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Chapter 101: The Temptation of Immortality
🕑 Added 2024-12-20 13:56:52 +0000 UTC"I found it!" While Josh was still thinking about how to deal with Bucky, Ophelia came over with a stack of documents. "Tell me," Josh said.
"This research facility was a secret lab directly under Johann Schmidt, run by his trusted subordinate, Major General Werner Reinhardt. I know him-he's a ruthless executioner. The subject of their research is an artifact called the 'Prophet'. This is it." Ophelia handed Josh a photograph.
Josh examined the photograph. It showed a multifaceted prismatic object that appeared to be metallic. Due to the black and white color of the photo, its exact design was unclear, but there was something vaguely familiar about it.
Reinhardt? Josh's memory clicked - wasn't that the name of Daniel Whitehall, one of Hydra's future leaders, before he de-aged? Daniel Whitehall, a frozen Asian woman, and a metallic prism.
Of course! The so-called "prophet" was actually the obelisk that contained the Terrigen crystals that could awaken Inhuman abilities.
And the frozen woman? She was probably Jiaying—Quake's mother. Wait, what was her exact name again?
"This artifact was discovered by Reinhardt in Portugal years ago. Realizing its significance, he traced its origins to a village in China and captured the workers who unearthed it to keep it secret. To ensure its safety, Reinhardt kidnapped the entire village for experiments. Most of them turned to ash upon contact with the 'prophet', except for this woman, who survived and even triggered a brilliant glow from it. However, despite their best efforts, they haven't been able to uncover the secrets of the artifact or the woman," Ophelia explained. "Her name seems to be Jiayin?"
It was indeed the obelisk—everything matched Josh's knowledge of it perfectly.
Jiayin? That must be Jiaying.
"Do you know where Reinhardt is now? And what about the location of the 'Prophet'?" Josh asked.
"Unfortunately, the 'Prophet' was moved to another research facility before Operation Paperclip began. Jiaying was supposed to be transferred as well, but the timing didn't work out. During the operation, Reinhardt and this facility were among the first targets captured by a resistance group. When Allied forces arrived in Vienna, Reinhardt and other war criminals were turned over to them, and the research facility was taken over as well. Based on current information, it appears that Reinhardt never disclosed the existence of this lab," Ophelia replied.
Josh raised an eyebrow. The Obelisk was already in Allied hands? He wondered if the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) had taken it. If not, he might still have a chance to acquire it.
"And what about Bucky Barnes? Does the log say why he's here?" Josh gestured to Bucky's cryogenic pod.
"According to the log, his name is James Barnes. He's a member of the Howling Commandos. He fell off a cliff during their raid on a base in the Alps and was later found by Reinhardt's search team. He was temporarily housed here because Dr. Arnim Zola specifically requested him as a test subject. However, before he could be transported, Zola was captured by the Commandos and the war ended shortly thereafter," Ophelia said. She knew Josh was familiar with Captain America, so she wasn't surprised when Josh recognized Bucky and promptly read the information.
"So other than Reinhardt and Zola, no one else was supposed to know the exact purpose of this lab?" Josh asked.
"Technically, yes, but there could always be unforeseen circumstances," Ophelia replied carefully.
"I see. If I were to task you with locating or contacting Reinhardt and Zola, could you do it?" Josh asked.
"I can try, but the Strategic Scientific Reserve is hard to deal with," Ophelia admitted with a frown.
"Do your best, but prioritize your safety and avoid exposure at all costs," Josh said.
"Understood. Once I make contact, what's the plan? Do you hope to recruit them?" Ophelia inquired.
"Only Zola. As for Reinhardt, I don't want to hear about him getting out of Allied custody alive," Josh said firmly.
Arnim Zola was undoubtedly a brilliant scientist, and his work on the Tesseract rivaled that of the Starks.
If Josh could tap into Zola's expertise, it would be invaluable-especially for studying powerful objects like the Infinity Stones.
Reinhardt, however, was a different story. He was of no value to Josh. Killing him would serve as retribution for the villagers he had slaughtered.
"I see," Ophelia nodded.
"For now, let's proceed as follows, investigate Bucky's background further. If his records check out, unfreeze him and turn him over to the SSR. Tell them we found him while hunting in the Alps. This will also give you a chance to make contact with the SSR. As for the woman, get her out. She's coming with me," Josh said, his gaze lingering on Jiaying in the cryogenic pod.
Jiaying had already made contact with the obelisk, which meant that her Inhuman abilities were probably activated. That saved Josh a lot of effort.
Immortality—who could resist its allure?
While Josh's Dimensional Trading System offered limitless possibilities, those possibilities were uncertain. Jiaying's gift of immortality, on the other hand, was available right now and here.
Unlike Reinhardt's cruel methods, Josh intended to study her abilities ethically—perhaps through genetic research. After all, there was no need to destroy the source if progress could be made more sustainably.
Reinhardt's desperate measures, driven by his failing health, had left no room for patience or finesse.
[A/N: (Previous reference to Bucky's arm has been corrected, his arm was lost in the fall, and Hydra modified the remaining limb during reconstruction.)]
(TL/N: First time saw a Chinese author fix a mistake)
