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Chapter 43: The Most Important Quality

"Hey, congratulations to the host for completing the task 'Eternal Secret' Branch 1: Preventing the future Captain America from living in past and maintaining the timeline where the host is present!"

In that instant, potential future developments for Captain America and Peggy had been severed.

The task itself was straightforward, but the aftermath promised to be troublesome.

Peggy Carter's eyes sparkled with a knowing smile. "Good idea. Wait for me here after training tonight; I think this will be a night to remember!"

Despite her gentle tone, even honest Steve shuddered, and the other recruits were already feeling sympathy for Thor.

"Um, is it too late for me to refuse now?"

Steve was only trying to get a reaction; he and Peggy didn't quite see eye to eye. Her character was like an old-fashioned figure—really not his style!

Thor subconsciously overlooked that he was also somewhat old-fashioned.

…

"Alright, boys, let's discuss tonight's schedule!" A middle-aged officer with a commanding presence stepped forward and joked.

"Colonel Phillips!" Peggy was the first to salute, reminding the recruits to do the same.

Glancing at the recruits, Phillips began his speech. "General Barton once said that wars are fought with arms, but victory depends on soldiers. We win wars because we have the best... soldiers?"

He glanced at Steve.

What was this? How did something unusual end up here?

Phillips felt uneasy and glanced at the expressionless Dr. Abraham.

Old man, very cunning!

He struggled to control his twitching mouth and continued, "The Strategic Scientific Reserve is an organization that brings together the best scientists and talents from allied nations and the entire free world. Our goal is to create the most powerful legion. The legion is composed of soldiers. So this selection is a training and evaluation process to find super soldiers."

After a brief speech, it was time for training.

As expected, Steve excelled in every task, finishing first in each event, although he struggled in the final challenge, despite his efforts.

In contrast, Thor consistently performed exceptionally well, nearly setting the highest records in the barracks. Phillips even suspected that Thor might be Superman in disguise.

Upon inquiry, it turned out that both Steve and Thor had been recommended by Dr. Abraham.

That cunning old man!

…

A few days later, on the training ground, the recruits were hard at work.

"How about the individuals I recommended?" Dr. Abraham asked Phillips.

"Hmm." Phillips nodded in satisfaction. "Brave, strong, flexible, and adaptable to intense training. If you choose him, I have no objections."

Peggy Carter interjected, "I have reservations. This guy has all the traits of a soldier, but you should consider how many times he's fought in recent days."

"Oh, Miss Carter, don't let one bad experience cloud your judgment. After all, everyone knows you kept him to deal with him... As for the fighting, every recruit has initiated at least one fight."

Noticing Dr. Abraham's strange expression, Phillips suddenly lowered his voice. "Doctor, are you referring to that Blake?"

"No, I'm talking about Steve…"

Phillips smacked his forehead. "Damn it, don't tell me you're looking for a test subject. Even Hodge is better than him. I thought he was supposed to be an addition to Blake's team!"

Dr. Abraham shrugged. "Hodge is indeed very good. In fact, if Steve weren't available, I'd choose Hodge. The reason I'm choosing Steve is because I value qualities beyond physical fitness. As for Hodge, I think his character needs testing. I've seen him bully Steve multiple times."

He pointed to the crowd, where Hodge was picking on Steve before being knocked down by Thor.

"Damn it, we're fighting again!" Peggy Carter cursed and stepped in to stop it.

Colonel Phillips said calmly, "War has never been about convincing people through virtue but through courage."

As he spoke, he grabbed a grenade from the equipment box, pulled the pin, and tossed it into the midst of the recruits. "Grenade!"

"Shit!" The soldiers panicked and scattered in all directions. Among them, the burly Hodge led the charge, quickly rolling behind a jeep, unknowingly losing a chance forever.

Among the chaos, only three people remained unmoved.

One was Steve. He pushed against the crowd, threw himself on the grenade with fear evident on his face, but still clutched the grenade tightly, shouting, "Get away! Get away!"

The other two...

Peggy intended to rush forward and kick the grenade to safety, but before she could take two steps, Thor charged at her, threw her down, and shouted—

"Grenade! Get down!"