The lightning flashed in the sky, illuminating a single man who was gazing outside with a cold face. He gently swirled the wine in his hand, sipping it to enjoy the taste but for some reason, it felt sour.
" Even wine feels sour when you fail something. I didn't expect my initial investment would be ruined by the solar storm but at least I have gained something."
Victor saw the images of the falling ship, zooming on the slightly burning cabinet. The news of their survival came through someone and he was sure that they gained something there. Otherwise, Eden wouldn't accept them into their central hospital where they treated most of the superhumans.
Reed was a smart man but he wasn't influential enough to be admitted there, meaning they gained something valuable in the space. Perhaps, it was related to the new source of energy that they were looking for and that energy hid something valuable behind its surface.
" Hmm, I guess I have to visit them to verify my suspicions. Perhaps I might gain something valuable."
He then looked at the images of the magic on his desk where he was studying magic. This unknown power fascinated him from the start when Strange and Arthur used it on the streets. Moreover, the existence of mages and sorcerers was a new variable to his plan as he could gain their powers.
Unfortunately, most of the mage towers, places, and associations were closed to others except for some recommendations.
Victor couldn't gain it through his connections and to gain such power he needed someone to connect. That person was Reed Richards who was unknowingly connected to Eden after the incident.
He was willing to use him as a pawn in his game to achieve what he desired in the first place.
Meanwhile in the home of Reed
Reed looked at the data with a tired face because he couldn't reverse things that easily like the doctor said. There were many complications in their ends and the current capacity of the technology was nowhere to fully cure themselves.
Swoosh*
The door opened silently as three figures entered the room with chattering. Susan who was in the forefront saw exhausted Reed, pushing him down to the couch where he slumped down immediately.
" You look tired. Why don't you rest for a minute while we help you?"
Reed appreciated her kind words, pointing at the display to instruct what to do. He wasn't sure that things would go smoothly but at least he needed some sample.
" Johnny, I want you to stand there and use your strongest heat. Don't worry it won't burn."
Reed said calmly while Johnny went up to the platform with a puzzled. Before he could say something a uniform-like thing fell into his hands.
" Ah, I forgot about it but you have to change into that clothes since you will probably burn your current clothes. I made that for you."
Hearing this made Johnny excited for the first time because honestly every time he burned his clothes off, he had to pay like a thousand bucks due to their cost. All of them were named brands and they were expensive.
" Also, I prepared tests for you. Susan, please try to lift that thing while Ben needs to bench press that thing."
The duo didn't speak much, going to the fields with different faces. The laboratory was large enough to accommodate three of them and Reed seemed to be measuring their capabilities first.
" Do I have to lift this?"
Ben pointed at the large hydronic press as he lay down. He then gently pushed the press upward, but with each passing second he felt the press was getting heavier.
" Astounding. Ben, you are able to lift 80 tons and you might even be able to do more. Susan, can you try now?"
Reed was genuinely surprised by his strength, thinking this situation was getting tricky. The point of this test was to see their assimilation with their new physiques and surprisingly they were quite proficient which meant it was more difficult to turn normal.
" Alright. I will try it."
The machine made a beeping sound as Susan's blood drained to her face which made her red. She felt her blood pressure rising but she persisted for a minute before giving up.
" This!"
Reed almost shouted after seeing the numbers.