Life Extension Potion
Captain America slept in the ice for about seventy years. When he awoke, the world before him had changed beyond recognition.
The familiar streets and buildings have been replaced by towering modern structures, and the roar of old-fashioned cars has been replaced by the low whistling of new high-speed vehicles.
People's clothing, manner of communication—everything was completely different from what he remembered.
He eagerly searched for those familiar faces, only to receive news that Peggy had grown old.
When he learned that Peggy had never married, Steve felt a sense of relief.
But when he suddenly realized what was happening, he felt utterly disgusted with his selfish thoughts.
He saved the world, but he let Peggy down.
In this bustling yet unfamiliar world, Steve felt an unprecedented loneliness and confusion. Hydra had disappeared, and the world no longer needed his salvation.
Although a Black man kept inviting him to join his new team, he declined.
During this time, he stayed by Peggy's side to take care of her, refusing to have any contact with the outside world.
He prepared three meals for Peggy every day, chatted with her to keep her company, and pushed her around the garden. The sunlight shone on them, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in Steve's heart.
Despite Peggy's constant attempts to persuade him, Steve remained stubbornly aloof, refusing to leave.
He was afraid to face that completely unfamiliar world, afraid to lose the only remaining warmth beside Peggy.
Until yesterday, he overheard the nurses talking.
"The Demon Group sells miraculous potions: Healing Potion, Limb Regeneration Potion, and even a potion that promises youth—each one is truly amazing."
"I heard that Dr. Youth from the Demon Group is still researching longevity drugs. I wonder if we'll have a chance to buy some."
Steve returned to the ward without making a sound, looking at the sleeping Peggy with a complex emotion in his eyes.
Everything was too coincidental. Although he had been out of touch with the world for a long time, his instincts had not degenerated.
This was clearly something someone said to him on purpose.
But he wanted to try, even if it was a trap, because Peggy's time was running out.
The thought of this made Steve feel as if an invisible hand was gripping his heart, causing him unbearable pain.
Peggy watched the building bearing the devil symbol getting closer and closer.
Although she has been retired for a long time, she still knows about the latest big news.
"Steve, you can't go there, that's..."
Steve placed a hand on Peggy's shoulder and gently pressed it, as if to transfer his strength and determination to her.
"I know, Peggy, believe me."
His voice was calm and firm, and his gaze was fixed straight ahead.
"Um..."
Steve pushed his wheelchair into the building, where a beautiful woman with dark hair stood at the front desk.
Although she had some doubts about the pairing, she still gave a professional smile.
Hello, is there anything I can help you with?
"I want to see the Demon King."
"I'm sorry, our Demon King is not here at the moment. If needed, you can schedule a meeting with our Acting President. Do you have an appointment?"
"No.""
"I'm sorry, but you need to make an appointment first before we can meet."
"My name is Steve Rogers, I'm Captain America. Please introduce yourself."
The receptionist was slightly taken aback. In all her time, she had seen all sorts of people, but this was the first time she had ever seen someone impersonating Captain America.
"Excuse me, unless it's Captain America himself, I can make an announcement. Otherwise, please leave."
She maintained a polite yet resolute smile, thinking to herself, "Looking alike is useless; this job isn't one that can be easily compromised."
Flint walked over expressionlessly; he had dealt with far too many people wanting to see the Demon King lately.
As for the old lady, he thought she would be gentler.
"Hahaha, Steve, people are starting to suspect you're a fake." Peggy, sitting in her wheelchair, couldn't help but laugh.
Steve was also somewhat helpless.
He pulled a handful of coins from his pocket, gripped them tightly, and the veins on his arm bulged.
When they were released, the coins were completely deformed and stuck together.
"Will this prove my identity?"
"... Okay, I'll report it."
The black-haired receptionist's eyes widened, and she immediately began contacting the Acting President.
Captain America himself, alive.
Flint watched Steve warily, thinking to himself, even Captain America would be smashed into a pulp if he dared to lay a hand on him here.
Tom came down quickly, dressed in a suit and tie, and hurried up to Steve.
"Hello, Captain America. And this must be Agent Carter! I've heard your story since I was a child. I'm Tom, the Acting President of the Demon Group."
He extended his hand with a warm smile on his face.
"Hello, Tom."
Steve responded, looking somewhat uncomfortable with Tom's enthusiasm, his expression slightly stiff.
Tom said, "The leader is away on important business. I'm handling the group's affairs. Please come with me."
Steve pushed Peggy along behind them.
Flint returned to his original position; the company no longer needed his protection.
They entered a spacious and bright conference room, where Tom asked them to sit down and then had coffee and snacks served.
"Steve, what brings you here today?" Tom asked.
Steve looked at Tom with a determined gaze and said, "I've heard that your company is researching a life-extending drug, and I'd like to request it for Peggy."
Tom smiled slightly, showing no surprise whatsoever.
"Of course. The drug was developed to be sold anyway. Although it's not due for release yet, Steve, you're a hero of this country, and I'm willing to make an exception for you."
His tone was sincere and enthusiastic, and his smile grew even brighter.
Steve's eyes lit up; he hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.
Peggy frowned. She had dealt with countless bureaucrats and businessmen and knew their true colors.
The fact that he agreed so easily means either the item is incredibly expensive, or he wants much more than just money.
Her gaze turned serious, and she gently tugged at Steve's sleeve, signaling him not to be too happy too soon.
Steve asked, "I'd like to know how much the life-extending drug costs."
Tom smiled and held up two fingers. "Just 2 billion."
"2 billion!"
Steve couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
This is an astronomical figure that he will never see in his lifetime.
"Yes, the Life Extension Potion is a drug we sell specifically to the wealthy. Each vial can extend one's life by ten years. Buying ten years of life for two billion is very cheap."
Tom still had a smile on his face and spoke in a relaxed tone, as if he were talking about an ordinary product.
He initially wanted to sell it for 10 billion, but considering the potential for global unrest and its impact on the Leader's Plan, he decided to sell it for 2 billion.
It's stuck on a limit valve, and the Life Extension Potion can only be used once, so even if some immortal old people wanted to extend their lives indefinitely, it wouldn't be possible.