BAM!
The training dummy, positioned three meters away, was obliterated in an instant. My fingers, having transformed into razor-sharp blades, sliced through the iron structure of the dummy before returning to their normal form.
"Experiment number 155 was successful," I said, satisfied with the result. "Initiate the next one."
Chronos complied, and soon, a new task materialized before me—a more challenging version of the previous one.
"Beginning the first attempt to synthesize a new substance using my abilities," I announced, focusing on the next phase of the experiment.
On the lab table before me lay a set of chemical reagents and a container of liquid metal. I extended my hand, and my fingers slowly transformed into precise instruments, capable of manipulating atoms.
"Chronos, activate scanning and monitoring," I ordered, feeling my concentration reach its peak.
"Executing, Dr. Richards," Chronos responded, and I heard the faint hum of sensors coming online.
My hands began to emit a soft bluish glow as I focused my powers on altering the molecular structure. The liquid metal flowed smoothly, mixing with the chemical reagents. I could feel each atom settling into place, creating a new molecular structure.
"Stability of the compound confirmed," Chronos reported. "Proceed."
I delved deeper into the process, altering the substance's form and composition with each passing second. My new abilities allowed me to control the process at a level previously thought impossible. The substance began to change color, shifting from a silvery hue to a deep blue, signaling that the process was on track.
"Experiment number 156: successful synthesis of a new compound," I announced as the process concluded. "Initiate property testing."
I took a sample of the new compound and placed it in a specialized chamber for further testing. Chronos began running a series of tests to determine the compound's strength, flexibility, and conductivity.
"Analysis shows high durability and resistance to external factors," Chronos reported. "The substance possesses unique properties that could be valuable in various applications."
I nodded, satisfied with the result. My body, now enhanced with new abilities, had unlocked incredible possibilities for research and the development of new technologies. But there was still much work to be done.
"Good, Chronos," I said. "Let's begin the next phase. We have many more experiments to conduct."
Some time later...
It took me about ten years to learn how to use my body as a laboratory. I was capable of granting myself new powers even based on the genes of En Sabah Nur, but my knowledge, combined with the X-genes of mutants like Jean Grey, Charles Xavier, and Magneto, allowed me to integrate more precise and necessary abilities. It was on enhancing this aspect of my new abilities that I focused the remaining time.
Thanks to atomic control over my own body, I could safely conduct experiments on myself, knowing that in case of an emergency, I could revert to a more stable state. The pinnacle of my experiments was to merge the X-genes of Scott Summers and Jean Grey. I was well aware that this combination could create mutants as powerful as Nathan Summers and Rachel Summers.
Today, I decided to experiment with incorporating these genes into my DNA. I prepared the lab, calibrating all necessary systems and verifying the equipment.
"Chronos, activate monitoring of all vital parameters and initiate the safety protocol," I commanded, ready to begin the procedure.
"Executing, Dr. Richards," Chronos responded, and I felt the protective and monitoring systems activate around me.
I concentrated, feeling the atoms of my body respond to my will. Using atomic control, I began integrating the genes of Scott Summers and Jean Grey into my DNA, guiding the process with precision that would make any surgeon envious.
"Initiating X-gene implantation," I said, watching the changes unfold on the holographic screen.
How many combinations of Summers' and Grey's genes were there? And how many of these combinations were potentially as powerful as Nathan or Rachel?
Thanks to the enhancements I made to myself, I was able to find the answers to these questions. Their genes couldn't produce a weak mutant. Every combination was essentially an Omega-level mutant.
That's why I proceeded without any restrictions.
My eyes began to glow as the genetic material of Cyclops and Jean Grey integrated into my DNA. I felt a slight tingling sensation that quickly escalated into an intense surge of energy coursing through my body.
"Parameters stable," Chronos reported. "Proceed."
I continued to focus, channeling energy to enhance and stabilize the genetic alterations. A stream of pure power began to form, ready to be unleashed. I concentrated, striving to control this newfound force.
"Chronos, deploy the protective screens," I ordered, preparing to test the new ability.
