Russell's eyes widened in surprise.
"The temperature control went from 1800 to 2600 degrees!"
2600 degrees, the melting point of tungsten—a temperature capable of melting most alloys. This was a powerful enhancement. But what truly caught Russell's attention was the potential for growth.
The increase in temperature wasn't directly due to the super-soldier serum; it was because of his improved physical fitness. That meant any future enhancement to his physique could push the limits of the Extremis Virus even further.
"A growth-type ability… interesting," Russell muttered, loading both new abilities.
Almost immediately, he felt his body transform. His muscles and bones grew denser, his blood thickened, almost like liquid metal, and each beat of his heart surged with amplified life energy. Testing his strength, he clenched his fist, and it hummed with power.
"Probably three times stronger than before," he thought, satisfied. If he faced the Hydra captain again, he could overpower him with raw strength alone. Plus, his new [Elite Combat] entry covered his combat weaknesses.
With a satisfied nod, Russell began gathering supplies.
In the Void, resources were scarce, so he took everything he could: an M29 Smith revolver, a Glock 19, over a dozen Magnum rounds, three loaded 9mm magazines, two high-carbon steel daggers, a fragmentation grenade, a stun grenade, compressed biscuits, an unmarked tube of white powder, a military canteen, and even the captain's combat uniform and trench coat. It wasn't the best fit, but it beat being exposed.
Before leaving, Russell sliced his palm, letting his blood ignite on the corpse like white phosphorus, reducing it to charcoal within seconds. He watched the wound close in moments, further proof of his enhanced durability.
"Be a normal captain in your next life, Steve," he murmured, setting off northward to the black market.
After spending a night in a hollow tree, he found himself in sight of the valley by noon the following day. The black-market location wasn't exactly hidden; several vehicles and groups were traveling the same route. Along the way, he'd witnessed skirmishes that left several dead, though he stayed out of them, recognizing none of the fallen.
When he finally saw the mine in the valley—carved deep into the earth—he realized his lone status could make him a target.
Just then, the rumble of an approaching car caught his attention. A red-and-gold vehicle sped by, and Russell's eyes narrowed as he caught a glimpse of the driver.
Tony Stark. And sitting beside him, a Spider-Man—wearing a writhing black suit, likely altered by Venom.
Inside the jeep, Peter Parker frowned, glancing at the rock they'd just passed.
"Tony, someone's watching us from behind that rock. Maliciously."
Driving one-handed, Tony Stark took a puff from his cigar, unfazed. "Relax, Pete. This whole place is full of malicious eyes."
"If he's still around when we leave, we'll deal with him then," Stark added with a smirk. His eyes lit up with anticipation as he changed the subject, "But for now, the auction's the priority… Chili Peppers are no joke, Pete. Today, I brought a micro-reactor. This time, I'm winning that woman!"
Peter's face lit up with interest. Back in his timeline, he'd never had the chance to cross paths with Stark's women. The thrill of what lay ahead made him forget the observer behind them.
Hidden in the shadows, Russell watched them disappear into the distance.
These two are the Hydra captain's teammates. With them gone, only Mordo would be left at their base—a rare opportunity. Although Baron Mordo wasn't a pushover, Russell knew he couldn't just wait for power to fall into his lap. He had to seize it himself.
If you fear danger, you're a coward even with a system, he thought. This was Marvel, where titans reigned—and above them, even more powerful beings.
After his first kill, Russell knew he'd never settle for mediocrity. His expression hardened, his resolve deepening.
"Let's do this."
With newfound determination, his skin glowed as blood vessels pulsed beneath, the heart of the furnace roaring within him. He turned into a shadow and darted back the way he came, ready to claim his next prize.
ps:
This is considered a change in the mentality of the strong, and he is no longer an ordinary person.
And Mordo is a melee mage, and the protagonist is not impulsive without a brain.
In addition, the pace will also speed up later
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