Red Skull

Shaw took half an hour to regain consciousness, and the astonishment on his face remained unaltered. "Ivan, where did you learn this method of strengthening?"

"This technique has its roots in ancient China, but I've made certain adjustments to align it better with our cultivation," Ivan responded after a brief pause. He chose not to divulge information about the Infinity Stones at this point.

One reason was that this knowledge involved the fate of the entire universe, and the less Shaw  knew, the safer it would be. Additionally, Ivan worried that his father's reaction, upon learning about the reality gem, might lead to world-altering actions, much like his previous attempts to stimulate mutant awakenings by detonating nuclear bombs using his abilities.

"As for your concern, Ivan, I believe electricity should suffice for our purposes, as it is relatively pure and easily accessible. Surprisingly, it fosters growth, evident in cases where individuals' physical fitness improved or ailments were even cured after being struck by lightning. It is non-toxic, harmless, and radiation-free, making it ideal for cellular enhancement. Of course, if you wish to explore other advanced energy sources, I can arrange for nuclear reaction equipment to be brought here for experimentation."

"I see. I'll opt for electricity for now. As for nuclear energy, I might consider it in the future if the opportunity arises."

"Dad, did anything unusual occur during my absence? Particularly, the bodyguards Schmidt assigned to me, did they notice any anomalies?"

Shaw  frowned and explained, "In your absence, I had Emma use her psychic abilities to continually confuse them, but they didn't detect anything unusual. However, the head of the bodyguards insisted on seeing you two days ago, and Schmidt sent a telegram urging your swift return. It appears that something has transpired within Hydra. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford to interrupt the ongoing experiment here."

"Did they explain what happened? They can't halt the experiment without a valid reason. There must be more to it."

"I inquired, but they claimed it was classified information, and I didn't entertain them. The head of the bodyguards has been persistently bothering me these past few days, and I can't tolerate his arrogance any longer. I had Emma keep him under psychic influence, but she's still young, and he's quite strong-willed. This consumed a considerable amount of her energy."

"Is Emma alright?" Ivan held a unique sentiment for Emma. Before meeting her, he had envisioned a seductive and charming beauty, only to be met with a younger, somewhat disappointing version.

"She's fine, just a bit fatigued. I initially planned to have Emma continue confusing them with her psychic abilities tomorrow, but your unexpected return altered those plans."

Ivan couldn't help but ponder the situation. It appeared that something significant had transpired within Hydra to warrant Schmidt's urgent recall. However, what could it be? The superhuman serum's development was ongoing, and according to Erskine's pace, it wouldn't be ready for another three months.

"Dad, I had hoped to spend more time with you, but it seems I must return immediately to investigate the situation with Schmidt."

"Go ahead, my son. We possess supernatural abilities that allow us to absorb energy instead of relying on metabolism. Time is of little concern to me at this point, but you must learn to enjoy it. Otherwise, a long life might become monotonous."

"Don't worry, Father. I won't find life dull. There are countless mysteries in this world awaiting my study, and the quest for truth never ends. I derive great satisfaction from the process of discovery."

Upon seeing the bodyguard captain, the latter approached as if encountering a savior, almost on the verge of kneeling. "Dr. Ivan, you've finally agreed to see me. Please come with me; the leader has issued a strict order. If I can't bring you back, it's my life on the line."

Ivan paid little attention to the captain's pitiable demeanor and replied coldly, "You're bringing me back abruptly without explanation, disrupting my ongoing experiment. I cannot afford to halt my work halfway. Unless you provide a compelling reason."

"Well, Dr. Ivan, this is highly confidential information. You mustn't divulge it. The superhuman serum was successfully developed seven days ago, and the leader himself underwent the procedure. However, an issue arose during the process, enraging the leader. You're needed to oversee further research on the super serum."

The captain of the bodyguard was visibly flustered and didn't concern himself with keeping secrets anymore, narrating the events he knew.

