----
Using the same techniques he had used on Danny, Nolan began applying his experiments to Black Sky. But he quickly realized that the beta radiation had to be adjusted different energy levels were required to observe different forms of mystical energy.
The power of The Beast, he found, registered several levels lower than the Chi of Shou-Lao.
"This demonic energy… it's erratic," Nolan muttered. "It spreads unevenly, more like static discharge than a directed current. It dissipates far more quickly than the Chi used by Iron Fist."
More importantly, it seemed to converge in specific regions of the brain notably Brodmann areas 1, 2, 3, 41, and 42—the sensory and auditory processing centers.
Norman Osborn, gloved and ready, stepped forward with two milky-white vials. "Those regions? That's exactly where the neurological mutations occurred when the Green Goblin serum took hold."
He paused.
"In other words, this demonic energy can distort perception—hallucinations split personalities. It could easily spawn a secondary consciousness."
"Post-mortem analysis on those Hand ninjas we dissected shows the same brain damage," Connors added. "Frontal lobe aggression, increased impulse activity…"
Norman nodded. His obsession with second personalities had only deepened since his transformation into the Green Goblin. He studied them endlessly.
Nolan reviewed the reports and nodded. "Good. So theoretically, the Goblin antidote could help neutralize this demonic energy?"
"In theory, yes. But it'll take many trials to be sure," Norman said. "Let me handle that end. You two keep working on Jessica and Matt. Let's see when we can produce a Daredevil and Jessica Jones army of our own."
"Understood."
—
With the occult research now moving forward, Nolan could focus on solving it himself. All he needed was a way to manipulate or channel the powers of The Beast and Shou-Lao.
Black Sky remained silent during the discussion. Once Norman and Connors left the lab, the demon spoke.
"That human… the one who spoke just now… carries the scent of Mephisto. He's been tainted by demonic influence before."
"Green Goblin," Nolan replied coolly. "So that's your signature—neurological deterioration, psychic suppression, cellular degeneration… it's not that complex."
He began adjusting the lab systems. Every energy-conducting machine in his facility had been redirected to this room—magnetic generators, lasers, plasma coils, thermal disruptors.
The Beast couldn't hear Nolan's reasoning—he didn't understand science. But he knew Nolan's intent.
"You think you can control demonic power?" the Beast laughed. "Impossible. Only demons can wield it freely. It's beyond your kind."
"Is that so?" Nolan smirked. "Science isn't about tools it's about understanding. It's about finding rules, unifying them, and bending them to your will. If I can observe it, I can track it. If I can track it… I can control it."
He activated a high-frequency thermal field.
Heat energy.
Waves of brutal heat surged from the magnetic emitters and blasted into the dissected organs on the slab beside him—Black Sky's tissue, now fully exposed.
"You're wasting your time. Let me out," the Beast offered again. "Together, we could rule this world. With your mind and my strength, nothing could stand against us."
But it was a bluff. Bound by a sarcophagus and vibranium restraints, the Beast couldn't do anything. He hadn't yet fully merged with Black Sky. Her consciousness still lingered, hidden deep within. Once she was gone, he would have full control.
But for now, he was trapped because of Nolan.
"Once I complete the fusion," the Beast snarled, "you'll be the first one I destroy. I'll show you pain—true pain."
The energy in the tissue began to stir. The heat had triggered it, if only momentarily.
Nolan raised an eyebrow. "Heat?"
He shut down the thermal field and switched to electrical discharge. As the current surged into the tissue, the demonic energy began to tremble again.
"Not pain," he murmured. "Dissection."
He watched the electromagnetic readouts carefully, then turned to laser manipulation. Nothing. No response.
The Beast cackled. "You said if it could be seen, it could be controlled. But look at you—grasping at straws. You'll never understand demonic power. Not without magic."
Nolan ignored him and switched the field to magnetics.
"That's it…" he said suddenly.
"Electromagnetism."
He made the connection: the thermal field was generated by a magnetic coil, which had also interfered with the energy. Electric currents also generate magnetic fields—and those, too, had triggered a reaction.
Now he ran a full magnetic sweep—escalating through different field strengths and wavelengths, applying them to tissue samples from Black Sky, Danny Rand, and even the Hand ninjas enhanced by the Beast's power.
His fingers flew across the keyboard. One screen logged readings. Another mapped nervous system response. A third registered biofeedback. Multiple datasets streamed in simultaneously.
He was running them all in parallel.
The computer stuttered under the data load, but Nolan manually corrected its processes mid-run.
Then, finally, a formula emerged on screen:
S = H * θ / d * C
It wasn't just a theory—it was a formula. A scientific equation for manipulating mystical energy.
Even the Chi of Shou-Lao had responded to it.
"So this is your great invention?" the Beast sneered.
Nolan didn't respond. He fine-tuned the algorithm and adjusted the input frequency based on bioluminescent feedback from the samples.
Zzzap.
The generator roared to life. A powerful magnetic field surged through Black Sky's body.
Instantly, the wild, scattered demonic energy was pulled into a single focal point—contained.
"What?! What did you do?!" the Beast's voice shrieked in panic. He had just been cut off from the power he controlled.
Nolan exhaled and smiled.
"Containment achieved."
He looked up calmly.
"Demonic power… is overrated."
----
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