Bucky could be said to have found a blessing in disguise.
After enduring Ophelia's repeated toxic experiments and countless rescues, something within his body had changed — not a mutation, but a transformation for the better.
Originally, Bucky had undergone human experimentation under HYDRA's enhancement program, becoming a super-soldier of sorts. But now, his physique had been strengthened once again.
In terms of physical capability alone, he was now on par with Natasha Romanoff — boasting superhuman regeneration and a remarkable resistance to alien infections such as toxins and radiation.
Super strength. Super speed.When considering Bucky's combat potential, Leon couldn't help but recall — this was the man who had once killed Howard Stark. If Tony ever learned the truth, that would certainly stir up future trouble.
That thought made Leon chuckle to himself, though he didn't attempt to peer into the future.
After all, why would he? Just like Gu— (a reference left unsaid), even if he could foresee what lay ahead, what would be the point? Knowing everything in advance only strips life of its freshness and excitement.
Turning his thoughts away, Leon shifted the conversation.
"The construction of Sky City is progressing rapidly," he said."The scientists from the Ministry of Science and Technology have successfully completed the anti-gravity engines. Using the Space Gem as their core research model, they've also developed a clean, long-lasting energy source. Five colossal Arc Reactors have been constructed to power the entire city — enough energy to last a century, and with minimal maintenance costs."
"Further optimization is already underway," Ophelia added with a smile. "The ecological system has been refined and balanced. Gravity within the city is about one and a half times stronger than on Earth. Once the Super Gene Serum is fully implemented and distributed, we'll be able to adjust the city's ecosystem dynamically whenever needed."
"The city spans over five hundred thousand square kilometers — enough to comfortably house two hundred million people. And if we maximize capacity and infrastructure, that number could increase tenfold."
Ophelia's voice carried a hint of pride.
They stood upon that very floating city — the Sky City.
Years ago, this had been the dream project of a group of brilliant, if somewhat deranged, scientists. Under Ophelia's leadership, the Ministry of Science and Technology gathered the greatest scientific minds from all over the world, each specializing in a different field.
After being enhanced with the Super Gene Serum, these scientists' intellect and creativity reached unimaginable levels. Their technological output grew by leaps and bounds, day after day.
The Ministry now had over thirty thousand top-tier scientists — each among the best in their discipline — and countless others working below them.
With unlimited resources, unrestricted research environments, and cutting-edge equipment, humanity's creativity blossomed in full. In mere years, what should have been impossible — a fully functional floating city — was realized.
Though the core energy systems were based on the Space Gem and supported by the Saints' power, Sky City itself was a true miracle of human civilization — a creation that transcended eras.
The city's scale was twice that of the largest metropolis on Earth. Roads, oceans, lakes, parks, residential districts — every element was designed meticulously. Ordinarily, it would take decades, even with infinite funds and manpower, to construct something of this magnitude.
But the Saints defied common sense.
Under Ophelia's full supervision and with the Saints' assistance, the timeline was shortened by over ninety percent. Even novice Saints, having just awakened their Sixth Sense, could manipulate Psychokinesis to accelerate construction.
In truth, if Wanda alone had handled it, the entire Sky City could have been completed in an instant. Her ability to alter reality was simply overwhelming.
But Ophelia had refused.
Such a shortcut would destroy the city's spirit of unity. The people needed to build their own home — to find pride and belonging in its creation. Beyond that, the massive project provided countless jobs and revitalized the entire Sanctuary's economy.
She didn't want her people to become dependent or complacent.Her goal was to foster a society full of vitality — not a stagnant utopia.
And Sky City was only the beginning.
It would serve as the foundation for greater plans — to expand humanity's reach and the Sanctuary's influence throughout the universe.
As the population grew, faith and order would spread, absorbing the beliefs of other races. Humanity would remain the cornerstone.
That was why Ophelia and Leon had devised this grand vision — to awaken the vitality of the Sanctuary's citizens, to forge a complete, self-sustaining chain that would make the future shine bright.
And the plan was already bearing fruit.
Leon was deeply satisfied with the city's progress.
In his vision, the Sanctuary would serve as the nucleus, surrounded by satellite cities forming a "nebula" — each contributing to mutual development. From this structure, the Saints would spread their divine order, much like the "Angel Nebula" of his previous life.
One day, this framework would expand across universes.
But for now, the base needed to be solid — steady growth before expansion.
"Eat!"
As Leon spoke, Kanna picked up a strawberry and pressed it to his lips. Leon smiled and ate it in one bite, while the little dragon girl squinted her eyes in pure joy, happily perched in his lap and munching on fruit.
