Chapter 53: The Path to Ultimate Power
The immortality serum was merely a minor distraction for Ryan.
His primary focus remained entirely on researching the Celestial Gene.
After repeated experiments during this period, it was now confirmed that Ryan's bone marrow could successfully fuse with the Celestial Gene. The rejection reactions only occurred when enhanced serums like the Super Soldier formula were involved.
Although Ryan had enhanced himself, he hadn't used serum to strengthen his existing genes—he had used Eternal genetics to replace his human DNA entirely. The difference was fundamental.
After recording the experimental data, Ryan stood and walked out of the laboratory. He removed his mask and safety goggles, addressing Ross who had been waiting: "Haven't the first batch recipients already used the immortality serum? Why are you still here?"
Ross looked healthier than he had in years. His complexion was vibrant, and much of his gray hair had returned to its original color.
Seeing Ryan emerge from the lab, Ross approached with a smile. "I need to know when the second batch will be ready. We have a long waiting list. If possible, I'd like you to produce more doses."
Ryan shook his head. "Impossible. We don't have the raw materials right now. You'll have to wait."
Ryan understood enough about political maneuvering to know he couldn't simply satisfy these people's demands. If he didn't keep them hungry for more, they wouldn't work as hard for him.
Ross pressed urgently, "You mentioned needing divine bone marrow. Are you talking about Asgardians? If so, I could immediately arrange for someone to acquire it."
"You want to go to Asgard and traffic people?" Ryan rolled his eyes and turned to leave.
Ross quickly caught up, asking curiously, "Not Asgardians? Could there be other extraterrestrials?"
Earth had been visited by aliens multiple times in recent years. Ross had encountered various alien species, including several personal encounters during the Chitauri invasion and subsequent incidents.
Ryan removed his latex gloves and tossed them into the waste disposal. "Calling them aliens is technically correct, but not entirely accurate. The Eternals share genetic ancestry with humans, but they possess near-immortal lifespans. I extracted the longevity serum components from their cellular structure."
"The number of Eternals currently living on Earth is extremely limited—no more than ten individuals total. The serum components that can be extracted from each Eternal can sustain only fifty people at maximum dosage. You'd better choose your recipients very carefully."
Ross was stunned. He knew the immortality serum was valuable, but he hadn't realized it was this precious.
According to Ryan's explanation, there could only be five hundred doses maximum. Even without multiple treatments, that would only serve five hundred people total. How could that possibly satisfy America's entire political establishment?
"Ryan, isn't there another way? Could we synthesize this component in the laboratory?"
"What kind of fantasy is that?"
Ryan was deliberately misleading him. The Celestial Genes were merely purification catalysts; the real breakthrough came from analyzing the regenerative properties found in the saliva of Craig Hollis—Mister Immortal. But if he didn't present it as impossibly rare, how could Ross truly value it? And how could those desperate aging executives willingly serve his agenda?
Ryan faced Ross directly. "I'll be leaving for a while after I complete my current experiments. With luck, I'll return with additional serum components. What you need to focus on now is accelerating your presidential campaign, then help me deal with S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers."
Ideally, he could dismantle the Avengers entirely, then capture those enhanced individuals one by one for detailed study.
Ross barely registered the latter part of what Ryan said, his attention focused entirely on the announcement of departure.
"Dr. Ryan, you're leaving?"
Ryan's support was absolutely crucial. With Ryan backing him, Ross felt confident enough to challenge the enhanced individuals. Even setting aside his scientific expertise, Ryan possessed the raw power to single-handedly confront the entire Avengers roster.
Moreover, Ross needed to continue using the immortality serum to secure political allies. Ryan's departure would be like abandoning ship mid-voyage. Without Ryan's assistance, he'd never reach his destination.
While Ryan could manipulate Ross effortlessly, Ross had no leverage over Ryan whatsoever.
"Don't worry, I'm only leaving temporarily, not permanently. What are you afraid of? Besides, if I don't go searching for additional serum components, how else will you obtain them?"
Over the following days, Ryan conducted extensive experiments with the Celestial Gene, testing various combinations with samples from laboratory mice, Mister Immortal's regenerative cells, Captain America's enhanced blood, and his own bone marrow.
After countless calculations and projections, the day finally arrived for Ryan's first Celestial Gene injection.
Ryan dismissed all personnel and sealed himself in the basement laboratory to prepare for the procedure.
His calculations indicated a success rate exceeding ninety percent. While failure remained possible, Ryan had to take the risk.
The longer he delayed, the more dangerous his situation became. Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch could return at any moment, and there were also the overwhelmingly powerful Thor and Captain Marvel to consider.
Ryan loaded the syringe containing the Celestial Gene into the robotic surgical arm, then secured himself to the procedure chair, gripping the remote control.
He connected his vital signs monitor and activated the fluoroscopic imaging system to scan his body.
After locating the precise injection site, he maneuvered the robotic arm into position.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered, taking a deep breath.
The vibranium needle, supported by a precision hydraulic system, slowly penetrated his flesh.
The fluoroscopic display allowed Ryan to monitor the needle's exact position, enabling him to abort the procedure immediately if anything went wrong.
"Gaaahhh!"
The pain didn't diminish as his strength increased—it actually intensified as his nervous system became more sensitive.
With grim determination, the vibranium needle inserted with surgical precision, making Ryan's heart race. Moments later, he activated the remote control, and the Celestial Gene flowed through the flexible tube into the needle, being injected directly into his bone marrow.
After the divine genetic material was fully administered, the robotic arm executed its automated withdrawal protocol.
"Grrraaahhhh!"
Ryan's teeth ground together audibly as indescribable agony spread throughout his entire body.
"Damn it!"
"ROOOAAARRR!"
Ryan's scream shattered the air as he broke free from the restraint chair. With a powerful sweep of his arms, the chair flew across the room in an instant, crashing through the laboratory's reinforced glass wall.
The pain was unbearable, and Ryan pounded the floor with his fists, desperately trying to alleviate the torment.
"WHAM!" "WHAM!" "WHAM!"
Deep craters appeared in the laboratory's reinforced concrete floor.
"CRASH!"
Lab tables overturned, and equipment shattered into countless pieces.
But even this destruction provided no relief from the excruciating pain.
"Aaaahhhhh..."
Eventually, Ryan collapsed unconscious among the debris, covered in dust and rubble. Suddenly, a finger twitched twice, and the unconscious Ryan slowly opened his eyes.
End of Chapter 53
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Power Stone or Review!
P@atreon/Soulforger (45+ advanced chapters)
Buy me coffee - ko-fi*com/soulforger01