In the center of the laboratory, three devices resembling hibernation pods were lined up in a row.
Looking at the rugged, abstract design of these three machines, even Luca, who had seen 'Superpower Activation Devices' before, couldn't help but want to facepalm.
Metal plates, restraint straps, injection needles, and a pot-lid helmet connected to a mass of tubes and wires.
If not for the high-tech hibernation pod shell on the outside, this thing looked less like a 'Superpower Activation Device' and more like an execution chair for death row inmates.
However, there was really no other way.
Although the theoretical foundation of the Superpower Development Department was largely a continuation of the HYDRA tech tree they had studied for years, Yuri's technology brought a mature and practical theory of 'Psychic Capability Development.'
The research team led by Dr. List and Raina, having absorbed the essence of psychic development, naturally wouldn't discard the ready-made psychic equipment in the Yuri Lab.
Despite the abstract appearance of this new activation device, it effectively doubled the success rate of ability development and provided greater safety guarantees.
After all, the researchers didn't know that the three participants in this human trial all had potential for superpowers.
Aurantius Industries wasn't an evil organization like HYDRA that relied on dumb luck and human sacrifice to produce one or two powered individuals.
Based on their current research progress, even rigorously screened ordinary people could rely on this device to develop true superpowers with some luck. Even if activation failed, it wouldn't cause significant physical damage.
Only with this level of completion could it truly be called a 'Superpower Activation Device.'
At this moment, Raina, Wanda, and Pietro—the three 'qualified candidates' who volunteered for the first ability development trial—had already laid down in the experimental instruments with anxious hearts.
Yes, they volunteered.
Raina, the fanatic worshipper of superpowers, needed no explanation.
In fact, even the Maximoff siblings had 'volunteered' to participate in the experiment and went through 'rigorous selection' before finally making it here.
Of course, how Luca secretly guided them and adjusted the selection criteria specifically for them was not something outsiders needed to know.
It wasn't a waste of effort. At least now, the siblings had genuinely chosen to join Aurantius Industries for their own future and the future of Sokovia.
"Alright, let's begin!"
Seeing that everything was ready, Luca didn't bother with formalities. He signaled Dr. List that they could officially start.
"All departments, attention! Begin nutrient injection. Gene stabilizer set to 5%. Activate psychic stimulation field. Synchronize Gamma Ray increment..."
Orders were issued methodically one after another.
At this moment, aside from the reports of various data and the slight hum of machines, everyone held their breath, staring at the three experimental devices, hoping for a good result.
Unfortunately, since this was the first official human trial, no matter how thorough the preparations were, minor errors were inevitable.
In front of the left test bench, a researcher monitoring Raina's data saw a deviation in the indicators and immediately reported to List.
"Subject 1's vitals are erratic! Keratin concentration in the body is spiking! Partial calcification imminent on the body surface!"
Hearing the urgent report from his subordinate, Dr. List's heart tightened.
Although he had prepared enough contingency plans for various problems during the activation process, the fact that the problem was happening to his colleague Raina made him slightly flustered.
Is Dr. Raina developing a bone-related ability?
Thoughts flashed through his mind rapidly. Without delay, Dr. List quickly ordered:
"Increase cellular stimulation shock power by 10%. Increase gene stabilizer to 6%. Gamma Rays..."
Just as he was issuing adjustments, another researcher monitoring Pietro also spoke up.
"Subject 3's metabolic rate is skyrocketing..."
"Don't panic! Continue injecting nutrient solution!"
With problems appearing consecutively, the atmosphere in the lab instantly became tense.
With the big boss Luca observing in person today, even though most issues were anticipated, anxiety began to spread uncontrollably.
Inside the devices, Raina and Quicksilver seemed to have coordinated, their bodies beginning to twitch and tremble to varying degrees.
However, amidst everyone, Luca was actually the calmest.
He narrowed his eyes, looking at Wanda, who was quietly resting in the middle machine. A blue light flashed in his eyes.
In Luca's vision, Wanda, who was also a test subject, was emitting faint streams of scarlet gas.
These flowing gases, seemingly some kind of energy, didn't just wrap around Wanda and her brother Pietro.
Even Raina wasn't left out; she was enveloped by this red energy invisible to others.
Soon, after the red ribbons invisible to the naked eye wrapped the three of them completely, Raina and Pietro, who seemed to be in trouble just moments ago, quickly stabilized.
Chaos Magic? Or probability manipulation?
Looks like Raina's luck is pretty good. Wanda's desire was for the experiment to succeed, not just for herself and Pietro!
Everything seemed to return to the right track.
Luca just quietly watched the situation unfold without saying anything.
Until a hiss sound signaled the release of a small amount of steam, and the messy nutrient solution was drained away through the pipes.
After the lids of the hibernation pods opened, everyone looked expectantly at the three people lying inside.
Finally, Dr. List was the first to react, hurriedly instructing his subordinates to carry the three out, help them with physical examinations, and test for any potential abilities.
Among them, Raina was indeed 'very lucky' as Luca had thought. She didn't undergo any physical mutations or become the 'porcupine person' from the original work.
Psychic perception? Seems to have some telekinetic tendencies too?
I wonder if she can gradually develop mind control and her original precognition ability later?
Looking at the excited Raina, and Wanda, who immediately released red energy to manipulate objects after stepping out of the pod...
Oh, and Pietro, who couldn't control his body at all and turned into a streak of light, crashing into everything.
Amidst the cheers and excitement of everyone, Luca slowly walked out.
"Tell Dr. List to let them familiarize themselves with their abilities for a while."
"Once they adapt, I happen to have a small mission for them. Consider it their graduation exam~"