Marvel: The Gene Collector

After spending ten days in the military camp, Alex had earned a reputation as a sort of unofficial leader within the barracks. His unique background set him apart, even though he wasn't one to win fights. Those who had initially confronted him and ended up on the losing side now affectionately called him "Boss" in a somewhat embarrassing turn of events. Alex wasn't particularly proud of this, but it seemed there was no other way around it.

Word about his seemingly supernatural abilities had spread like wildfire within the camp. Skeptical individuals came forward daily to challenge Alex, attempting to prove that there was no such thing as "natural superpowers." Alex worried that he'd run out of opportunities to absorb kinetic energy, but in reality, he was conquering a growing following of admirers. As a result, he found himself somewhat of a local leader, someone whom everyone would greet enthusiastically as "Boss." It was a role he had reluctantly embraced, and anyone who didn't address him as such would soon find themselves at odds with him.

General Philip's desk was inundated with complaints about Alex's behavior, but Philip felt helpless in the face of this audacious young man. Alex had become somewhat of a troublemaker, and nobody in the camp dared to provoke him. Philip, while fearful of the repercussions of crossing Alex, couldn't help but wonder aloud what these soldiers had been fed to allow a kid to best them so easily.

However, these grievances had to be set aside for the time being.

....

Ten days later, Alex found himself in the presence of Dr. Abraham once again. The two were standing alongside General Philip, observing the training exercises and engaging in a hushed conversation. Alex stood nearby, and he made no effort to conceal his presence, making it easy for him to eavesdrop on their conversation.

General Philip questioned Dr. Abraham, "Are you really determined to choose Steve Rogers?"

Without hesitation, Dr. Abraham replied, "I don't just want him; I need him. It's a wise choice."

Philip disagreed, recalling previous experiences. "When you brought in that scrawny kid who couldn't even lift a 40-kilogram weight, I thought you'd lost your mind. Maybe you saw him as nothing more than a guinea pig, but you never expected to include him in the Super Soldier Project. Trust me, he's as fragile as paper."

Dr. Abraham defended his choice, "I value quality over quantity. I'm not looking for a giant."

Philip vented his frustration, "Do you have any idea how much effort it took to get this project approved? I had to persuade congressmen."

Abraham sympathized, saying, "I acknowledge your dedication..."

"I had a better candidate in mind, like Hodge. He aced every test, big and fast, a stellar soldier, the ideal candidate."

"But he's a bully!" Dr. Abraham couldn't help but reveal his distaste for Hodge.

Philip countered firmly, "Being a good person doesn't win wars, Doctor." As he spoke, he reached for a grenade from an ammunition cart, pulled the pin, and tossed it toward the recruits who were still training. He then yelled, "Grenade!"

Almost everyone's instinct was to flee for their lives, and exception among those who sprinted to safety were Peggy and Steve.

Peggy, although tempted to rush towards the grenade, found herself too far away to act. In contrast, Steve immediately rushed towards the threat, diving onto the grenade to shield his comrades from potential harm.

He yelled to Peggy, who was still frozen in place, "Run! Take cover!"

Alex observed Steve Rogers. It was a remarkable act of bravery, especially considering that many of these recruits had previously ridiculed and bullied him.

After what felt like an eternity, and with no explosion in sight, the recruits cautiously emerged from their hiding places, realizing that something was amiss. It wasn't until General Philip announced that the grenade had been a dud that they fully relaxed.

Steve looked up at Philip and inquired, "Was this a test?"

Philip sighed, still not entirely convinced of Steve's capabilities, muttering, "He's still too scrawny."

Peggy observed Steve with newfound admiration, her perception of him undergoing a significant shift. Alex, however, couldn't help but smirk slightly, knowing that Steve's true potential had yet to be fully realized.

Steve's heart, though, remained pure and focused on his duty. While the rest of the recruits enjoyed a day off, Steve continued to train diligently in the barracks.

Alex entered the scene and questioned Steve, "Why aren't you out there having fun with everyone else?"

Steve replied with determination, "I have a disadvantage from the start. I need to work twice as hard to catch up."

Dr. Abhraham, too, walked into the barracks and addressed Steve.

Alex overheard their conversation, and when Abhraham left, he commented casually, "He's right, you're a good person, and you're a perfect match for the serum."

After all, Alex had his own plans for Steve, particularly regarding the super-soldier gene. Though he couldn't utilize it himself, he had other intentions for it, waiting for the right time to integrate it into his grand scheme.

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