"Executing, Dr. Richards," the AI responded, and sturdy energy barriers rose around me.
I took a deep breath and released the energy. Beams of energy shot from my palms, piercing through the protective barriers and obliterating the training dummy. I felt that I was capable of much more. The energy level in my body hadn't dropped despite this demonstration.
"Successful ability deployment," Chronos reported. "All parameters stable."
I smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction with the result. My new abilities were now fully under my control.
"Excellent," I said, deactivating the energy barriers.
AIM
"What can you tell me about this device?" asked one of the AIM operatives.
At that moment, they were examining the data they had managed to extract from the Baxter Building. Their attention was focused on a dome-shaped device located in the center of Reed Richards' laboratory.
"Judging by the construction and materials, this device is clearly intended for high-tech experiments," began one of the engineers, his voice confident. "But we don't yet have specific information on its purpose or functionality."
"As far as I can tell," added another scientist, "this dome might be part of a more complex system. Possibly an energy condenser or a quantum interface."
"Unfortunately, our data is too fragmented," interjected a third employee, flipping through pages of extracted information. "We don't know how this device integrates into the overall system of Richards' lab."
They continued to study the images and diagrams, trying to find any clues.
"What if this device is related to his research on interdimensional travel?" proposed one of the engineers. "Reed Richards is known for his experiments in that field."
"Quite possible," nodded his colleague. "We know he's developing technologies that allow him to travel between dimensions. This dome might help him stabilize processes or increase accuracy."
"But without a detailed schematic, we can't say for certain," sighed the chief engineer. "All our theories are still just hypotheses."
They fell silent, lost in thought. The situation was challenging: they had access to advanced technologies, but without the key information, this knowledge was useless.
"We need to find a way to obtain more data," the chief engineer finally said, his voice determined. "If we can understand how this device works, we could significantly advance our own research."
They had spent more than ten hours studying the hologram sent by their operatives, but they still couldn't unravel the secrets of this dome. Eventually, they decided to focus on another task.
"These generators are truly ingenious," one of the employees remarked, examining another piece of equipment. "It seems he drew inspiration from Howard Stark's work."
Every AIM employee knew Howard Stark, a genius ahead of his time. They had spent hours studying his work, so recognizing certain similarities wasn't difficult for them.
"Look at this connection," the engineer continued, pointing to a schematic. "You can clearly see elements that Stark developed for his energy systems."
"Yes," his colleague agreed. "It looks like Richards adapted these ideas and perfected them. If we can understand how he did it, we can improve our own generators."
They continued to study the schematics and images, exchanging ideas and hypotheses. As time passed, their understanding of Richards' technologies deepened.
At that moment, on a level above, two figures observed them.
"Are you satisfied, Baron?"
"More than satisfied," the Baron replied, looking at the hovering creature that only vaguely resembled a human.
—\\—
"Still not used to it?" came the voice of Nicholas Joseph Fury.
Steve Rogers turned around to see the same man who once fought alongside him, though now a shadow of the friend he once knew.
"No," Rogers replied shortly, his voice filled with conflicting emotions.
Fury's single eye briefly softened with understanding before hardening into steel once more.
"Sometimes, I can't believe what's happening in this world either," Fury said, his voice firm yet tinged with regret.
Steve nodded slowly, looking around. The world he had awakened to after such a long sleep was both familiar and alien. The towering glass buildings, the advanced technology, the people—all part of a new era he had to learn to navigate.
"When I left, things were different," Steve began, his voice heavy with reflection. "We fought for freedom, for peace. Now, everything seems so much more complicated."
Fury stepped closer, his presence both reassuring and unyielding despite the sternness in his gaze.
"We're still fighting for the same ideals, Steve," he said. "But the world has changed. The enemies are craftier, the threats are global. We need you—your strength and resolve."
Rogers took a deep breath, acknowledging the truth in Fury's words. His place was here, in this new time, fighting for those who needed protection. After all, fighting was the one thing he knew how to do.
"I'm ready to see her."
The S.H.I.E.L.D. director had been waiting for this moment. No, it would be more accurate to say he had orchestrated it. Though Rogers was his friend, Fury's duties came first.
