During World War II, a scientist named Berthold Sternberg developed the Infinity Formula, a serum capable of extending human life indefinitely.
When Nick Fury was gravely injured on a mission in France, Sternberg injected him with the formula. Not only did it save Fury's life instantly, but it also significantly slowed his aging. However, Sternberg continued to blackmail Fury in the years that followed, demanding exorbitant sums to maintain Fury's supply of the serum.
Now, Adrian smiled at the visibly shaken Emma Frost, the once-proud White Queen. He savored the moment, waiting for her to come to terms with the proposition.
"What?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "You have the Infinity Formula?"
Emma had long dreaded the sight of her reflection every morning. Every wrinkle and every gray hair served as a cruel reminder of time's march. Her once-iconic blonde hair was already dyed to maintain appearances.
Even though Doom, her estranged husband, was nearby, he had ignored her existence for over a decade. His neglect had hardened her resolve. She gritted her teeth and finally removed her mask, revealing her face to Adrian.
The aircraft descended onto the barren land with a low hum, sending dust and sand swirling into the air.
The area where they landed had once been a thriving city but was now a wasteland. The cracked, desolate ground stretched for miles, dotted with the remains of once-flourishing vegetation and dry, brittle trees. Around the landing zone stood abandoned ruins, with only fragments of buildings surviving.
In the distance, a tall structure loomed—once a symbol of progress, it now lay in ruins. Its walls had crumbled, its roof caved in, leaving behind little more than rubble.
Clint gestured toward the distant ruin. "That's where the Baxter Building once stood," he said, his voice tinged with melancholy. "I used to pass through this area all the time when transporting goods east and west."
The eagle perched on the cabin door of the aircraft glanced at the collapsed structure, sighing as if mourning the past. "There was a massive battle here," Clint continued. "Rhino and the Red Juggernaut wrecked this entire city, killing at least 100,000 civilians."
Adrian was the first to step off the aircraft, stretching his neck as he took in the grim landscape. Compared to reviving the mutant race, the allure of regaining her youth had clearly struck a deeper chord with Emma.
The number of mutants in the wasteland was dangerously close to extinction, and Adrian's offer had been impossible for Emma to resist.
After a brief discussion, the group set off toward what was now referred to as "Electronic City," though its official name was long forgotten.
As they moved forward, Emma turned to Clint, speaking in a low voice. "You still remember the Avengers code, don't you?"
"This isn't a social visit," Clint replied, smirking. "We're not here to chat with any relics of the past. The Baxter Building still has plenty of treasures worth salvaging."
Adrian chuckled. "Like a Hulkbuster mech," he added. "Who knows why Tony left it there? It couldn't have been a Children's Day gift for Franklin Richards, could it?"
Clint grinned but suddenly raised his hand, pointing excitedly toward the ruins ahead. "There it is!"
As they reached the other side of the collapsed structure, a faded number "4" logo came into view, lying among the debris. Its presence evoked a sense of desolation, a relic of a forgotten era.
Beneath the rubble, however, lay something astonishing—a massive skeleton, its size rivaling the ruined building itself.
The skeleton was grand and imposing, a reminder of the power and majesty it once held in life. Its bleached-white bones shimmered faintly, lending it an almost otherworldly quality. On its skull rested an enormous golden helmet, adorned with intricate, Scandinavian-style designs that glimmered in the sunlight.
"Reed and Susan blew up the Baxter Building before they vanished," Clint said, stroking his chin. "You wouldn't believe how incredible it looked."
The group stared at the skeleton in awe. One of its finger bones was longer than Clint's entire body.
Frank Castle, who had been silent for most of the journey, approached the skeleton and touched the bones. Turning to the others, he asked, "What's next?"
Clint cleared his throat and leaned closer to the skeleton. "Word is, Thor's brother Loki was crushed under this rubble. He was pounding on the Baxter Building's shields when they gave way. Rumor has it, he didn't die immediately."
Clint's voice dropped, and his expression darkened. "People say he screamed for weeks before he finally passed, crying and apologizing to Thor until the end."
Clint clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Not a shred of dignity in that death. Then again, he deserved it."
After taking in the view, the group moved toward a dark hole within the ruins. The entrance was pitch-black, its depths shrouded in an almost tangible darkness.
"Are we really going in there?" Pietro muttered, scratching his head.
Suddenly, a faint hum filled the air. At the cave's entrance, a holographic projection of an elderly man appeared. Dressed in a blue postal uniform with round, gold-rimmed glasses, he had the air of an old scientist.
"You wish to enter, don't you?" the projection said, extending its hand toward the darkness. "That's not a good idea. Those who've gone inside have yet to return."
Clint frowned. "Who are you?"
The projection puffed out its chest with pride. "Thanks to Dr. Richards' brilliance, I am part of the automated defense system of the Baxter Building! For over forty-three years, I have remained operational, safeguarding this facility!"
The old man's image gestured toward the distant "4" logo. He added, "It is my moral duty to prevent anyone from entering the ruins. But so far, I've been unsuccessful."
With that, the group exchanged glances. The darkness ahead seemed to grow deeper, beckoning them into the unknown.