Howard anxiously stroked his mustache, pushed his sunglasses up onto his head, and stared at the experimental chamber.
"Did the experiment succeed or not? It seems like it should have succeeded... right?" He bared his teeth. But at the last critical moment, the equipment was overloaded and burned out, so it's hard to say: "I hope I didn't turn this little guy into a roast goose... That would be kind of gross, man."
In his mind, a scene from Thanksgiving popped up, where the family gathered around the dining table, illuminated by the fireplace, smiling with various sumptuous dishes laid out.
Then they lifted the lid of a grand platter to reveal a charred Steve...
He quickly shook his head to chase away the terrifying thought.
He would definitely succeed; he was the best physicist in the world, with no possibility of failure.
Su Ming silently walked behind him; Howard seemed unaware of the addition of a stranger, his focus on the science causing him to overlook his surroundings.
So Deathstroke stood just behind him, both of them raising their heads to watch as the experimental chamber slowly opened.
Only that Su Ming had pocketed the last serum, and he carried Dr. Erskine like a sack over his shoulder.
"Sss..."
The chamber opened, first emitting a cloud of white vapor. Was this really a biochemical chamber? Why did it look like a steaming pot?
However, Howard was relieved. As long as it wasn't emitting black smoke, the person inside might still be saved.
"Mr. Stark, what's going on?"
Howard didn't turn his head, staring nervously at the chamber, but the smoke inside blocked his view, and he waited somewhat apprehensively for the results.
"This is because the radiation saturation also generates heat, and now in the colder external environment, opening the chamber causes the air to condense, resulting in mist."
"Oh, I see." Su Ming nodded knowingly behind him. Howard really was amusing...
Next, the hatch fully opened, and as the mist gradually dissipated, it revealed a strong body inside, chiseled with muscles, with the bare chest shining brightly with oil.
"Wow, Mr. Stark, does your equipment have an automatic oiling feature? Is this really a modified oven?"
The hoarse voice came again from behind, laced with amazement.
In reality, Su Ming raised the gun in his hand to the back of Howard's head, then held up a finger to signal Colonel and Peggy to remain silent.
Not far away, Philip and Carter bared their teeth and made faces, gesturing wildly to Stark to turn around and look.
Deathstroke stood holding Dr. Erskine, weapon in hand, right behind you! If we speak, he'll shoot you dead!
Howard only glanced distractedly at them before quickly diverting his gaze.
Seriously, Colonel Philip, such a big man, yet so mischievous. Even though the experiment was successful, don't stick your tongue out at me.
And Agent Carter, where did your English ladylike restraint go? Though I know you fancy Steve, don't roll your eyes in glee, alright?
By comparison, Howard preferred the person behind him, eager to learn and progress, even though he lacked basic knowledge. But no worries, he could explain.
"That's because the serum transformed his body, expelling all internal fat through the skin, making it appear so oily now." Howard wiped his mustache on both sides patiently explaining, "Given that Steve used to be very thin, most of the fat was accumulated on his backside, so we can deduce that the back of his pants must be wet, so if you see, don't laugh, it's not wetting his pants."
"Wow, Mr. Howard, you know so much." Su Ming chuckled mischievously praising him; this fool still hasn't noticed, right? Colonel and Carter's faces must've cramped by now?
"Oh? Is that right? Hahahaha! I'm just that outstanding, can't be helped."
"So, Mr. Stark, have you realized your talent for making everything explode? Ever considered making a big bomb?"
"Turns out I have, maybe Stark Industries will venture into the military field someday."
Howard had long realized his talent, a scientist's experiments always accompanied explosions, and the Federal Government had recently approached him, secretly authorizing him to organize a team to develop a Super Bomb powered by nuclear fission.
That's child's play, he could finish it alone in less than half a month; why build a team? Are they underestimating this genius?
Therefore, Howard was quite displeased; anyway, the country gave him three years, he'd let them wait; the work here was done, time to head to Hollywood and indulge in being a director for a year or two.
Heard there were plenty of aspiring actresses there... hehe, better not think about it...
Su Ming looked a bit odd; in the beginning, Howard answered seriously, but suddenly his expression twisted and seemed a bit sleazy?
"Alright, then I wish you success."
"Oh, I didn't mean to sleep with actresses, what success... uh, who are you?"
Howard turned around with a playful look on his face, saying no interest in sleeping, yet his eyes were filled with unruly amusement, with a tone of boasting and showing off.
This thirsty? People say geniuses have quirks, but at this level, it's pathological, isn't it?
Howard turned around to find it wasn't some lab-coated intern behind him, but a sturdy man in yellow and black armor, with Dr. Erskine slung like a sack over his shoulder.
With the hot and cold air caused by the experimental chamber, the few remaining hairs on Dr. Erskine's head swayed slightly.
Howard's smile froze, realizing that the man before him was pointing a gun at him.
He turned to glance at Colonel and Carter, who looked at him helplessly, now he understood?
Howard painfully closed his eyes, shaking his head at them, I don't want to understand...
"Mr. Stark, I'm just here today to meet you; you're a very ambitious patriotic scientist. Here's my business card; if you ever get into trouble, you can come to me, guaranteed satisfaction."
Su Ming put down the gun, just wanting to have a little fun with them, then he also handed Howard his business card.
"So, who exactly are you?"
"Deathstroke, mercenary, so I need to preemptively inform you, my services are all paid projects, and if you can't pay later, you'll die quite miserably..."
"Uh, oh..."
Howard dumbly held the business card, letting Deathstroke walk past him.
He got everything he needed, watched all the drama. It was time to leave; there were still plenty of things to deal with.
Carrying Dr. Erskine, he headed towards the observation room stairs, following the same route back.
"Stop! Put down the Doctor!"
Su Ming turned his head to find Steve had awakened, leaping out of the chamber, barefoot and charging at him.