His goal was not just a simple two billion. As he looked at Steve Rogers, a sharp gleam flashed through his eyes.
Steve, on the other hand, cast a determined glance at Peggy Carter.
"I don't have the money. Do you think I'm worth—"
"Two billion, I'll pay," Peggy interrupted Steve before he could finish his sentence.
Steve stared at his beloved in shock, his face filled with disbelief. A question hovered in his mind—where did she get that much money?
"Being the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. comes with its conveniences," Peggy said playfully, winking with a mischievous smile.
After all these years, how could she possibly survive on just a government salary?
Whether it was pulling strings through her position or skimming unused operational funds, she had plenty of ways to accumulate wealth. Two billion was manageable.
Steve let out a bitter smile, feeling a mixture of emotions.
He knew that Peggy was doing this to safeguard their future against unknown risks. Yet, such underhanded methods clashed with the principles he had always upheld.
But at this moment, he could not bring himself to criticize her. Not when it meant giving her a chance to extend her life.
Tom raised an eyebrow in surprise but remained unfazed. He still had a backup plan.
"I must remind you, the life-extension serum can only be used once," Tom warned.
"That's enough," Peggy replied calmly. "At least it allows me to stay with him and help him adapt to this new world. And when the time comes, he can find someone else to stand by his side."
She seemed more energetic, yet her gaze toward Tom was full of vigilance.
"Peggy…" Steve's voice trembled with emotion, his eyes glistening as he tightly held her hand.
From the outside, the image was almost comical—a young, handsome man clinging to a wealthy, elderly woman who casually threw out two billion dollars. He might as well have been a gold-digger waiting to inherit her fortune.
Tom, seemingly touched by their story, hesitated before speaking again.
"Technically, this is a company secret, but considering Captain America and Agent Carter's lifelong service to this nation, I'll make an exception and tell you," he said.
"No need," Peggy cut him off, unwilling to hear more. She only wanted to buy the serum and leave. To her, Tom was just a cunning businessman targeting Steve.
"Mr. Tom, can you tell us?" Steve interrupted, his voice firm. A mere ten-year extension was not enough. He needed to know if there was another way to give Peggy more time.
"There is a youth-restoration serum," Tom revealed, his tone carrying a hint of temptation. "It's the latest creation of the 'Youth Doctor.' It can turn an elderly person back to their prime."
Peggy's breath hitched at his words, but she quickly regained composure. "No need. We'll stick with the life-extension serum."
If two billion was enough to drain her resources, the youth-restoration serum was certainly beyond their reach. It was a luxury they could not afford.
"Mr. Tom, how much does the youth-restoration serum cost?" Steve pressed on, his voice heavy with hope.
"It's not for sale," Tom said flatly. "The materials are rare. Only core members of the Devil Group can purchase it. It costs 10,000 contribution points."
Tom had proposed the contribution point system to maintain order as the Devil Group expanded. It was a mechanism for measuring value and motivating members to increase the group's power.
Within the group, members were ranked from Level Three to Level One, with core members at the top. Access to items varied based on rank, including demonic abilities, advanced weapons, and even Iron Man suits—Tony Stark's discarded models, which were still highly coveted.
"How does one become a core member?" Steve asked, his voice low but resolute.
He was aware that he was stepping into unknown territory but had no other choice.
"Steve, I've lived long enough. Ten extra years is more than enough," Peggy reassured him, squeezing his hand gently.
"But it's not enough for me," Steve murmured. "I want to dance with you. Go on dates with you. I want to—"
His voice trailed off in pain. Peggy was the last person he had left in this world, and he could not let her go.
Peggy sighed softly, a determined glint in her eyes. If they had to face this together, so be it.
"Normally, you'd start as a Level Three employee and work your way up," Tom explained. "But I doubt you two have that kind of time. There is another way—you can be directly recommended by a core member. If the leader approves, you become a core member instantly."
"Mr. Tom, are you a core member?" Steve asked hopefully.
"Of course. I was lucky enough to earn the leader's favor. Otherwise, I'd still be stuck at Level One," Tom admitted, feeling grateful for having joined early when the group was just forming.
The Devil Group's benefits were simply too good to pass up.
"Then, Mr. Tom, please help us," Steve pleaded, standing and bowing deeply. His voice carried a weight of sincerity and desperation.
"No need for that, Steve. We're going to be colleagues soon," Tom said hurriedly, stepping forward to help Steve up.
Growing up in this country, everyone had a certain amount of respect for Captain America—Tom was no exception.
Without further delay, Tom pulled out his phone and called the leader.
"Tom? What's the matter?" a calm voice answered.
"Nothing urgent, sir. Captain America is here. I'm recommending him for core membership. Do you approve?"
"Captain America? What does he want?"
"The youth-restoration serum."
"I'll be right there."
The moment Tom ended the call, Steve couldn't hold back. "Mr. Tom, is that all it takes?"
"Just a little more waiting," Tom replied.
As soon as he finished speaking, a portal appeared beside them.
From the swirling light stepped Chino, wearing casual beach shorts, radiating an air of ease and authority.
"Steve Rogers. Peggy Carter," Chino greeted, his gaze settling on the couple.
"Demon King, I want to join the Devil Group," Steve declared, clenching his fists as if holding on to his last hope.
"How did you find out about the life-extension serum?" Chino asked indifferently, showing no particular excitement or interest in Captain America's request.
"We overheard someone mentioning it by chance," Steve answered quickly. "Demon King, I'll do anything if you can give Peggy the youth-restoration serum."
Peggy tugged on Steve's sleeve, whispering softly, "Steve, you don't need to beg."
Her voice was laced with both pain and resolve.
Chino's lips curved into a faint smile. "By chance? While it's not exactly a classified secret, it's also not something people stumble upon easily."
"Demon King, I learned about it at the hospital," Steve admitted, explaining everything.
Chino quickly realized that Hydra was behind this—perhaps as a gesture of goodwill.
Still, Steve Rogers held little value for him. His physical strength as a super soldier was nothing special compared to the Devil Group's elite. Public acclaim? Chino already commanded more influence than anyone in the nation.
His only potential usefulness lay in becoming a test subject for Dr. Banner's enhanced serum research.
Crossing his arms, Chino studied Steve in silence.
Peggy, however, felt a strange unease. The reports she could access through S.H.I.E.L.D. were limited. From the news, Chino was a formidable, unpredictable figure. But why did he look at Steve with such disdain?
Tom, meanwhile, could not grasp the leader's thoughts. What was going through Chino's mind?
Steve remained steadfast, awaiting Chino's decision.
After a pause, Chino finally spoke: "Steve, your offer isn't that enticing. But I'll give you a chance. Answer a few questions."
"I will," Steve responded without hesitation.
"Desperation can make even the noblest of hearts compromise."
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