In a mysterious manor, the rhythmic click of black boots echoed through the corridor. The Cuckoo sisters, dressed in black stockings, short skirts, and white shirts, approached the study with calculated steps.
Inside the study, a man sat with his back to the door, contemplating a chessboard on the table. As the three sisters took their seats, a sense of tension filled the room.
"The plan has taken an unexpected turn."
"We couldn't infiltrate the underground organization."
"But the Hound Project is no more."
The man slowly swiveled around, revealing a bald black figure in a sleek suit holding a black pebble.
"This complicates things."
"I was tasked to revive the Hellfire Club with you, but your actions almost jeopardized everything," the man remarked.
"Just almost."
"The mission is still accomplished."
"Despite not penetrating the underground organization, I did gather intelligence on Max."
The three sisters exchanged glances and spoke in unison, "He seems to have a hint of recognition. He knows who we are."
"He's a potential recruit for the Hellfire Club, but he must pass an assessment. Continue your mission, and..." The man casually tossed the pebble, transforming it into a dazzling diamond. "This will fund your activities."
...
The weather outside was bright and sunny, casting its glow on a person seated under a tree lost in thought. A gentle breeze tousled their hair, revealing concealed scars that remained unnoticed in the sunlight.
Blink, lost in contemplation, looked up to find Max standing before them.
"What are your thoughts?" Max inquired.
"Only through war can peace be achieved; evasion won't solve the problem," Blink replied. "I've noticed many mutants in the underground organization planning smuggling operations to Mexico. Allow me to handle this task."
Max readily accepted Blink's request.
"Good."
"If you ever feel sad, don't keep it to yourself. You can find me," Max reassured.
Blink smiled and responded, "Okay, Captain!"
With a faint laugh, Max turned and walked away.
....
In an underground laboratory, Max entered to find Viper removing her white coat, signaling the end of her work. Seeing Max, she grinned and shared, "I was just about to come to you. The results are in. Although the mutants exhibit varying degrees of weakening, 100% integration is guaranteed. Factors like self-healing will improve over time."
Max nodded, acknowledging the initial weakened state but understanding the potential for steady enhancement with continued use.
"I've calculated that if you integrate Juggernaut's genes, your body stiffness, physical strength, and power will improve. Personally, I recommend starting with Juggernaut's genes for a more comprehensive enhancement," Viper advised earnestly.
Max nodded, acknowledging Viper's unspoken choice of Juggernaut's gene.
"When does it begin?"
"Anytime."
Max nodded, turning around to step into the sleek silver samurai armor.
The silver samurai armor, besides providing defense and attack capabilities, housed integrated genes that were both simpler and more perfect. In contrast, the previous Viper's extraction and gene research lacked the finesse of this advanced armor. The process must have been crude and straightforward, a discomfort Max was now spared from.
Entering the laboratory clad in the silver samurai armor, Max found Viper ready and waiting.
Similar to the previous absorption of the Self-healing factor, Max's hands and fingers were pierced once more. This time, however, it wasn't flesh but a machine interface at the other end.
"Are you ready?" Viper inquired.
Max nodded.
Almost immediately, he sensed an intrusion into his body, a palpable shift taking place.
"By the way, I forgot to tell you, this process will be more painful than last time!" Viper's voice faintly echoed, unheard by Max. With the integration of genes, a sharp tingling pain surged through Max's entire being. It felt like being cut by a thousand swords, an intense pain spreading across his body.
Soon, Max lost the ability to hear or feel, his five senses seemingly vanishing, leaving only his sheer willpower.
The tingling intensified, followed by a burning sensation that consumed every inch of his body, as if his very soul was set ablaze. Stoic as he was, Max wouldn't cry out in pain, eventually succumbing to unconsciousness.
When Max woke up in a haze, he found himself lying on his bedroom bed. As he attempted to rise, a violent tingling engulfed his body, a sensation akin to fire coursing through him. Almost falling to the ground, he realized the gene integration had taken place. Was it a failure or a success?
"You're awake?" Viper's voice greeted him.
The door to the room swung open, emitting a surprised gasp as those inside hurriedly rushed to assist Max.
"Uh..."
They held Max firmly against the head of the bed, raising a leg on the bed. Blink looked a bit awkward, extending an arm to pull the quilt and discreetly cover Max.
Max, however, wasn't particularly embarrassed; he was more eager to learn about what had transpired than the exposure of his weapon.
"How long have I been unconscious?" he inquired.
"Three days!"
The door creaked as Viper entered, closely followed by Yukio and Lauren, all wearing expressions of concern.
"So?" Max questioned, locking eyes with Viper.
"Success!" Viper promptly reassured Max with the outcome, adding, "Given that this isn't a self-healing factor, there's a process of restructuring your body. Have you noticed that your current physique is more resilient than before? It'll take another two or three days before you're completely back to normal."
"That's good," Max responded with confidence.
"Now that you're awake, I'll go get some rest. I haven't closed my eyes to monitor your condition these past three days. We took turns taking care of you." Viper yawned, waved a tired hand, and turned to leave.
Only then did Max notice the dark circles under Vipers' eyes, realizing that the others were clearly not as energetic as usual.
....
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