Chapter 56: Simulation test results.
"Jarvis, have you analyzed its composition yet?" Tony was fully immersed in his work, barely acknowledging the presence of Felix and the others. His focus was laser-sharp, and he kept firing off questions to Jarvis without pause.
"Sir, 94.6% of the ingredients have been analyzed," Jarvis responded. "The remaining components require more time for analysis..."
"Forget about the rest for now. Start the simulated drug injection test and report the results directly!" Without hesitation, Tony issued the command, and Jarvis began the first simulation.
"Initiating first simulation test."
"Injecting the serum… injection complete."
"Reaction detected: the human gene chain is undergoing mutation and recombination… mutation progressing in an unknown direction."
"Recombination failed. Gene chain collapsed. Test subject has died."
"First simulation test unsuccessful. Full data recorded. Preparing to initiate second simulation."
Tony watched the holographic projection as the virtual simulation played out. It depicted the drug being injected into a simulated human body.
"Jarvis," Tony instructed, "no need to display the entire process. Just show the gene chain after the injection. Skip reporting failures—continue simulations until we succeed."
He found the failed steps repetitive and unnecessary. With advanced AI like Jarvis, he could afford to speed through the process, saving materials, manpower, and precious time.
"Beginning second simulation test…"
...
"Recombination failed. Gene chain collapsed. Test subject deceased."
...
"Ninety-ninth experiment failed…"
In the virtual display, as the blue reagent entered the bloodstream of the simulated figure, the model's bones, muscles, and skin began to morph under mysterious forces. A spiral DNA projection hovered beside the figure, showing the chain shattering and attempting reformation—over and over again. Each collapse signified another failed experiment.
Tony ignored Jarvis's automated failure reports, his eyes fixed intently on the twisting DNA model. Every failed reformation brought a flicker of disappointment, but he quickly refocused, ready for the next trial.
Even Felix and his team were swept up in the tension. They stared at the spiraling genetic structure, unconsciously holding their breath, afraid that even a loud exhale might jinx the next attempt.
Then finally—
"The 105th experiment was successful. The subject has undergone an unknown mutation. Physical capabilities have drastically improved!"
After countless attempts over several minutes, the breakthrough finally came. Relief washed over the group.
"Jarvis, give me a full report on the successful test subject!" Tony said, exhaling deeply. Watching repeated failures had frayed even his nerves.
"The test subject's physical attributes have improved drastically," Jarvis reported. "Strength, speed, endurance, and explosive power have all increased by more than tenfold. Muscle, bone, and skin density also exceed ten times the original values. Preliminary estimates suggest the skin can withstand point-blank fire from large-caliber weapons such as snipers without a scratch."
"Additionally, three new bones have formed in each forearm—flat and blade-like in shape. Between each of the four fingers, excluding the thumb, the skeletal density has increased significantly, surpassing even that of specialized alloys. The exact function of these formations remains unknown."
Due to the nature of the simulation, Jarvis could only provide rough estimates, but even those figures were staggering. The entire group was shocked by the potential of the enhanced body—it was practically a humanoid tank. Immune to most firearms, with speed and strength far beyond human norms, it was a soldier's worst nightmare and a killing machine in the battlefield if released.
Tony turned toward Felix with a skeptical look.
"Felix, you weren't lying about this formula… but the failure rate is quite terrifying. With a success rate of less than 1%, who would dare to inject it? The gene chain collapse in failures—no one can survive that."
Despite his concerns, Tony couldn't deny the results were very impressive. Still, the risk was far too great. Then his eyes shifted to Annie, who stood quietly nearby.
"And yet Annie succeeded… with odds like that, she must have been born under a lucky star."
Felix chuckled.
"Tony, don't be too amazed. Annie didn't take this serum as an adult. She was injected with it during infancy. The success rate is significantly higher at that stage of development."
Tony raised an eyebrow thoughtfully, his mind already racing through new possibilities.
"However, it seems that infants must be carefully screened. Some babies may be genetically compatible with the serum, significantly increasing the success rate. But as for the exact screening criteria, I'm not sure—you'll have to figure that out yourself, Tony."–
Felix glanced at Tony, then at Annie, already guessing what was on Tony's mind. He offered the explanation and a potential direction for research. Ultimately, how the research progressed would be up to Tony.
"I'll remember that," Tony nodded. "Come on, let's head upstairs and talk."
He led everyone back to the living room.
"Man, what a day," Tony sighed as he slumped onto the couch. "First, Dormammu invades Earth, and we spend hours fighting him. Then I nearly collapse trying to figure out this drug you brought back, Felix. I'm completely drained."
He reached into the fridge, pulled out beers and drinks, and handed them around.
"This superhero gig—I used to think it'd be glamorous. Turns out, it's just endless work. No sleep, no pay, running on fumes. I'm tired like a dog, and no one even knows what we went through!"
Before Felix showed up, Tony and the others had gone all out against Dormammu. Their battle had been anything but easy.
"It's true—this day has been exhausting," Thor agreed, downing a beer with one gulp.
"But as humans, isn't it your duty to protect your own planet?"
Tony leaned back, his drink in hand. "Sure, but it wouldn't hurt to get a little recognition. We just saved the Earth and nobody even knows. Just once, I'd like someone to say thanks."
The beer in Tony's fridge had been stocked in –anticipation of Felix's return. Normally, Tony Stark wouldn't touch the cheap stuff—he was a connoisseur of wines that cost hundreds of thousands per bottle. But tonight, for some reason, this simple drink hit the spot.
"Alright, alright, stop whining, Tony," Steve Rogers—the Captain—chimed in with a small smile. "We protected our home. That's what matters. We should be proud."
Steve was beginning to feel like part of the group. After sleeping for nearly 70 years, most of the people he knew were gone, but now he was finding new friends—Tony, Felix, Thor, people like him who would die to save others. And that meant something.
"You're right," Tony said, suddenly rising from the couch and raising his drink. "Then I propose a toast—to us, for protecting our home and defeating Dormammu!"
"Cheers!" everyone echoed, raising their bottles with a grin....
"And also to the Supreme Sorcerer whom I barely knew, but who gave her life—Ancient One!" Tony added solemnly.
"Yes… and for the bald mage," Thor muttered quietly.
At the mention of the Ancient One, the room fell silent. Even superheroes weren't immune to the weight of loss. Death was something that hung heavy, no matter how many battles they won.
...…..
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