Su Zhan descended from the sky, landing lightly with Chan Ho Yin at his side. The moment they touched down, Chan Ho Yin nearly stumbled, his legs still shaky from the flight. He steadied himself, eyes wide as he took in the nondescript building before them. It looked ordinary, but Su Zhan knew exactly what was hidden inside: a secret laboratory dedicated to the Extremis virus—a dangerous and experimental variant engineered to push the limits of human power.
Chan Ho Yin recovered quickly, curiosity overtaking his nerves. "Where are we?" he asked, glancing around.
"This is where you'll become stronger," Su Zhan replied, his tone calm but resolute.
As he spoke, etheric particles from his Aether Lantern ring swirled from his palm, wrapping around his body. In seconds, they formed a sleek, black battle suit that hugged his form like a second skin. A dark cloak settled across his shoulders, fluttering in the breeze, and on his back, the bold character for "War" appeared—striking and unmistakable.
Chan Ho Yin's eyes widened in admiration. "That's… incredible! Your suit looks amazing!"
Su Zhan glanced down at his new attire, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "I'll have to get a few more made—maybe even a set for the whole team. With the Aether Lantern ring, I don't have to worry about the etheric particles draining my energy. The suit's power is always at my command, ready for attack or defense. And best of all, it's convenient—just a thought, and it disappears back into the ring or reappears in an instant."
He demonstrated, letting the suit vanish and then materialize again, the transformation seamless and effortless.
"Come on," Su Zhan said, turning toward the laboratory entrance. "Let's get started."
Chan Ho Yin followed, a mixture of excitement and anxiety in his step. He trusted Su Zhan, but he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was about to happen would change his life forever.
They had barely reached the lab's door when a group of armed guards burst out, weapons raised. Chan Ho Yin tensed, but seeing Su Zhan's calm demeanor, he relaxed—there was nothing to fear with Su Zhan at his side.
The sharp click of high heels echoed down the corridor. A woman in a striking flower-patterned dress appeared, moving with practiced grace. Raina, known for her mysterious motives and manipulative charm, regarded Su Zhan with a mixture of curiosity and caution. Her composure was perfect, but Su Zhan could sense the underlying tension in her posture.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Raina greeted, her voice smooth as silk.
She glanced between Su Zhan and Chan Ho Yin, her mind racing. She knew exactly who stood before her: Su Zhan, the man whose name had begun to echo through the underground world of powered individuals. His ability to absorb and integrate powers was legendary, and Raina had long sought to bring him into her experiments with the Extremis virus. But she had never found the right opportunity—until now.
Su Zhan's eyes narrowed. "Are you surprised to see me, or surprised to see Chan Ho Yin? Without me, I imagine you would have lured him here and made him your next test subject. Am I right, Raina?"
Raina's smile didn't falter, but her eyes flickered with unease. "I'm more surprised by your new attire. It's… very unique."
"Thank you," Su Zhan replied, his tone light.
She tried a different approach. "We could work together, you know. I'm aware you're a consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D., not a full member. I've heard you're building your own organization. If we joined forces, imagine what we could accomplish."
Su Zhan shook his head. "I have a better idea."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"I'm going to take over," Su Zhan said, his voice suddenly cold.
Before anyone could react, a wave of force swept through the corridor. The guards froze, their weapons ripped from their hands and tossed aside by invisible power. Raina found herself unable to move, her body held in place by Su Zhan's telekinesis.
"Where is the Extremis virus?" Su Zhan demanded, his gaze piercing.
Raina hesitated, fear flickering across her face. Her body lifted off the ground, her breath coming in short gasps as Su Zhan's grip tightened.
"I know you're intelligent, Raina. You've accomplished things most people can only dream of—and you've done it all without powers. I respect that. I don't want to kill you, but I need the virus. Now."
Raina struggled, her eyes pleading. At last, she relented. "It's in the lab. I'll show you."
Su Zhan released her, and she staggered for a moment before composing herself. She led them into the laboratory, where technicians in white coats bustled between machines and workstations. The lab was a maze of advanced equipment, the air thick with the scent of chemicals and ozone.
For all his power, Su Zhan felt out of place among the scientists. Research and development were not his strengths, but he understood the value of what was happening here. If he could control the production of Extremis, he would have a resource that could change the balance of power in any world.
Raina retrieved a vial of the glowing serum and handed it to Su Zhan. "What do you intend to do?"
He turned to Chan Ho Yin. "Inject him."
Chan Ho Yin's eyes widened in alarm. "Me?"
"If you want to become stronger, this is your chance," Su Zhan said, his voice gentle but firm.
Chan Ho Yin hesitated, glancing at the vial, then at Su Zhan. He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and nodded. "Alright. I trust you."
Raina looked surprised. "You're giving it to him? The virus is unstable—there's risk."
Su Zhan raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"
She shook her head. "No. I just… wanted to be clear."
"If you're not willing to take risks, you'll never become stronger," Su Zhan said quietly.
Raina prepared the injection, and Chan Ho Yin braced himself. The needle slid into his arm, and the serum entered his bloodstream. Almost immediately, his body began to tremble, sweat breaking out across his brow. Pain twisted his features, but he gritted his teeth and endured.
Raina and the other researchers watched anxiously, monitoring his vital signs. Only Su Zhan remained calm, his confidence unwavering. He knew that Chan Ho Yin's unique physiology—his special platelets—would allow him to survive the transformation.
Minutes passed. Chan Ho Yin's pain gradually subsided, replaced by a surge of energy. He opened his eyes, and Su Zhan saw the spark of power within them.
"It worked," Chan Ho Yin breathed, awe in his voice.
Su Zhan nodded, satisfied. "Congratulations. You've taken your first step toward real strength."
He turned his attention to the researchers. They were not good people, but they had their uses. With the right guidance, they could help him develop stable versions of the Extremis serum, or even new enhancements. If he could master a reliable production line, the benefits would extend not only to the Marvel world but to every parallel universe he visited.
As Su Zhan surveyed the lab, he realized that this was only the beginning. With power, resources, and knowledge at his command, he was ready to reshape the world—and perhaps, in time, the entire multiverse.