[Temporary Compound V]

[Temporary Compound V]

Listen to that, listen to that—was that even something a human being would say?!

Alexander Pierce was nearly left utterly deflated by the retort.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke again, his imposing manner somewhat diminished:

"Fine, fine, fine. I can overlook whatever nonsense you're up to over there..."

"But there's one thing I have to warn you about in advance: if your stupidity alerts Nick Fury and the Avengers,

and affects my Project Insight, I'll personally slaughter you, you bastard!!"

The call was promptly disconnected.

"Hmph. So he has Dr. Zola's algorithm in his hands and can predict dangers before they arrive. What's there to be so smug about?"

Baron Strucker glared viciously and roared at the blackened phone screen:

"Compared to the cause I pursue, that Project Insight you're so obsessed with is utterly insignificant."

"You actually dream of using big-data algorithms to eliminate dissenters and force the entire world into submission. The real idiot is you!!"

"However..."

"That brat, Number 380, actually uploaded the video himself. Is he trying to become an internet celebrity? Or some worshipped superhero?"

A look of disdain appeared on Baron Strucker's face.

"Though the times have advanced, young people today have become increasingly shallow. They've lost all lofty ideals and aspirations!"

In his view,

Carl was most likely just a vulgar brat who wanted to use his superpowers to go viral online, then rake in fame and fortune!

Yet this "brainless" behavior actually put him more at ease.

Because an enemy this shortsighted was nothing to fear, even if he possessed Superman-like power.

"Sir, I've thought of a good solution..."

At that moment, Girard, the base commander who had been standing cautiously to one side, suddenly said with an ingratiating smile:

"Since the enemy is a superpowered individual, why don't we send superpowered individuals to deal with him as well?"

"Hm?" Baron Strucker froze at those words, then asked in confusion:

"Haven't all the mutant slaves in our possession lost their powers because of the Mutant Extinction Plan?"

The Mutant Extinction Plan he referred to was a secret operation initiated by S.H.I.E.L.D. more than a decade ago, tacitly approved by the Security Council,

which ultimately designated a company known as Alkali Genetics Company to secretly carry it out.

It was a covert plan to completely eradicate the mutants hidden among humanity through "genetically modified food"!!!

The method of implementation was as follows:

Alkali Genetics Company developed the M43 Virus, which had no effect on ordinary people but could suppress mutant abilities and completely eliminate the mutant genes that randomly emerged during human reproduction.

Through secret channels provided by the authorities, it was widely distributed into the raw materials of major food, beverage, fast-food, and prepackaged meal companies around the world, ensuring that nothing could go wrong.

The facts proved that the Mutant Extinction Plan had been remarkably successful!!

After the last generation of naturally born mutants came into existence in 2004,

mutants had long since silently withdrawn from the grand stage of history.

In the dark corners of streets and alleyways, people could no longer see those ugly-faced "freaks" with extraordinary powers.

Even the once world-famous X-Men were gradually being forgotten by the world!

"Hehe, you're right, sir, but it seems you've forgotten something..." Girard said, a smug look appearing on his face. "Earlier, my people acquired a batch of newly developed Temporary Compound V from inside Vought Group."

"I heard this latest product can grant people temporary superpowers for twenty-four hours."

"Why don't we use it to create a temporary superpowered corps, then capture Experiment Subject Number 380?!"

"Vought Group?" Baron Strucker pondered briefly, then said with contempt:

"That pharmaceutical company that conducts secret experiments on infants, tries to manufacture superhuman idol teams, and fleeces money from people all over the country?!"

Girard said, "That's right. That's the one."

Baron Strucker let out a cold snort through his nose and questioned with little interest:

"I recall the Department of Defense assessment report stating that the Compound V developed by Vought Group is not only expensive to produce, but only suitable for infants. The success rate for adults injected with it is less than one in a thousand..."

"I assume this Temporary Compound V also has some unknown side effects, doesn't it?!"

"Just as you said." Girard gave an embarrassed laugh, his expression somewhat awkward as he explained:

"Unlike ordinary Compound V, while this Temporary Compound V can grant ordinary people superpowers for twenty-four hours,"

"it also rapidly forms large numbers of malignant tumors inside the user's body. Usually, after three to five uses, the user dies suddenly!!"

"Only three to five uses?"

Baron Strucker was utterly disdainful of that.

"Hmph. This kind of superpower is both unreliable and limited. It's even cheaper than those mutant freaks who were 'eradicated.'"

Although Hydra had always wanted to build a superpowered corps exclusively its own,

whether mutants or users of Compound V,

in their eyes,

were all trash that had to be disposed of once they had been used!

The former were inferior trash born from genetic mutations!

The latter were drug-addicted trash who relied on stimulants to unleash their power!

Well...

In truth, S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra had once coveted the formula for Compound V as well.

But the most crucial formula within it was held by a mysterious researcher whom even they had been unable to track down.

On top of that, conducting experiments on infants could easily expose suspicious traces.

So S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra soon abandoned Compound V one after another.

By comparison,

human experimentation using the Mind Scepter was clearly superior!!

Not only were the initial investment costs practically zero,

it could also "create" superpowered individuals with stable abilities and enormous potential, like Carl!!

Still, Girard's suggestion was undoubtedly a good way to quickly break the deadlock.

A vicious glint flashed through Baron Strucker's eyes as he immediately gave the order:

"Organize personnel for drug trials at once. Then select candidates suited for combat and form a Superpowered Suicide Squad..."

"This time, no matter what, you must capture Experiment Subject Number 380 and bring him back to me!!"

"Yes, sir."

Just as Girard was about to turn and leave, Baron Strucker called him back again.

"Oh, right. Tell the people in Sokovia to find a way to retrieve all the bodies of Boka's squad members..."

"They might come in handy for Dr. Fritz's experiments!!!"