Chapter 42: The First of the Pack
The seventy-two hours while the System prototyped the "Feral Striker" template were a period of intense, focused anticipation for Elias Thorne. He immersed himself in understanding the projected attributes: the retractable bone claws, a clear echo of Wolverine's adamantium but a biological, more adaptable manifestation; the accelerated healing, significantly less potent than Logan's near-immortality but enough to recover from grievous wounds in hours rather than weeks; the heightened senses, granting an edge in tracking and awareness. The "battle fury," if controllable, could be a potent combat stimulant. This wasn't Wolverine-lite; this was a distinct, specialized Tier 2 close-combat unit, optimized for ferocity and resilience.
He had already selected his prime candidate from "Thorne's Guard": a man named Jean-Paul Dubois. Not related to the Rue Sainte-Catherine tenant, Dubois was a former Quebecois logger and bare-knuckle boxer from the Gaspé Peninsula, possessing immense natural strength, a quiet intensity, and an unquestioning loyalty to Thomas MacIntyre, and by extension, to Elias, who had given him steady work and a sense of belonging after the Depression had ravaged his hometown. Dubois was tough, stoic, and had proven himself fearless in several altercations while protecting Elias's properties. His pre-existing physical prowess and grounded mentality made him an ideal test subject. The System confirmed his [Baseline Loyalty (to Host): 85% (Gratitude, Respect for MacIntyre's Leadership, Implicit Trust in Thorne)] – sufficient for a strong empowerment bond, though not the 100% needed for full symbiotic mirroring of the Feral Striker's template itself (that rule still primarily applied to Elias getting the powers of others, not directly to how they received the empowerment, though high loyalty undoubtedly made the process smoother and more stable).
When the System finally pinged – [Feral Striker (Tier 2) Troop Template – Blueprint Finalized. Prototype Viable for Single Unit Bestowal. Required Energy Cost: 120 Units. Prime Essence Shard Consumption: 4.0 Shards (0.2 from Hessler Echo, 0.8 from Gamma Echo, 2.0 from Adlerhorst Super-Soldiers, 1.0 from residual template generation pool – rounding to 4.0 for stable prototype). Current Shard Reserve: 0.8/5.0.] – Elias felt a surge of triumph. The Shard mathematics were complex, the System clearly reallocating fragments for optimal template stability, but the outcome was what mattered. He now possessed the blueprint for his first unique, System-designed super-soldier.
His Energy reserves were ample: [Remaining Energy after potential bestowal: 40.00/???].
He summoned Thomas MacIntyre and Jean-Paul Dubois to the secure, isolated compound north of Montreal, the one used previously for Logan's "animal sparring." It was a stark, utilitarian facility, surrounded by dense forest, perfect for discreet operations.
Thomas, aware that something significant was afoot, watched with his usual stoic attentiveness. Dubois, a powerfully built man with calloused hands and quiet, watchful eyes, stood respectfully, his curiosity piqued but his trust in MacIntyre absolute.
"Jean-Paul," Elias began, his voice calm but resonant with underlying power. "You have served Mr. MacIntyre, and by extension, myself, with loyalty and courage. I am now in a position to offer you... more. A way to enhance your already considerable strengths, to make you more effective, more resilient, in the... challenging times ahead."
Dubois looked from Elias to Thomas, then back. "If Mr. MacIntyre says it is good, then I trust it is so, Monsieur Thorne."
Thomas nodded gravely at Dubois. "What Mr. Thorne offers is beyond anything you've encountered, Jean-Paul. It will change you. But it will make you stronger. For the tasks ahead."