America, New York, inside the Umbrella base~
Adam looked at the small Arc Reactor in his hand, no bigger than the size of a palm, and nodded in satisfaction.
Aside from the miniaturization of the Arc Reactor, Ivan hadn't developed any other significant advanced technology.
He had no interest in plasma whips.
Although the plasma whips could cut through most materials, they required a lot of energy to power two whips and were only useful in close combat.
It was better to use that energy to fire electromagnetic cannons, which would be far more powerful than the plasma whips.
Now that the miniaturized Arc Reactor was ready, the Sentinel Project could begin.
However, the genetic code of Mystique hadn't been fully deciphered yet, so the first generation Sentinels might not have the ability to absorb or shapeshift.
The sound of high heels echoed in the distance.
Felia, dressed in a white sterilization suit, walked briskly toward him in her heels, "Boss, the Blacklight Virus experiment is ready."
Adam set down the Arc Reactor in his hand, "Then let's begin."
A moment later, he followed Felia to the entrance of the laboratory.
Inside, a dozen or so researchers were waiting.
"Good evening, Dr. Adam."
"Dean Adam, Dr. Felia."
"Good evening, boss."
Adam glanced at the group of researchers who had followed him for nearly ten years, feeling a slight wave of nostalgia.
When he first transmigrated to the Marvel Universe, he was penniless. Starting a company was out of the question; even getting food was a challenge.
Although he eventually founded Umbrella, he couldn't attract any top-tier talent, so he had to recruit students from universities.
They might not have had the capabilities to independently research a project, but they were good enough for routine tasks.
"Let's start the experiment."
"Yes, sir."
The team quickly assumed their respective positions.
Some recorded data, others prepared nutrient fluids, while others pushed the test subject into the room and prepared the Blacklight Virus.
Armed security personnel stood nearby to ensure that nothing went wrong during the experiment.
However, Adam didn't have high hopes for this experiment.
Back when the T-Virus was being developed, even with the Red Queen's advanced data support, it took several failures before a successful breakthrough was made.
After all, failure was the norm in biochemical experiments; success was just a rare occurrence.
"New York time, 9:34 PM, the experiment begins."
"9:35 PM, Test Subject No. 1 is ready."
"9:37 PM, starting injection of advanced nutrient fluids to ensure the subject's stamina and nutrition levels."
"9:49 PM, the subject's physical stats have reached their peak."
"9:50 PM, injecting the Blacklight Virus."
"10:02 PM, the subject has opened their eyes. It seems the Blacklight Virus has overpowered the sedative."
"10:05 PM, the subject's temperature is rapidly rising, indicating the antibodies are reacting."
"10:14 PM, the subject's body temperature has reached 63.8 degrees Celsius. This far exceeds the limits of human tolerance."
"10:17 PM, the subject is struggling violently, and a black substance has started to emerge from their skin."
As the experiment progressed, Adam suddenly spoke up, "Stop the nutrient fluid supply."
Felia hesitated for a moment.
"Boss, without enough nutrients, the test subject may die."
Adam shot her a cold look, "I don't want to repeat myself."
This was one of the reasons why Luna had become his assistant, while Felia remained confined to the lab.
Unable to withstand Adam's gaze, Felia lowered her head submissively.
"Understood. Stopping the nutrient fluid."
As soon as the nutrient fluid supply was halted, the test subject's struggle weakened, but the black substance covering its body increased.
"Bring me ten lab mice."
"Yes, sir."
A moment later, ten lab mice were brought into the lab.
Without hesitation, Adam tossed the mice onto the test subject.
In the next second, the black substance on the test subject's body reacted as if it were alive, quickly enveloping the mice.
"Squeak, squeak..."
After a brief struggle, the mice went still.
As the subject absorbed the mice, white fur began to sprout from its body, and its hands and feet started to resemble those of the lab mice.
With each mouse absorbed, the transformation became more pronounced, and the subject even grew a tail.
"My God, it's evolving to resemble the creatures it absorbs!"
"Does that mean if it absorbs a cheetah, it could turn into a cheetah?"
"A cheetah? That's nothing. What if it absorbs those creatures? Would it evolve even further?"
"Are you talking about the Lickers?"
"Shh..."
After observing for a while, Adam suddenly ordered, "Bring me the Level 1 X-Genes."
He wanted to see if the Blacklight Virus could absorb X-Genes.
Level 1 X-Genes were those that granted ordinary superpowers, such as enhanced strength or speed.
Moments later, a vial containing X-Genes was brought in, and Adam, once again, threw it onto the test subject.
As the X-Genes were absorbed, the test subject's body underwent another mutation.
The black substance was reabsorbed into its body, and its muscles began to swell rapidly.
"Roar!"
With a loud roar, the reinforced restraints shattered instantly. Seeing this, the researchers wasted no time in fleeing the lab.
Meanwhile, the security personnel stepped forward, unlocked their safeties, and aimed at the test subject.
Umbrella had conducted countless biological experiments by now. Test subjects going berserk was common, so the team was well-prepared.
"Roar!"
With another roar, the test subject charged at the nearest security personnel.
Without hesitation, the guards pulled their triggers.
"Zzzzz..."
Bullets fired at ten times the speed of sound passed straight through the test subject, embedding themselves into the wall behind it.
The wounds on the subject healed almost instantly as it continued its charge.
Having absorbed multiple X-Genes, the test subject now possessed power that surpassed even the G-Virus's third form.
The security personnel were no match for it. In fact, they would only be absorbed and become nutrients for the subject.
Realizing this, Adam stepped forward and ordered his guards to cease fire.
"Whoosh!"
As his eyes glowed with a blue light, a surge of powerful psychic energy enveloped the test subject, lifting it into the air.
No matter how strong the body, without a point of leverage, it was just a puppet.
However, in the next moment, the black substance on the subject's body reemerged, absorbing the psychic energy surrounding it.
"It can even absorb psychic energy? Interesting."
It seemed that the Blacklight Virus's actual capabilities far exceeded the predictions of both the Red Queen and himself.
As the test subject charged at him, Adam raised his left hand and spread his palm wide.
"DESTRUCTION!"
A purple-dark light emanated from his hand, instantly engulfing the test subject.
"BOOOM..."
The immense energy obliterated the test subject and even demolished the three-meter-thick concrete and steel walls of the lab, extending deep into the earth and rock, its limits unknown.
This was, after all, an underground lab, surrounded by nothing but soil and stone.
________________________
Upto 20 chapters ahead on patreon :-
patreon.com/ShadySmuggler