Chapter 56: Ice Demon Tsunami Destroys Base, S.H.I.E.L.D.Secretly Investigates Traitor
The surrounding seawater was frozen into hard ice, showing no sign of melting even under the high pressure of the deep sea.
That terrifying cold air completely changed the microclimate of this sea area, as if the door to a cold storage unit had been opened at the bottom of the ocean.
Although Agent Hill was someone who had seen great storms and handled a basketful of supernatural events, her heart still involuntarily skipped a beat upon seeing this scene.
Just then, the screen shifted to a scene inside the aircraft carrier's cabins, where the bodies of those soldiers were actually preserved perfectly intact.
However, they had all become lifelike ice sculptures, their faces still frozen in the moment of terror before death.
"Director, this situation... is there any hope of saving them?"
Agent Hill suddenly turned and asked, a hint of hope in her voice.
She knew the agency had some secret high-tech trump cards; as long as the bodies hadn't rotted, there was theoretically a chance to pull the dead back from the gates of hell.
"It's unlikely, highly unlikely. It looks like they're frozen in ice, like Captain America back then, but it's actually not the same thing at all."
Nick Fury shook his head helplessly, a deep sense of powerlessness showing in his single eye.
"Their cellular structures have completely crystallized. Forget about resurrection; even trying to extract a complete segment of DNA from these ice shards now is a pipe dream."
"By the way, has the investigation report from the nuclear blast site in Nevada come out yet?"
Hearing the Director's question, Agent Hill immediately turned and signaled to the Agents under her, calling up an encrypted video.
"This was secretly recorded during the Military's operation. Have a look."
In the footage, the conversation between AbominationEmil Blonsky and Ethan wasn't anything new.
But what made one's skin crawl was the last frame at the moment of the nuclear explosion—Ethan's body actually evaporated and disappeared like water vapor.
"What about the San Diego Naval Base? Any discoveries?"
The satellite surveillance footage timely cut to the airspace above the naval Base that had already turned into ruins.
Agent Hill's fingers tapped rapidly on the keyboard, zooming in on the image.
On the screen, Ethan stood on the sea like a god of war, the surging energy fluctuations around him almost distorting the air.
"This energy peak is terrifying; it's definitely not weaker than the two-hundred-ton yield hydrogen bomb that exploded in Nevada."
Agent Hill looked at the data analysis, her expression as sour as if she had swallowed a fly.
On the massive main screen, the footage of that apocalyptic disaster began to replay: Ethanmanipulating hundreds of millions of tons of Water, whipping up waves dozens of stories high, creating an unprecedented mega-tsunami.
That giant wave was like a gaping maw of the abyss, swallowing the massive naval Base whole in one bite. Even the surrounding counties that relied on the Base for survival were not spared, instantly wiped off the map.
"His control over the ocean has reached a level of doing as he pleases; it's much more troublesome than his freezing ability."
Agent Hill took a deep breath, her tone heavy as if weighed down by a stone.
Nick Fury was completely speechless this time, falling into a deathly silence.
This power, like a god descending to Earth, left him searching his mind for any cards he still had to play against Ethan.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s business, to put it nicely, is for maintaining World peace.
But to put it bluntly, this thing is a global defense organization, yet the remote control is held by the USAmost of the time.
After all, it's an egg hatched on the soil of the USA.
It was only because of that unique juncture of World War IIthat the USA's allies joined in to get a piece of the pie.
Only then did it slowly evolve into the massive S.H.I.E.L.D.system of today.
"Those hardheads in the Military waved the white flag so quickly this time because they were scared witless by this tsunami, right?"
Nick Fury sighed deeply, feeling as though he had aged several years in an instant.
"True, as long as he's willing, he could uproot all of the USA's overseas Military Bases in a matter of minutes."
"Come with me for a moment; I have something to say in private."
Nick Fury walked out of the command room with a dark expression.
Entering an absolutely secure secret room, Nick Furystared at the map of New York on the wall, his gaze gloomy.
"Natasha's mission can be considered a total failure."
Nick Fury didn't hide anything and got straight to the point.
"Director, with all due respect, this was like sending a sheep into a tiger's mouth. I opposed this terrible idea from the start."
Agent Hill crossed her arms, her face full of disapproval.
Trading Natasha's body for a hollow promise from that "Ice Demon"?
Knowing full well the other party had already seen through Natasha's background, yet still insisting on leaving her by Ethan's side—this move was simply idiotic.
"This kid is too uncanny. Not only does he know Natasha's history, but he even knows about top-secret matters like the Skrulls."
Nick Fury's prideful sense of control was being ground into the dirt this time.
"This Ice Demon is like he popped out of a crack in a rock, incredibly mysterious. We've screened everyone his ancestors for eighteen generations might have contacted, but we still can't figure out how he suddenly rose to power. Also, how does he know so many S.H.I.E.L.D. secrets better than we do?"
Agent Hill finally couldn't help but speak her mind, her eyes filled with suspicion.
"Director, are you also suspecting that there's actually a massive nest of rats hidden inside S.H.I.E.L.D., and every move in this building can't be hidden from that Ice Demonat all?"
