Chapter 67: Taking the Potion

Human body modification was not a venture to be taken lightly. Adam knew the risks better than most. Across the universe, only Captain America seemed to have undergone human modification without significant drawbacks. Others had paid the price, if not with their bodies, then with their minds. Dr. Bruce Banner was a prime example—a victim of his own experiments, left battling schizophrenia.

Adam was determined not to suffer the same fate. Before attempting to enhance himself, he needed to thoroughly understand the principles of the gamma strengthening potion. Without experimental subjects or more concrete data, much of his research was speculative.

“Photosynthesis, maybe?” Adam thought sarcastically as he analyzed the Hulk’s ability to absorb energy. The Hulk’s green skin reminded him of Superman’s ability to harness solar power. Could there be a connection? He dismissed the thought with a shake of his head.

The process of preparing the gamma potion was straightforward. Following the formula provided by the system, Adam combined high-energy nutrient solutions with the mysterious substance the system had provided. The end result was a liquid that looked as unassuming as water. But when he ran tests, the results were baffling.

“Skynet, test this again,” Adam ordered. The results came back identical to nutrient solutions he had prepared earlier. The mysterious system-provided component seemed undetectable. Either the system was misleading him, or his technology wasn’t advanced enough to identify its properties. Adam chose to believe the latter.

“Simulate the molecular model. Analyze electron motion and basic molecular changes,” Adam instructed, determined to find answers.

Skynet presented the molecular dynamics model, but even under high-powered simulation, no anomalies appeared. The potion remained a puzzle, and Adam was left with an unsettling question: should he take it? If the potion failed, he might suffer irreversible damage or death. Yet the alternative—remaining vulnerable in a universe filled with threats like Thanos—seemed equally grim.

“Sometimes the bold succeed where the timid perish,” Adam muttered, his decision made. If he wanted to survive and thrive in this dangerous world, he would have to take risks.

Adam prepared his lab meticulously. Gamma ray emitters were calibrated to their maximum output, his laboratory was sealed with radiation-proof barriers, and a high-concentration Extremis stock solution was kept on standby for emergency use. When everything was ready, Adam took a deep breath and lay on the lab table.

The vial of gamma potion felt heavy in his hand. Without further hesitation, he downed the liquid in one gulp and signaled Skynet to activate the gamma ray emitters.

At first, there was no change. A soft warmth spread through Adam’s body, almost comforting. Then the sensation turned. A wave of searing heat coursed through him, and it felt as though molten lava had replaced his blood. Every cell in his body screamed in agony as if needles were piercing him from the inside.

“Ahhh!” Adam’s cry echoed through the lab. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, determined to endure. He knew that stopping now would mean certain failure, possibly even death.

Seconds stretched into eternity as the pain pushed him to the brink. Then, just as abruptly as it began, the agony receded. Warmth replaced the pain, spreading through his body like a soothing balm.

“Skynet,” Adam rasped, his voice weak. “Is the emitter still running?”

“Yes, Master,” Skynet replied. “Your vitals are stable, but your body has undergone significant changes.”

“What changes?” Adam asked, still lying on the table.

A holographic image appeared before him, and Adam’s jaw dropped. The person displayed on the screen was almost unrecognizable. His once frail, malnourished body had been transformed. Muscles rippled across his frame, and his previously gaunt face now radiated strength. Adam looked down at his hands, marveling at how powerful they felt.

“Unbelievable,” Adam whispered, running a hand over his arm. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. His cells had adapted perfectly to absorb gamma radiation, and his strength had increased exponentially.

“Master, your cellular structure now shows extraordinary resilience and regenerative capabilities,” Skynet explained. “Your physical capabilities have increased by an estimated 300%.”

Adam chuckled, overwhelmed by the possibilities. “Looks like I won the gamble,” he said.

He stood up, feeling the raw power coursing through his body. As he caught his reflection in a polished surface, Adam couldn’t help but smile. The scrawny boy from Gotham was gone, replaced by someone extraordinary.

“Skynet, prep the training room,” Adam commanded. “Let’s see just how far I can push this.”

This was just the beginning.