Captain America slept frozen in the ice for about seventy years. When he awakened, the world before him had changed drastically.
The familiar streets and buildings of his time were now replaced by towering modern skyscrapers. The roaring engines of vintage cars had become the soft hum of advanced vehicles speeding by.
The people, their fashion, and even their ways of communication were entirely different from what he remembered.
Eager to find the faces he once knew, Steve Rogers was met with the heartbreaking news that Peggy Carter had grown old.
When he learned that Peggy never married, a strange sense of relief surged within him. But as soon as the feeling settled, he was disgusted by his own selfishness.
He had saved the world but had failed Peggy.
In this bustling yet alien world, Steve felt more alone and lost than ever. Hydra had been eradicated, and the world no longer needed his protection.
Despite being invited to join a new team by a persistent man, Steve refused.
During this time, he remained by Peggy's side, cutting off contact with the outside world.
He prepared her meals, kept her company, and took her on strolls through the garden. The warm sunlight bathed them both, but it could not chase away the shadow looming over Steve's heart.
Although Peggy tried to persuade him to return to the world, Steve was as stubborn as a bull. Nothing could make him leave.
He was terrified of facing a world that no longer felt like his own. More than that, he feared losing the warmth of being by Peggy's side.
Yesterday, however, everything changed.
He overheard the nurses talking.
"The Demon Corporation sells some incredible potions—healing potions, limb regeneration potions, and even youth-restoring potions. Each one is like magic."
"I heard the Demon Corporation's Dr. Youth is also researching a lifespan potion. I wonder if we'll ever be able to afford it."
Steve silently returned to Peggy's room. Watching her sleep, his eyes revealed a deep conflict.
It was too much of a coincidence. Although he had been out of touch with the world, his instincts had not dulled.
Someone wanted him to hear this.
But he was willing to try. Even if it was a trap, he didn't care—Peggy's time was running out.
The thought gripped his heart with an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe.
Peggy looked at the massive Demon Corporation building looming ahead.
Although retired for many years, she still followed major news stories.
"Steve, you can't go there. That place is—"
Steve placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his touch firm yet reassuring, as if trying to convey his determination to her.
"I know, Peggy. Trust me."
"Mm..."
With those words, Steve pushed Peggy's wheelchair into the building. The receptionist, a beautiful woman with black hair, greeted them with a professional smile despite her curiosity about the unusual pair.
"Hello. How can I help you?" she asked politely.
"I want to see the Demon King."
"I'm sorry, but our Demon King is currently unavailable. If you need assistance, you can schedule a meeting with our acting president. Do you have an appointment?"
"No."
"In that case, you'll need to apply for one before we can arrange a meeting."
"My name is Steve Rogers. I'm Captain America. Please inform them."
The receptionist froze for a moment. She had seen all kinds of people in recent months, but it was the first time someone claimed to be Captain America.
"I'm sorry. Unless you are the actual Captain America, I cannot notify anyone. Otherwise, please leave."
Her smile remained polite but firm. No matter how much this man resembled Captain America, her job required strict adherence to protocol.
At that moment, Flint, one of the company's security heads, approached without expression. He had handled many people who wanted to see the Demon King.
However, seeing the old woman in the wheelchair, he decided to be gentler this time.
"Ha! Steve, they're doubting you," Peggy chuckled from her wheelchair.
Steve sighed softly.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of coins and clenched his fist tightly. The muscles on his arm bulged, veins visibly straining under the pressure.
When he opened his hand, the coins were crushed and fused into a solid lump of metal.
"Is this proof enough?"
"...Yes. I'll notify the acting president immediately," the receptionist stammered, eyes wide with shock.
The real Captain America—alive and standing before her.
Flint narrowed his eyes, remaining on alert. Even if this was Captain America, anyone who caused trouble here would be reduced to a smear on the floor.
Soon, Tom arrived. Dressed in a sharp suit, he walked briskly towards Steve and Peggy, his face beaming with enthusiasm.
"Hello, Captain America. And this must be Agent Carter! I grew up hearing your stories. I'm Tom, the acting president of the Demon Corporation."
He extended his hand warmly.
"Hello, Tom," Steve replied, shaking his hand. Despite Tom's friendliness, Steve felt uneasy in the face of such open enthusiasm.
"Our leader is away on important business, and I am managing the company's affairs. Please, follow me."
Steve pushed Peggy's wheelchair and followed Tom, while Flint returned to his station. Within the company's walls, there was no need for his protection.
They arrived in a spacious and brightly lit conference room. After inviting them to sit down, Tom ordered coffee and refreshments to be served.
"So, Captain, what brings you here today?" Tom asked with a smile.
Steve met Tom's gaze and said firmly, "I heard your company is developing a lifespan potion. I want to purchase it for Peggy."
Tom's smile deepened, as if he had been expecting this request.
"Of course. The potion was created to be sold, after all. While it hasn't officially launched yet, you are a national hero, Captain. I am willing to make an exception for you."
His voice was warm and sincere, his smile growing even brighter.
Steve's heart lifted with hope. He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.
However, Peggy frowned slightly. After years of dealing with bureaucrats and businessmen, she recognized their kind.
If something seemed too easy, the price was either astronomical—or the cost was something far more valuable.
Her expression turned serious as she tugged lightly on Steve's sleeve, silently warning him not to trust too quickly.
Steve hesitated before asking, "How much does the lifespan potion cost?"
Tom raised two fingers with a smile. "Just two billion dollars."
"Two billion?!" Steve exclaimed in shock.
It was a figure beyond anything he had ever imagined.
"Yes," Tom nodded. "The lifespan potion is designed for the wealthiest clients. Each dose extends life by ten years. For two billion dollars, ten extra years is quite a bargain."
He spoke casually, as though discussing an ordinary product.
Initially, Tom had considered pricing the potion at ten billion dollars. However, to avoid global unrest and disrupting their leader's plans, they settled on two billion.
Besides, the lifespan potion only worked once. Even the wealthiest individuals could not cheat death indefinitely.
"Time is the most precious currency—and no amount of money can buy back the moments you've lost."
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