"You should have a better idea about this than I do."
"I do, but I'm just unwilling to believe this fact."
Nick Fury didn't want to admit that the remnants of HYDRA were operating right under his nose.
But all the investigation results were like resounding slaps in the face, forcing him to face reality.
This World is cruel enough to cause despair.
But this old fox had already begun sharpening his knife in the shadows.
"Actually, I'm not that afraid of HYDRA; after all, they are rats that can't stand the light and can only crawl in the gutters. What I'm truly worried about is that the Military's surrender this time has effectively helped HYDRA, allowing their roots in USA politics to grow even deeper."
Nick Fury's intelligence network showed that the consortiums hiding behind the scenes, controlling the USA's economic lifelines, were brewing some bad moves.
"The Mutants are going to be in big trouble this time. Los Angeles is about to turn into a shura field. These people want to provoke a war with the goal of purging those stubborn old Mutants."
"When that time comes, the new generation of Mutants will likely be reduced to domestic slaves and thugs kept by these consortiums."
"Our Avengers Initiative is still a mess and can't be pushed forward at all."
"That guy Tony has lost half his life."
"Steve is still there wallowing in sorrow, unable to move on from the shadow of his lost love."
"On the other hand, HYDRA has already been sharpening their blades; they've even used the momentum of the Military's surrender to find a way to get close to the Ice Demon."
Nick Fury's brow furrowed deeper as he spoke, truly worried for his country and people.
Agent Hill's skin crawled as she listened, a cold chill running down her back.
If the Ice Demon became HYDRA's new boss, the scene would be too 'beautiful' to imagine; S.H.I.E.L.D.'s future would likely be worse than death.
All of humanity might end up being toyed with in the palm of HYDRA's hand.
Is there still hope for this World?
"The only thing to be thankful for is that Natasha's sacrifice wasn't in vain, as she got a promise from the Ice Demon, but I'm becoming increasingly uneasy about that kid."
Nick Fury's voice was as cold as ice shards.
"So, you still want to plant another mole by his side to watch his every move?"
Agent Hill knew this Cyclops's tricks all too well.
"Looking at the entire S.H.I.E.L.D., I really can't find a second person who can handle this job besides you."
Nick Fury's single eye stared intently at Agent Hill, his gaze actually carrying a hint of pleading.
Agent Hill almost laughed out of anger upon hearing this.
"Nick, I think you're not a Director at all; you're just a pimp!"
After saying that, Agent Hill turned and left, her high heels clicking loudly on the floor, not even looking back.
Nick Fury didn't chase after her; he just stood there and sighed.
A string of names flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern: the Fantastic Four who had just emerged in Washington.
And that bald Professor X Charles in the wheelchair.
He even thought of Captain Marvel Carol Danvers, who was roaming the Universe; she was the final trump card in his hand.
But this lady's mind wasn't on this tiny plot of land called Earth at all.
Even if he called her back to deal with the Ice Demon, whether she could catch him was still up in the air.
Unless they went for the kill and took him out directly.
But the problem is, before the Ice Demon is taken out, that kid would probably blow up the Earth first.
"Nick, I think we need to find a time to have a good talk."
Just then, Charles's gentle voice rang out directly in his mind.
Nick Fury's brow furrowed, feeling a bit displeased by this sensation of having his brain invaded.
But he knew Charles's good-natured temperament and didn't lose his temper.
"Fine, let's meet in New York."
Nick Fury agreed quite decisively.
The scene shifted to the territory of Russia, Siberia.
Hundreds of feet deep beneath that permafrost layer lay a massive underground laboratory, with an ancient castle above acting as a cover.
"Professor Connors, I have a feeling that we can already start fusing the third type of gene serum."
Peter swirled a test tube emitting a strange sky-blue light, a smile on his face that was so bright it was somewhat distorted.
Dr. Connors, however, shook his head with a serious expression: "Technically, we can integrate a third type of animal gene, but you know full well that once this third gene is added, it will immediately break the fragile balance currently within your body."
Chapter 57: Peter's Return, HYDRA's Secret Plot, Mutants
At this moment, Dr. Connors was terrifyingly calm, pouring cold water on his most prized student without mercy.
"Professor, I can't handle that much anymore. I can't wait!"
Peter Parker's jealousy burned so fiercely it made his internal organs ache whenever he thought of Ethanliving openly in the Osborn Group, and even planning to annex Tesla Lighting and Energy Group.
That immense wealth had catapulted that bastard Ethan into the ranks of the World's top billionaires.
The dazzling halo of his former rival twisted Peter's heart into a knot.
What drove him even crazier was that the other party had not only snatched the Family business from him and Harry, but used such a high-sounding excuse—in the name of finding the true culprit who killed his father!
In Peter's mind, the scene where he had personally torn apart Norman Osborn's body involuntarily surfaced; the bloody pleasure of it made him tremble all over.
"Peter, you must understand. If these three genetic powers cannot be perfectly fused, the result will be a terrifying mutation. You will completely devolve into a mindless monster, a real monster! I am speaking from experience; being a monster is not a pleasant feeling. I don't want to watch you destroy yourself."
