Chapter: 362
Although at the moment, the just-obtained sample of the reversal serum closely resembled the serum manufactured in the virtual laboratory in terms of appearance.
But the actual results were yet to be confirmed through instrument testing and practical trials on Dr. Lizard and Bucky before its effectiveness could be determined conclusively.
Of course, before this, they needed to perform an additional step: purifying the cultured variant virus.
The final product obtained would be the antidote of regenerative serum that could be used for the reversal treatment.
...
Click—buzz!
After nearly an hour had passed, the laboratory doors finally opened once again.
The people who had been waiting at the door swarmed in as soon as they saw Tony and Mark emerge, akin to husbands waiting outside a delivery room in a hospital.
"How is it? How is it? Has the research for the antidote of the regenerative serum been successful?"
"Don't be hasty. The research work has temporarily concluded, and the reversal serum sample has been developed. However, the actual effect remains to be tested to know for sure."
Mark gestured with both hands in the air to calm everyone down.
As for Tony, he was currently exchanging an awkward gaze with Captain by the door. He didn't have time to explain to others.
*Cough cough.* Captain cleared his throat twice, using it as a means to redirect his gaze towards Mark and ending the uncomfortable eye contact.
"Mark, in that case, proceed with clinical treatment quickly and assess the effectiveness of the reversal serum.
The sooner we complete the production of the antidote, the smaller the losses caused by this incident will be."
"I'm aware of that," Mark nodded, saying, "but scientific research follows a strict standard procedure.
We can't abandon the rigorous pursuit of science just because time is pressing.
This is even more crucial in clinical medicine, as any problems arising from widespread application would significantly increase the time and effort required for remediation.
After discussing it with my dad, we believe it's best to begin with extracting a portion of active tissue from two patients for testing."
"If this experiment can confirm that the reversal serum we've developed can truly reverse the effects of the mutant regenerative serum, then we'll formally start clinical trials."
"How long? According to the plan you've proposed, how much time will it take to complete the verification of the reversal serum's effects?"
For Captain, he didn't really care about the rigorous scientific research logic that Mark and his team were discussing. What concerned him more was when the antidote would be successfully developed and when they could resolve the crisis in Europe.
"We currently don't have any clinical data on the effects of the reversal serum on individuals. We can't accurately predict its duration of action or treatment effectiveness.
All I can say now is that if everything goes smoothly, optimistically, it will take at least a day to incorporate the reversal serum into widespread treatment."
Captain's sense of urgency was fully understandable to Mark, but his unwavering faith in science was supreme. If they were to forsake the principles of rigorous research, it would be more unacceptable to him than losing another day.
"Too long. If we have to wait for another day, who knows how many deaths will occur among the European residents who have already mutated into lizard people.
Moreover, it's difficult for the defense at the European border to hold up for that long. The lizard people move swiftly, and before long, a large number of them will gather at the border defenses.
When facing a large army of lizard people that's both powerful and fearless of death, if the border line collapses, this incident won't be confined to the European continent anymore."
Both Captain and Mark had their own considerations and convictions, and neither could persuade the other to accept their viewpoint. The discussion reached a deadlock.
But soon, Captain broke the impasse first, saying, "Mark, if I'm willing to be a volunteer for the clinical trial, can we skip the pre-trial phase you mentioned and directly test the effectiveness of the reversal serum?"
"That's impossible. The reversal serum won't have any effect on individuals who haven't mutated into... Captain, are you out of your mind!?"
Initially, Mark thought Captain's words were about using the reversal serum on regular people, which would have no effect and yield meaningless data. But he quickly grasped Captain's true intention—Captain was suggesting injecting the regenerative serum into himself, turning into a lizard person. This would ensure the voluntary principle of the experiment and eliminate concerns about the unknown risks of direct medication.
"I'm not crazy. Just like during World War II, countless soldiers bravely went to battle, and even sacrificed their lives, to achieve peace and tranquility for their homeland."
And the current situation is no different. We need someone to make a sacrifice to save those ordinary people who were living peaceful lives.
In that case, I'm willing to be that sacrificial person. It's my duty and responsibility to be the primary candidate."
All the Avengers present, including Tony, who had been avoiding direct eye contact with Captain, were shocked and admiring as they heard Captain's decision.
"I cannot agree with you risking your safety like this!" Mark unhesitatingly rejected Captain's dangerous idea. "It's just a matter of a little more time. I can work with my dad to compress the plan and keep the time within half a day. But I absolutely won't allow you to take such a risk."
"You can't stop me, Mark. Even if you disagree, given my speed, you won't be able to prevent me from obtaining the regenerative serum. If I inject the regenerative serum and become a lizard person, then you'll still have to accept my plan.
Furthermore, I have complete trust in your and Tony's abilities. The reversal serum you've developed will definitely be able to restore me to my original state, without any risks."
"Captain, you're being too stubborn!" Faced with Captain's determined resolve to sacrifice himself, Mark was truly helpless.
"Alright, there's no need to discuss this any further; everyone listen to me! Ultimately, all responsibility lies with me. Whatever consequences arise, I will bear them myself!
However, I hope the entire experimental process can be carried out by Tony. If the final result is success, that's great; but if unfortunately it fails, Tony, you won't have any psychological burden, after all, I'm the one who's betraying, right."
"I couldn't care less about your life or death. Don't think that by taking this stance, I'll easily forgive you. I came to help resolve this incident. If the experiment succeeds, it's also for the sake of saving Europe's people. It has nothing to do with you!"
"I know." Hearing Tony's somewhat defiant words, Captain suddenly felt like their relationship had returned to the scene when the Avengers first gathered on the Helicarrier. At that time, their relationship was similarly tense and conflicting, but the situation wasn't as complicated as it was now.
"Hmph! Knowing is enough. Good luck," Tony muttered with a voice almost only he could hear, but from the knowing smiles on everyone present, it was clear that they understood what Tony had said.
Captain: "Thank you, Tony!"
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