In the Infinity Chamber, the hum of machinery resonated softly.
Tony Stark stood in his lab, surrounded by holographic projections and vials of glowing liquid.
The Phase 2 Super Evolution Serum lay before him, an intricate combination of biology, chemistry, and engineering—a testament to his genius.
'This is it. Phase 2. If Phase 1 was about strength, agility, and precision, achieving Peak Human Physiology, then Phase 2 is survivability.
'To be more precise, Healing and Durability. If I want to stand a chance against what's coming, I can't just survive. I need to thrive in situations that would obliterate anyone else.'
Although he many likely not face such situation with the many tricks up his sleeves, it was better to be prepared for all scenarios.
The first serum had already elevated him to a state a bit beyond the likes of Steve Rogers.
Enhanced reflexes, amplified cognitive function, even an embryonic X-gene lay dormant within him after he had taken the phase one of the serum, a sign of how far he had pushed the boundaries of his own evolution.
But Tony knew this wasn't enough. The Mad Titan wouldn't be stopped by clever suits and witty remarks.
He paced the room, eyes darting over the data M.A.R.V.E.L projected.
[M.A.R.V.E.L: The synthesis is complete. All parameters are stable, but the projected risk factor remains at 13.2%.]
"Thirteen-point-two. Might as well be zero, considering what's at stake," Tony muttered.
The serum was the culmination of his work. Samples from Deadpool and Wolverine provided the foundation for a near-perfect healing factor.
Luke Cage's unbreakable skin added a layer of invulnerability, and a stealth mission by his Ion Legion had secured DNA from Elixir, a mutant with cellular manipulation abilities, whom he ha also put under surveillance since he discovered him.
Combined with a synthesized metal, a hybrid of vibranium and adamantium, he had created a material that was light, durable, and adaptive.
'A metal that breathes, bends, and regenerates. Perfect for what I need. It's not enough to be strong. I need to be indestructible—while still looking good in a suit.'
He plans to make his soon to be upgraded physique have some if not all of these qualities. Similar to Wolverines Adamantine Skeleton.
Tony examined the pod at the center of the lab. It was filled with a molten liquid—a glowing mixture of the serum, the hybrid metal, and raw starktonium energy.
"M.A.R.V.E.L, confirm that the nanobots are fully synchronized with the serum's genetic code."
[M.A.R.V.E.L: Synchronization is complete. All nanobots are programmed to integrate the serum into every cell while ensuring structural stability.]
Tony nodded. "Good. If they fail, my body liquefies. Not exactly the legacy I'm going for."
He tapped a command on his holographic interface, initiating the pod's pre-sequence. As the machinery roared to life, he addressed his AI again.
"M.A.R.V.E.L, while I'm out, you're in charge. Run the calculations, monitor every fluctuation, and if something goes south…" He paused, a rare moment of hesitation. "Well, figure it out."
[M.A.R.V.E.L: I always do, sir.]
'I built you for that after all.'
Tony approached the pod, the heat from the molten liquid radiating outward.
He stripped off his armor, leaving only a reinforced suit designed to withstand the initial immersion.
His heart raced—not with fear, but anticipation.
'This isn't just an upgrade. This is true evolution. A step beyond what my original would have taken in the MCU.'
As he stepped into the pod, the molten liquid clung to his skin, seeping into his pores.
It wasn't pain he felt—it was something else entirely. A burning sensation, like his body was being rewritten on a cellular level.
The nanobots activated, swarming through his system, dismantling and rebuilding every cell.
He could feel the metal bonding to his bones, his muscles, his very DNA. The raw stactonium energy surged through him, igniting every nerve ending.
"M.A.R.V.E.L, engage sleep protocol."
[M.A.R.V.E.L: Activating.]
As his consciousness began to fade, Tony's last thought was simple:
'I need a good coffee break after this.'
The pod sealed shut, and the experiment began.
The molten liquid bubbled, glowing brighter with every passing second.
Outside, M.A.R.V.E.L monitored the process, calculating and recalculating probabilities as Tony Stark's body transformed.
For better or worse, there was no turning back.
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