleam in their eyes, though nothing quite as intense as the women’s reaction.

"We love you, Peter Parker!" someone shouted from the crowd.

"And I love you, average citizen!" Peter replied with a broad, charismatic grin, earning a wave of laughter.

He spent the next several minutes fielding questions from reporters and journalists before concluding the press conference.