Not only was Kayden stunned, but everyone on the entire team froze in place, overwhelmed by the enormity of the revelation before them.
"Did the Virus really succeed?"
"Incredible! It seems the previous instability issue has finally been resolved!"
"Wait, could they have used the telomere regeneration algorithm as the foundation?"
"Holy shit, look at that, this scene is insane!"
"Perfect self-healing! The regenerative rate must be thousands of times faster than that of a normal human under trauma!"
"Check out that bald guy's expression, completely confident. He's not even worried about his injury!"
"I'm telling you, the strain might be far more advanced than anything we've seen so far."
Ashton turned toward the lead researcher, his tone sharp yet filled with fascination. "You mean the enhancement extends beyond regeneration, an overall improvement in physical capacity?"
The researcher's eyes lit up. "Exactly! Happy weighs over one or two hundred pounds, yet that bald man tossed him ten meters like he was nothing!"
"That shouldn't even be physically possible…" someone muttered, but the footage didn't lie.
Ashton inhaled slowly, his analytical instincts kicking in. "We may have underestimated the Virus entirely. The self-healing is only the surface, what's truly valuable is the power augmentation. Cellular energy output has likely multiplied beyond known limits."
Kayden's usually composed gaze flickered with awe. At that moment, the virus's significance soared to an unprecedented new height.
Without hesitation, Ashton left the office. He would report directly to the Council. If this data proved authentic, the Human Potential Organization could secure the highest level of support. For the first time, humanity might have a viable bridge to latent superhuman evolution, something far more accessible than Rogers' long-lost Super Soldier Serum.
Council Chamber.
Councilor Gladwin lowered his communicator and gestured toward the central display. "You all heard Ashton's report. It's time to re-evaluate our stance on the program."
Previously, several councilors had opposed large-scale R&D, citing bioethical risks. But after hearing Ashton's analysis, the atmosphere shifted.
Councilor Hyeon folded his arms, thoughtful. "Currently, we've verified two consistent outcomes: accelerated regeneration and superhuman strength, both confirmed in visual logs. That alone justifies allocating further resources."
Councilor Sith leaned forward. "How many Supernaturals have we located so far?"
Gladwin glanced at his datapad. "Seventeen identified, thirteen already confirmed by the Administration."
Sith frowned. "That's still a small sample. We'll need more subjects to study long-term effects."
Hyeon nodded. "Agreed. This program could fill the gap our Federation faces if we face another incursion. Power augmentation might become our only viable countermeasure."
Councilor Kennedy sighed. "Perhaps. But the Network has safely awakened past-life memories for over four centuries. Isn't that a more stable path to power? The Virus feels like forcing evolution, too rapid, too volatile."
Another councilor immediately countered. "Stable, yes, but the awakening success rate is negligible. Out of billions of Terra citizens, fewer than ten thousand achieve true transcendence."
Kennedy had no rebuttal. The truth was self-evident.
Gladwin smiled faintly. "Let's proceed cautiously. Humanity successfully integrated a prototype virus centuries ago on Old Earth, we shouldn't lag behind our predecessors. Allocate limited resources first and carefully evaluate their progress."
Hyeon added, "One of their researchers' captured genetic memories shows exceptional compatibility with adaptive bio-coding. Let's observe his results before scaling up."
The council reached a consensus: to fund the Extremis research under strict oversight, while increasing the frequency of memory-capture cycles through the Heavenly Dao Network, a dual-path evolution strategy.
In the broadcast, millions watched in silence, their comments a torrent of disbelief and excitement.
"The experiment actually succeeded!"
"Happy must weigh at least hundreds of pounds! And he got tossed like a ragdoll!"
"That short-haired guy's strength is unreal!"
"Damn, where was this power during the Chitauri invasion?"
"Superhuman strength, insane healing, this is beyond anything we've seen!"
"Do we even know how many subjects can survive the process?"
"My god… this is the closest we've ever come to creating an immortal body!"
"Immortal? Maybe not. But the regenerative rate defies natural limits. Still, we have to respect energy conservation, if cells burn that fast, lifespan might shorten drastically."
"If I could trade a year of life for this kind of power, I'd do it in a heartbeat!"
"Happy's fall looked brutal, reminded me of Loki getting smashed by Hulk."
"Speaking of Hulk, he's probably hammering someone right now."
"Seriously, the Federation needs to mass-produce this tech. I want my legs back, I want to run again!"
"My daughter's been crying for weeks… if this tech can fix her spine, I'll sell everything I own."
