The Extremis Virus — a creation capable of rewriting human gene sequences, breaking the limits of human biology itself. Within it are microscopic graphene nanotubes, and once the virus is injected into a human body, these nanotubes begin self-replicating. They then seek out their target — the DNA imprinted in biological cells — and restructure it.
Every warrior injected with the Extremis Virus has displayed powers beyond human limits: a regenerative ability so formidable that, unless the brain or heart is destroyed instantly, the body can repair itself; strength and reflexes far surpassing normal humans; and the ability to radiate heat in excess of 3,000 degrees Celsius from their very skin. No wonder Aldrich Killian once claimed himself to be "the perfect organism."
Anyone who understands the Extremis Virus can see its terrifying dominance.
Yet, at its inception, the Extremis Virus was never meant to be a weapon.
Dr. Maya Hansen — the brilliant genetic biologist who led its creation — originally envisioned the Extremis Virus as a medical breakthrough, one that could stimulate the body's self-repair mechanisms and cure any disease, including cancer. If perfected, it could have been humanity's greatest blessing.
But reality has a cruel way of mocking idealists. Every single backer who funded Maya Hansen's research wanted to weaponize it. Killian was one of them. And later, Elvin Scott — who even had Maya Hansen killed — shared the same goal.
That's precisely why Maya never updated the core database with her final, refined version of the Extremis Virus.
In her eyes, this last version — completed in secret — was the closest to her original dream. It had nothing in common with the earlier, weaponized prototypes. And she refused to let such a perfect creation be corrupted.
So she sent all the final data to the only person she still trusted — Tony Stark.
Now Stark had received her data package.
This was the ultimate version of the Extremis Virus — stripped of all combat-oriented functions (because Maya did not want her creation turned into a weapon). In exchange, its regenerative and reflex-enhancing properties were vastly improved. Maya's rough estimates suggested that this version's healing speed and reaction time exceeded the old one's by a factor of ten.
Better yet, the overheating side effect of the old version was completely gone.
The only drawback? Injection was risky. Not everyone could withstand the complete biological overhaul that the virus imposed. The transformation would totally rebuild the subject's physiology, and the pain during the process would be excruciating. If the recipient's body couldn't endure it, they would collapse — fatally.
That was why Stark now stood before a small vial, hesitating.
"Sir, I do not recommend this course of action," J.A.R.V.I.S.'s concerned voice cut through Stark's thoughts.
"Quiet," Stark muttered, rolling up his sleeve. His eyes stayed fixed on the vial. He was on the edge — another thirty seconds of thinking, and he might just throw caution aside and inject the Extremis into his own body.
Elsewhere — Ross's military installation.
In a highly restricted section of the base, multiple layers of reinforced steel doors opened in sequence as General Ross approached, only to seal tightly behind him, cutting off his shadow.
Armed soldiers in full exoskeleton combat armor trailed him. On the shoulder plates of their armor was stenciled the name Mason Industries.
Finally, Ross reached the last gate — a colossal slab of metal as thick as a small building was tall. Even an intercontinental missile couldn't breach it.
Inside, Ross approached a control console. After tapping a sequence of commands, the opaque glass wall of a holding cell slowly turned transparent.
Within sat Dr. Bruce Banner — unshaven, pale, and slouched on the floor. He didn't even bother to stand as his eyes met Ross's through the glass, his expression ice-cold.
"Dr. Banner," Ross began, "have you given it any thought?"
Banner gave a short, bitter laugh.
"You've already got my blood. What more could you possibly want?"
"No, Dr. Banner," Ross shook his head. "You're the foremost expert in gamma science. Only you can help us complete the mission. Weren't you always looking for a cure for the Hulk? You even reached out to that unreliable 'specialist' Samuel Sterns. Well… now there's a better way to rid you of the Hulk once and for all — if you and I work together."
Ross wasn't lying. Banner had once contacted a man named Samuel Sterns online in hopes of curing himself. Why he trusted the man so easily, he couldn't recall — maybe it was Sterns's apparent sincerity.
"Save it, Ross." Banner's lips curled into a mocking smile. "We both know you couldn't care less about curing me. Everything you're doing is about militarizing the Hulk — building yourself an invincible Hulk army, isn't it?"
Ross stayed silent. Which, of course, was its own kind of answer.
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/MPHFics