Chapter 20: Testing the Limits of Perfection

Evan sat in his underground lab, methodically analyzing the data on his screens. His enhancements had reached new heights, but numbers on a display meant nothing if he couldn't test their real-world effectiveness. With his Energy Absorption now at Level 2, Adaptive Evolution at Level 4, and Regeneration at Level 2, he needed to push himself to understand the full extent of his abilities.

He stepped into the reinforced testing chamber, an isolated section of his facility outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, advanced monitoring systems, and controlled hazard simulations. Here, he would not hold back.

His first objective was Energy Absorption and Adaptive Evolution.

He set the system to simulate increasing kinetic force, starting at the level of an average human punch and scaling upward in intensity.

The first strike landed against his body—a controlled mechanical impact of 250 pounds of force. Evan barely felt it.

The system increased the force to 500 pounds—equivalent to a heavyweight boxer's punch. His body automatically distributed the energy across his muscle fibers, absorbing the impact effortlessly.

He cranked it up.

At 1,500 pounds, enough to fracture bones in a normal human, Evan felt a mild vibration in his muscles.

At 3,000 pounds, his body hardened, instinctively reinforcing itself before the blow could cause any damage. He frowned.

By the time he pushed the impact force to 5,000 pounds, enough to dent steel, his Energy Absorption kicked in at full effect. The moment his skin made contact with the force, his body converted the kinetic energy into stored power, reinforcing his physique even further.

He exhaled sharply.

"This isn't even a test," he muttered.

He upped the intensity to 15,000 pounds—the equivalent of getting hit by a speeding car. The result was the same. His body absorbed the force, redistributed it, and left him unharmed.

The final test: 50,000 pounds of force.

The chamber's reinforced mechanical arms slammed into his chest with devastating power. For a brief moment, he felt the shock—but Energy Absorption neutralized it instantly, and Adaptive Evolution hardened his muscle fibers before the impact even registered.

He smirked.

"I might actually be invincible."

Next, he turned to Regeneration—but a new problem presented itself. He couldn't test it.

His body was too durable. Every time he tried to cut himself, his skin adapted before the blade could pierce. Every attempt at chemical damage resulted in instant neutralization. Even when he used high-powered lasers, his body absorbed the thermal energy and reinforced itself further.

Evan clenched his fists, a mix of amusement and irritation surfacing.

His Regeneration was now a last resort, a trump card in case some unknown force ever managed to injure him. He didn't need to heal because nothing could harm him in the first place.

To push the test further, he activated the hazard simulations, subjecting himself to conditions that would kill normal humans instantly.

Extreme temperatures—ranging from -200°C to 1,500°C—had no effect. His body either absorbed the heat or adapted to the cold instantly.

Oxygen deprivation—after shutting off the air supply, his metabolism slowed autonomously, reducing his oxygen requirements to near-zero.

High-pressure environments—even at the equivalent of 10,000 meters underwater, his bones and organs reinforced against the external force.

No matter what he threw at himself, he remained unscathed.

He had achieved something far beyond superhuman. His body was a living, self-improving engine, fueled by any energy it encountered.

Stepping out of the chamber, he smirked.

"If this keeps up, I won't even need to breathe."

With his personal upgrades fully tested, Evan turned to his next project—superhuman enhancement for others.

He had no intention of creating anyone even remotely close to his level. The moment someone became too powerful, they stopped being a customer and started being a threat.

That was why the serum had to be perfectly flawed—strong enough to be valuable, but dependent enough to ensure continued loyalty.

Amelia stood near the containment unit, watching the shimmering blue liquid inside the reinforced vials.

"You've been working on this for days," she noted, arms crossed. "I still don't see why you care about making something weaker than yourself."

Evan didn't look away from the screen. "Because power without control is a liability."

She smirked. "You mean you don't want anyone catching up to you."

"Exactly."

Amelia tilted her head. "Why even bother with human enhancements? Even enhanced humans are still inferior to high-level mutants."

Evan finally turned to her. "Power isn't about raw strength. It's about dependency. If I provide the only stable enhancement solution, then anyone who wants to be on the same level as mutants will have no choice but to come to me."

She considered his words. "That's why you're making it temporary."

Evan nodded. "A five-year window. Long enough to be useful, but not permanent enough to make them independent. If they don't take another dose after five years, their enhancements gradually fade. Their bones won't snap overnight, but they'll start feeling weaker, slower. They'll become addicted to their own power—and I'll be their only supplier."

Amelia smirked. "Smart. You're making them buy into their own necessity."

Evan gestured toward the screen. "And the price ensures that only the most elite individuals or organizations can afford it. Fifty million per dose."

She let out a soft whistle. "That's an absurd price."

"Only for those who aren't desperate enough," Evan replied. "Governments, black-market elites, private military forces—they'll all pay whatever it takes to remain competitive."

Amelia leaned against the containment glass. "So, what exactly does the serum do?"

Evan displayed the biochemical pathway diagrams, showing the chain of modifications he had made.

Effects of the Super Soldier Serum (Weakened Version):

Enhanced Strength – Maximum strength increased by 300%, making the recipient as strong as five peak-condition humans.

Reflex and Agility Boost – Neural pathways optimized to increase reaction time by fivefold, allowing soldiers to dodge bullets at close range.

Metabolic Optimization – Enhances endurance and energy efficiency, allowing a soldier to operate at peak condition for 72 hours before requiring rest.

Enhanced Durability – Bones reinforced to withstand high-impact trauma, reducing fractures by 80%.

Regenerative Factor (Limited) – Minor wounds heal five times faster than normal, but no high-tier regeneration.

Cognitive Acceleration – Improved mental processing speed, situational awareness, and decision-making.

As Evan finalized the first release, a new system notification appeared.

[Energy Absorption has reached Level 3 – Regenerative Energy Loop Activated]

[Stored energy can now be converted into automatic healing, accelerating regeneration beyond normal limits.]

[Passive energy absorption efficiency increased to 90%.]

[Regeneration has reached Level 3 – Organ Repair Activated]

[Internal damage will automatically heal in minutes, even with life-threatening injuries.]

Evan smirked, closing the interface.

"This is going to reshape warfare," he murmured. "Every nation, every elite force, every underground organization—they're all going to want this."

Amelia gave him a knowing look. "And who's going to be your first buyer?"

Evan smirked. "Whoever's desperate enough to make the first move."

With that, he finalized the first release of the serum, setting the stage for a global shift in power.