Dr. Connors' earnest advice didn't make Peter feel even a shred of warmth; instead, it stirred up the rebellious streak in his bones.
But Peter wasn't stupid. He knew that with his current level, if he wanted to continue galloping down this point of no return of genetic mutation, he really couldn't do without Dr. Connors as his crutch.
"I understand, Professor. I will honestly continue to improve the third-stage genetic serum."
Peter lowered his arrogant head, effectively conceding for the moment.
But he knew the ins and outs better than anyone.
This place was a secret Base of HYDRA.
Although Dr. Connors managed the laboratory and was a technical expert.
The person who truly made the decisions was that old fox named Alexander Eugene.
On the surface, this man was an oil tycoon from Russia, wealthy beyond measure.
In secret, he was one of the individuals in charge of HYDRA in Russia, with reach extending everywhere.
Peter had even uncovered a deeper secret: the big shot currently leading a mysterious, supreme team of HYDRAwas none other than the legendary Baron Strucker.
"By the way, Professor, I have to go back to Londonimmediately."
"Why? School has started there?"
"Yes, I still have to go back for class."
A meaningful smile curved the corner of Peter's mouth.
Dr. Connors sighed helplessly. For a woman, this child actually wanted to run all the way back to London.
But he had no reason to stop him.
"Perfect. The Mutant research laboratory in London has already started operating. Since you are going there, you might as well join that project team."
Dr. Connors commanded in a deep voice.
Upon hearing this, Peter's eyes instantly lit up, like a wolf seeing meat.
That x-gene stuff was much more fascinating than the animal transgenics they were tinkering with.
The bizarre abilities of Mutants were precisely the most critical puzzle pieces in the next step of his and Dr. Connors' plan.
"Don't worry, Professor. Please put more effort into the third-stage serum here. As for that Mutant laboratory in London, I will keep a close eye on it for you."
The authority HYDRA gave them was quite substantial.
Glory if they wanted glory, status if they wanted status; they got whatever they wanted in terms of resources, money, and connections.
This was also the reason why Dr. Connors and Peter, this master and apprentice pair, were so devoted to working for HYDRA.
"This child is still too green; he needs tempering."
A pot-bellied businessman with a thick cigar in his mouth waddled over to Dr. Connors.
"But he is absolutely the most perfect test subject, don't you think, Eugene?"
Dr. Connors pushed up his glasses and smiled.
"Hahaha, that goes without saying; he is simply God's masterpiece. Back then, we spent so much effort trying to get that perfect transgenic formula from Parker's father. That guy was so stubborn, and in the end, he died along with the plane, and the formula disappeared too."
Alexander Eugene took a deep puff of his cigar and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.
His squinting eyes were full of smug laughter.
"Who would have thought? We searched everywhere for it, and you two actually delivered it to our doorstep. Not only did you bring the mature transgenic formula, but you also included such advanced genetic Fusion concepts. It's like we've seen the stairway to heaven."
Alexander Eugene didn't hide his ambition at all, and his greed was nauseating.
"Based on my understanding of the child Peter, if he were to find out the truth, that fragile little heart of his would probably shatter into pieces. At that point, he would definitely go crazy and tear HYDRA apart at any cost."
Dr. Connors echoed with a cold tone, as if speaking about something unrelated to himself.
As for the life or death of this prized student Peter, in his eyes, it no longer mattered.
Peter's only value was to serve as a qualified genetic carrier.
"By the way, how is that Life Formula we've been longing for coming along?"
Alexander Eugene changed the subject and asked about another core project.
"That is the key to controlling the monster army."
Dr. Connors said proudly: "Don't worry. Once this technology is perfected—embedding commands directly into genes and Souls—those genetic monsters will be the most obedient dogs. There is no need to worry about them backfiring."
"I know it's the key, but Professor Connors, our brothers in the USA are having a hard time because of that Ice Demon. The pressure is immense."
Alexander Eugene clearly knew how to handle Dr. Connors.
"Give me another year. Just one year, and I can advance the Life Formula to the second stage."
"Half a year! I can only give you half a year at most. Whatever assistants or equipment you need, just ask. Even if you want the moon, I'll pluck it down for you."
"Eugene, I have enough manpower here. You don't need to worry about it."
Dr. Connors kept a straight face and refused directly.
"Professor, why be so defensive against your own people? We in HYDRA are your strongest backing. We would never do something like slaughtering the donkey after the mill is done or snatching your technology."
Alexander Eugene said with a smile, looking completely harmless.
In fact, they had already thoroughly mastered those two first-stage serums.
They had even secretly researched the second-stage Fusion serum to a fair degree.
That was why Alexander Eugene was acting so respectful toward Dr. Connors now.
"If there is nothing else, Eugene, you can leave. I am very busy."
Dr. Connors, wearing a white lab coat, issued an order to leave.
"Fine, fine, the great scientist is busy. But soon, there will be a seat for you among the high-ranking members of HYDRA. Dr. Connors, I have high hopes for you. But the monster army issue really cannot be dragged out any longer."
Alexander Eugene left a meaningful look and turned to leave.
