I'm Lara Croft?

Entering the cove, Lara immediately noticed the tracks etched into the ground from trucks and heavy machinery. Guards patrolled the area. One of the guards spotted her and quickly ran over, stopping a respectful distance away.

"Let me guide you, Lady Croft," he said, bowing slightly.

Lara nodded, following the guard toward a section of the cove's rocky wall. As they approached, a concealed part of the wall began to slide back before splitting in two, revealing a massive steel gate camouflaged to blend seamlessly with the surrounding rock. The gate's thickness caught Lara's attention—it was nearly a meter wide, made of high-grade steel.

From what Winston had told her, the entire facility was reinforced with steel and concrete.

Once inside, Lara took in the calming ambiance of the facility's entryway. The walls were painted in soft, neutral tones, offering a surprisingly welcoming atmosphere. The facility was divided into four sections: living quarters, common areas, laboratories and workshops, and testing grounds.

As Lara approached the front desk, her eyes fell on a woman standing there. She looked to be in her 20's, with short black hair and blue eyes. 'This must be Alyssa,' thought Lara.

At the same time, Alyssa's gaze met Lara's, her scientific mind instantly analyzing her boss. 'So this is my narcissistic employer who named the organization after herself. But honestly, who cares? She pays exceptionally well. And she's… conventionally attractive. I heard she's also a bit intelligent and highly skilled physically. Maybe that's why she developed this narcissism.' Alyssa's thoughts were as methodical as her work, being Reed female version made her have the same level of intelligence as him, except she couldn't fathom why Reed had chosen someone like Sue over her in the comics.

"Hello, Lady Croft. I am Alyssa Moy, the head scientist of the research facility," said Alyssa, her tone polite but measured.

'She's the head? Makes sense with that big brain,' thought Lara. "How did you become the head?"

Alyssa adjusted her posture slightly and replied, "My colleagues and I, who were eligible for the position, participated in an academic competition approved by Mister Winston. I won because of my impressive skills in different fields of science."

'So, a dick-measuring contest between big brains,' Lara mused privately, keeping her expression neutral. She finally said, "Would you show me around the facility? After the tour, I have an important task for you."

Alyssa nodded. "Follow me, Lady Croft. Only the sections designated for research and experimentation are currently complete. The living quarters are nearing completion, and the common areas are in their early stages."

"Show me the laboratories." Lara's voice carried both curiosity and command.

"This way," Alyssa said, leading her into the heart of the research facility.

Entering the research wing, Lara observed the bustling activity within. Scientists and researchers were hard at work. She glanced around and noticed some were designing weapons, bombs, mines, and even missiles. 'That must be for Croft Arsenal,' she thought. Others focused on electronic technologies that appeared to be either for civilian use or military applications.

"As you can see, Lady Croft, most of the scientists have already begun working in their designated fields as per Mister Winston's instructions," Alyssa explained, walking alongside Lara. "The majority of our research focuses on military and civilian technologies, with a particular emphasis on products for the armed forces."

Alyssa led Lara to the largest laboratory in the wing, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and an array of advanced tools that screamed "no expense spared." She stopped and gestured toward the spacious lab. "This is my laboratory. So, Lady Croft, what is the task you wanted to discuss?"

Lara reached into her bag and pulled out a small vial of blood and a bar of vibranium, placing them on the sleek lab table in front of Alyssa.

"What are those, Lady Croft?" Alyssa asked, her curiosity piqued.

Lara pointed to the vial. "This is a blood sample from someone enhanced with a knockoff version of the Soviet super-soldier serum." Then she picked up the bar of vibranium and tossed it to Alyssa, who caught it effortlessly. "And this is vibranium—one of the most powerful and unique metals in the world."

"I'll be sending you more samples of super-soldier serums from various sources. Your job is to analyze them, draw inspiration, and create a new, better, and more perfect super-soldier serum with minimal or negligible side effects," Lara explained.

"And as for the vibranium," Lara continued, pointing at the bar in Alyssa's hands, "I need you to research how to incorporate it into weapons and protective gear. It absorbs energy, making it almost impossible to manipulate through conventional methods, but I trust you'll find a way."

Alyssa examined the vial and vibranium bar, her analytical mind already formulating ideas. 'This is fascinating,' she thought. 'I never imagined I'd be tasked with creating a new super-soldier serum or working with such an extraordinary material.' Out loud, she said, "I understand, Lady Croft. I'll do my best."

Lara nodded. "Good. Also, inform the other researchers that if their work succeeds and generates profits for Croft Holdings, their salaries will increase proportionally. The lab's funding will grow in tandem with the company's success. Additionally, they will retain the patents for their innovations and earn royalties from them. This applies to you as well. While we may not sell the serum or the vibranium technology, if you succeed, you will be rewarded."

Alyssa's eyes sparkled with interest as she replied, "I'll make sure everyone knows. Thank you for the opportunity."

Lara smiled and said, "No problem. If you need assistance with your research from another scientist like Reed, just let me know, and we can work on it."