Improved Serum

"Long time no see, Doctor. I heard your research had made progress. In what area?" Han Lin asked impatiently.

The doctor spoke happily as well. "I don't dare experiment with your blood yet. That virus doesn't seem like something I can easily control. I want to wait until the war is over and conduct the experiment with you." Han Lin nodded without comment.

Dr. Erskine spoke again. "My Super Soldier Serum has made progress. The injection success rate has increased, and the pain has been reduced by seventy percent. The original formula had too low a success rate. Steve only endured it through sheer willpower.

And you endured it through your tremendous strength. With this weakened version, I believe that as long as someone isn't weak-willed, they should generally succeed. After completing the research, I felt that S.H.I.E.L.D. needed to hold a high-level meeting to decide whether this serum was suitable for widespread use in the military."

Han Lin nodded in understanding. "The colonel went to the military camp. We came back this time for two reasons. We rescued two doctors, Arnim Zola and Betthold Stenberg.

Betthold Stenberg is currently arranged in a military truck outside. I need to assess how dangerous he is. As for Arnim Zola, I think Hydra has brainwashed him for too long. He isn't suitable to become an internal member of S.H.I.E.L.D.

When we rescued Dr. Betthold Stenberg, I found him conducting human experiments directly. I don't know whether his Infinite Formula has been perfected, but he was experimenting on Allied soldiers. His behavior made me feel that he wasn't suited to stay by your side."

Dr. Erskine merely chuckled and shook his head. "I've known him for thirty years. I can still vouch for his character. Without confidence in success, he wouldn't have been so afraid of Schmidt finding out and chosen to notify the Allies to rescue him.

As for Dr. Zola, he's a mad scientist. His obsession with experiments might lead him to do dangerous things, so don't bring him into S.H.I.E.L.D.

As for Betthold, let him become one of our internal members. With him here, I think the two of us can study your blood."

Since Dr. Erskine had already said so, Han Lin could only offer his support. At present, only the six core members of S.H.I.E.L.D. knew the doctor was still alive. Stenberg's addition would greatly increase the risk of Dr. Erskine being exposed.

"Since we're doing this, Dr. Stenberg's security measures need to be strengthened as well. Don't let Hydra exploit any loopholes. Didn't the doctor's serum succeed? You and Dr. Stenberg should both take the injection, so our rear camp has some protection." Han Lin nodded, agreeing with Dr. Erskine while offering a solution.

Dr. Erskine smiled and nodded. "That was also why I called you back this time. I need you here to help record the experimental data. I'll be the first test subject for the Improved Serum. That way, I can feel at ease giving injections to Carter and the others."

Han Lin frowned slightly. "Doctor, are you sure you can endure that pain? Even if it's been reduced by seventy percent, should we research it a little more first?"

The doctor shook his head. "This is already the mildest version. Further reducing the physical enhancement won't have much effect, and the brain won't be developed either. Without pain as stimulation, the enhancement will be useless."

Han Lin knew the doctor was an extremely rigorous man. He wouldn't joke with his own life, nor would he joke with others' lives. Thus, Han Lin nodded to Dr. Erskine.

"Then let's prepare the experiment. We still need to go to the military afterward. I'm not sure when they'll have us come over..."

Howard finished all the preparations. Dr. Erskine changed into an undershirt and entered the laboratory. Looking at the frail body that had been worn down by years of experimental research, Han Lin felt a pang of sadness.

The doctor had spent his entire life researching the Super Soldier Serum, yet the world had never witnessed his greatness.

The doctor took off his undershirt and lay down in the experimental chamber. Looking at the distinctly different pale-red Simplified Serums in the injectors on either side, Han Lin asked again, "Doctor, are you really sure you can endure it?"

The doctor nodded firmly. Han Lin watched all the experimental data, his brain calculating at an overclocked speed. Seeing the doctor's determination, he gave up on trying to persuade him.

"Howard, prepare the experiment. Inject the serum, seal the chamber, and activate the Life Ray."

Hearing the doctor's pained groans from inside, Han Lin could only ask again and again. Each time, the answer he received was a firm, "I can do it."

