Destiny Unbound [Marvel X DCU]

As time passed, Ivan's highly developed brain began to reveal more and more of its abilities. One evening, as he hugged Natalia and headed to his residence, his hand inadvertently brushed against her back, providing him with the opportunity to subtly delve into her memories.

Memories emerged from Natalia's recollections that she was here because the Soviet Union also had an interest in the super soldier serum. However, their circumstances were not as favorable as those of the United States. They lacked their own Erskine, who had willingly joined the American efforts. Consequently, the Soviets had to resort to a different strategy, infiltrating Hydra through an elaborate ruse.

Within Natalia's memories, Ivan also uncovered something of personal significance – the Soviet Union had clandestinely tasked her with monitoring Ivan's movements. They intended to apprehend him and coerce him into developing weapons for their cause.

This revelation didn't surprise Ivan. In the world's eyes, he was a renowned scientist, particularly in the realm of weapons development, with over a hundred inventions to his name. And these were just the ones he intentionally disclosed; many more remained hidden from public knowledge, designed to counter any threat that might arise. Should they ever be revealed, they would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the world.

Learning of the Soviet Union's plans from Natalia's memories, Ivan couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Since they had plotted against him, he saw no reason not to reciprocate and prove that he was more than capable of defending himself.

Naturally, he didn't extend any courtesies to the portly emissary sent by the Soviets. Leading Natalia to his bedroom, he acted with a sense of urgency, with no pity or qualms about his actions. After all, in this game of espionage, there was no room for sentiment when dealing with the enemy.

After a night of intense activity, Ivan awoke the next morning with Natalia still asleep beside him. He gazed at her delicate form beside the frost-covered windowpane.

Ivan couldn't help but smile wryly. The previous night's exertions had taken their toll, even though his physical prowess far exceeded that of an ordinary person. Nevertheless, a man couldn't afford to falter in this regard.

In the days that followed, Ivan dedicated his days to conversing with Dr. Zora about physics while reserving his nights for sparring with Natalia. This unconventional routine eventually came to an end after the construction of a new laboratory for super-soldier research was completed.

Once again, Ivan was engulfed in a whirlwind of activity. Thanks to the groundwork laid earlier, progress on developing the superhuman serum proceeded swiftly. Within just two months, they successfully produced the first generation of the serum. Initially, the plan had been to use this as a foundation for creating a more potent second-generation serum. However, one day, the Red Skull unexpectedly sought Ivan's counsel, interrupting his original plans.

"Dr. Ivan," the Red Skull inquired, "can we expedite the research and development of the second-generation serum?"

Ivan hadn't anticipated such a direct question from the Red Skull, who had previously been told that patience was required. It puzzled Ivan why the Red Skull was suddenly so eager.

In reality, if Ivan wholeheartedly focused on developing the second-generation serum, it wouldn't be as challenging as he had envisioned. Given the right circumstances, Ivan could speed up the process significantly. Yet, since he had no intention of genuinely assisting the Red Skull, he withheld his full potential.

Ivan responded solemnly, "Mr. Schmidt, I must emphasize that scientific endeavors demand precision. Rushing can lead to grave consequences, much like last time. Fortunately, the first-generation serum wasn't overly potent, merely sapping some energy. If it had been stronger, it could have drained your entire body. This isn't a task to be rushed; please exercise patience."

The Red Skull harbored no doubts about Ivan's words, unaware of the complexities involved in developing a superhuman serum. Nonetheless, he couldn't hide his disappointment. The urgency in his request suggested that something unsettling was transpiring.

Observing the Red Skull's demeanor, Ivan probed further, "Mr. Schmidt, may I ask why the sudden urgency for the second-generation super soldier serum?"

The Red Skull clenched his teeth and revealed, "You may not know that when Erskine fled, he took with him a portion of the mysterious substance. However, during the transportation of the Phalanx, there was an accident, and it never fell into American hands. I have yet to discover which faction now possesses it."

In truth, the Phalanx was securely in Ivan's possession. No matter how extensively the Red Skull searched, it would yield no results. Secretly pleased with himself, Ivan maintained a facade of concern and curiosity. "Not in American hands, you say? Then where is it? Furthermore, how does this relate to the second-generation serum?"

According to Ivan's calculations, Erskine had likely restarted superhuman serum development in the United States using the extracted mysterious substance. With his previous experience, Erskine would undoubtedly succeed in creating a super soldier akin to the Red Skull. Ivan knew that the Red Skull's initial serum injection hadn't reached its full potential due to energy shortages. Thus, if he collaborated with Erskine, there was no guarantee of victory in a super soldier showdown.

