In the afternoon, inside the dim mountain cave laboratory.
Ice sculptures of various sizes stood tall, featuring white-tailed deer, wild boars, mountain lions, bison, and other wildlife—all species unique to the nearby woodlands.
"This can't be considered poaching, can it? Whatever, no one saw it anyway."
Invisible air blades slid in succession, dissecting a squirrel on their own as Wade began his observations.
"The preparation of the Medullary Core Injection requires high-purity compound v, Supe spinal cord stem cells, and Neural Connection Factors. I have substitutes for the first two, but as for the latter..."
Neural Connection Factors that work on humans are naturally best extracted from humans; Vought must have conducted extensive human experimentation.
He couldn't extract them from humans like Vought did, so he had to settle for extracting Neural Connection Factors from animals.
In front of Wade sat a row of measuring cups filled with pale red and yellow liquids, rich in Neural Connection Factors, all extracted from animal glands.
As foreign proteins, he needed to personally use the cell-level control granted by Blood Control to regulate their molecular structure, reducing immune rejection in the human body.
Specifically, this involved modifying the recognition markers on the surface of the foreign proteins to match the molecular characteristics of human proteins, eliminating the possibility of being identified as foreign objects by immune cells at the source.
Wade drew a small tube of yellow liquid and injected it into his own arm. "It's a bit troublesome, but it's easier than becoming a homicidal maniac."
He closed his eyes, carefully sensing the changes in his body. "Eh? Why is there no feeling? Where's the promised swelling, heat, pain, and various discomforts?"
After a while, he guided the injected substance through various organs in his body, and indeed, it didn't cause any reaction.
Wade, upholding a rigorous attitude, pondered for a moment. "The various organs in my body have been significantly strengthened; a normal person wouldn't just drop dead on the spot if they injected this, would they?"
"Whatever, I have plenty of raw materials. I'll just find some scumbags to test the medicine on later."
He consulted the printed paper files of the 'Medullary Core Injection' experimental project and began mixing according to the steps and ratios marked on them.
He replaced compound v with his own genetic stock solution and used spinal fluid extracted from Translucent for the Supe spinal cord stem cells.
Two hours passed. On the test tube rack on the stone table, there were more and more reagent tubes, their colors ranging across the spectrum.
Having finished tinkering, Wade picked up a dropper, extracting and sensing the effects of different reagents one by one. "Different ingredients mean different mixing ratios. I hope I hit the jackpot!"
A drop of transparent liquid fell onto his fingertip.
[Analyzing... Short-acting Genetic Enhancement Fluid]
[Efficacy: Ability intensity increased by 10%-15%. The heavier the injury, the stronger the effect. Malignant genetic mutation probability: 80%]
Wade's hand rose and a blade fell, immediately slicing off the piece of skin on his fingertip. "Garbage. Let's see the others."
He touched and analyzed tube after tube of liquid. Flesh and skin flew from his hands only to recover in an instant, but he still hadn't found a satisfactory solution.
Half an hour later, Wade stared blankly at the purple liquid slowly dissipating on his hand.
[Analyzing... Short-acting Genetic Enhancement Fluid]
[Efficacy: Ability intensity increased by 50%-80%. The heavier the injury, the stronger the effect. Benign genetic mutation probability: 5%]
[Duration: 1 hour per milliliter.]
[Side Effects: After the medicine wears off, one falls into a state of extreme hunger and heightened desire.]
[Note: Only effective for the source genetic solution and its branches]
He picked up that purple test tube, compared it with the serial number and mixing ratio in his notebook, and grinned. "Hahaha... this is the one!"
Wade named this tube of purple medicine 'Desperado 1.0 Enhancement Fluid' based on its effects, then immediately set to work producing more of the same.
On the stone table, afterimages flew as more and more test tubes glowing with purple light appeared.
"Giving this to Butcher and the others, they'll have the level of a Tier 1 after injection. After enhancement, I estimate they can suppress and fight Tier 2 Supes... plus the various medicine abilities, it's enough."
Ten minutes passed. Wade looked at the test tube rack full of dark purple medicine and clapped his hands. "Time to upgrade the Nexus 2.0 medicine. Black Noir is a Supe near Tier 3 level; using his spinal fluid as a base should be much stronger than Translucent's."
...In the evening, at the Fort Drum Army Base, in the conference room of the administration building.
The oval conference table was surrounded by people. Mena, wearing a well-tailored suit, stood before the projection screen, speaking eloquently.
"...In summary, our company's underground production workshop in Area C of the base has been fully constructed and has passed the safety inspection."
"According to Dr. Anderson's technical requirements, the technical personnel we recruited are strictly limited to the three major fields of biology, chemistry, and pharmacy, with priority given to candidates who are married with children and have clean backgrounds. All personnel have signed the highest-level confidentiality agreements."
She switched to the next page, displaying production data. "In terms of capacity, we have completed the trial production of the first batch of 10,000 'Nexus 1.0' vials this month."
"Next month, as the new production lines and personnel are fully in place, the monthly capacity is expected to increase to 50,000 vials. Of these, 40,000 will be standard individual combat medicine, and the other 10,000 will be used to meet the customized needs proposed by various units."
A few minutes later, the report ended.
Richard, sitting at the head of the table, was the first to clap, and applause rang out in the conference room.
Mena bowed slightly in thanks and calmly walked to her own seat at the round table.
Subsequently, the head of the operations office controlled the computer, and a series of shocking images were projected onto the screen.
A port pier covered in mangled corpses, the chaos of Translucent's memorial service, crowds of protesters in the streets, video evidence of Homelander and Translucent's crimes... "Gentlemen, these are a series of malicious events that have occurred involving Vought International and its associated figures over the past week."