Dr. Connors watched his back, his heart completely calm.
Genetic apotheosis, genetic immortality.
That was the true plan in Dr. Connors' mind.
He had kept a hand on many core technologies and hadn't disclosed everything.
After all, these people in HYDRA were a bunch of lunatics; Dr. Connors had to leave himself a way out.
Once Eugene left, Dr. Connors knew that the prying eyes were definitely watching him again.
But he was no longer the nerd he used to be.
The power of genes was not just about developed muscles; the evolution of the brain was what he valued most now.
"Vatican... Ice Demon... 975628841!!!"
Whenever Dr. Connors thought of the name he considered his Mortal enemy, he couldn't stop shivering.
Too strong, strong enough to make one despair.
If he could capture that Ice Demon and slice him up for research, how wonderful that would be.
"desire points increased by one million!"
This wave had recovered some health.
But he still needed a large amount of nutrition.
At this moment, Raven had already swaggered into the Osborn Group to go to work.
From this moment on, she was officially taking over Ethan's business Empire.
Ever since witnessing Ethan's World-destroying power, Raven's mindset had completely changed.
Any scruples, any caution—to hell with it all.
Now, even if she met her old enemies on the street, she would dare to point at their noses and mock them, or even trample them under her feet.
"Mr. Hao, you seem to have forgotten about us two sisters, haven't you?"
On the other end of the phone, Sandy Brandenbourg's voice was lazy and carried a hint of resentment.
She was wearing sexy pajamas, standing in front of the window staring blankly at the Villa downstairs.
On the sofa next to her, Outlaw Inez was sitting with her legs crossed, licking an ice cream while staring at the news conference on TV.
"...We firmly believe that Mutants are actually sick. They are patients who need treatment! And the birth of the cure is to allow them to restore their health, return to a normal life, and no longer be tortured by that damn genetic mutation!"
On the TV screen, a greasy middle-aged man in a suit was spitting everywhere as he spoke into the microphone.
"Sick? Your whole Family is sick! All eighteen generations of your ancestors are sick!!!"
Outlaw Inez was so angry that she threw the pillow in her hand directly at the TV, cursing.
Sandy Brandenbourg turned around, looking at the TV screen, deep in thought.
She was also a Mutant, so naturally, she wasn't happy.
In fact, she had always hidden a special skill—energy sensing.
Relying on this ability, she could detect the strength of enemies like a radar.
"Oh, how could I forget you two cuties? Sandy baby, I'll come to see you tonight."
Ethan had been too busy fooling around with that demoness Raven these past few days, indeed pushing these two girls to the back of his mind.
But this Sandy really had some skills, and Inez was also a decent thug.
The current Osborn Group was in a period of needing people; it was short on talent.
If he brought them into the Osborn Group, wouldn't that be the perfect way to build a Marvel version of Vought Group!!!
Hehe, at that time, he would definitely have to make a guest appearance as Homelander to satisfy his craving.
Sandy Brandenbourg hung up the phone, the smile on her face instantly disappearing.
At this moment, the news conference on TV had just ended.
"The war is really about to begin."
This was not just a war between humans and Mutants, but a war of survival.
Who would willingly lose their superpowers and become a Mortal for no reason?
But for Mutants like them who were just scraping by at the bottom, finding a big tree to lean on was the serious business.
Previously, they were Agent X mercenaries who worked for money. Now, Sandy and Inez were already on the Ice Demon's pirate ship.
She believed that not many people knew the true face of the Ice Demon.
But that didn't matter.
What mattered was that the Ice Demon was strong enough. Sandy had seen that World-destroying strength with her own eyes these past few days.
That aircraft carrier fleet sank just like that. Although the news was blocked, paper couldn't wrap up fire.
The USA government was still playing dumb, finding various excuses to cover it up.
And that big tsunami at the port—in Sandy's view, this was definitely also a man-made disaster.
This sudden tsunami had shocked the whole World.
Over a hundred thousand people died, and the second-largest port in the USA had turned into ruins.
This was simply a 21st-century version of the Pearl Harbor incident.
Now the whole World was in a panic. Many smart people had already guessed that whoever dared to strike a fatal blow to the USA Navy must be a ruthless character who had mastered superpowers.
This tsunami was likely a warning to the USA government, telling them not to exterminate Mutants.
Just like how Magneto didn't do less of these things back in the day—attacking the government and causing disasters.
"Inez, hurry up and tidy yourself up. Hao is coming over tonight."
Outlaw Inez's face dropped immediately upon hearing this, full of reluctance.
She now felt like she was chained by a demon, unable to escape even if she wanted to. This powerlessness made her go crazy.
But she didn't want to die.
So, if Ethan could completely forget about them, that would be something to thank the heavens for.
But clearly, the good sister beside her had big ambitions and was not satisfied with the status quo at all.
Instead, she wanted to use the Ice Demon's momentum to climb even higher.