Suddenly, gasps flooded the chat as the on-screen chaos intensified.
[ After being hurled, Happy crashed through a reinforced booth, debris scattering everywhere. ]
[ Nearby, a middle-aged subject activated a containment device, inhaling volatile gas. His veins ignited, glowing red-hot as if molten metal coursed beneath his skin. ]
[ "Savin! Help me!" he screamed, but his voice dissolved into fire. ]
[ In an instant, an explosion. A column of flame tore through the plaza, reducing everything to ash. The bald man, Savin, emerged from the inferno, molten cracks tracing his flesh. He brushed off embers, calmly chewed gum, and strode away as if nothing had happened. ]
The chat erupted.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"
"Human bomb? That's insane!"
"Power like that, it's like a mobile nuke!"
"So the virus isn't stable after all, it can cause internal thermal overload!"
"Maybe he didn't regulate the dosage! Savin controlled it perfectly."
"Still, surviving that blast? He regenerated in seconds! Not a single burn mark left."
"Even if it's dangerous, it's worth developing. This is humanity's next evolutionary step!"
"Right, the Virus manipulates self-healing genetic material, risky, but leagues ahead of the plant-based prototype."
"Poor Happy, though… wrong place, wrong time."
"Imagine weaponizing this, animals enhanced with the tech, unleashed against the Chitauri."
"Brilliant idea, but first, they've got to make sure it doesn't blow up the lab."
In the Administration, after that explosion, the chief's hands trembled with fear. The expressions of the experts mirrored his anxiety.
Darwin's shocked expression was exaggerated to the extreme. "Exploded?! How powerful was that blast?"
"Indeed, it's very difficult to directly alter genetic material," someone added.
Xiaotian grinned, the fiery explosion reflecting a red glow on his glasses.
Johan trembled, voice trembling: "One step to heaven! One step into the abyss!"
Everyone contemplated this grim reality. It was true, Savin, the bald man controlling the virus, had no fear of damage. He had essentially turned himself into an uncontrollable human bomb.
Kasey finally regained composure. "Why did it explode?"
"Earlier, Mayan plants also detonated directly," a scientific research expert explained. "I saw a netizen say it might be similar. The virus, while modifying and controlling genetic material, isn't always precise. When the modification fails, the host undergoes internal destruction, self-destruction, self-healing, and so on."
Physicist Nicholas nodded. "So, the device Savin provided initially might have been meant to suppress this vicious cycle?"
The research expert confirmed. "Yes, that's likely. But perhaps the control was underestimated, so it couldn't stabilize the process. During destruction and repair, energy is released as heat, until the explosion finally happened."
A physicist frowned. "For such an explosion, the temperature must have reached at least a thousand degrees. Is that even possible?"
Darwin shook his head. "Don't underestimate the human body. It's packed with countless cells, each containing energy, enough to produce significant heat."
Suddenly, the director added, "The higher-ups mentioned there were nine explosions at the scene, yet no source could be identified. Could it be an unusual mode of explosion?"
Everyone hesitated, then almost simultaneously reached a conclusion.
"I estimate the explosion was likely triggered intentionally."
"Meaning there are already multiple people infected with the virus."
"With Savin involved, ten people have now died from virus-induced explosions."
"But Savin can be controlled stably."
It was a life-and-death situation.
Meanwhile, in the Human Potential Organization, Kayden frowned as she surveyed the chaotic debris. The explosion hadn't exceeded her expectations; she had previously estimated it would take at least ten or twenty years to develop such technology successfully.
A fragment of memory flickered, Maya showing Tony, roughly thirteen years prior. She reasoned that complete control might never be fully achievable.
Ashton, with a hint of a smile, said, "Kayden, are you pondering what might be suppressing the virus outbreak?"
She nodded. "Yes, President. I believe if we can identify that, it would be a breakthrough."
Ashton continued, smiling: "Cooling mechanisms? Reducing cellular activity? Inhibiting genetic material?"
"The key lies in those specific directions," Kayden said, eyes lighting up. "Your ideas give me more inspiration now."
"As for virus research, proceed with confidence," Ashton assured her. "I've already discussed it with the Council, they support this initiative."
Kayden's excitement grew. "Alright, sir! I won't let you down."
He waved his hand. "It's not just me, it's about all citizens of the Terra Federation."
She nodded resolutely.
Back in the Administration training ground, Ren scolded Louis: "If you encounter someone like that in the future, run far away, there might be an explosion."