"Viewed comprehensively, these are not isolated incidents, but rather a succession of conflicts breaking out between Supes and Supes, and between Supes and ordinary people."
He looked at Mena, his words pointed. "Madam, are you aware of this series of events?"
Instantly, all eyes in the conference room focused on Mena, and an invisible pressure spread.
A look of surprise appeared on Mena's face, and she shook her head gently. "Colonel, you should be aware that I have spent the last half month in the base laboratory and the new production workshop, supervising the production process and the recruitment audit of core personnel to ensure the supply of military orders... I have heard of those external matters, but I do not know the details."
"Is that so?" The head of operations looked around at the others, saw them blink, and continued, "Vought has been hit repeatedly, and its reputation has plummeted. The biggest beneficiary is your Nexus... I have reason to suspect whether that mysterious Dr. Anderson is playing some unsavory role in all this."
At this point, the head of the audit department raised his hand and interjected, "Moreover, shortly after the incidents, an emergency supplementary budget of 30 billion was added from above, explicitly required to be used for 'counterbalancing the Supe threat' and'strengthening the security of key personnel.' A large portion of this money will flow to your company. The timing is a bit too coincidental."
Facing the repeated questioning, Mena did not panic. She said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Gentlemen. We and Vought are indeed in a competitive relationship, but commercial competition does not equal being mortal enemies. I myself resigned from a Vought subsidiary."
"The market rules are as such; even without these events, by virtue of our products' excellent stability and deep ties with the military, we would still obtain orders."
"Must any individual or organization that benefits from Vought's setbacks be the mastermind? As far as I know, after Vought's stock price plummeted, institutions and individuals seizing the opportunity to profit in the financial markets and business sectors are everywhere."
"We, Nexus, have no intersection with Vought in the entertainment industry or consumer goods market. Our foundation and future have always been with the military."
The heads of other functional offices exchanged glances and nodded slightly.
Richard, who had been silent, tapped the table and said in a deep voice, "The storms outside will be handled by others. Terrorist attacks? Perhaps Vought is directing and acting them out themselves to divert attention, or perhaps they are personal vendettas. As for Speaker Simon..."
"As far as I know, he did not die from ordinary explosives, but had his body destroyed by some extremely powerful energy. This was the work of a Supe, there is no doubt about that."
He looked at Mena, his tone softening. "Your company's primary task now is to ensure production capacity, and... urge Dr. Anderson to speed up the research and development progress. We need more, and more powerful, super-medicines that can immediately form combat capability."
Mena understood and nodded in response. "Understood, Director. In fact, Dr. Anderson has already revealed to me the progress of the 'Nexus 2.0' medicine project. I will communicate deeply with the doctor as soon as possible to push for the project's implementation."
Richard was stunned upon hearing this, then pointed at Mena and laughed. "Haha, you little girl! You were prepared all along, weren't you? Your lips are really sealed tight."
Mena quickly shook her head and smiled. "Not really, the doctor just let some word slip. I wouldn't dare say anything without being certain."
The meeting ended in a slightly relaxed atmosphere, and everyone departed.
Under the sunset, outside the military base.
Mena drove her brand-new Lexus out of Fort Drum, traveling on the highway toward the city.
As usual, she sang along loudly with the car music, casting off all thoughts and relaxing completely.
Wade sat invisibly in the passenger seat, put his arm around her shoulder, and sent a thought:'Stop singing, wake up!'
Mena immediately stepped on the brakes, parked the car by the roadside, and was about to say something when her mouth was blocked.
'There are listening devices in the car, don't talk.'
'Mph?! You're here!' Mena took off her seatbelt and pounced on the invisible object beside her.
'Not yet! We should go.' Wade pressed the necklace on her chest.
Mena's body gradually became transparent. 'It's so good to be without restraints, I love nature!'
A few minutes later, the invisible Wade carried a large bag of luggage and items, soaring into the sky.
The equally invisible Mena lay on his back and shouted, "I just bought that Lexus LFA, it was very expensive! We're just leaving it?"
"The car has both a GPS tracker and a listening device; we can't do anything in it. Just throw it away." Wade propped up a barrier and accelerated into the clouds. "How's the company been lately?"
Mena hugged his neck tightly and said softly, "The company's book profit this month is 2 billion. After paying 400 million in taxes according to regulations, the net profit is about 1.6 billion. Next month, when the new laboratory goes into full production, the capital return will be even faster."
Wade supported her with his hands behind his back and turned his head. "Next month, take the 'Nexus 2.0' individual medicine formula and plan, which has added invisibility capabilities, and submit it to Richard to fulfill your duty."
"Also, I left a conceptual plan for 'Almighty Medicine 1.0', a few sample bottles, and the latest version of the portable medicine at the new house you bought in Lenox Hill... Later, find a suitable time to privately reveal the plan to Richard to whet their appetite."
Mena tilted her head against the back of his neck and murmured, "Use the 2.0 version to meet the military's current needs, and then use the more disruptive 'Almighty Medicine' concept to hook the military's expectations, securing longer-term strategic support and resource tilting for our company, right?"
Wade poked her face. "So smart. Interest is always the best driver."
Mena rubbed her head against him and whispered, "And what about me? Cutie."
Wade turned his head and gave her a kiss. "What do you think!"
Mena pointed excitedly below at the dimly lit landmark. "Look, it's the Statue of Liberty. Let's go play there for a while!"
Wade covered his face and sighed, peeking at her. "You mean?"
Mena cupped her hot cheeks and giggled. "That's right. It's rare to be invisible, what's there to be afraid of!"
"Isn't that bad? It'll scare others."
"Say that again! Then we're going to Times Square."
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