Chapter 58: Harry Gains Spider Gene, Seeks Revenge
Sandy looked at Inez's lifeless expression and sneered, "Can you clear your head now? The USA government is about to take action against us Mutants, forcing mandatory injections of the cure! I'm asking you, do you want to become a useless person with no strength? Do you have any idea how many enemies we've made working as mercenaries all these years? Those enemies can't touch us now, but once we lose our power, those who slipped through the net will definitely jump out and tear us to pieces!"
Inez also had a short temper and retorted immediately: "I know my own worth, but don't you lie to yourself! What are we in the eyes of that Ice Demon? Nothing but two disposable playthings used to satisfy physical needs!"
A fierce light flashed in Inez's eyes; it was the wildness inherent in a Texas cowgirl.
When the fear receded, the stubbornness of this wild girl returned.
Fearless of heaven or Earth, I am an outlaw!
"Inez, if you want to leave, the door is open now, you can get lost anytime! I'm confident I can persuade Mr. Hao not to pursue this; he's actually not as bad as you think. When it comes down to it, it's our own fault for using that Ice Demon as a shield and trying to sell him to those religious fanatics in the Vatican."
Sandy Brandenbourg analyzed the situation with extreme calmness.
Although she hadn't been in contact with Ethan for long, she was a good judge of character; Ethan belonged to the type of personality that reacts passively.
He didn't actively look for trouble, but he was never afraid of it either.
As long as no one provoked him, everyone would be safe, but once he was angered, one should just wait to be wiped out.
Every time he made a move, he was actually flexing his muscles to intimidate his enemies.
Although this method was simple and crude, it was indeed effective.
Precisely because she saw through this point, Sandy felt that following Ethan had great prospects.
Mr. Hao had seized such a large business empire; he must be lacking capable people to do the work.
And she, Sandy, happened to have that ambition and ability.
As soon as Connolly thought of Norman's reaction upon learning the truth, he felt as if something was pressing down on his heart; the man would likely collapse on the spot.
"These are all things of the past, what is the point of telling me this now?"
Harry Osborn's voice was very low, but his anger had not diminished at all.
Connolly looked up and stared at him, asking: "Do you know that the power Peter is relying on now is the same group of people who wanted to steal the genetic formula from his father back then?"
Harry was stunned, his breathing paused for a moment: "What did you say?"
"HYDRA."
Connolly lowered his eyelids, his tone as cold as ice.
Harry Osborn widened his eyes, as if he were truly recognizing this name for the first time.
A cold sneer tugged at the corner of Connolly's mouth: "To put it bluntly, I sold my shares in the Osborn Group to save my life, and of course, I have to thank Mr. Hao for giving me a hand."
He spoke slowly, but every word was piercing: "Peter is taking advantage of your vulnerability after losing your father to slowly deceive your trust, and his killing me was just to clear obstacles for you, so he could legitimately control the entire Osborn."
"He is already strong enough."
Harry gritted his teeth, his knuckles turning white.
"No, he is far from it."
Connolly shook his head slightly, "If Mr. Hao hadn't intervened that day, I would have died long ago. In front of Mr. Hao, Peter doesn't even have the qualification to escape."
Connolly smiled contemptuously, a smile that carried the certainty of having witnessed absolute power with his own eyes.
Connolly knew better than anyone just how terrifying Ethan was.
"So, he is desperately trying to become stronger to kill Ethan?"
Harry's voice sounded dry.
"Mr. Hao said it himself, Peter is his love rival."
Connolly said indifferently, "If Mr. Hao hadn't left the vengeance for you to resolve personally, Peter would have been reduced to nothing long ago."
Harry felt a jolt in his heart; that level of power made his scalp tingle.
"Mr. Connolly, we can begin."
Dr. Otto's voice intervened; he was already standing in front of the mechanical device.
"He is Harry Osborn, who has injected the incomplete super soldier serum."
Connolly ordered expressionlessly, "Inject the Black Widow spider gene according to Mr. Hao's request."
Dr. Otto nodded, his tone calm: "The serum is ready, just lie down."
Harry noticed the eight mechanical arms behind Dr. Otto, swaying slightly in the light, as flexible as an octopus.
He took a deep breath, suppressed the fear in his heart, and lay on the cold metal chair.
"Start the injection."
Sixteen gene serums were pushed into his body simultaneously, and the sharp pain exploded instantly.
It felt like his cells were being torn apart and stitched back together.
A suppressed low roar squeezed from Harry's throat; he was almost about to lose consciousness.
Connolly stood to the side, his face more solemn than ever before.
Dr. Otto, however, smiled: "The new super spider serum will devour the Green Goblin in his body, but this process will be extremely painful."
His tone was calm to the point of cruelty: "The Green Goblin is already part of his psyche. If it succeeds, his strength will completely surpass Captain America Steve."
The name Steve was almost a faith for their generation.
"I have no interest in the spider serum."
Dr. Otto changed the subject, "I value the healing ointment derived from the lizard gene more."
The self-healing ability brought by the lizard gene had almost overturned medical cognition.
The healing products developed around it had become the sharpest trump card of the Osborn Group.
"Clinical trials have entered the final stage; once on the market, it will be ten billion US dollars a year."
Dr. Otto smiled unabashedly.
He was actually more obsessed with energy research, but he was pushed back into the field of genetics by reality.
