Hawkeye and Coulson exchanged puzzled glances. "Abstract?" Coulson echoed. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Jason didn't answer directly. Instead, he pivoted. "By the way, have you heard about a new superhero in New York recently? They're calling him Iron Man."
Coulson's exhausted eyes blinked slowly as he considered this. "Is that so? I've been so focused on the mission that I haven't been following other news..."
"I've heard something," Hawkeye interjected. "There was a mass shooting at a bar, but strangely, multiple agencies collaborated to suppress the details. Even S.H.I.E.L.D. received minimal information." He leaned forward slightly. "There's a rumor circulating about a mechanized warrior in silver, gold, and red who massacred everyone inside."
Jason smiled inwardly. The vampires' influence runs deeper than I thought—they've managed to suppress nearly all news about the incident.
Putting on a concerned expression, he sighed. "I can't help but wonder... why does it feel like there are more and more individuals emerging with abilities beyond ordinary humans? I truly don't know if this trend signals something positive for our world—or something catastrophic."
The statement caught both S.H.I.E.L.D. agents off guard. Neither had considered the broader implications of the question.
Enhanced individuals are multiplying. Is this the dawn of an evolution... or the beginning of our extinction? The thought left them both with a profound sense of unease.
Coulson silently resolved to bring this matter to Director Fury's attention immediately.
Noticing that he had successfully diverted their focus, Jason felt a small surge of satisfaction.
He hadn't forgotten his vendetta against the mafia and Kingpin. But in the aftermath of that night, the gangs had withdrawn from public view. Kingpin had vanished completely—even Vanessa had been spirited away to parts unknown.
Jason couldn't find anyone to target for his revenge.
Moreover, with both the police and S.H.I.E.L.D. watching his every move, his vengeance had been postponed indefinitely.
The best strategy now was to find something to divert their attention!
The vampire clans offered the perfect distraction.
[Humans actually coexist with vampires?]
[Are we all at risk of having our throats torn out while we sleep?]
With minimal guidance, public hysteria would throw vampire society into chaos.
Though powerful, vampires weren't equipped to handle widespread exposure. With vampires representing such a formidable threat, wouldn't the police find themselves dragged into an unwinnable quagmire?
S.H.I.E.L.D. would likewise be diverted.
And by that time...
When the vampires faced their darkest hour, the Devil would return!
That afternoon, Jess—the girl who had been infected—arrived at the church accompanied by hematologist Dr. Karen Jenson.
Jess had come specifically to thank Jason for saving her life, while Dr. Jenson had developed a profound interest in vampire blood.
Of course, the young woman hadn't directly revealed she'd been bitten by a vampire, instead describing her condition as infection by an "unknown pathogen."
Dr. Jenson requested to speak with Jason privately.
She was direct. "Father Jason, I've conducted extensive analysis on Jess's blood sample. She wasn't infected by any known virus or even an unknown one. What we're seeing is a mutation—a remarkable mutation. Can you explain what's really happening here?"
Jason studied her carefully. This brilliant woman was an exceptional hematologist. In the original timeline, it had been her specialized anti-coagulant that enabled Blade to finally defeat Frost after he'd absorbed the La Magra's power.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked.
Karen's eyes gleamed with scientific passion. "This blood contains evolutionary markers unlike anything I've ever seen! If we can fully understand its properties, we could revolutionize medicine—benefiting all of humanity!"
Jason yawned deliberately. "Or if you're not careful, your research might eradicate humanity entirely."
The Marvel universe was littered with such cautionary tales. No matter how noble the initial purpose, virtually any groundbreaking research carried the potential for global destruction.
Dr. Jenson appeared stunned. "Destroy humanity? That's impossible! I would never conduct such dangerous research! I would only—"
Jason raised his hand, interrupting her. "I'm sorry, but you have no conception of the powerful forces you're attempting to study. I can't allow you to proceed unchecked... unless..."
"Unless what?" Hope flickered in Dr. Jenson's eyes.
An enigmatic smile spread across Jason's face. "Unless you answer to me."
Dr. Jenson was speechless.
Jason continued his explanation. "As I mentioned, this research represents an extraordinary danger. Only those with sufficient resources and strength can bear the consequences of such work. Someone like me."
"You?" Karen glanced around at the dilapidated chapel skeptically.
Jason spoke with calm certainty. "In truth, I am more than just a priest. I am God's knight—an instrument of divine punishment! Under His guidance, I will cleanse this corrupted world. I am God's second sword—like the Great Flood made flesh!"
"This is..."
"Join me, and you will witness both the darkness that infests our world and the light of hope that persists even in the deepest despair..."
As Jason continued his grandiose speech, Karen felt increasingly certain she had stumbled into some bizarre cult.
Jason, noting her complete lack of inspiration, sighed internally. Perhaps idealism and justice no longer motivate people in this cynical world? Or maybe my priest credentials—counterfeit for forty dollars—aren't particularly convincing.
He pivoted to a different approach.
"Of course, beyond all that spiritual fulfillment, consider the professional recognition. With this research, winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine would be practically guaranteed! Your name would be remembered throughout history. You'd become a fixture in medical textbooks—a brilliant Black woman who changed the course of human medicine! Imagine standing victorious over the scientific establishment that has overlooked minds like yours for generations..."
"Enough!" Karen exclaimed, her eyes now genuinely alight with ambition. "If you can provide an adequate research environment, I'd be happy to work with you, Father."
"Welcome to the team," Jason said with a satisfied smile. He turned and called upstairs, "David! Come down and meet our newest recruit!"
For Dr. Jenson, the decision was impulsive but calculated. As a scientist, she understood that thoroughly studying vampire blood could yield revolutionary medical technologies. Even if she only managed to develop therapies for limb regeneration, that alone would support a multi-billion-dollar medical empire.
Jason understood that trying to challenge the criminal underworld with combat skills alone would, at best, make him a glorified enforcer. The true power players all possessed resources, connections, and influence.
He hadn't pursued this path earlier because he lacked the necessary foundation to build such an organization.
If he truly intended to realize his ambitious dreams of rising to power, he needed to assemble talented individuals, accumulate wealth, establish a reputation, and continually strengthen his position.
This was merely the beginning.
After David finished discussing logistics with Karen, he politely escorted her to the door before grabbing Jason by the arm.
His face flushed with anger. "Are you out of your mind? Do you realize that even if we sold both our kidneys, we couldn't raise enough money for the lab she's describing? We're talking hundreds of millions of dollars!"
Jason stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Doesn't she already work at a hospital? Tell her to continue her research there using their equipment. We'll inform her that establishing our own facility will take several months and ask her to be patient."
David's eyes widened with disbelief. "And in a few months you'll magically have the money? What are you planning to do—rob Fort Knox?"
Jason rolled his eyes. "This is why I keep telling you to read more newspapers."
He picked up a copy of that day's paper and pointed to a headline:
STARK INDUSTRIES ENTERS BIDDING FOR DEFENSE DEPARTMENT'S AFGHANISTAN MISSILE CONTRACT
David looked puzzled. "What's your point? We bought Stark Industries shares expecting them to drop in value! If they win this contract, we'll lose everything!"
Jason ignored his concern. "The seed money from the system is about to pay off. This is our opportunity to make a fortune."
After a brief pause, he added, "Also, make sure to give Karen a specific assignment—developing a compound that can effectively neutralize vampires."
David collapsed into a chair with a groan. "Fine. Do whatever you want. When we're completely broke, I'll just pack my bags and disappear."