...
The Genetic Optimization Serum was originally just a byproduct that emerged during research into Divine Blood.
In terms of brain enhancement, it was nowhere near the NZT series.
In terms of genetic evolution, it fell even further behind CPH4, and couldn't even be compared to the second-generation Divine Blood.
But while its effects were undeniably weaker, its safety profile was the highest among all the projects Ryan Cole currently had in hand.
Especially after collaborating with James T. Wesley, the bioengineer who had invented the Med-Pod Medical Platform in the Elysium world, progress accelerated rapidly.
The new-generation Genetic Optimization Serum shimmered like a flawless blue sapphire, and its performance was nothing to scoff at.
Beyond slowing cellular aging to a noticeable degree, it also provided respectable boosts to strength, speed, coordination, and even cognitive function.
Backed by Elysium's advanced biotechnology—and with the Temporary Elysium Council and allied factions pouring resources into the project without hesitation—
Large-scale human clinical trials were conducted.
Before long, a stable version was finalized.
As for why Ryan deliberately put something this valuable right in front of S.H.I.E.L.D., he naturally had his reasons.
After seeing Phil Coulson off, Ryan didn't immediately return to the lab.
Instead, he stayed in his office, reviewing everything he'd done since the start of his recent chain of world-hops.
It was true—after multiple jumps, he'd accumulated a lot of impressive assets.
But to Ryan, the only thing that truly mattered was Divine Blood, developed from NZT and CPH4.
Artificial intelligence.
Smart machines.
Arc reactors.
Adamantium.
Even the advanced tech hauled back from Elysium—
Including the Genetic Optimization Serum itself—
All of it was, in his eyes, external tools.
Technology was powerful, yes.
But personal strength was the only strength that truly mattered.
Just like Lucy from Lucy.
Unfortunately, while Lucy ascended from an ordinary human to something approaching a god in mere days, the entire process was riddled with irreversible, fatal flaws.
Setting aside how CPH4—whether through acceleration or outright coercion—eventually forced her to "dissolve into the universe" as an omnipresent entity—
The simple fact that she lost all human emotion almost immediately during early evolution was already unacceptable to Ryan.
Joking aside, even if he was a hardcore homebody turned tech savant, Ryan had no intention of becoming an emotionless mannequin.
Sure, human emotions caused endless problems.
But Ryan would rather be a human with power than an all-powerful god who wasn't human anymore.
At the very least, Lucy's final form was something he would never touch.
That was exactly why—even after acquiring CPH4, and confirming through samples of Lucy's blood, bone marrow, and brain tissue that there was nothing abnormal in their physical composition—
Ryan still refused to use it.
As for films that could grant rapid personal power, Ryan knew plenty.
But nearly all of them came with uncontrollable and unpredictable risks.
And while he didn't want to become something that wasn't human like Lucy—
He genuinely admired the abilities she demonstrated during the evolutionary process.
Forget the later god-tier powers.
Even at 20% brain utilization, Lucy's complete mastery over her body alone was, in Ryan's view, already superior to Captain America.
Unfortunately, research into eliminating uncontrollable mutation risk while simultaneously maximizing efficacy had seen little progress so far.
Thankfully, the accidental creation—and refinement—of the Genetic Optimization Serum temporarily compensated for Ryan's lack of personal combat power.
Of course, the ten milliliters Coulson took with him were nowhere near Ryan's best version.
Even the refined Elysium variant still fell short of Ryan's standards.
Fortunately, during the serum's development, Ryan had also acquired extensive equipment and knowledge.
With the current foundation, it was only a matter of time before he produced a version he'd truly be satisfied with.
As for why—despite prioritizing personal strength—he still went out of his way to acquire super-technology from Elysium, the answer was simple.
Unless he became an ultimate Lucy-like existence—
Personal power had limits.
And when those limits were reached, technology and equipment became the perfect tools.
Whether it was climbing the tech tree through research, building infrastructure and industry, or directly amplifying his own strength—
Advanced technology was invaluable.
After spending some time revising his future plans, Ryan finally turned his attention to his "hard-working" secretaries.
The twin blondes—hired only days ago—were currently kneeling between his legs, busy with their task.
A scene that once only existed in adult films or shameless daydreams—
Even in an overclocked state, Ryan could only describe it as absolutely incredible.
Half a Month Later — Umbrella Biopharmaceutical, Underground Laboratory
"This won't do…"
Ryan stared at the deep-blue vial in his hand, his expression devoid of joy.
The substance—code-named Titan—was the latest-generation Genetic Optimization Drug, developed after more than half a month of intensive research.
This version offered minimal improvement in brain development.
A 12% brain utilization rate was barely above the natural human limit.
In other words, users of Titan couldn't even begin to compare to ultimate Lucy—
Or even Eddie Morra on NZT-48.
At best, it elevated the user to the level of a gifted human genius.
That said, Titan's physical enhancement was undeniably impressive.
Especially the boost to raw strength, which genuinely surprised Ryan.
That was exactly why it earned the name Titan.
Unfortunately, side effects remained unavoidable.
While far more predictable than earlier generations of Divine Blood, Titan still required massive caloric intake—
And caused continuous muscle mass expansion, something Ryan found deeply unsatisfactory.
More importantly, this research exposed one of Ryan's weaknesses:
He lacked a systematic foundation in biotechnology.
Even though NZT had allowed him to master biology, chemistry, and physics at genius levels in record time—
And even though he'd acquired advanced biotech from Elysium—
The knowledge was fragmented.
Full of gaps that couldn't be bridged.
After all, the people of Elysium weren't idiots.
Even while cooperating on the serum, they'd still held back critical information.
"It looks like I'll need to make another trip to that world after all…"
With that, Ryan handed the Titan vial to a nearby research-type smart machine for storage and began preparing for another jump.
But less than a day into preparations, the AI Flame Queen suddenly issued an alert:
"Master, Tony Stark and Miss Potts have arrived."
"Huh?" Ryan paused.
"Why are they here?"
Standing beside a partially dismantled Bugatti Veyron Transport Variant, currently being upgraded with a Kusar Claw 'Sky Sweeper' electromagnetic weapon by engineering drones, Ryan said:
"Have them wait in my office. I'll be there shortly."
"As you command, Master."
The bodiless, off-brand Flame Queen quickly instructed the surface staff to escort the guests to the executive office.
Ten minutes later, Ryan—still wearing his researcher uniform—walked in.
"Welcome, my friends."
He spread his arms warmly as he approached the two, who were inspecting the office.
"Honestly, your enthusiasm makes me uncomfortable," Tony Stark said, reflexively stepping in front of Pepper Potts.
Pepper, clearly annoyed, slipped past him and hugged Ryan directly.
While the loss of ten billion dollars had undeniably hit Stark Industries hard—
Pepper believed that as long as everyone was alive, money could always be earned again.
Besides, both Tony Stark and Stark Industries were money-printing monsters.
And since it wasn't her money, gratitude came easily.
As for why they were so familiar—
Umbrella Biopharmaceutical's collaboration with Stark Industries was coordinated almost entirely through Pepper.
That, and Ryan constantly wore a reinforced succubus-grade pheromone enhancer, making him naturally disarming around women.
Add in his wit and encyclopedic knowledge—
And even across differences in skin color, they got along just fine.
"Thank you, Ryan."
"That's my line, Pepper," Ryan replied, hugging her back—
And shooting a mischievous look at a certain someone whose face had already gone sour.