[T-Virus Enhancement Serum (Side Effect-Free Version)]
Source: Resident Evil Universe
Effect 1: Greatly enhances all physical attributes, improving resistance to damage, adaptability to extreme environments, and accelerating recovery from injuries.
Effect 2: Grants immunity to T-Virus infection and boosts resistance to other viruses.
Effect 3: Bestows the skill Mind Power.
Without hesitation, Marcus used the serum as soon as he drew it.
Just like with the Super-Soldier Serum, the T-Virus enhancement dissolved into a soft white light that flowed into his body. Instantly, he felt changes—his already peak human physique surged beyond normal human limits.
His skin toughened, taking on a leather-like resilience. Curious, Marcus drew an alloy bayonet and pressed it against his forearm. Even with nearly half his strength, he could barely cut the skin, and the shallow wound sealed itself in just over ten seconds.
He nodded in approval. With this resilience and regeneration, his survivability in battle had just skyrocketed.
Effect 2 couldn't be tested immediately, but Marcus suspected it would grant at least partial immunity to Tyranid toxins—a useful bonus.
The real surprise was Mind Power. Guided by the system's prompt, Marcus focused on the bayonet. A moment later, it floated in the air, wrapped in a hazy white glow visible only to him. Through this psychic link, he could sense its position even behind obstacles.
Experimenting, he made the weapon slash, thrust, parry faster, slower, growing steadily more adept. In fiction, Mind Power was common, but in reality, Marcus now understood its frightening potential. In time, he could crush an enemy's brain without lifting a finger.
But mastery would take practice, and overuse strained his mind. For now, it was best as a support tool.
Satisfied, Marcus left the tent for the Astra Militarum front lines.
Three Ultramarines were helping Cadian soldiers fortify the defenses. Titus, Chairon, and Gadriel stood nearby with Major Sarkaana, reviewing battle plans.
"Everyone here owes you their lives, Lord," Sarkaana said, saluting.
Titus studied the map. "We must cross the jungle to reach the orbital defense cannon."
Gadriel pointed at the swamp marked on the chart. "Fewer Tyranids here. The cannon lies beyond."
Titus approved. They scanned the area with an Auspex, preparing to move—when a voice called out.
"Esteemed Lords, I request to join you."
Kairon turned. It was Marcus, the mortal who had once charged beside them and slain a Tyranid Warrior.
"Soldier," Kairon said, voice calm but warning, "do you understand what you're asking?"
Marcus met his gaze. "I do, Lord. Even if the path costs me my life, I will walk it."
He launched into a fabricated tale—a dream of a blazing sun, a figure's command to save the people of the Recidious System, awakening with newfound power. "Perhaps it is the God-Emperor's blessing," Marcus finished, "and I will use it to destroy the xenos!"
To prove his strength, he swung at Kairon. The Ultramarine caught his fist effortlessly, yet his eyes widened at the force behind it.
Gadriel raised his bolter, aiming for Marcus's head—until Titus stayed his hand.
"I sense no Chaos corruption in him," Titus said. His long experience told him the truth: Marcus's power bore no taint.
Perhaps this mortal truly was blessed by the Emperor. And even if not, Titus could end him at any time.
Somewhere deep in his mind, a faint voice urged him to accept the man's request.