Lowering his head in contemplation, Ivan raised it once more and proposed, "In light of these circumstances, I can offer a compromise. We can focus on developing a specialized super soldier serum that primarily enhances vitality. For ordinary individuals, it could grant them six or seven times the physical prowess, but for you, it could rectify the physical limitations caused by the initial serum's energy deficiency. This would allow your body to achieve its true peak."

Upon hearing Ivan's suggestion, the Red Skull nodded in agreement. "Very well, please expedite the creation of this serum. Our situation in Germany is deteriorating, and I must reach my peak physical condition. I entrust this matter to Dr. Ivan."

As the Red Skull departed, Ivan couldn't help but inwardly sneer. Normally brimming with confidence, the Red Skull's newfound eagerness betrayed his underlying insecurity. Facing Captain America, he now questioned his capabilities. Yet, Captain America possessed an unyielding spirit, never backing down despite numerous setbacks.

Upon learning of Erskine's progress from the Red Skull, Ivan's curiosity about the future Captain America grew. It started as a mere notion but evolved into an irresistible urge to meet the iconic figure.

Initially, it was just a thought. However, this idea gradually took root and couldn't be suppressed. That night, Ivan chose to stay in the laboratory instead of returning to his residence with Natalia. Such behavior was not unusual, as Ivan often lost track of time while conducting experiments and would occasionally spend the night in the laboratory before resuming work the next day.

Once everyone had departed, Ivan and the Red Devil retreated to the private room where Ivan typically rested. They ensured no eavesdropping devices were present before Ivan gave the signal.

The Red Devil immediately extended his hand, grasping Ivan's arm. Activating his power, the two vanished from the room.

Steve Rogers, a weary figure with a battered face, trudged out of a dimly lit alleyway. He had always aspired to join the military, despite his scrawny physique. However, due to his frailty, he faced repeated rejection and was often ridiculed.

Today was no exception; he had failed again and had been assaulted by a group of bullies on his way home. Rogers refused to give up, though. Despite his thin frame, he persisted with his physical training. He intended to make a second attempt to enlist and pursue his ideals with unwavering determination.

Limping along the path homeward, Rogers suddenly heard a voice from beside him. "What a remarkable man"

Startled, Rogers followed the voice and saw two mysterious figures standing in the shadows, their identities concealed.

"You find me remarkable?" Rogers asked, bewildered. He observed his torn clothing, bloodied face, and scars, doubting that there was anything admirable about his current state.

"We're not mocking you," one of the figures explained. "When we say you're remarkable, we're not referring to your physical appearance. It's your indomitable spirit, your unwavering will, that sets you apart. These qualities make you stronger than you realize. You lack the means to harness them."

These figures were none other than Ivan and the Red Devil. Initially, Ivan had no intention of meeting Rogers. His plan had merely involved observing from the shadows and gathering some pre-serum data and blackmail material. However, Ivan's highly developed brain detected something extraordinary within Rogers, a powerful aura emanating from his soul, willpower, or some combination thereof.

Ivan had a sudden insight, and his brain raced, concocting a unique cultivation method in record time. This method was akin to the Green Lantern's use of willpower to manifest constructs but required gradual cultivation and accumulation to reach the level where it could be employed effectively.

Upon hearing the encouraging words, a glimmer of hope ignited in Steve Rogers' eyes. "Do you know a way to cultivate this power? Can you teach me?"

Ivan regarded Steve with genuine interest and smiled. "I can teach you, but remember, nothing in this world is free. I believe in fair exchange. What are you willing to offer in return?"

Steve pondered for a moment but couldn't think of anything valuable to offer. "I... I don't know. Can I give you all the money I have?"

Ivan chuckled. "Money isn't what I seek."

"Then what do you want? If it's within my abilities, I'll do it," Steve declared.

Ivan playfully inquired, "Would you be willing to give me your soul?"

Startled and apprehensive, Steve took a step back. "Are you a devil? I won't sell my soul, and I don't want anything from you if it involves my soul."

Amused by Steve's reaction, Ivan reassured him, "I was just teasing. I'm not a devil, and I won't take your soul. Here's my proposal: I'll teach you the method, and in the future, if there's a task that aligns with your morals and doesn't harm innocent people, you can choose to help me or decline. Does that sound fair?"

After some hesitation, Steve nodded. "Alright, I agree. As long as it doesn't compromise my principles or harm the innocent, I promise to assist you."

"Excellent. Accept this gift, then."

Ivan pointed his index finger at Steve's forehead, and a surge of mental energy transmitted the newly devised cultivation method directly into Steve's mind.

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Author's note

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