Chapter 41: The Death of Captain America Steve
"The equipment is functioning properly. The serum enhancement can proceed."
Howard, upholding his rigorous scientific standards, meticulously checked the equipment multiple times to ensure that nothing would go wrong during the experiment.
At this moment, all eyes turned to Steve—he was the main subject today.
If the experiment succeeded, America would create an army of superhuman soldiers, crushing the Axis powers with overwhelming force.
"Old Steve, don't be afraid. If it fails, you'll have another shot in eighteen years," Allen comforted him warmly.
What a kind person you are.
With mixed emotions, Steve walked toward the serum infusion chamber and lay down inside the machine, which resembled a space capsule.
The researchers were just as nervous. If the experiment failed, it wouldn't just mean the loss of one life—it could lead to the entire project being shelved, turning all their hard work into nothing.
As the chamber door closed, Steve shut his eyes, bracing himself for the outcome.
Dr. Erskine retrieved a metal case containing the super soldier serum and carefully took out the stored vials.
He was the scientist behind the serum, but the injection process was handled by Howard.
One by one, the vials were installed into the infusion slots before Howard turned to his standby position.
"Phase one, ready."
With Howard's loud command, the technician controlling the power switch flipped the breaker.
Immediately, multiple indicator lights lit up, confirming a stable power supply.
"Allen, do you think this will work?"
Wilson looked at the serum chamber with great anticipation.
Although he was an outsider when it came to biological enhancement research, that didn't mean he wasn't curious.
"If he dies, that would be a lot less fun."
A mysterious smile appeared on Allen's face.
At that moment, Wilson's eyebrow twitched. He had a bad feeling about this.
Having spent so much time with Allen, he had come to understand his personality to some extent—Allen was never one to sit idly by. If he didn't stir up some trouble, that just wouldn't be his style.
Of course, Wilson didn't press for details. If there was any mischief involved, Allen would proudly boast about it sooner or later—just like when he exposed the truth the moment they boarded S.H.I.E.L.D.'s disguised cargo ship.
"Phase two, begin!"
The serum was injected into the chamber through a series of tubes.
Through the glass window of the machine, the brightness inside gradually increased.
"Howard is using an optical transmission method for the serum infusion. Compared to direct injection, this is much safer. The advantage is that the absorption is more thorough and the enhancement is more balanced."
Allen stroked his chin as he analyzed the machine's operating principle.
"How do you know all this?"
Wilson looked at him in disbelief. Allen wasn't supposed to be a mechanical engineer, yet he seemed well-versed in energy-based technologies.
"Wilson, read more books in your free time."
Allen commented matter-of-factly, then added, "The downside is that light energy is unstable—any slight mishap and Steve will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
"…"
It was one thing to encourage people to study, but coming from a certified lunatic, it just felt wrong.
In reality, Allen had been quietly studying and leveling up his skillset.
"Phase three, commence!" Howard commanded.
As the power output increased, Steve's face became obscured by the overwhelming glow inside the chamber—it was as if he was crammed inside a tanning bed with maxed-out heat lamps.
"Ahh…"
Steve let out a painful groan.
The hearts of everyone present tensed up.
"Stop the process! He won't survive this!"
Dr. Erskine anxiously tried to halt the procedure.
He was not only worried about Steve's life but also about the experiment failing—if that happened, military funding for the project could be cut off entirely.
"Don't stop! I can handle it!"
Steve's determination kept the experiment going. He refused to give up so easily.
He didn't want to return to his weak and frail state—he wanted to achieve his full potential.
Everyone wore tense expressions, watching for any unexpected developments.
So far, the process was progressing smoothly, but the real test was whether Steve could endure it.
"Why aren't you even a little nervous? You've been getting close to Steve lately."
Wilson found it odd.
If Allen took an interest in someone, that usually meant trouble for the poor soul.
Frankly, Wilson would be happy to see Allen wreak havoc on someone else for a change.
Allen clenched his fist and made a cheering gesture. "Success is never a coincidence. It is inevitable! Oh yeah!"
Suddenly, the power supply began to drop.
Howard had preset a threshold—based on repeated calculations, it was the optimal amount of energy needed for the serum fusion process.
Once the critical limit was reached, the system automatically reduced power.
Psssh!
With a release of pressure, the chamber door opened.
The once frail Steve Rogers had been completely transformed into a towering, 6'2" muscle-bound warrior.
Panting heavily, he stepped out of the chamber. His broad chest rose and fell with each breath.
Carter, the only woman present, couldn't help but stare—her eyes practically sparkling. Without thinking, she reached out and touched his firm chest.
"The patient has developed severe glandular hyperplasia. Initial assessment suggests a C-cup size. Dr. Allen recommends wearing a supportive garment for physical therapy."
Steve and Carter simultaneously turned toward Allen, who was spouting nonsense with a completely serious expression.
"Steve, how do you feel?" Carter asked with concern.
"I've never felt better."
Steve looked down at his powerful arms and the eight-pack abs he had never dared to dream of.
"The operation appears to be a great success, but the side effect seems to be an inflated ego."
Allen adjusted an imaginary monocle over his right eye. "Recommended treatment: two hours of regular beatings to suppress the condition."
"…"
Beating someone for two hours—how could they even be human after that?!
Boom!
A sudden explosion rocked the room.
Sparks flew, glass shattered, and chaos erupted.
Amid the panic, a hidden spy took advantage of the commotion and rushed toward the remaining vial of super soldier serum.
"Protect the serum! That's the only one left!" Dr. Erskine shouted in alarm.
To him, this serum was more valuable than his own life—it was the culmination of years of research.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three gunshots rang out.
The spy mercilessly shot Dr. Erskine, ensuring that America's hopes for a superhuman army would be cut short.
Having completed his mission, the spy immediately began his escape, following a preplanned route.
At that moment, most of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were focused on trying to save Dr. Erskine.
"Recover the serum! We can't let it fall into enemy hands!"
With those last words, Dr. Erskine breathed his last.
Upon hearing the commotion, Steve took off in pursuit of the fleeing spy.
Meanwhile, Allen looked at the dead Dr. Erskine, wondering if he had inadvertently caused this.
He had only shared details about the serum with the Soviets—under normal circumstances, the Axis should have been the ones targeting Erskine.
He would have to wait for the investigation results. If he was truly responsible, he figured he would shed exactly three tears as an apology.
Carter and Colonel Phillips rushed to provide backup.
However, in a nearby alley, they found Steve lying on the ground, wounded from gunfire.
"The ones who stole the serum were from the Axis. The submarine they escaped on had their insignia… but another group was also trying to seize it. They shot me."
Steve forced himself to relay the crucial information before falling unconscious.
"Steve, stay with us!" Carter called out urgently.
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