A glint of intrigue flashed in Ivan's eyes. It indeed involved the superhuman serum, but the speed of its development had surpassed his expectations. Something intriguing must have transpired during his absence.

"Understood. As I mentioned earlier, the superhuman serum was developed under the Führer's direct orders for creating super soldiers. There is no room for error in this endeavor. Make the necessary preparations, and we shall depart promptly."

The bodyguard captain was overwhelmed with relief; he had finally fulfilled the leader's command. In recent days, Schmidt had sent telegrams incessantly, urging Ivan's return. In any other scenario, the captain might have resorted to drastic measures like knocking Ivan unconscious and forcibly transporting him back, but here, within Hydra's jurisdiction, such actions were unreasonable.

The captain acted swiftly, and within half an hour, all arrangements were in place. Ivan and the Red Devil boarded the plane, heading back to the Hydra Base.

Upon returning to the Hydra base, Ivan couldn't help but reflect on the profound changes that had occurred in just one month. Although his physical strength was not particularly remarkable, his extraordinary intellect, combined with the protection of the Red Devil, allowed him to navigate situations with greater confidence, no longer requiring the level of caution he once exercised.

As soon as Ivan disembarked from the plane, he was informed that Schmidt wished to meet him. Without hesitation, Ivan followed the messenger. However, instead of heading to Schmidt's office, they entered a special chamber and found Schmidt in a vastly altered state.

Ivan beheld a red, bald figure, his face seemingly peeled off, a nose pointing upward, and a somewhat emaciated appearance resembling a skeletal frame—a precise replica of the Red Skull from the films of Ivan's previous life.

Although Ivan had anticipated Schmidt's appearance, he pretended to be taken aback, maintaining a surprised expression as he gazed at the Red Skull seated amidst an array of wires and intricate instruments connected to his body, revealing his physical condition. Several technicians, including Dr. Erskine, were diligently conducting checks and adjustments.

"What's the matter, Dr. Ivan? Are you startled by my new appearance? Fear not; this is evolution, the transformation of a god. The sensation of power surging through every fiber of one's being is truly extraordinary," Schmidt declared, clenching his fist with a slightly seductive tone in his voice.

"Frightened? No, not at all. I'm merely overwhelmed with excitement," Ivan replied, pointing at the data displayed on the instruments. He wore a jubilant smile. "Just as you said, this body is perfection incarnate. Look at this robust heartbeat, these extraordinary physical parameters—all have reached the zenith of human potential. I can't resist delving into a thorough examination. Mr. Schmidt, I implore  your cooperation."

There was a fervent gleam in Ivan's eyes as he spoke—a glint that unsettled the Red Skull, who had witnessed similar enthusiasm in other scientists before. He knew that, to Ivan, he was essentially a guinea pig for experimentation.

Suppressing his discomfort, the Red Skull offered a slightly sardonic smile. "Dr. Ivan's response truly surprises me. It's unlike any other I've encountered. You must be aware that even the first scientist to witness my transformation reacted with fear."

"I understand your point, but consider this, Red Devil, for instance, no longer possesses the tail he once did since using your dye. Now, he appears no different from an ordinary person. Even the legendary devil, if one were to meet him, might evoke less fear than you would anticipate."

The Red Skull fell silent, recalling that the Red Devil had concealed his tail after Ivan's intervention. Over time, he had forgotten the Red Devil's true appearance.

"It seems I've been shortsighted," the Red Skull conceded. "Should we commence work then? First and foremost, we must uncover the reason behind the alteration in the superhuman serum. Dr. Erskine conducted numerous tests, and such an unexpected outcome is perplexing."

"While I'm eager to proceed, there are certain matters I must inquire about first. Could you please provide me with a detailed account of what occurred following your superhuman serum injection? Every nuance is crucial."

Ivan understood the importance of patience. He had to uncover the events that had transpired during his absence and why Dr. Erskine had managed to develop the super serum much earlier than expected.