The artificial Sun project was rejected, but the technology had long been transferred to the nuclear fusion team.
Stark hadn't commercialized the arc reactor, which instead gave Osborn an opportunity.
"Medicine is the most profitable."
Dr. Otto smiled like a total realist.
The more the company earned, the more exaggerated his research funding became.
The boss promised that 30% of the profits would be invested in R&D, with 8% under his full control.
Money, resources, status—everything was in place.
Connolly just nodded, feeling no jealousy at all.
He still held 2% of Osborn's shares, and the annual dividends were equally astonishing.
Coupled with the priority sales rights for products, his position remained very stable.
Harry's screams finally stopped slowly.
When the stabilization machine slowly opened, everyone was stunned.
The originally thin Harry looked like a different person.
His muscle lines were clear, his figure had grown taller, and he radiated a dangerous sense of oppression.
Connolly watched with a flash of envy, and a thought uncontrollably popped up.
super soldier serum.
This thought made his back go cold because he knew the consequences of crossing the line.
But he also understood Ethan; perhaps there was an opportunity.
Dr. Otto was also weighing things in his mind.
The spider serum had a failure rate, but the super soldier serum was almost stable.
The difference lay only in personal willpower and genetic potential.
The boss once said that the human body has genetic locks, and breaking them layer by layer, becoming a god was not a fantasy.
He knew the hidden dangers of his mechanical body.
Had it not been for Ethan's mind control, he would have been backlashed by the eight arms long ago.
Now his will suppressed the machinery, but his body remained fragile.
If he strengthened his physical body, his research efficiency would increase exponentially.
Harry stood up from the chair, feeling the surging power within him.
Confidence surged like a tide.
The Green Goblin's whispers disappeared completely, and his mind was clearer than ever.
"Congratulations, Master Harry."
Dr. Otto revealed a truly satisfied smile.
This was a nearly perfect work.
Harry closed his eyes, immersed in the intoxication brought by power.
London, Peter, betrayal, blood debt—scene after scene rolled through his mind.
He could have just been a rich second generation.
But he was forced into the abyss by hatred.
His father's hope was stolen, his life ended.
Even his feelings were trampled upon.
Anger roared silently in the bottom of his heart.
Applause rang out suddenly.
Ethan walked into the laboratory with two beauties.
"Congratulations."
His tone was casual, yet it made people shudder, "The current you, at least, will no longer be suppressed by Peter."
This sentence, however, was like cold water splashed on Harry's head.
"Then what should I do?"
"Learn the most ruthless fighting, train to the limit, and then cut off his head."
Ethan turned to ask Dr. Otto: "If the head is gone, can the lizard gene grow it back?"
"No."
The answer was crisp and decisive.
Harry kept this sentence firmly in mind.
Don't forget, that guy's current identity is the monarch of the Inhumans.
Wanting him to lower himself to join S.H.I.E.L.D. as a thug, or even become a member of the Avengers, was simply a pipe dream.
"Recruitment can be attempted, but the situation is not optimistic; you also saw the data monitored by the satellite two days ago."
Agent Hill pointed to the waveform on the big screen, her tone solemn.
"The energy peak erupted in the center of the Atlantic Ocean is simply shocking; this means the power of that 'Ice Demon' has completed some kind of qualitative leap."
Fear flashed in Nick Fury's lone eye, his voice hoarse as if rubbed on sandpaper.
"This is the most terrifying single-unit energy reaction I have witnessed in my life, whether facing aliens or Mutants."
Agent Hill, on the contrary, let out a long sigh, trying to ease the oppressive atmosphere in the office.
"Look at the bright side, Ethan is still a human after all, 'Ice Demon' is just a nickname imposed on him by the outside World."
She paused and continued to analyze.
"Let Natasha continue to maintain contact with him; that is our only soft approach."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. absolutely does not want to stand on the opposite side of him, but if he continues to abuse this forbidden power without scruples, the order of the entire Earth will collapse."
Look at the current situation.
The Vatican has been severely damaged.
The military hegemony that the USA prides itself on has been seriously provoked.
These two things, the former shook the spiritual faith foundation of the Western World.
The latter slapped the World's policeman hard in the face, shaking its military deterrence.
"Natasha..."
Nick Fury muttered the name and fell into a death-like silence.
Chapter 59: Spider Melee Over London
Fingers unconsciously tapped the tabletop, making a "tap-tap" sound.
"What I'm truly worried about is that when Natashareturns to that man's side, not only will she fail the mission, but she'll fall completely into his charm trap."
The warning from the past was right before their eyes.
Mystique Raven, the Mutant who once caused headaches for countless agencies, was now a devoted general under the 'Ice Demon'.
She even dared to openly enter and exit the Osborn Groupbuilding, speaking eloquently before the media's cameras and microphones with a face full of confidence.
And the USA government was helpless against this, even having to quietly revoke the global arrest warrant for her.
"Speaking of Osborn, they are recently hiring an administrative executive. This might be a good opportunity to plant an informant; I can go try."
Agent Hill suddenly made a bold suggestion.