"Good. Should I come with you?"
Rogers shook his head.
"No, I owe her a dance."
"Alright. Just hope you haven't forgotten how to drive."
"Unless these cars have learned to fly."
Reed Richards
"Teleportation? Reed, you're making me feel inadequate," Tony Stark exclaimed with a grin.
I rolled my eyes at Tony's comment. At that moment, we were on the island where I had relocated all of my most valuable equipment.
"Yeah, yeah, your ego's bruised. Let's move on to more important matters," Ben said, folding his arms across his chest. "Stretch, I hope you've got a better reason for gathering us here than just showing off to Stark."
"Still mad because your favorite team lost again?" Johnny teased with a smirk.
Ben shot him a sideways glance, but before he could retort, I intervened:
"Let's stay focused. Tony, what did you find out from the equipment we recovered?"
Tony's expression turned serious as he activated a holographic screen displaying complex schematics and data.
"As you all remember, we couldn't establish a solid link between AIM and Hydra," he began.
The rest of us nodded. Bruce and Betty were aware of the situation, as they could potentially encounter these organizations, and peaceful life had long eluded Banner.
"I was hoping to dig up something on this organization, but I couldn't find anything concrete. However… apparently, I'm just so good that the universe decided to lend a hand," Tony continued with a smirk.
As he spoke, a company logo appeared before us—a name I recognized.
"Extremis?... I feel like I've heard of that company before," Susan said, her voice thoughtful.
I nodded, recalling the details.
"That's right, Sue. Extremis is a company supposedly working in the field of biotechnology. If I remember correctly, they offered you a job while you were studying and working at the Baxter Building," I added, hoping to jog her memory.
Susan frowned, concentrating.
"Yes, that's right," she finally said. "They offered me a position in their research department. But I declined because I was already working at the Baxter Building."
"What do we know about Extremis?" Ben asked, his voice full of curiosity.
"Unfortunately, the public knows very little," Tony replied, switching the holographic screen to a new set of data. "It's a private biotechnology company involved in cutting-edge research in genetics and nanotechnology."
The smug expression on Stark's face said it all.
"You found something on them, didn't you?" I asked, looking intently at Tony.
"You know me well, Reed!" Tony grinned. "I discovered that this company has certain ties to AIM. To be more specific, AIM personnel helped the company develop a new generation of virus."
Numerous images of Extremis at work, its development, and plans for its use flashed before our eyes.
"Extremis isn't just a virus," Tony continued. "It's a biotechnological marvel capable of rewriting the human genome. They're working on creating super soldiers, enhanced humans capable of incredible feats… But the virus doesn't create stable super soldiers. It burns out its hosts."
Judging by Tony's expression, he was counting on this information having an impact.
"We need to deal with them," Stark said, and I detected something deeply personal in his voice.
I looked closely at Tony, trying to understand what had struck such a chord.
"Tony, is there something else you haven't told us?" Sue asked cautiously.
Tony sighed, his confident facade wavering slightly.
"Yes," he said quietly. "It turns out my daughter, whom I didn't even know I had, is infected with Extremis."
I didn't need to see the faces of my friends to say the next words:
"We'll help you, Stark. Won't we?"
"I'd be a terrible person if I didn't try to help after hearing that," Sue declared.
Bruce and Betty exchanged a glance, silently communicating.
"We'll do everything we can too."
"If I left the people who hurt a little girl alone, I'd be a pretty lousy superhero, wouldn't I?" Johnny said with a light smile.
The smile on Tony's face was one of relief, knowing that his burden had been lightened just a bit.
"Thank you, all of you," Stark said.
"Save your thanks until we save your daughter and take down Extremis."
At the Same Time
Asgard
"…I just wanted to be your son," Loki said softly.
"Grab hold!" Thor yelled, reaching out to his brother.
They were on Bifröst—or what remained of it.
Loki, the younger brother of Thor Odinson, son of Odin, simply shook his head and let go.
Thor watched in disbelief as his brother's body fell into the abyss.
"LOKI!!!"
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