Cause

The Red Skull nodded and motioned for Dr. Erskine to step forward, saying, "After your departure, Dr. Erskine took charge of the research and development of the super soldier serum. I was present throughout the serum injection process. Let Dr. Erskine provide the details."

Dr. Erskine, though appearing fatigued and pallid, didn't dare to ignore Schmidt's command. He knew the Red Skull was dissatisfied with him, especially after the experiment mishap that had resulted in the Red Skull's current condition. Were it not for his utility, Red Skull might have eliminated him long ago. Gathering his courage, he began recounting his experiences.

"Since Ivan's departure, I've been continually inspired during the super serum research. It's been a remarkable journey. I quickly perfected various super soldier serum formulas and produced the initial serum in a surprisingly short time. The serum was tested on mice for approximately ten days. To be honest, I was astounded by the speed of progress. Just to be cautious, I conducted mouse experiments, and the results were exceedingly successful."

The Red Skull interjected, "Upon receiving Dr. Erskine's reports, I attached great importance to the findings. I immediately mobilized all our researchers and repeated the experiments multiple times. Each time, the results were remarkably successful. After several rounds of experimentation, our scientific team had a deep understanding of the process. I began to believe that nothing was impossible, which is why I decided to inject myself."

Erskine continued, "Initially, everything proceeded smoothly, and Chief Schmidt's physical abilities improved rapidly. Given the Chief's body's capacity, he received five consecutive super soldier serum injections. However, the unexpected occurred with the fifth injection. After the serum was administered, the Chief's body began to violently tremble, undergoing a profound transformation. Muscles and skin began to wither as if they were being drained by an enigmatic force. This transformation persisted until the fifth serum ultimately failed."

The Red Skull wore an expression of lingering dread as he added, "I never want to experience that sensation again. The first four serum injections filled me with an endless surge of power—a marvelous feeling. But the fifth serum injection sent me plummeting from heaven to hell. I endured excruciating pain, feeling as though every inch of my skin and muscles were being seared with red-hot knives. In comparison, death would have been a welcome release."

Listening to the rebukes from the Red Skull and Dr. Erskine, Ivan couldn't help but ponder. Erskine's breakthrough had occurred after his departure, and even after several successful experiments, the Red Skull should have understood the risks of serum injection. It all felt oddly rushed as if an unseen force was propelling these developments. Was it the will of the world or someone secretly orchestrating events, akin to Ares, the god of war behind Doctor Poison, who manipulated her into creating deadly weapons to achieve her goals? Or perhaps it was all mere coincidence, and Ivan was overthinking it.

"Dr. Ivan, are you paying attention?" The Red Skull's impatience snapped Ivan out of his thoughts.

"Apologies, I was momentarily lost in thought. After hearing your accounts, I've formulated some hypotheses. If things go well, I should be able to determine the cause within three days."

"Really? Excellent. Please expedite your findings," the Red Skull replied, momentarily setting aside his frustration, provided Ivan could deliver the desired answers within three days.

Ivan promptly collected skin, blood, bone marrow, and other samples from the Red Skull and respectfully escorted him from the laboratory. As he watched the Red Skull revert to his original appearance upon leaving, he couldn't help but wonder if the Red Skull's pride in his new form masked a deeper self-loathing, leading him to disguise himself.

Three days later, Ivan, Erskine, and the Red Skull reconvened in the laboratory. Ivan handed a document to the Red Skull, containing his research findings.

The Red Skull, not well-versed in scientific matters, passed the document to Erskine, saying, "Explain the cause of my current condition and what lies ahead."

Dr. Erskine, now enlightened, exclaimed, "It appears, Mr. Schmidt, that your current physical abilities have nearly reached the limits of the human body—close to thirteen times that of an ordinary person. The issue with the super soldier serum lies not in the serum itself but in a small mistake during the injection—a lack of preparation in terms of energy and nutrients."

"Nutrition and energy" Erskine exclaimed, his face brightening with realization. "I can't believe I made such a basic error."