"The intelligence sent back by the insider is astonishing; Osborn's genetic lab seems to have overcome the hurdles of the super soldier serum."
"Their high-ranking officials are hungry and thirsty, preparing to conduct large-scale live injections and enhancements on their own people."
Hearing this news, Nick Fury's tense nerves finally relaxed a sliver.
He immediately tossed out the top-secret intelligence he had just received.
"We need those serums, whether it's the super soldier version or that damn spider serum."
The one-eyed Director's gaze instantly became as sharp as a falcon's, revealing a streak of ruthlessness.
"This World is changing too fast; it's time for S.H.I.E.L.D. to arm itself to the teeth and undergo a comprehensive upgrade."
Agent Hill nodded in understanding.
"There's also an emergency: a secret genetic lab in Londonwas bombed half an hour ago."
"Intelligence shows the attacker was Harry Osborn."
"Half an hour ago?"
Nick Fury suddenly looked up, sensing something unusual.
"Immediately mobilize all our Agent resources in London to conduct a search and confirm if Dr. Connors is hiding there!"
The escape of that Lizard Doctor was practically a pillar of shame in Fury's career.
This incident caused his prestige within S.H.I.E.L.D. to suffer a precipitous drop.
"Natasha and Agent Barton are already on their way to London."
Agent Hill responded quickly.
"Natasha, she..."
Fury hesitated; he really couldn't figure out what kind of chemical reaction had occurred between Natasha and Ethan.
Anyone could see that the 'Ice Demon' had some interest in Black Widow.
And Natasha clearly didn't reject his advances.
But ever since the Vatican was frozen, Natasha's attitude had become ambiguous.
"Additionally, there's a piece of intelligence worth noting: Dr. Connors' former star pupil, Peter Parker, is also in London."
"It's said his father was once Connors' research partner, and they jointly developed the spider gene project."
"Maybe we don't need to care about Osborn's attitude at all to obtain the more advanced genetic medicine technology directly from the source."
Mutants are rising, genetically enhanced humans are proliferating, and all sorts of superhumans are emerging one after another.
The current S.H.I.E.L.D. looked like a kindergarten security guard with a water gun in front of these monsters.
Before the 'Ice Demon' burst onto the scene, although the World had undercurrents, it was at least under their surveillance on the surface.
But since that guy appeared, all rules have been broken.
Humans with extraordinary powers are springing up like mushrooms after rain, showing a blowout-style explosion.
"Have Natasha and Barton keep a close eye on them; don't let anything go wrong."
...
London, misty and foggy.
George Stacy and his wife Trish were standing on the street, looking at their daughter Gwen with complex gazes.
"Honey, have you really made up your mind?"
"Yeah, I've thought it through. New York still suits me better."
The corners of Gwen's mouth curled up, revealing a relieved smile.
She turned back to take a deep look at the ancient Cambridge University behind her.
This was once the academic hall she had dreamed of in her childhood.
But now, that obsession in her heart seemed to have faded.
"Alright then, let's go home, back to New York."
Just at the moment the family was about to turn and leave.
Boom!
A piercing sound of something breaking through the air suddenly came from the sky, followed by a violent explosion.
A figure stepping on a flying glider and wearing green, hideous armor was engaged in a fierce aerial struggle with someone in a red and blue spider bodysuit.
"Look! Is that Spider-Man?!"
The screams of passersby pierced the silence of the street.
George's face instantly darkened; his Police instincts made him immediately protect his wife and daughter.
"This place isn't safe, let's go!"
The battle escalated quickly, and the flames of war spread over London.
Sirens wailed as a large number of military and Policeswarmed in.
But the non-human power of the two fighting in the sky was too terrifying; ordinary firepower couldn't intervene at all.
Green Goblin frantically pressed the launch buttons, and miniature missiles trailed exhaust flames as they were bombarded out.
Meanwhile, the red-clad Peter acted as if he were strolling in his own backyard, performing various maneuvers that defied physical common sense in the air, dodging the lethal attacks with ease.
Gwen's expression became incredibly solemn.
That unique "Spider-Sense" in her mind was frantically warning her, making her scalp tingle.
Furthermore, this sense of threat actually came from her own kind!
"They... were also bitten by spiders?"
Gwen lowered her voice and muttered in disbelief.
In mid-air, white spider silk sprayed everywhere, weaving a giant hunting web between the buildings of London in the blink of an eye.
"Harry, I really didn't expect you to have injected the spider serum as well."
"Not bad, really not bad. But unfortunately, with just this bit of skill, you can't kill me."
From under the mask came Peter's arrogant and distorted laughter.
Harry?
Gwen's footsteps, which were about to retreat, suddenly froze.
Harry Osborn?
And the voice coming from under the spider mask, although it had become somewhat frenzied, was still terrifyingly familiar.
Peter Parker?
Weren't the two of them best friends who were as thick as thieves?
"Peter! I'm going to kill you! Pay for my father's life with yours!!!"
Harry Osborn's face was now hideous, and his eyes were as blood-red as rubies.
He suddenly abandoned the flying glider beneath his feet, his hands frantically spraying spider silk, sealing off all of Peter Parker's escape routes.
