Marvel: The Gene Collector

Early the next morning, Steve and Peggy got into a car, where Alex was already seated.

Steve couldn't help but ask, "Why are you coming along?"

"Because Howard is one of the planners of the Super Soldier Project, and I have the qualifications to be here," Alex replied casually.

He was determined to witness the birth of Captain America firsthand, as movies and reality were never quite the same. Besides, he had plans for Steve's super-soldier genes, even if he couldn't use them himself.

Steve accepted the explanation without further inquiry, acknowledging that perhaps this opportunity had come about because of the young boy before him. Despite his small stature, nobody treated Alex as a child.

Their journey led them to an unassuming store in Brooklyn, a mere front for the large secret research institute operated by the Ministry of Defense. Here, the final human trials of the Super Soldier Project were set to take place.

As they passed through familiar streets, Steve couldn't help but reminisce about his past, pointing out landmarks such as the alley where he had been beaten and the parking lot behind the restaurant.

Peggy inquired, "Why didn't you run away?"

Steve responded with determination, "If you run once, you'll keep running. But if you stand up and fight back, one day you might have a chance. I don't want to be a coward."

Alex interjected, "So now, your chance is here."

Steve acknowledged, "Yes, that's right."

The car soon arrived in front of a store called the Brooklyn Antique Store and came to a halt.

Peggy was the first to exit the car, leading Alex and Steve into the shop.

Outside, several agents disguised as ordinary people were discreetly monitoring the shop, communicating with their superiors once the trio had entered.

Inside the shop, Steve rang a doorbell, and a kindly-looking grandmother emerged from a hidden door. After a brief exchange about the weather, the woman pressed a button on the counter, emitting an electric current sound that signaled their secret intentions. If they had signaled incorrectly, the woman would have acted swiftly.

Peggy guided Steve and Alex to a study within the shop, and with a hidden mechanism, the bookshelf made a squeaky sound and swung open, revealing a vast secret research facility.

The door sealed behind them, and they made their way to the area where scientists in white coats awaited them.

Dr. Abraham was present, and he instructed Steve to remove his shirt and lie in a special device. Alex was taken out of the experimental chamber by Peggy and positioned on an observation platform, where he would witness the birth of Captain America firsthand.

Dr. Abraham delivered a brief speech through a microphone before proceeding to administer the super-soldier serum.

Howard, the mastermind behind the device, donned sunglasses and operated the machinery, which emitted a radiant light of transformation.

Steve screamed in pain during the process, but just as the researchers were about to abort the procedure, he stopped them. He insisted that they turn the machine up to the maximum power, causing a burst of intense light that short-circuited all the machines. Gradually, the devices began to open.

From within emerged a robust and powerful Steve, drenched in sweat.

The room erupted in jubilation, and Alex couldn't help but crack a smile. Witnessing the birth of Captain America was a remarkable experience, even if it lacked video recording equipment to capture the moment.

Philip couldn't help but grin as he observed the success. "This kid really did it."

Dr. Abraham and Howard helped Steve out of the device, and Steve panted heavily, saying, "I did it."

"Yes, we did it," Dr. Abraham affirmed, equally elated.

Alex stepped forward to congratulate Steve, "It looks like you've succeeded, Steve. Congratulations, you're incredibly strong now."

Steve replied with a playful jab, "Yes, Alex, you just got shorter."

Alex couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Must everyone focus on his height? Now, he had to crane his neck just to speak to anyone, and it was getting tiring!

Approaching Steve, Alex poked at his muscles, which felt hard as granite yet surprisingly flexible.

His hands were slightly sweaty, and Alex mentally commanded, "System, perform a gene detection."

[It's being tested. The test has failed, and the genetic components are insufficient.]

Alex sighed inwardly. It appeared he would need to find another way to obtain Steve's genetic material.

(End of this chapter)

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