"What's the explanation?" Schmidt demanded impatiently, his dissatisfaction with Dr. Erskine evident.

Schmidt motioned for Dr. Erskine to remain calm and continued to explain, "Regardless of the specifics, we must consider a fundamental principle—energy conservation. Mr. Schmidt's transformation occurred because the Super Soldier Serum demands a substantial amount of energy and nutrients to enhance the body. It draws upon the energy stored in your cells, but that alone isn't sufficient. In this scenario, it forcibly extracts vitality from muscle cells, leading to the death of a significant number of these cells, muscle contractions, and the current state."

"But why didn't the first four serum injections result in problems?"

"As mentioned every cell stores some energy, and the super soldier serum contains ample nutrients. The first four serums depleted the stored cell energy, so when the fifth serum was injected, there was a shortage of energy."

"It turns out Dr. Ivan is truly deserving of being our first scientist. The reason was discerned so quickly. Dr. Erskine, although you are senior to Dr. Ivan, age is no measure of capability. You have much to learn."

Schmidt's dissatisfaction with Dr. Erskine was palpable, further unsettling Erskine. He understood Schmidt's temperament—if unsatisfied, the consequences could be dire.

"Dr. Ivan, now that we've identified the cause, is there a way to rectify it?"

"There is a method, albeit somewhat complex, requiring full cooperation from Mr. Schmidt."

"Name it. As long as I can assist, I won't object," the Red Skull asserted firmly.

"In my view, every individual's body harbors a mysterious door that locks the potential of human evolution. The super soldier serum's role is to unlock this door. You've unlocked it before, but you were unprepared—lacking sufficient energy supply. The body couldn't develop to its full potential. Our current task is to unlock the door once more, but this time, we must ensure an adequate energy supply in advance."

"So, you suggest another super soldier serum injection? Dr. Ivan, are you certain about this?"

"It is indeed another super soldier serum injection, but with a difference. Given that your body is now approaching the human body's limits, the previous serum has no effect. This time, it's not only about restoring your appearance but also about breaking the human body's limits and potentially ascending to a higher level of existence. However, this path is fraught with extreme danger and excruciating pain during the physical evolution process. Should you mentally falter, your body may succumb to the unleashed energy. This is my proposal, and the choice lies with you."

"Why wouldn't I choose it? Given the chance to ascend to a higher state of being, I'd accept any risk. Starting today, the laboratory is under your complete control. Whatever materials and equipment you require, consider it done. There's just one condition—develop the second generation of the super soldier serum as swiftly as possible."

Ivan nodded resolutely, "Rest assured, I'll give my all. However, I have two conditions."

"Name your conditions, Dr. Ivan."

"First, I need Dr. Erskine as my assistant, and he will follow my directives."

"That's acceptable. Dr. Erskine, I assume you don't object?" the Red Skull asked, a hint of frost in his gaze.

Erskine nodded eagerly, "Certainly not. I acknowledge my negligence, which resulted in the leader's condition. Grant me the opportunity to rectify my mistake and contribute."

"Second, it's been said that the primary material for the super soldier serum comes from an item provided by the Black Magician. We've long focused on the extracted substances, but we've never had a chance to examine the enigmatic item itself. I've seen it, and for the development of the second-generation super soldier serum, we require more detailed data from that mysterious item. I hope you can allow me to study it."

The Red Skull hesitated, knowing the item's significance. He was reluctant to part with it, but he was also desperate for the second-generation super soldier serum. Finally, he nodded, saying, "Very well, tomorrow, the item will be sent to the laboratory. To ensure its safety, additional personnel will be dispatched to guard the laboratory. I trust Dr. Ivan understands."

"No problem at all. As long as I can conduct my research, I promise to expedite the development of the second-generation serum, building upon the foundation of the first-generation super soldier serum. I believe it can be achieved in a short time, perhaps within three to six months, at most."

Ivan was brimming with excitement, ready to delve into the enigmatic item he had been curious about for so long. This opportunity to study it was a dream come true.