Louis replied indifferently, "That was during Earth's era, brother. No such person exists now."
Ren pouted. "It was possible before, so why not now? Who knows what new threats might emerge?"
Aldice, sitting nearby, suddenly said, "Tony might be in trouble. With Happy blown up and Tony's personality, he'll find his way back."
Ren hesitated briefly but nodded in agreement. "Mark 42 faced Savin, the bald man. I wonder which is more formidable."
Louis shrugged. "It's Tony. The bald man recovers quickly and can't even fly."
Ren suddenly felt speechless. "Who knows if these lunatics have other special abilities?"
The scene flickered again, stabilizing.
[News TV was hacked by terrorists once more. Amid the flickering broadcast, the figure of the black-robed master appeared. The scene showed firearms, chaos, death, and tears. The master's face was half-hidden, expression cold: "I am pleased to inform you that my disciples have just destroyed a large theater. The scene was perfect! Mr. President, I understand this must be frustrating, but the horror of this season is nearing its end."]
[ In the footage, the black-robed master spread his arms as countless children ran toward him with smiles. ]
[ "Don't worry, the best is yet to come. Your graduation ceremony is approaching." ]
[ Suddenly, terrorists with machine guns opened fire on a poster of President Ace. ]
"How can the black-robed master control the virus-infected people?"
"Isn't that Killian from AIM?"
"Are they working together?"
"No, I doubt it. Could Killian be the one who introduced this unstable virus?"
"Using it as a weapon, sold to terrorists?"
"No, didn't he ask Killian's people for an antidote?"
"Damn, the waters run deep!"
"Damn! Tony's about to go rogue this time!"
"There's got to be a deal between Killian and the black-robed master. I just don't know what it is."
"The terrorists under the black-robed master, they're not a place for Killian's trash!"
"Probably. AIM needs funding, so terrorists aren't lacking money, right?"
"Tony was already suspicious of the black-robed terrorists, and now they openly admit their alliance."
"Tony's definitely going after them!"
The audience watched in stunned silence, outrage simmering. No matter who was targeted, they found it unacceptable, especially Tony's loyal supporters.
The scene shifted abruptly to the hospital where Happy was admitted.
[ Tony sat in a corner, looking lonely. He spoke softly to the nurse: "Please don't turn off the TV." ]
[ The nurse nodded. "Okay." ]
[Tony stood, gazing at the screen, muttering incoherently: "Sunday night's regular show, 'Penton Manor.'"]
[ "He likes watching it most, says it's very elegant." Tony seemed to talk to himself, then pointed to his chest: "There are badges, too. Everyone should wear badges." ]
[Tony left the ward, still talking: "He's very stubborn about this; otherwise, my people wouldn't let him in."]
[ A crowd of reporters gathered outside the hospital entrance. ]
[A reporter said, "We're waiting for Tony Stark. Hope he'll respond to the recent attack." ]
[ As Tony emerged, countless people rushed forward, microphones thrust toward him. ]
[ One reporter asked, "Mr. Stark, there are reports that the black-robed master was behind the attack. What's your comment?" ]
[ A male reporter stepped forward. "Mr. Stark, when will someone stop the master?" ]
[ Tony calmly opened his car door, standing beside it, eyes fixed on the reporter with a hint of anger. "Is that what you really want to hear?" ]
[ Silence fell. Tony hesitated briefly, then declared fiercely: "I send a message to the master. I've just decided what to say. My name is Tony Stark. I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward. So I've chosen to destroy you." ]
[ He unbuttoned his sunglasses. "I'll take care of your corpse myself, this has nothing to do with the government. It's just old-fashioned revenge, just you and me." ]
[ Growing angrier, he added, "If you're a real man, remember my address. My door's always open." ]
[ With that, Tony grabbed the camera from the reporter's hand and smashed it against the wall. "Want to hear more? I'll make you pay." ]
[ He stormed into his car and sped away, leaving chaos behind. ]
The broadcast exploded with excitement. Tony's defiant declaration ignited everyone's adrenaline.
"Wow! Tony's a badass!"
"How dare he reveal his address on live TV!"
"Though he was angry at the reporter, that was too reckless!"
"This is the Tony I admire!"
"But he's a little irrational."
"Rational? Can you even stay sane right now?"
"Will Tony really take on the master?"
"If the master has more human bombs, Tony might be walking into a trap."
"Here comes the new segment."
"Tony's tech is incredible!"
"Thanks to Jarvis, his speed is astonishing!"