"I know you're not the same as before, but the battlefield is a place for advanced weaponry; they won't be fighting you hand-to-hand!"
Bucky was worried about Steve's safety. Although he knew he couldn't change Steve's mind, he still wanted to try.
"I know the battlefield is dangerous; I've seen it in documentaries. In the past, I was powerless, but now I'm willing to do everything I can to protect what matters!"
Steve's wish was simple: to serve his country and protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
"There are many ways to help; joining the military isn't the only option."
"Work in a factory? I don't want to sit in a factory, mechanically doing the same thing every day. I don't belong there!"
Steve shook his head, firm in his decision. A regular job wasn't for him—not in this lifetime.
"Bucky, let's go dance!"
The girls waiting from afar called out to Bucky.
"Okay, I'll be right there!"
Bucky turned back to Steve and said seriously, "Don't do anything reckless. You have to wait for me!"
"You're the one who's always reckless!"
Steve shrugged.
"You bastard!"
The two embraced briefly before reluctantly parting ways.
Meanwhile, a middle-aged man wearing glasses and a beard, looking gentle and refined, passed by and overheard their conversation. He adjusted his glasses, intrigued by Steve.
"Steve, Bucky's words are worth considering; the battlefield is truly brutal!"
Wang Ye, who was leaning against the wall, exhaled a cloud of smoke from his cigar.
Steve shook his head, his eyes filled with determination.
"My goal is to do my part on the battlefield, to protect those who can't protect themselves. You know that, Master!"
The middle-aged man observing them was Abraham Erskine, the creator of the Super Soldier Serum and head of the Super Soldier Program.
During Steve and Bucky's conversation, Erskine became interested in Steve, thinking he might make a good candidate.
Now, Erskine noticed Wang Ye leaning against the wall and realized the two had a master-disciple relationship. Curious about Wang Ye, he decided to observe further.
"You're an adult with your own thoughts and ambitions. Since you've made up your mind, I'll support you!"
"Master"
Steve's eyes filled with tears. Aside from Bucky, no one had ever treated him this well.
"Stop it. What kind of man cries like this?!"
Wang Ye looked at Steve in mock disgust.
Steve scratched his head, and the emotions he'd been holding back evaporated. He laughed, looking sheepish.
"Let's go, let's get the medical exam!"
~
The medical exam went smoothly. Steve's results met all the required standards.
Just as they were about to leave, Dr. Erskine pulled back the curtain and walked in with a smile.
Steve, assuming the man was there for his own exam, didn't pay him much attention. He followed Wang Ye, intending to fill out his personal information at the front desk.
"Wait, aren't you curious why I'm here?"
Dr. Erskine's expression turned slightly amused.
"Are you talking to us? Do we know you?"
Steve turned around, confused. He wanted to finish his paperwork quickly and catch up with Bucky.
Wang Ye also turned back and patted Steve's shoulder.
"I've been watching you for a while. Earlier, you were eavesdropping on our conversation outside. Now you've come here; what exactly do you want?"
Dr. Erskine's face changed slightly before he smiled apologetically.
"Oh, sorry, I was being rude. Let me introduce myself. I'm Dr. Abraham Erskine, from the Strategic Scientific Reserve."
"Steve Rogers, from Brooklyn," Steve replied.
"Wang Ye, a landowner from Norway," Wang Ye added with a smirk.
Erskine nodded.
"Steve, I've reviewed your medical exam, and it's a perfect match for an ongoing secret experiment. If successful, it will change the course of the war. Are you interested?"
Steve glanced at Wang Ye, seeking advice.
Erskine waited patiently, aware they might need a moment to discuss.
What Erskine referred to as a "secret mission" was actually the selection process for the Super Soldier Program. As the head of the project, he had the authority to choose candidates. After observing Steve, he believed Steve could be a perfect fit.
Wang Ye pretended to think for a moment, all the while secretly copying Erskine's memories and knowledge of the Super Soldier Serum.
"Steve, I think the doctor's offer is worth considering. This experiment is even more significant than going to the battlefield!"
Wang Ye had accompanied Steve to the medical exam with the sole purpose of obtaining the Super Soldier Serum formula. While already powerful, he wanted to ensure his subordinates remained strong, and the serum would be crucial for Hydra's future.
Steve nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I accept!"
Dr. Erskine smiled in satisfaction, then pulled back the curtain and left the room.
"Good. Although you've agreed, you will still need to prove yourself. This is your only opportunity!"
"I will prove myself!"
Wang Ye and Steve followed Dr. Erskine out of the room.
~
"Master, I won't be there to take care of you. Please take care of yourself. Smoking too many cigars is bad for your health, so don't overdo it…"
Steve spoke tearfully, holding Wang Ye's hand as he rambled.
"I know, I know. But when you're in the army, don't embarrass me, and don't let anyone bully you."
Wang Ye pulled a blue, polygonal crystal pendant from his jacket pocket and handed it to Steve.
"This is my talisman. Keep it with you at all times. If you're in danger, hold it, and it will protect you."
(Space coordinates and a 360° surveillance device—if Steve was in danger, Wang Ye would know immediately and rush to the scene.)
Steve carefully took the pendant, hung it around his neck, and choked up again.
Wang Ye patted his shoulder reassuringly before glancing at Dr. Erskine, who waited patiently by the door.
"Stop being so emotional. The doctor's been waiting for you!"
Steve nodded, then turned to leave. Before walking out the door, he looked back and said,
"Master, I will succeed!"
(End of Chapter)
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09