Marvel: Copying Abilities

"I know you're not the same as before, but the battlefield is ruled by firearms—they won't fight you hand-to-hand!"

Bucky was trying to stop Steve from going to war out of concern for his safety. Even though he knew Steve probably wouldn't listen, he still wanted to try.

"I know how dangerous war is. I've seen the documentaries.

I used to be powerless, but now I'm willing to give everything to protect the people and the things I care about!"

Steve's wish was always simple: to serve his country and protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

"There are many ways to help. Enlisting isn't the only option."

"What, work in a factory?

I'm not going to sit in some factory doing the same thing every day—I don't belong there."

Steve shook his head.

Work? Working is impossible. There's no way I'll work—not in this lifetime.

"Bucky, let's go dance!"

From afar, the girls waiting called out to Bucky.

"Coming!"

Bucky turned back to Steve and said seriously:

"Don't do anything stupid. Promise me you'll wait for me to come back!"

"You already did the stupid thing," Steve replied with a shrug.

"You bastard!"

The two laughed, hugged, and finally parted ways reluctantly.

At that moment, a bearded man in glasses, well-dressed and scholarly, happened to walk by and overheard their conversation. He adjusted his glasses, looking at Steve with growing interest.

"Steve," Wang Ye said as he leaned against the wall, cigar smoke curling around him, "Bucky's words aren't wrong. War is truly brutal."

Steve shook his head, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

"My goal is to do my part on the battlefield—to protect those who can't protect themselves.

Master, you know that better than anyone."

That refined middle-aged man observing them from the side was Dr. Abraham Erskine, the creator of the Super Soldier Serum, and the lead scientist of the Super Soldier Project.

Having overheard Steve and Bucky's conversation, Dr. Erskine had taken an interest in Steve. He believed Steve might be the candidate he was looking for.

Now, however, Dr. Erskine had also noticed Wang Ye, smoking calmly against the wall. And from their conversation, it seemed they had a master-disciple relationship.

Anyone capable of teaching a student like Steve must be extraordinary—and so Dr. Erskine decided to keep watching.

"You're an adult with your thoughts and ambitions. Since you've made up your mind, I'll support you."

"Master…"

Steve's eyes instantly welled with tears. Apart from Bucky, no one had ever truly cared for him like this.

Now, he had the incredible fortune of meeting a mentor who genuinely understood and cared for him—how could he not be moved?

"Enough of that. Crying like some kid—what are you, a grown man or not?"

Wang Ye gave Steve a look of disgust.

Steve awkwardly scratched his head. The emotion he had just built up was gone in an instant, and he grinned like a dopey kid from the village.

"Come on, time for your physical."

The physical examination went smoothly.

Steve's report came back meeting all requirements.

Just as the two of them were about to leave, Dr. Erskine pulled back a curtain and entered with a smile.

Steve didn't pay much attention to this stranger—probably just another person here for a physical, he assumed. Seeing that Wang Ye was already walking toward the front desk to fill out his information, Steve followed him.

"Wait! Aren't you even curious why I'm here?" Dr. Erskine called out, looking slightly flustered. These two weren't following the script at all.

"Are you talking to us? Do we know you?"

Steve looked back, puzzled. He was more concerned about filling out his paperwork and maybe catching up to Bucky.

Wang Ye also turned around, placing a hand on Steve's shoulder.

"I've had my eye on you for a while. Even outside, I noticed you were eavesdropping on us.

Now that you've tracked us here, why don't you tell us what you're really after?"

Dr. Erskine's expression shifted slightly.

"Oh, my apologies. That was rude of me. Let me introduce myself—I'm Dr. Abraham Erskine, part of the Strategic Scientific Reserve."

"Steve Rogers, Brooklyn native," Steve responded plainly.

"Night Wang, estate owner from Norway," Wang Ye added.

Dr. Erskine nodded politely.

"Steve, I've reviewed your exam results. They align very well with the requirements for a classified experimental project. If successful, this project could change the entire course of the war.

Are you interested?"

Steve glanced at Wang Ye, clearly hoping for some guidance.

Dr. Erskine wasn't in a rush—he allowed them to talk it over.

The "classified experiment" he spoke of was, of course, the Super Soldier Serum Trial. As the lead scientist, Erskine had the authority to pick a candidate—and so far, Steve had made a very good first impression.

Wang Ye, pretending to ponder deeply, was secretly copying all of Erskine's memories and knowledge about the Super Soldier Serum.

"Steve, I think the doctor's offer is worth considering. This experiment could be even more important than going to the battlefield."

In truth, Wang Ye's main reason for coming to the enlistment center was to obtain the serum formula.

Even though he was already incredibly powerful, his organization needed strength too. And for the future growth of HYDRA, the serum could prove invaluable in enhancing soldiers quickly and efficiently.

Steve nodded seriously.

"Alright. I agree."

Dr. Erskine smiled with satisfaction, then turned and walked out.

"Very good. While you've agreed, the final decision still depends on you proving yourself. I can only offer you this one opportunity."

"I'll prove myself."

Wang Ye and Steve followed him outside.

"Master, I won't be around to take care of you… you need to take care of yourself. Smoking cigars all the time isn't good for your health…"

Steve, eyes glistening with tears, gripped Wang Ye's hand and rambled endlessly.

"I know all that already. But once you're at the training camp, don't you dare embarrass me.

And don't let anyone push you around.

Here—this is my charm. I'm giving it to you. Keep it on you at all times. If you're ever in danger, hold it tight—it'll keep you safe."

Wang Ye struggled to free his hand, then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a blue, multi-faceted crystal pendant, placing it in Steve's hand.

(This pendant was a spatial beacon and full 360° surveillance device. If Steve were ever in danger, Wang Ye would know immediately and teleport to him.)

Steve received the pendant solemnly and carefully hung it around his neck—tears once again forming in his eyes.

Wang Ye patted his shoulder, giving him a comforting nod before turning to look at Dr. Erskine, who was waiting at the door.

"Enough mushy stuff. The doctor's been waiting on you forever."

Steve nodded and turned to walk toward the exit.

Just before stepping into the vehicle, he turned back and said:

"Master, I will succeed!"