A vehicle drove into the nearly deserted Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) headquarters. A man stepped out, carrying a secure case in his hand.
"Dr. Killian, we have successfully recovered all experimental data on the Extremis virus." The man handed the case to a middle-aged scientist—Dr. Aldrich Killian, the current leader of AIM.
"Andum, come to my lab first. I need a full report on the experiment's progress."
Although AIM had been restructured by Garus, and control had shifted to Wim, many employees harbored resentment toward him. Azeroth Technologies had not shared its advancements with them, making them feel excluded and discriminated against. Over time, their loyalty wavered.
In reality, once Wim had extracted key resources and research from AIM, he abandoned it, shifting his focus to Azeroth Technologies. Garus, on the other hand, had shown little interest in AIM's internal affairs, considering the company useless to him.
It was during this period that Dr. Killian rose through the ranks, evolving from a mere researcher to AIM's de facto leader. Under his command, AIM developed Extremis, a groundbreaking human enhancement technology.
Andum reported, "The trials have progressed smoothly. Strucker has successfully adapted to the genetic mutations caused by the virus. Most test subjects have also survived, with a success rate exceeding fifty percent."
"Excellent." Killian opened the secure case, revealing an external hard drive along with multiple syringes filled with a glowing orange liquid.
He continued, "Gather everyone. It's time for us to undergo the Extremis injection as well."
Andum hesitated. "But the success rate is only fifty percent... and even if we survive the transformation, the instability could still lead to spontaneous combustion."
"If you endure the process, you'll gain everything you've ever wanted. It's worth the risk. Think about where you were before."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Andum gritted his teeth. "Alright. I'll summon the entire Extremis team."
In one of AIM's underground labs, more than twenty researchers had gathered.
"Now…" Killian held up a syringe, addressing the group. "We are going to prove to those who doubted us that we are far from failures. They will regret everything they've done to us."
The room was filled with anticipation. Everyone here bore deep resentment towards Wim and his leadership. They were determined to prove their worth.
The first volunteer stepped forward.
"Ahhh!" The moment the Extremis virus entered his bloodstream, his face contorted in agony. His veins glowed red as his body spasmed violently.
Boom!
Killian had prepared for this possibility. The subject was inside a reinforced containment chamber, yet the explosion sent cracks spiderwebbing across the reinforced glass. Nothing remained of the test subject.
A few researchers recoiled in horror.
Undeterred, Killian stepped up next, fastening himself onto the lab table. "This is a gamble. A fifty percent chance is more than reasonable."
His transformation was successful. No explosion occurred.
Over the next few hours, the virus bonded with the remaining subjects. When the process was complete, Killian examined his hands, watching them glow red-hot under his control. He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of power.
"Only five casualties. Better than I expected." He smiled, enthralled by his newfound abilities.
The surviving researchers shared his enthusiasm. The dead were quickly forgotten. "Dr. Killian, we did it! Should we announce our breakthrough? Wim will be begging us to join his research now."
"No." Killian's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "First, I have scores to settle—Tony Stark, Dr. Connors, Dr. Wim, and Wilson."
Some of the researchers grew uneasy. "Those are powerful people... we—"
"Our research will make the world take notice. I already have a plan that will secure our legacy."
The group exchanged glances before nodding. Without Killian, the project would have never succeeded.
However, they remained unaware that the Extremis process was far from stable. At any moment, those who had undergone the procedure could still detonate.
"Now, we need more recruits for the next round of injections. Alva, inform the others—AIM is about to reclaim its place as America's leading tech enterprise."
Back in his office, Killian powered on his computer. On the screen, a video call connected with a man dressed in regal robes.
"Killian, what do you need?" the man asked.
"Mandarin, my Extremis trials are complete. With my serum, I can create a legion of Extremis-enhanced warriors for you. I'm sending you the footage—watch it, and reconsider my proposal."
The Mandarin was the elusive leader of the Ten Rings. Though he appeared youthful, his age rivaled that of Steve Rogers. Rumors suggested he was a descendant of Genghis Khan, obsessed with ancient mystical arts, which had granted him longevity. After years of forsaking power in pursuit of knowledge, he now sought to reclaim what was once his.
Killian had encountered the Ten Rings by chance. Seeing an opportunity, he proposed an alliance—Extremis in exchange for access to America's upper echelons of power.
"If your technology is as powerful as you claim, I may consider it," the Mandarin mused. Though a formidable figure, his organization lacked elite warriors. The potential of Extremis intrigued him.
Killian sent the encrypted file. The footage showcased subjects demonstrating immense heat generation, rapid healing, and heightened reflexes—abilities that left the Mandarin thoroughly impressed.
"Killian, your Extremis warriors show promise. But I need proof." The Mandarin's voice turned cold. "Iron Man has been a persistent thorn in my side, disrupting my operations. I want him eliminated."
"Consider it done." Killian's lips curled into a smirk. He, too, had unfinished business with Tony Stark. "Soon, you will hear news of his death."
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON