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Chapter 201 - 196: Babylon

Babylon is more than just a laboratory—it stands as a beacon of cutting-edge research in genetics, mutations, toxicology, and pharmacology. Within its walls, a team of brilliant scientists accomplished what many deemed impossible: they recreated Dr. Erskine's legendary super-soldier serum, a solution with the remarkable ability to transform a mere mortal into a being of extraordinary power, endurance, and potential.

Yet, as awe-inspiring as genetic enhancement may be, it is only one pathway to strength. If brute biology alone defined greatness, Tony Stark would have remained an ordinary man rather than one of Earth's mightiest heroes. So how does a genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist—a man without innate superhuman gifts—stand shoulder to shoulder with Thor himself, the son of Odin? The answer is simple: the marvel of technology.

Stark's high-tech iron armor turns him from vulnerable human to, quite literally, a peer of the gods. It's a curious and thrilling truth—power doesn't have to be inherited or injected. It can be forged, designed, and worn. With the right suit, a person can bridge the gap between ordinary and extraordinary. Batman is another living testament to this philosophy. His arsenal is packed with gadgets that defy imagination; even the infamous batarang possesses enough explosive force to disable armored tanks—though it's hardly the most intimidating tool at his disposal.

Throughout Gotham, his legacy is built as much on intellect and gear as on raw willpower and courage. Reflecting on these icons, I couldn't help but think of my own aspirations. What does the future hold for someone fascinated by both science and heroics? For me, it meant a brand-new workshop—an engine of innovation dedicated to advancing technology, inventing new tools and devices, and developing the breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Most importantly, it would be a place where I could create what I needed to safeguard myself and, perhaps, those dearest to me. Just a month ago, I broke ground on an ambitious project: the construction of a new engineering building.

Tonight, with all the work complete—even the interior finished to perfection—I walked its halls, filled with pride and marvel at how quickly it had come together. The pace was incredible, especially given that this structure is three times the size of our Babylon laboratory. Such scale isn't without reason; weapons, protective gear, and advanced systems will be developed here, making it the heart of innovation moving forward. Given its importance, I named it "Nidavellir," after the legendary forge of the gods—a fitting title for a place destined to birth miracles and marvels.

In outfitting Nidavellir, I made sure to secure essential equipment so it would stand ready for use. While I selected the basics, the specialized tools and machinery will be ordered as needed by the experts I hope to recruit. My goal is clear: to form a team of highly qualified specialists who can help realize every wild idea, every inventive leap, that the future demands. While I'll always be involved in inventing and tinkering, building the right team is critical.

After all, genius flourishes most in community—and with the right minds, potential becomes reality. Truthfully, I pride myself as a true engineer—a creator, a thinker, and a maker. I may not measure up to Tony Stark yet, but I see the day fast approaching when I will rival his intellect and achievements. To prepare for it, I've recently dived into the study of molecular biology, focusing on the structure and function of genes.

The logic is simple: to truly master the super-soldier formula, I must understand gene mutation and the way biological information is encoded and altered. This is a challenging pursuit, especially as I juggle fields and balance multiple streams of conscious work at once. Still, this is what drives me: learning, growing, and evolving alongside my projects. Yet, amid all ambition, one challenge looms largest—finding specialists who are not only qualified, but deeply trustworthy. What is developed in Nidavellir must never be allowed to leak beyond its walls. Security, discretion, and loyalty are paramount.

I am deeply fortunate to have the support of Dr. Kavito Rao and botanist Pamela Isley, whose integrity and professionalism I never question. Both have proven themselves as guardians of Babylon's secrets, and I know they would never betray our trust. But to find more individuals with such rare loyalty and brilliance is painstaking, almost impossible.

One afternoon, I found myself voicing these concerns to Barbara Gordon as she handed me a report on the mobile game "Fruit Ninja." Sensing my unease, Barbara offered, "I could reach out to Lucius. With his connections in the scientific world, perhaps he knows someone at Wayne Enterprises who might be interested in joining us." Her suggestion made me smile.

"Are you trying to poach Bruce's staff?" I teased, picturing such a corporate rivalry. Barbara's reply was thoughtful. "If someone would leave Wayne Enterprises just for a higher salary, can that person truly be trusted? Material well-being motivates many—but it's precisely this temptation that makes finding the right person so difficult." I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.

"I'm asking for very little, really. Loyalty, discretion, integrity—these are baseline values. If someone can't meet them, then they shouldn't be here. I know I'll figure it out eventually." Changing the subject gently, I asked, "Anyway, enough about recruitment—how are you feeling?"

Barbara's answer was brisk and sincere. "I've never felt anything like this before. The serum is extraordinary."

"Are you adjusting well to the changes?"

"I'm almost there," she replied with a bright smile.Just two days ago, Barbara, Silver, and Victoria underwent the forced enhancement process. In simple terms, they transformed—becoming living symbols of perfected human form and strength. The change was not purely physical; they radiated newfound confidence and capability, their bodies sculpted and toned, their beauty accentuated by an inner resilience.

It was, in essence, a glimpse of the ideal sought after by so many women. The delight they felt was unmistakable—seeing their transformation, I too was quietly moved. Still, memory is a tricky thing. Sometimes it drifts, lingering too long on pleasant details.

Lost in thought, I found myself conjuring up images of their renewed strength, their poise, their grace—a vision almost too perfect. "..lex, Alex!" Barbara called out suddenly, bringing me back to reality with a gentle jolt. "Stay grounded!"

I shook off my reverie and listened as she offered a new idea.

"What if we post an ad online? We could seek specialists in engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics—offer competitive salaries and use your reputation to draw in talent. Your name carries weight; we should capitalize on that. You could personally evaluate candidates and select those who meet your criteria."

The suggestion was promising, and I agreed that it carried merit. Still, I considered another resource as well. "Perhaps I should get my assistant 'Eve' involved. She keeps tabs on anyone who's ever appeared in the comics—even passing mentions. These individuals are often a cut above the ordinary. If any of them are seeking work… well, that would be fortunate."

Bruce Banner, Reed Richards, Bruce Wayne, Lex Luthor, Tony Stark, Ray Palmer, Hank Pym—the list of unparalleled intellects long precedes my own ambitions. Anyone who's ever graced the pages of Marvel or DC comics is, by definition, extraordinary. Imagining the possibility of assembling a team with even a fraction of their intelligence and expertise is almost exhilarating.

The thought lingers—what wonders could be built, what problems solved, if even one mind of such caliber joined us here? Yet, I'm aware that reality is seldom so generous.

Recruitment is a process, full of uncertainty, demanding both patience and intuition. It's not just about intelligence or skill—it's about finding those rare individuals whose values align, who can be trusted absolutely, and who see the mission as more than just a job. As these thoughts settle in my mind, I glance around at the newly completed halls of Nidavellir.

The building is filled with potential, waiting for ideas and initiatives to spark innovation that could change everything. With the right team—one built not just on talent but on loyalty—the future looks brighter than ever. For now, I remain both practical and hopeful. Every invention starts with a dream and a plan, but ultimately it's people who bring those plans to life. What matters most is crafting a community that embodies both genius and grace—a workplace where breakthroughs are routine and trust is never in doubt. And perhaps, soon enough, Nidavellir will be just as legendary as its namesake, a place where ordinary limitations fall away and the boundaries of potential are rewritten each and every day

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Thank you all for reading, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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I don't have one

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