After Howard finished injecting the Life Ray, he opened the experimental chamber as its white light gradually faded.

A middle-aged gentleman who was no longer frail appeared before everyone. He had a rather handsome face. If Han Lin and the others hadn't witnessed it themselves, no one would have believed such a drastic transformation was possible. Even the doctor's thinning hair, caused by years of experiments, had become thick again.

Han Lin quickly stepped forward and helped the doctor out. "Doctor, how do you feel?"

"Being young is wonderful. I like this feeling." Dr. Erskine felt the vitality in his body. It was no longer the body that had been hollowed out by time and sleepless experiments.

"So, any thoughts about going to a bar with us tonight for a few drinks? Maybe start a passionate romance before old age sets in." Han Lin teased Dr. Erskine, who looked much younger now.

"Drinking is fine. As for a passionate romance, there's no need for that." The doctor shook his head somewhat awkwardly.

Han Lin said nothing more. Now that the doctor had completed the experiment, their future safety was no longer much of a concern. Even if the doctor stood right in front of Schmidt now, he wouldn't be recognized.

Stenberg watched the entire process as his friend transformed from an old gentleman lacking vitality into a middle-aged gentleman. All he had to do was endure that experiment.

Feeling tempted, he asked, "Can I undergo this experiment too? I still have a great deal of research unfinished. Although my Infinite Formula can extend a person's lifespan, it must be taken continuously. Once it is stopped, rapid aging follows. And it only works on young and middle-aged people. My body's cells can't support it for much longer."

Han Lin looked at Dr. Stenberg. "The doctor is my family. I have no other family left in this world. The doctor chose to trust you, so I choose to trust you as well. But you'll need time to earn our trust." As he spoke, his right hand transformed into Hammer form. He walked into the distance and punched the ground.

"I don't think anyone in this world can take a punch from me right now. If there is, I can throw a second one." Half threatening and half joking, he stated his requirement.

Stenberg nodded to show that he understood his position.

The experiments proceeded quickly. Dr. Stenberg, Howard, and Agent Carter completed their Improved Serum injections one after another.

Watching Howard stand before a mirror and admire his bodybuilder-like physique, Han Lin heard him whistle and say, "I feel amazing now. I'm overflowing with strength."

Han Lin gave him a venomous reply. "That still doesn't change the fact that you're an experiment dog. Weaklings should stay in the laboratory and do research. Don't think about going to the battlefield for fun. Steve and I don't have time to protect you."

Seeing Agent Carter being helped out by Steve, Han Lin said, "Don't wear high heels anymore. Although it seems your height only increased by less than five centimeters, you still need to be careful not to let anyone notice.

You're different from me. You need to appear before those politicians often, so don't give yourselves away. And now, I'm a little jealous of Steve. You really are charming now." Han Lin sighed sincerely.

Steve looked at Han Lin gratefully and smiled faintly. Han Lin had long known that he would end up with Carter, so he often joked about it with him.

"From now on, this Improved Serum can be injected as long as one core member approves it. But the Enhanced Serum requires unanimous approval from all six members. When Colonel Phillips comes back, remember to give him an injection. I think he'll want to become younger."

As the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., Han Lin had the greatest say. Establishing a few rules would make managing the organization easier in the future.

As time passed, the colonel returned with a grave expression. "I have two pieces of news, one good and one bad. Listen to them first.

Tomorrow morning, the military will meet with the two of you. Both the military and political sides will assess your danger reports. Steve has no issues, because there is nothing questionable about his identity.

But Lin, your identity has made both sides feel an enormous threat. In truth, tomorrow's meeting will also be a courtroom. They want to know your attitude toward the United States and conduct a risk assessment on you."

Han Lin sneered slightly. "They finally couldn't sit still anymore? Don't you think this meeting came rather suddenly? Until now, only the military had records concerning me.

And suddenly, they want to push me into the spotlight and make me face the scrutiny of the entire world. Isn't that laughable? It seems Hydra is more formidable than we imagined. They've already infiltrated the upper ranks of the military and government."

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