"Oh, then bury them deep underground…"
Dr. Lister didn't even look up, waving his hand dismissively. "So deep their own souls couldn't find their way back."
"Understood."
The researcher immediately ordered Hydra soldiers to start clearing the bodies.
"Karl, I... I'm scared."
In the hallway, Wanda's eyes nervously darted to the pale, stiff corpses being pushed past on carts. Her trembling body instinctively leaned toward Carl, as if being near him would somehow make her safer.
"Wanda, be strong." Pietro, walking ahead of them, tried to encourage her with a serious tone:
"I have a feeling… we're going to get the power we need for revenge."
"Really...? Really?"
Wanda's face was filled with hesitation.
Though she and Pietro had volunteered for the experiment, clearly, neither was truly prepared to stare death in the face.
But now, it was too late to turn back.
When they arrived, they had already witnessed several terrified volunteers get executed on the spot for refusing to participate.
"It's true," Carl nodded firmly.
"Wanda, don't worry. You and Pietro are the ones chosen by fate. You'll definitely pass the experiment and gain unparalleled power!"
That simple sentence of comfort managed to dispel much of Wanda's fear.
She tilted her head and looked at Carl, a soft smile blooming across her lips.
"I just realized… you have potential as a scam artist."
Carl smiled without saying a word.
Potential? No, I might become a god soon.
And then…
Pique, who had been tailing the three of them, snorted sarcastically:
"Chosen Ones? Are you serious?"
"All I see are three corpses-in-waiting."
As he said this, he gave Carl a pointed look.
In a quiet voice, just low enough that only Carl could hear, he hissed:
"Boy, you'd better hope you die in that lab…"
"Otherwise, I'll make you wish you were never born."
"Oh? Looking forward to it already."
Carl met his gaze with a calm, challenging smirk.
"Why don't you show me how scary you are… right now?"
"Wha—?!"
Pique's expression froze.
He clearly didn't expect the guy to challenge him face-to-face like that, much less taunt him.
Damn it! Yesterday's beating wasn't enough for this punk?!
Embarrassed and still bitter over missing his "chance" with Wanda, he instantly lifted the butt of his gun to strike—
But before he could do anything—
Dr. Lister arrived, surrounded by researchers, striding toward them quickly.
"You two are the twins, correct?"
Dr. Lister looked at Wanda and Pietro with interest, then spoke with visible anticipation:
"Among all the volunteers, you're the only set of siblings. Your data will be incredibly valuable for our research."
"I can't wait to see what kind of reaction that magical scepter will trigger in your bodies!"
He then turned and instructed the researchers behind him:
"Move these two... no, move all three of them forward. Begin the experiment immediately!"
"Yes, Doctor."
The researcher quickly set things in motion.
Carl's heart dropped.
He had hoped to delay the process by provoking Pique into a scene...
But before anything could even happen, Dr. Lister had given him a fast pass to the front of the line.
What rotten luck...
This was the definition of bad stacking on bad—unlucky squared!
"Hey, congrats. No need to queue," Pique sneered maliciously.
He then marched Carl, Wanda, and Pietro toward the experimental chamber made of reinforced materials.
A researcher was already waiting, clipboard in hand.
He checked the numbers on their hospital gowns, then pointed at Pietro:
"Number 378, you go first."
Pietro inhaled deeply, forcing a brave smile as he turned to Carl and Wanda.
"I'll go first. You two better be ready to hear about my glorious victory—"
"Less talk, more walk!" Pique snapped, pushing him inside.
As Pietro entered the sealed chamber, Wanda and Carl both stiffened.
She was worried about her brother.
Carl was worried about... everyone—including himself.
But unexpectedly...
Just a few minutes later—
Several researchers sprinted into the chamber.
After quickly checking Pietro's collapsed body, they excitedly reported back to Dr. Lister in the control room:
"Long live Hydra! Doctor—miracle confirmed!"
"Subject 378 made direct contact with the scepter—his vital signs are stable! He survived!"
In the control room.
Dr. Lister stared at the data on-screen, a wide, manic grin spreading across his face.
He shouted:
"Hahaha! Excellent!!"
"These twins really are my lucky stars!"
"Immediately isolate and monitor Subject 378!"
"Start the next phase right away. I have a feeling the girl will give us another miracle!!"
"Yes, Doctor!"
The researchers swiftly carried off the unconscious Pietro.
Then they turned to Wanda, who was nervously waiting.
"Number 379, your turn."
But Wanda didn't move.
Instead, she stood her ground, eyes firm.
"Not until you tell me how Pietro is doing!"
The researcher frowned impatiently.
He was just about to have the guards force her forward—
When a voice came through his walkie-talkie.
It was Dr. Lister.
"No need to worry, Number 379."
"Your brother's vitals are excellent. He survived."
"And I believe the same miracle awaits you."
"As we agreed—if you truly want power, if you desire a better future, then cooperate with us."
Wanda hesitated.
Then, she took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Just before entering the chamber, she suddenly turned and looked at Carl.
With uncharacteristic courage, she asked:
"Um... can I ask why you stood up for me back there?"