As before, as soon as he entered the laboratory, Loren lost all sense of time.
He devoted himself to Viper's transformation after a night of grueling work.
Finally, early the next morning, he completed the entire procedure.
Under the bright surgical lights, Viper lay naked and bound to the laboratory table, motionless.
Once the anesthesia wore off, she slowly regained consciousness.
She awoke to find herself tied to the operating table like a lab rat.
Viper screamed in terror and thrashed violently, straining against the restraints.
"What do you want? Let me go—let me go!!"
She glared at Loren with pure horror.
Hearing her cries, Loren—who had been standing aside—washed the blood from his hands and spoke calmly.
"I've already done what I set out to do. There's no need to panic—it's far too late for that.
You've just undergone brain surgery and several other modifications, so I'd advise you to stay still.
If you struggle, you might damage your brain and end up an idiot. And trust me, drooling all day isn't a pleasant way to live."
"!!!!"
"Brain surgery?! You opened my skull? What did you do to me?"
"Nothing drastic. I simply removed the discharge device Dr. Zola implanted in your head.
From now on, you won't have to wander the Hydra base like a tethered dog.
So, in a way, I saved you. You're free."
"What—you took that thing out of my head?
That's… impossible!
Dr. Zola said it could never be removed. Even attempting it would fry my brain and turn me into a vegetable!"
"Well, he's right. There is indeed such a risk, but it's useless to me."
Loren's expression was so calm—as if he were talking about a trivial matter—that even Viper was stunned.
"Are you serious? You really took something out of my head?"
Hearing what Loren said, Viper couldn't help but reveal a hint of joy on her face; inside, she was overjoyed.
Over the years, Viper had suffered terribly from that discharge device.
It would activate not only when she broke the rules, but also whenever Dr. Zora chose to trigger it manually.
Whenever she did something wrong—or even when she didn't—Dr. Zora would activate the device to punish her, making her life worse than death.
Because of this, her hatred for Dr. Zora had grown to an unimaginable level.
Yet, due to the device's terrifying power, she was utterly helpless and couldn't resist at all.
And now Loren had actually removed it.
How could she not be happy? It was like being given a new life!
"You can see what's inside the iron box on your left," Loren said, not answering her question directly. He raised his hand and pointed toward the box nearby.
Viper immediately turned to look.
Inside, she saw a pea-sized black metal object, stained with blood.
And that was the discharge device implanted in her brain—Loren had actually removed it.
There was a hint of gratitude in her eyes as she looked at Loren.
Then, with some difficulty, she spoke: "Thank you."
"Oh? You actually know how to say 'thank you' on your own initiative? That's great—you've made progress."
"But it's a little early to be thanking me. Yes, I helped you remove the discharge device Dr. Zora installed…"
"But I've also implanted a new, more advanced neurotoxin-delivering device in your head."
"!!!!!"
"Son of a bitch, you pervert, fuck...Ahhhh!!"
She heard Loren say that something more cruel was installed in her head.
Viper collapsed immediately and began speaking wildly—even expressing a desire to kill Loren.
But what she hadn't expected was that the mere thought of killing him would trigger a reaction.
Her body instantly began to tremble as if electrocuted, her face contorted in agony.
"Do you harbor evil intentions toward me?" Loren said, his voice laced with mock disappointment. "You're such a fickle woman! Weren't you just thanking me?"
He paused, then continued with calm authority.
"But it doesn't matter. From now on, you'll never be able to kill me—not even in your thoughts. The moment that idea forms in your mind and generates the corresponding brainwave, my device will detect it and release neurotoxins into your system."
"You're feeling it right now—your entire body convulsing as though electrified, pierced by needle-like pain. That sensation should be familiar to you, shouldn't it? After all, neurotoxins are your specialty."
A faint smirk crossed his lips.
"I've optimized your method and amplified its effect a hundredfold. Just one microgram is enough to paralyze an adult completely. Even your highly toxic physiology can't withstand something this potent."
"So don't even think about resisting me. It'll only intensify your suffering—make your life worse than death itself."
He leaned closer, voice softening slightly.
"But the effect is fleeting. The moment you stop entertaining hostile thoughts toward me, the pain vanishes, and you return to normal. So long as you behave—so long as you harbor no ill will—you'll live just like any ordinary person. No restrictions. No arbitrary punishments."
"I'm far kinder than Dr. Zola ever was."
As Loren spoke, he gently lifted Viper's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Suddenly, an overwhelming, irresistible pressure bore down on her—like a mountain crushing her spirit. Viper couldn't help but tremble.
Finally, she seemed to accept her fate. Lowering her proud head, she submitted—to Loren.
"I understand," she whispered. "From now on, I will submit to you completely. I'll never dare betray you."
"Hahaha! Very good," Loren laughed. "I always appreciate those who know what's good for them. And in recognition of your loyalty, I have more good news for you."
"…?" Viper blinked, confused.
"You're my first modified subject," he explained. "I've tested many things on you. In addition to the neurotoxin control device implanted in your brain, I also injected you with a specialized strengthening serum."
"My formula is more stable than the Super Soldier Serum. But given your past actions, I deemed the full version unwarranted—for now. So what you received is a temporary variant. Its effects last only three months. After that, you'll need a new dose."
"Even so," he added with a knowing smile, "this temporary version grants you physical strength rivaling that of a super soldier. Combined with your innate toxin manipulation abilities, you're now far more powerful than you ever were."
With that, Loren untied her restraints, granting her freedom.
Viper stared at him in disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she pushed herself up with trembling hands and slowly stepped down from the operating table.
The moment her feet touched the floor, she noticed something strange—her line of sight had risen slightly.
"I… have I grown taller?"
She ran her hands over her body. "My breasts, my hips, my legs… even my skin—it's all tighter, smoother, fuller!"
She hurried to a nearby mirror and gasped. Her reflection showed a figure more sculpted, radiant, and youthful than ever before—porcelain skin like polished jade, curves as flawless as a master's sculpture, vitality humming beneath the surface.
For a woman—especially one like Viper, a high-ranking Hydra operative—there was no greater gift than enhanced beauty and youth.
In that instant, the last traces of hatred toward Loren melted away. In their place bloomed fascination… even admiration.
Though her assassination attempt had failed utterly, it now seemed she'd turned disaster into fortune. Not only had she broken free from Dr. Zola's control, but her body had been enhanced beyond her wildest dreams.
And this was the treatment she'd received as an enemy.
What might she earn if she pledged herself to him completely? If she served him with unwavering loyalty?
The thought sent a shiver through her—not of fear, but anticipation.
Her gaze, once filled with hostility, now burned with quiet fanaticism. She turned slowly, eyes gleaming, and licked her lips.
"Master…" she purred, voice low and sultry. "Now that I have this perfected body… don't you want to… test it?"
Loren said nothing.
Only silence answered her.
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