The Day of Evolution

Three days later, at the top office of the Walter Company.

Natasha had changed out of her tactical suit, washed off her distinctive makeup, and returned to a more natural state. The famed Black Widow of S.H.I.E.L.D. had made a pivotal decision: she chose to leave behind her old life and join Kyle's operation. However, as she was still a newcomer, her loyalty had not yet been fully tested, so no major assignments had been given to her yet.

Kyle hadn't revealed the existence of the Red Queen or the true extent of his resources to Natasha. He needed to be sure she wouldn't betray him before disclosing everything. He was still cautious, despite her talents and potential.

"Today's the day you get your crystal implanted. Is there anything you'd like to say?" Kyle asked casually, holding an American hamburger in his hand as he gulped it down. He glanced at the schedule on the wall before turning his attention to Natasha, who was focused on working at her computer.

Natasha now served as Kyle's personal secretary, taking over Alice's previous role. Alice had been promoted to CEO of the Water Company. Kyle had already informed Ryan to prepare for Natasha's implantation two days ago, keeping his promise to her despite the risks involved.

Thanks to the physical and mental toll her past brainwashing had taken, Natasha's body carried many irreparable scars—damage even S.H.I.E.L.D. could not fully heal. But Kyle had the solution: the No. 7 Crystal, capable of repairing such damage during the process of evolution.

"I can't ask for anything more," Natasha replied with a smile. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. The moment she learned about the No. 7 crystal, she had been shocked. But after carefully considering the risks and benefits, she had decided to proceed.

"Good. Just don't lose yourself in the process," Kyle said, finishing his hamburger and wiping his hands with a napkin. He picked up his notebook, ready to go.

---

No. 7 Crystal Laboratory

Gasco and Ryan were already waiting there early in the morning, performing last-minute adjustments to the implantation machine. The size difference between Gasco and Natasha posed some challenges—Gasco, being larger, found it difficult to adjust the equipment to the proper height for Natasha's smaller frame.

"Master, you can let Natasha in now. We've finished the final debugging," Gasco reported, giving a thumbs-up. It had been a team effort, with Gasco and Ryan putting in considerable work to make sure everything was ready. However, one thing was especially impressive: the Red Queen had displayed complete control over the robotic arm, achieving precise movements down to the millimeter.

"Good work these past two days," Kyle acknowledged. The company's intelligence system wasn't advanced enough to perform these kinds of tasks autonomously, or else the Red Queen would have taken care of the adjustments herself. Unfortunately, Water Company lacked the resources to quickly acquire a robotic production line, and the Red Queen hadn't brought along any of the advanced technology from Umbrella Corporation.

"Miss Natasha, go in and change," Kyle instructed. The tight, form-fitting attire Natasha had been wearing earlier wouldn't suffice for the procedure, as it required making an incision in the chest area. For her comfort, Kyle had arranged for a special lab coat to be worn during the operation.

"Alright," Natasha replied, nodding before walking into the changing room to put on the white lab coat that Kyle had provided.

Once Natasha emerged, she and Kyle exchanged a glance before entering the implantation room. She lay down on the table, ready for the procedure to begin.

"Ready to start. 3...2...1!" Kyle counted down.

As the countdown reached zero, the white hatch of the implantation capsule closed slowly. A cloud of enhanced anesthetic gas filled the interior, quickly rendering Natasha unconscious. Two high-precision robotic scalpels sliced through her lab coat and delicate skin as the robotic arm precisely positioned the No. 7 Crystal into place.

---

Outside the room, Kyle, Gasco, and Ryan stood anxiously, waiting for the procedure to conclude. Two hours passed in tense silence before the sound of the pressure chamber opening signaled that it was time.

"Is she out yet?" Kyle asked, his voice filled with both concern and anticipation. He and Ryan rushed to open the door. The researchers needed firsthand information, but Kyle was primarily concerned with whether Natasha had survived the process—and what new abilities she might have gained.

When the door opened, Natasha was standing, looking around in a daze. Her face was filled with awe as she took in the changes she felt within herself.

"How do you feel?" Kyle asked immediately, his concern evident. This was only the second successful implantation, and he had high expectations for the outcome.

Natasha's eyes were wide with astonishment. She could feel the power coursing through her. She was no longer the same person. Her senses had been enhanced to superhuman levels, and she felt an immense strength inside her—one that rivaled Gasco's own physical power.

"I feel... amazing," Natasha said, her voice filled with wonder. Her memories, which had once faded, now felt clearer and more vivid. Her body had become stronger—more powerful than ever before. She could even see tiny cracks in the walls from over ten meters away, a level of perception she had never had before.

Kyle smiled, his face full of approval. [The appearance of a super-powered individual has been detected. Illustration recorded.] The system chimed in, notifying him that Natasha's newfound abilities had been confirmed. Kyle's spirits lifted at the news. Although he wasn't yet sure what specific powers Natasha had gained, he knew they were significant.

"I'm fine, but this power... it's addicting!" Natasha exclaimed, gripping Kyle's arm for support. Her body was still adjusting to the newfound abilities, like someone suddenly upgrading from a handgun to a high-powered machine gun.

"Congratulations on your new abilities, Miss Natasha," Gasco said, clapping his hands in admiration as he walked into the room. He could sense the immense strength within her now, power that equaled his own—and perhaps even more was hidden within, waiting to be unlocked.

"I guess joining this 'pirate ship' was a good decision after all," Natasha said with a grin. As she stood there, feeling every inch of her body come alive with power, she could no longer remember the pain and injuries of her past life. They had disappeared, replaced by an overwhelming sense of freedom. It was as if she had unloaded a heavy burden and was now free to run, to fight, to be the warrior she was always meant to be.

Kyle smiled at her, his tone sincere. "Don't worry. Joining us was the best choice you've ever made. You've only just begun to realize what you can do."

With that, he let her absorb her new powers at her own pace, giving her the time to adjust to this incredible evolution. He knew that with Natasha by his side, there was no limit to the strength they could achieve together.

Happy Val to all readers... Enjoy the moment of love