Super Soldier Serum (Part 2)

Entering the antique shop, Carter exchanged a secret code with the owner and smoothly proceeded to the back. A bookshelf-turned-door swung open, revealing a secret experimental base before the trio.

Alex, knowing the movie's plot, showed no surprise from beginning to end, appearing calm and composed. Steve, on the other hand, looked around with fresh curiosity but didn't ask many questions, following closely behind Carter.

Passing through rows of guards, the three finally entered the true laboratory. The lab, spanning three to four rooms, was filled with various instruments, and many people in white coats were busy working at them. In the center of the lab were two experiment tables, presumably where Steve would lie in the movie.

As the three walked into the lab, everyone turned to look at them, frozen in place as if the scene had paused. After a long moment, the crowd resumed movement, a somber atmosphere blanketing the entire laboratory.

Alex noticed the nervousness on Steve's face, gently hugged him, and chuckled, "Steve, don't worry. We're going to become super-soldiers, punch the Japanese, and kick the Nazis!"

Alex's peculiar tone made Steve chuckle, and even Carter couldn't help but smile.

Just then, Howard, twirling his signature sexy mustache, said in a peculiar tone, "Alex, no matter where you go, your charm with women is always so strong!" As he spoke, Howard turned to Carter, bowed with a gentlemanly flourish, and said, "Howard Stark, a pleasure to meet you, beautiful lady."

Carter gave Howard a cold glance, turned, and walked away.

Seeing Howard's embarrassed expression, Alex couldn't help but laugh, adding mockingly, "Howard, is this what you meant by women throwing themselves at you?"

Howard forced a smile and quickly changed the subject, "So, you two are the guinea pigs today?"

Alex was displeased with Howard's "guinea pig" nickname and retorted, "What guinea pigs? We're future super-soldiers!"

At that moment, Dr. Abraham walked over. Seeing the three chatting and laughing, a hint of a relaxed smile appeared on his face. "Are you ready, boys?"

Upon seeing Abraham, Alex and Steve nodded, saying with serious expressions, "We're ready anytime."

"Take off your clothes!"

Steve complied without hesitation, quickly shedding his clothes. Alex, however, was a bit shy. He glanced around to ensure no one was peeking before leisurely unbuttoning his shirt.

"Do we need to take off our pants?" Steve had already removed his shirt, his emaciated body evoking a touch of pity.

"Probably not?" Alex turned to look at the white coats behind him, hands gripping his belt, giving off an "I won't if you want me to" vibe.

Dr. Abraham chuckled and pointed to the two experiment tables beside him, "No, just lie down on them."

Once both men were lying on the experiment tables, Abraham stood between them and asked, "How do you feel? Comfortable?"

"It's a bit big!" was Steve's answer. Lying on the table, the small-framed Steve only occupied about two-thirds of it.

"It's a bit hard!" Alex wasn't short, and the experiment table was neither too big nor too small for him. "And a bit cold." Of course, more importantly, Alex was unaccustomed to being shirtless in front of so many people.

Steve and Abraham both chuckled, and the tense atmosphere eased once more.

Steve seemed to have completely let go of his nervousness, looking at Abraham and asking with a smile, "Did you save us any of last night's wine?"

"Not much left."

"Then it's best to prepare some now. I can't wait to have a drink." Alex chimed in again, then turned to Howard, who had changed into another white coat, and unceremoniously mocked, "Howard, that outfit really doesn't suit you."

Howard's expression shifted several times. He glared fiercely at Alex, then turned to Abraham, "Doctor, everything is ready. We can begin!"

Abraham nodded, picked up a microphone from the side, and tapped it lightly. The microphone emitted a piercing screech, drawing the attention of everyone in the laboratory.

"Today, we are not moving further towards extinction, but taking the first step on the path to peace. First, a series of minimally invasive injections will introduce the serum into the muscle groups. After injection, the serum will cause rapid cellular changes, followed by stimulation of growth. Then, it will penetrate the body through Vita-Ray..."

As Abraham's uninspired explanation continued, the other lab personnel began to get busy. Two researchers pushed forward an instrument, and upon opening it, revealed a whole row of test tubes filled with a pale blue serum.

When everything was ready, Abraham put down the microphone, turned to Alex and Steve, who were standing at attention, and said sternly, "Serum injection, countdown begins, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!"

As soon as Dr. Abraham finished speaking, Alex felt his arms and chest prickle as if with needles. Several streams of liquid seeped into his body through the needle holes, and his entire body began to stir.

Seeing that the serum injection was complete, Abraham turned to Howard Stark, who was standing by, ready, "Begin, Mr. Stark!"

Howard nodded and pulled a lever on the machine in front of him. The two platforms in the center of the laboratory suddenly moved, and metal casings quickly enclosed the platforms, leaving only a small glass window for the face.

As Howard's voice announced, "Ten percent, twenty percent...", Alex noticed the small window suddenly light up, as blinding as the sun.

Suddenly, a searing pain struck Alex, feeling as if his whole body was tearing apart. Alex couldn't help but cry out, "Howard, you bastard, stop messing around and hurry up!" Alex knew he had to endure this moment; otherwise, the experiment would fail.

Howard gave a wry smile at the remark but sped up his actions, "One hundred percent!"

After a flash of lightning and thunder, everything vanished. The white light disappeared, and the tearing pain in his body was replaced by an endless sense of relief, making him want to fall asleep.

Alex did indeed fall asleep, not even waking when the platform opened. His deep, steady breathing indicated he was sleeping soundly.

As the platforms opened, everyone couldn't help but gasp in amazement. Alex and Steve had undergone earth-shattering transformations. Steve had not only grown taller, almost filling the entire platform, but his muscles were clearly defined, especially his powerful chest muscles, which were incredibly impactful.

Alex's change wasn't as dramatic as Steve's. His height hadn't changed much, but his formerly slender body had become much stronger. Although his muscles weren't as clearly defined or robust as Steve's, they were well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing.

After a long while, the stunned crowd finally reacted and rushed forward to help Steve and Alex off the platforms.

With Dr. Abraham's support, Steve walked unsteadily off the platform, repeatedly saying, "I succeeded!"

Hearing Steve's words, Abraham couldn't help but smile, "Yes, we succeeded."

"What about Alex? How is he?" Steve turned to look to the side. Alex was also being helped off the platform by the crowd.

"Oh, my god, he actually fell asleep!" a surprised exclamation rang out.

The moment the exclamation sounded, a gunshot followed