After an indeterminate time drifting in an endless void, Mark's senses gradually returned. He found himself enveloped in a warm, wet sensation—like soaking in a hot spring.
Suddenly, a powerful squeeze gripped his body, propelling him headfirst through a narrow passage. A brilliant light met his still-shut eyes, so intense he reflexively squeezed them tighter.
Then came a chorus of sounds—sharp and clear.
"It's a healthy baby boy," a woman's voice echoed near his ear.
A nurse, he guessed.
Another voice chimed in, trembling with joy.
"He's everything I hoped for."
Soon, he was cradled on something soft and warm. At ease, he drifted into sleep.
Hours passed—maybe more. Then Mark stirred. Consciousness returned.
Ding! A crisp notification rang out in his mind:
[Welcome, host, to the Special Forces System.][This system will help the host rise to become and lead the most elite operatives in the universe. By increasing your reputation and influence, you will unlock advanced skills and operational resources.][All skills and physical abilities will be upgraded to the host's mental and physical limits, requiring minimal training.]
"Hmm… impressive system," Mark whispered, a flicker of excitement gleaming in his eyes.
And so, the journey began…
---
Year 1: His physical development accelerated. Controlled movement led to tentative, wobbly steps.
Year 2: His dexterity bloomed—running, grasping, and hand-eye coordination became natural.
Year 5: Mark began structured physical and combat training. He used a short stick as a knife substitute, and a longer one to simulate a rifle.
Year 10: Mark mastered all combat techniques from his previous life, honing them further. He frequently pestered his uncle to take him hunting and fishing—real-world application for his growing skills.
Year 15: Mark's family relocated to Brooklyn, New York. There, he met James Buchanan Barnes and Stephen Grant Rogers. They quickly bonded, and Mark began teaching close combat techniques to both.
Year 24: Mark had achieved mastery across the spectrum: firearms, cold weapons, hand-to-hand combat, stealth operations, sniping, diving, wilderness survival, and advanced medical training. His physical prowess had transcended human limits—tripling average capabilities in every aspect.
His friends had grown too. Bucky showed natural talent, rapidly improving through the years. Steve, though still physically frail, benefited greatly from training. Despite his illnesses, his fighting skills and fitness improved noticeably.
---
On this day, the trio attended the Stark Industries Expo. Steve attempted to enlist in the military. Bucky had already been recruited and awaited deployment.
After a series of events, Steve was accepted into the army through Dr. Erskine's special request. Mark, too, was admitted—his preliminary exam scores were off the charts.
Days later, Steve and Mark rode a military truck to boot camp. Inside, 27 young men clutched bags filled with clothes and personal effects. Most wore grim expressions, bracing for life in the U.S. Army.
Mark and Steve sat side by side.
An hour and a half later, the truck halted. Voices approached. The rear doors swung open—two commanding figures stepped in, their uniforms crisp, demeanor stern. Their presence invoked memories of the legendary drill sergeants from Mark's past life.
"Everyone out!" The command rang out with sharp authority.
The new recruits sprang into motion, filing out of the truck in near silence. The rhythmic clatter of boots on metal echoed behind them. One by one, they stepped onto the dusty road, forming a tight line. The sun bore down, casting long shadows over stiff shoulders and nervous eyes.
As the dust settled, one of the two soldiers stepped forward. His presence was commanding, his voice firm.
"Listen up, boys. I'm Sergeant Michael Duffy. From this moment forward, I'm responsible for you. My job is to turn you into men — and I don't do that with kindness. I'll push you harder than you've ever trained in your life."
Mark stood quietly in formation, eyes locked forward, mind already racing.
This is it, he thought. The beginning of Captain America's story…