As a dragon, Kanna didn't eat for sustenance but for taste and pleasure. Otherwise, with her appetite, even a feast would be a drop in a bottomless pit.
What she truly needed were the nutrients that could promote dragon growth.
Fortunately, Leon's microcosm was her favorite energy source, and the Space Gem's power also nourished her — though it could only sustain, not strengthen her. Leon's microcosm, however, brimmed with vitality that continually evolved her bloodline.
Naturally, she became attached to Leon.
He treated her like a daughter, spoiling her often — much to the mild jealousy of Little Lily. But her jealousy never lasted; after playing together, she always doted on Kanna like a little sister.
No one could resist the charms of a silly, adorable little loli.
After finishing her fruit, Lily fluttered off with her short legs, pulling Kanna, Dean, and two large dogs along to play. A maid watched from a distance — though even if the children fell from hundreds of meters, Lily and Dean would be perfectly fine.
Kanna could also transform into her dragon form and take off at any moment.
"Let's have dinner with Dad and Mom tonight," Leon said.
"Are Uncle and Aunt back?" Ophelia asked casually.
She wasn't shy about calling them that — it was proper, given their seniority.
"No, they're still in that small town," Leon replied with a grin. "They said they're staying there for a month, met some new friends, and are having a great time."
"Haha, sounds like they're really enjoying themselves."
"Yeah — so much that they've completely forgotten about their son and daughter."
"Ha! You were just an accident anyway."
A few birds landed on a nearby potted tree, chirping cheerfully as they preened each other's wings.
Meanwhile, Bucky was traveling aboard a hovercraft several hundred meters above ground when golden ripples suddenly appeared in front of him.
Before he could react, the vehicle — with him and the butler inside — passed through the shimmering light.
The next moment, the scenery changed.
He found himself on a long, empty road, with low hills and overgrown weeds stretching endlessly on either side. Warning signs appeared only every few miles.
"Twenty-five kilometers along this road is New York," said the butler calmly. "Here's a thousand dollars and an ID card prepared for you by Lady Ophelia."
She handed him a small package.
Bucky accepted it silently, his expression complicated.
"Thank you."
"It's my duty," she replied with graceful composure, hands folded neatly before her. "But I must remind you, Mr. Bucky — Lady Ophelia did not seal your memories. However, I trust you understand what should and should not be said."
Her tone softened slightly.
"You may have your own suspicions — keep them to yourself. Most importantly, never mention the name of the Sanctuary."
Her voice was gentle, but the pressure it carried made Bucky's chest tighten. He swallowed hard and nodded quickly.
"Understood. My lips are sealed."
"Thank you for your cooperation. Congratulations, Mr. Barnes — on regaining your freedom."
With that, she boarded the hovercraft, which rose into the sky and vanished into a golden ripple, leaving Bucky alone in the cold wind.
He looked down at the package — a thousand dollars in cash and an American ID card bearing his name.
He placed them carefully inside his coat pocket and zipped it up.
The empty road stretched ahead. The wind tugged at his messy black hair. For the first time in decades, Bucky felt something stir deep inside him — something he hadn't felt since before HYDRA.
Freedom.
He was no longer a puppet, no longer a weapon. He had his memories, his will, his soul — even if the world he returned to had long since moved on.
With his hands in his pockets, he began walking toward the horizon, calm and steady. He could feel the immense strength flowing through his body — strength beyond even that of the Winter Soldier.
Every step was measured, every movement precise. He understood his power now — how much to use, how much to hold back.
Time passed.
A distant rumble caught his ear — a car approaching.
He turned and saw an old Ford slowing beside him. The window rolled down to reveal a tired but kind face, about forty years old.
"Hey, young man, need a lift?"
It was odd being called "young man" by someone not much older than he appeared, but Bucky just smiled.
"Yeah, without you, I'd probably have to walk all the way to New York."
"Ha! You look tough, but it's twenty-five kilometers to the city. It'll be dark before you get there. Lucky for you, I came by. Hop in."
Bucky nodded and climbed into the passenger seat.
"Thanks for the help."
"No trouble at all," the driver said warmly. "The world would be a better place if people helped each other a little more."
"You're a good man, sir."
"Ha, thank you. Name's Ben Parker — mechanic."
"Bucky Barnes."
Ben raised an eyebrow.
"Bucky Barnes? Funny — that's the same name as the friend of Steve Rogers, America's first superhero. I took my nephew and wife to the museum once — saw Sergeant Barnes' record there. A real hero, they said. I bet your parents gave you that name because of him."
Bucky froze. His lips trembled slightly.
The history museum?They still remember me… and Steve?
He stared quietly out the window as the car drove toward the setting sun.
End of Chapter)
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