Super Soldier Serum

Over a month had passed since Aiden's disappearance. Initially, the media was abuzz, reporting and searching for any trace of him. But as time flowed on, the clamor inevitably subsided.

The world always moves on, unfazed by the absence of one. The media, ever fickle, ceased reheating old news once it could no longer grasp the public's attention. Aiden became a mere ripple in the vast river of history.

Yet, Dale's death remained unannounced, which surprised Aiden. He didn't understand the intricacies behind the silence, and the whereabouts of the bodyguards present that day were unknown. Aiden could only guess that for a corporation as large as Dale Real Estate, the death of its head would be more than just a personal tragedy—it would affect the entire industry.

What Dale Real Estate planned to do was beyond Aiden's knowledge. All he knew was that he had taken another step on the path he had chosen. Today was another day to move forward.

December 16th, 1991. A special date for Aiden, who, as a Marvel enthusiast in his past life, was sensitive to many significant moments. He knew that today was the day Howard Stark, Iron Man's father, would die on Long Island. Though Long Island was extensive, with numerous jurisdictions, nothing could deter Aiden's pursuit.

Howard Stark was a renowned figure, his estate famously grand. Now, Aiden had pinpointed where the man lived.

Long Island, adjacent to the Atlantic, was neither too hot for Aiden nor bitterly cold in winter. At the moment, he was hidden in the dense woods outside the estate, his small face reddened by the cold, wearing a ragged down jacket.

The brutal beating by the bodyguard had left Aiden bedridden for a long time, nearly leading to his death. If not for the timely intervention of two paparazzi, he might have died in that dark alley.

This experience made it crystal clear to Aiden: his telekinetic powers were formidable but only decorative in offense. Physical strength was the true measure of power.

Having abandoned the excuse of his age and frailty, Aiden was ready to turn Hell's Kitchen upside down. Physical fitness was the foundation of everything, so he set his sights on the Super Soldier Serum.

On the night of December 16th, Howard Stark was to attend an important meeting. In the cinematic world, his actions were odd; he left the estate with his wife without any bodyguards. Later, Howard and his wife would be assassinated by the Winter Soldier.

Aiden had no intention of confronting the Winter Soldier head-on. He was determined, yes, but not foolish. The Winter Soldier, an elite among Hydra's elites, was a veritable "killing machine." Aiden was not yet tired of living. He merely intended to steal a vial of the Super Soldier Serum before the assassination, interfering as little as possible with future events. This would maintain his advantage of foreknowledge while also strengthening his body.

His prescience regarding future events was Aiden's greatest asset, even more useful than telekinesis. He had no desire to squander his future prospects.

Howard Stark's car trunk held five vials of the Super Soldier Serum. Aiden desired only one.

Rubbing his tender hands together, Aiden breathed on his palms to warm them, his body concealed behind a large tree as dusk approached. The calls of birds overhead, distinct from crows, lent a desolate tone to the atmosphere. Aiden's body hadn't fully recovered from the mutation; it seemed to have lingering effects. The brutal kicks and punches from the bodyguard seemed to have done permanent damage. His right ankle ached with each step, and his left shoulder throbbed whenever he lifted his arm. Aiden often joked bitterly to himself that at five years old, he had already developed periarthritis.

His mutant abilities had randomly granted him telekinesis, nothing more. If he had been able to choose additional powers, perhaps his life wouldn't be as hard as it was now. But at least his random ability wasn't too low-level; telekinesis was a decent power, a capital for his rise.

Lost in thought as night fell, Aiden's surroundings grew silent. Howard's estate was large and peaceful, the absence of neighboring buildings presenting an opportunity.

In the distance, Aiden heard the sound of a car approaching.

He perked up, peeking out from the trees as the headlights neared. The car wasn't moving fast; it seemed lonely on the secluded, dark road.

Aiden often wondered why a man of Howard's status didn't have bodyguards with him, especially when transporting something so precious. Did he truly not care?

As the sedan passed by, Aiden took to the air. The hard training of recent times had paid off; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to catch up with the car, even at its slow pace.

Gliding through the forest, he almost fancied himself a mythical creature.

Aiden swerved his small body, slipping between two large trees. As the car turned a corner, he followed close behind, managing to latch onto the rear of the vehicle. As the car straightened out, Aiden's tiny form was completely hidden from view, unseen by the side mirrors or the rearview mirror.

With a gentle flick of his fingers, the trunk lock clicked, the sound masked by the rumble of the car.

Aiden cautiously lifted the trunk lid and slipped inside.

Before him lay an exquisite silver briefcase. Aiden hastily opened it to reveal five neatly arranged, ice-blue vials filled with a liquid of the same color.

"Super Soldier Serum," Aiden whispered to himself. After an injection, he wouldn't be easily knocked out by a kick, would he?

Thump.

The car hit a bump, and the trunk, which had been left slightly ajar, flung open. Aiden, startled, grabbed one of the vials and prepared to jump out.

But at the same time, the car screeched to a halt. The sudden inertia prevented Aiden from escaping immediately, and he collided with the side of the trunk.

"Wait, dear, I'll check," a man's voice called from the front. Aiden couldn't hesitate; clutching the Super Soldier Serum, he flew out of the trunk, this time opting not to leap.

The click of a gun being cocked rang out.

"Halt!" The man's voice was stern, his gun aimed at the small figure not far away.

"Howard, what is it?" Howard's wife also stepped out, witnessing the strange standoff between the man and the child.

"Listen, kid, what you're doing is illegal. Return it to me, and I might overlook your responsibility," Howard called out loudly.

With the dark barrel of the gun pointed at his head, Aiden had no intention of fighting to the death or testing Howard's shooting skills. He knew the importance of the Super Soldier Serum and that in a moment of desperation, Howard might do the unthinkable.

All he needed was for the situation to stabilize.

Aiden slowly turned his body, allowing the middle-aged couple to see his young face.

"Go ahead, shoot a child," Aiden said, his youth sometimes a significant advantage.

"Oh, my God, you've scared him, Howard." The wife hurried over, her hand resting on Howard's arm. As Howard Stark's wife, she was no ordinary woman. Yet even this dignified and intelligent lady was momentarily charmed by Aiden's youthful appearance.