Inside Professor Brink's body, his own personality and will were being brutally suppressed and overwritten by an overbearing force.
There was no longer any shrewd calculation or the enthusiasm of a seasoned businessman within him, only absolute, program-like obedience to the young man before him.
"He's at the Sage Grove Center," Brink said, as though reciting a prerecorded script. "He hasn't been transferred to the 'Woods' yet."
The Sage Grove Center...
Lucian's mind raced. He had heard that name before.
On the surface, it was a charitable institution that housed mentally unstable Supes. In reality, it was a secret Vought facility where Storm oversaw covert experiments with Compound V on adults.
Golden Boy's younger brother, Sam, was actually still there.
"Have you discovered Sam's secret?" Lucian pressed.
"His blood," Brink replied mechanically. "We've conducted multiple studies on his blood samples.
"The results indicate that Sam's blood contains an abnormally high concentration of Compound V. It can slightly increase the activity of Compound V in other Supes' bodies, enhancing their abilities."
"But the effect is limited and unstable," Brink added. "We're planning to transfer him to the 'Woods' and conduct controlled experiments on his only blood relative, Luke, to determine the upper limit and side effects of this enhancement."
"Very good." Lucian patted Brink's shoulder like a teacher praising a student. "Move this plan forward as soon as possible. Bring Sam to the 'Woods.'"
"Yes."
"Now you can go back. Remember, nothing happened today."
Lucian withdrew his hand, and Brink's suppressed consciousness instantly flooded back. He blinked, that familiar, enthusiastic smile returning to his face, as though he had just experienced a brief blackout.
"Oh, Lucian, my boy! I'm so happy to see you growing stronger every day! You truly are Godolkin's most outstanding genius!" He gave Lucian an enthusiastic hug,