Chapter 26: Mutations

The second-generation Super-Animal Serum wasn't as crude or fast-acting as its predecessor. Instead, it required significant energy and nutrition to fuel the transformation process. Zod ensured the nutrient solution in the tank was specifically formulated for this, and he connected it to a powerful energy source—ten miniature arc reactors.

Unfortunately, due to Stark Industries' monopoly on the cold fusion reactor, Zod couldn't use one, even though he knew how to build it. This was similar to how Tony Stark himself couldn't replicate the miniature arc reactor despite understanding its design.

Bronsky, suspended in the nutrient-rich culture tank, underwent an adjustment process similar to the way Knoss handled animalized soldiers. This time, however, the transformation was more sophisticated. The serum was actively reshaping Bronsky's body. After five days, the signs of his awakening were undeniable.

Dr. Connors immediately alerted Zod. He feared that Bronsky, like others who had undergone violent transformations, might lash out uncontrollably. Given that Connors had not undergone any enhancements, he wasn't prepared to handle a rampaging super-soldier.

Zod arrived just in time to witness Bronsky's emergence. As the former commando awoke, he roared, shattering the culture tank and starting to mutate rapidly. Sharp claws, tougher than steel, erupted from his hands, a hardened shell formed over his body, and his muscles swelled to incredible proportions. What now stood before them was no longer recognizable as human—Bronsky had fully transformed into a monster far superior to the previous generation of animalized soldiers.

Without hesitation, Bronsky attacked Zod, swinging his sharp claws at him. Zod calmly raised his left hand, effortlessly blocking the blow.

"Impressive," Zod remarked. "Your strength far exceeds that of a typical animalized soldier. You could crush them with a single strike."

Bronsky let out another guttural growl, and his chest began to glow. A high-temperature plasma started forming in his mouth—his body had developed a plasma cannon, a biological weapon Zod had designed during the enhancement process. This weapon allowed Bronsky to harness the energy within his body and project it as ultra-high-temperature plasma, capable of melting steel instantly.

In a flash, the plasma shot out toward Zod. But Zod, unfazed, caught it mid-air with one hand. The searing heat didn't even singe his skin. He crushed the plasma in his grip as if it were nothing more than a fleeting spark.

"Keep going," Zod encouraged. "Show me what else you can do."

Without warning, six biological missiles launched from Bronsky's back, streaking toward Zod. These missiles, another of Zod's biological enhancements, were filled with liquid explosives produced within Bronsky's body. Designed to destroy tanks, each missile could level a vehicle in seconds.

The room erupted in a series of fiery explosions, but Zod's biological force field protected the surroundings from harm. Dr. Connors, watching from a safe distance, was overwhelmed with awe at the display. This was beyond mere science—it was miraculous.

As the smoke cleared, Zod stood untouched. With a swift movement, he grabbed Bronsky by the throat. The power difference was staggering. He flung Bronsky against the wall, but the advanced armor of the facility held, while Bronsky's body absorbed the impact, ending his rage-fueled assault.

Bronsky, suddenly calm, glanced at his grotesque, mutated body, confused. "What… what happened?"

"Congratulations, Bronsky," Zod said, his voice calm and composed. "You've successfully become a product of the new age—a Super Soldier."

Bronsky's mind raced as he tried to process Zod's words. A Super Soldier? He flexed his powerful new muscles and looked down at the barbell that Zod had kicked over to him.

Thud.

The barbell collided with Bronsky's foot, causing a sharp twinge of pain.

"This barbell is no ordinary one. It's equipped with a gravity engine," Zod explained. "It currently weighs one ton."

Bronsky grabbed the barbell, astonished at how light it felt in his hands. It was as if he were holding a mere golf ball.

"Your current muscle strength is about 30 times greater than that of a normal human," Zod continued. "But it's not just your strength. Your bone density is dozens of times stronger as well. The shell covering your body can withstand tank fire, and your reflexes are fast enough to dodge bullets—not that you need to anymore."

Bronsky, still stunned by his newfound power, couldn't help but ask, "What about you? Just how strong are you?"

Zod paused, a slight smile crossing his face. "Honestly, I'm not sure. There's no instrument capable of measuring my strength anymore."

Since discovering that gravity-based exercises accelerated his ability to absorb sunlight and grow stronger, Zod had been advancing at an unprecedented rate. His power was beyond anything he had ever imagined.

But recently, Zod had discovered something even more extraordinary—he possessed psychic abilities. Unlike Superman, this newfound power was similar to what Professor X or Jean Grey wielded, granting him access to mental and spiritual control.

This revelation had Zod both excited and cautious. While these powers could protect him from mental or spiritual assaults in the future, there were still many unknowns. What potential weaknesses did these abilities come with? What unforeseen consequences might they bring?

For now, Zod chose to embrace this power and had already developed a technique to control others—a mental wave, modeled after the mind control used by the Beast God to command animalized soldiers. By planting a seed of psychic energy in each of his creations, Zod could ensure control over them, no matter the distance.