Chapter 209: Natasha's Request

After several years of Clark's various efforts, the super-hero resources he controlled far exceeded those of Nick Fury in the original storyline. The first Avengers team under his leadership boasted a more impressive lineup than the original.

In addition to Captain America, Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Iron Man from the original Avengers, Clark had gathered additional powerful allies into the fold.

Firstly, Yi Long, now a close partner of Captain America, was inseparable from him. Then there were the enhanced Daredevil and Kingpin, both now possessing superhuman abilities, ready to join the battle for Earth.

Next, after a nationwide selection process, the couple Luke Cage and Jessica Jones emerged as top-tier heroes.

Including Clark himself as the leader, the team now comprised eleven members.

Initially, Clark planned to limit the Avengers to these eleven, but then came requests from within his own circle.

First was Skye, who had just awakened her powers. Being inherently kind and strong-willed, she insisted on joining the Avengers, and Clark eventually agreed despite his initial reluctance.

Then came Hope. After undergoing enhancement with the ultimate serum, her combat abilities as the second-generation Wasp surpassed most superheroes. With Hank Pym's approval, Clark had no choice but to let her join the Avengers.

Finally, there was Mindy. Clark initially refused her participation due to her minor status, but after persistent persuasion and considering her unique abilities, he agreed to her serving in a support role, focusing on emergency medical tasks.

With the addition of these three women, Pepper Potts, who had just acquired her own suit, refused to be left out. Learning from Mindy's example and despite Tony's objections, she insisted on participating, so Tony instructed JARVIS to have the full Queen Knight armor set protect his beloved.

Thus, the first-generation Avengers team was officially established. Including a spot reserved for Thor, the team now had sixteen members, ten more than in the original story. Moreover, most of them were significantly stronger than their counterparts in the original plot.

Captain America's physical condition had visibly improved with his training in the gravity room, now boasting strength far exceeding his initial post-thaw state. He could proudly proclaim, "I can take on ten!"

Yi Long, with his dual cultivation of body and energy, consistently matched Captain America in overall strength. The two were reminiscent of Goku and Vegeta from Dragon Ball, rivals who spurred each other to greater heights.

Tony Stark, purely motivated by Clark's stimulus, continually upgraded his suit under pressure. His current capabilities rivaled those from the Sokovia battle in the original storyline.

Daredevil and Kingpin were somewhat weaker, but the former, after serum enhancement and coupled with his super-sensory abilities, now surpassed the freshly unfrozen Captain America. Kingpin, still relatively weaker and needing more combat experience, was seen as a potential asset.

Skye's combat skills were inferior to even ordinary agents, relying on her powers as a typical high-attack, low-defense character, needing further refinement.

Even Hawkeye, after mastering energy control, had significantly improved from his original storyline's capabilities.

Excluding the newly joined couple, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, the only veteran member whose strength hadn't seen a breakthrough compared to the original plot was Black Widow.

As a female hero, Black Widow couldn't tolerate being the weakest link and decisively approached Clark, the mastermind behind these changes.

Emerging from the gravity room, Clark led Black Widow to the villa's rooftop. Sitting on a metal bench to absorb sunlight and replenish energy, he asked, "What brings you to me, Ms. Natasha?"

Natasha, feeling the scorching chair, decided to stand and said with a charming smile, "To cut a long story short, I am one of the most experienced fighters in the Avengers you've assembled, but my lack of strength makes it hard to command respect and translate my experience into team strength."

Clark, enjoying the pleasant sensation of converting light into physical energy, slowly opened his eyes and smiled, "You're right, but I'd prefer you to be direct with your intention. What do you really want?"

"Strength!" Natasha said earnestly. "I know you have a way to enhance people's abilities. Even Kingpin, who lacked talent, now possesses formidable combat power. As an Avenger under your command, I believe I'm also eligible for enhancement, right?"

Acknowledging the validity of Natasha's words and recognizing her as a highly capable superhero lacking only in personal strength, Clark nodded and said, "Follow me, and bring Clint along. I have something to show you."

In a room of the Pym Laboratory, Clark presented two blue syringes, "You might have guessed from Kingpin and others, and I'll be frank. We've successfully replicated the perfect super-soldier serum!"

Black Widow and Hawkeye were visibly shocked. Though they had suspicions, hearing the confirmation was still startling.

Clark continued, "But don't think the super-soldier can be mass-produced. We took a shortcut in replicating the serum, using a special ingredient called 'Dragon Bone.'"

He randomly attributed the unique formula of the ultimate serum to the regular perfect serum and added, "Dragon Bone is a non-renewable resource, extremely rare on Earth. I obtained some ten years ago during the Hand's eradication and have since used it all."

"What you see here are the last two doses of the perfect serum in the world."

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