With the dawn's first light, the lake began to shimmer, golden ripples dancing upon its surface. Dewdrops adorned the lakeside vegetation, making them sparkle brilliantly. Jerry groggily tried to sit up, the scalding pain on his back felt like a fresh burn. Observing his injuries, his skin was inflamed and blistered, much like a searing flame had licked it.

A wry smile crossed Jerry's face. The Phoenix Mode from the previous night had endowed him with formidable power, but at a hefty price. Reflecting on how this very power had turned against him in a critical moment, he vowed to invoke it only as a last resort.

After tending to his wounds, Jerry resumed his journey. Two days later, he arrived at his destination: a massive base surrounded by towering walls. The security was stringent, with patrolling soldiers donning advanced gear. An inkling told Jerry that this place concealed profound secrets.

Presenting a letter at the entrance, the guard raised an eyebrow but eventually permitted him in. The base was abuzz with activity, soldiers, researchers, and medics bustling about. It wasn't long before Jerry was ushered into an opulent office.

The man known as "Boss" sat behind the desk, silently taking the letter from Jerry. Reading it multiple times, a gleam of anticipation sparkled in his eyes.

"Excellent," the Boss began, setting the letter aside and locking eyes with Jerry, "We've been awaiting this information for quite some time."

With a wave of his hand, several scientists clad in white lab coats and a few doctors entered from outside the door, anticipation evident on each of their faces.

"Jerry," the Boss began, "the intel you've provided is invaluable to us. I'm dispatching an elite team for this mission. It comprises special forces, medics, and scientists, all handpicked for this very operation." Jerry gave a nod, then hopped onto the armored vehicle the base had prepared, ready to head back.

After a week's journey, the convoy arrived at Jerry's former base, dust swirling in their wake. Contrary to Jerry's expectations, there were no warm welcomes – only a handful of guards who watched them coldly. They entered the base without obstruction, vehicles parked systematically, signs and instructions displayed, underscoring the strict order governing the place.

Jerry's superior, a middle-aged man, greeted the elite squad with warmth. After a brief exchange, he signaled Jerry, granting him some respite. But as Jerry walked away, a familiar voice called out. Turning, he saw Bill, the Wall Street heavy-set with whom he'd faced life and death situations before. Bill's rushed appearance plunged Jerry's spirits, for Kelly, their partner from previous trials, was now being used as an experimental subject.

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"Alan knows more. He's asked to see you," Bill's words sent a chill down Jerry's spine. Alan was indeed a strong leader, but Jerry felt there was always more beneath the surface, something elusive.

Entering Alan's office, Jerry found the man looking out over the base through his expansive window. His voice was calm, yet authoritative, "Kelly's abilities might be the key in our resistance against the enemy."

Jerry frowned. He knew of Kelly's formidable power, but the thought of sacrificing her humanity and dignity was unbearable. He tried to reason, "Alan, I understand the base's need for strength, but is it truly worth sacrificing an innocent?"

Alan turned, his gaze meeting Jerry's, "You're aware that bases outside have successfully produced a batch of super soldiers. They obey without hesitation, fearless – the epitome of warriors."

Jerry countered, "That doesn't mean we should follow suit. I can't stand by and watch Kelly become an emotionless fighting machine."

Alan sighed softly, "Those super soldiers have lost their humanity. They were crafted by other bases and obey only their leaders. If we do the same, humanity itself might be lost."

Taking a deep breath, Jerry's resolve was unwavering, "I won't let Kelly become that. No matter what, I have to save her."

Alan paused for a moment, then finally said, "I'll help, but on one condition."

His words filled the room with an oppressive tension. Jerry could sense that Alan's reservations weren't solely about Kelly. There was a deeper scheme and ambition at play.

"Jerry," Alan began, the sharp glint in his eyes undeniable, "you know I've always had reservations about the current leadership of the base."

Jerry nodded in understanding. He was aware that, although outwardly loyal, Alan harbored disagreements with many of the base's actions. Now, Alan seemed poised to delve into these issues with Jerry.

"The way Kelly's being used as a test subject is just one example of how the base pursues its own interests without hesitation. I believe the base needs a new leader—someone who genuinely has the people's interests at heart." Alan's tone was firm; he'd clearly been planning this for a while.

A realization dawned on Jerry. Alan's aspirations were grand. He aimed to overthrow the existing regime and establish himself as the new leader.

"What's your plan?" Jerry asked cautiously, unsure if he should align himself with Alan's cause.

A faint smile graced Alan's lips. "First and foremost, we need to ensure Kelly's safety. Her powers are pivotal to our resistance. After that, we need to rally more allies and build a formidable resistance force."

Jerry was silent for a moment, contemplating the perilous path ahead. But for Kelly's sake, and for a fairer world, he was willing to take the risk. "I'm with you," he declared.