A storm of shock rose in Gwen's heart; these two monsters fighting frantically were actually her classmates.
"Tsk tsk tsk, that bastard Ethan must have told you, right? What, do you really treat him like some savior or good guy?"
Peter Parker hung upside down on the spider web, his tone full of mockery and resentment.
At the mention of Ethan, his teeth itched with hatred.
If it weren't for that man, how could he have been forced to leave his home and hide in London like a rat?
"A good guy? Humph, you're just a gift he left for me to practice on."
Hearing that name, Harry's mind actually cleared up a bit.
Clang!
He reached back and drew an alloy combat knife that shimmered with a cold light.
Following Ethan's advice, he had specifically gone to Japan to study under a Kendo Great Master.
Combined with his current terrifying mutated strength, mastering killing techniques was as easy as pie.
This combat knife was even crafted using Osborn's top technology, cutting through iron like it was mud.
"Gwen! Stop dazing and let's go!"
George grabbed his daughter's wrist and shouted anxiously.
Trish also pulled her frightened young son.
Gwen bit her lip hard, forcibly suppressing the urge to rush up and stop them.
She wanted to help.
But her family was all here; she absolutely could not put them in danger.
The family hurried into the car, and George floored the gas, heading straight for the hotel.
"Gwen, move faster, pack your bags, we must head to the airport immediately!"
Back in the hotel room, Gwen locked the door and fell silent.
Without any hesitation, she quickly changed into that black and white Ghost-Spider suit.
Opening the window, she was like a white bolt of lightning, instantly vanishing into the night and heading straight for the battlefield.
She had to figure all of this out.
Because both of those classmates had mentioned her boyfriend.
A woman's intuition told her that Ethan was hiding something big from her.
Although that man usually concealed it flawlessly.
But thinking carefully, there were too many suspicious points.
An international student stranded in a foreign land with no relatives.
In just two short years, he had transformed into a World-class hidden billionaire.
And Gwen had personally experienced the "power" he displayed at certain times, which was so strong it made one's heart tremble.
Behind that sense of security was a suffocating sense of pressure.
...
At the top of the London clock tower, the cold wind was biting.
Barton and Natasha stood side by side, looking down from a height at this superhuman battle.
"It's confirmed; Peter Parker escaped along with Dr. Connors."
"This guy not only injected Osborn's spider serum but also mixed it with the Lizard Serum."
A cold and elegant smile curled on Black Widow's lips.
Finally caught your tail.
Hawkeye held up high-powered binoculars, his brow furrowed: "Harry's strike clearly hit him; how is the wound healing so fast?"
"Is this the regenerative power of the Lizard Serum? He's practically an immortal monster, not at all inferior to that Beast we've seen."
He was naturally referring to Wolverine Logan.
"It's different."
Natasha shook her head; her time undercover at Osbornhadn't been for nothing.
"The healing of the Lizard Serum comes with a price; it's far less perfect than the x-gene. Every time a wound heals, it's drastically consuming the biological energy in his body."
Although she hadn't obtained the core formula, she had seen plenty of experimental reports.
"Someone has intruded! It's Ghost-Spider!"
Hawkeye suddenly gave a low shout and handed over the binoculars.
In the lens, a figure in a black and white suit, like a ballet dancer, burst into the battlefield.
That slender and graceful figure, those nimble and flexible movements—every jump radiated youthful vitality.
Even Natasha couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy looking at that figure.
That was the only official girlfriend that man had publicly acknowledged.
Gwen Stacy.
If it weren't for Ethan, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't have been able to pinpoint Ghost-Spider's true identity so quickly.
Seeing her love rival in a foreign land now, Natasha's mood was as complex as a spilled spice rack.
"Do you think that man will come?"
Barton suddenly asked.
Natasha shook her head; she wasn't sure either.
"Don't think about it, focus on the mission. Peter Parker is a Breakthrough point; we need to find Dr. Connors. HYDRAhas hidden him too deeply."
Barton already had the right to know.
As the core of the Avengers, Fury had kept nothing from him.
Finding the HYDRA cancer lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D. was their top priority now.
"The current situation is very passive; we know almost nothing about HYDRA."
Natasha sighed, feeling somewhat helpless.
"If I get the chance, I'll try to shoot through Peter's heart, but I doubt if that can kill him."
Hawkeye narrowed his eyes, his finger resting on the bowstring, his gaze firmly locked on the scene below.
The center of the battlefield.
"Tsk tsk, Harry, it seems you still don't understand the true Profound Truth of the second-stage gene."
Peter's voice became even more non-human, his clothes on his back tore, and eight hideous spider spears burst from his body.
"The human shell is just a shackle; only by returning to the spider's instinct can one release the true killing desire!"
Chapter 60: Gwen Meets Natasha, Startling Secrets Revealed
These eight spider legs were like the scythes of the God of Death, every move lethal, as they frantically attacked Harry.
Although Harry's strength had skyrocketed, he was currently being forced into a pathetic state, his combat knife barely able to parry as sparks flew everywhere.
"Hey! Big guy, two against one isn't fair. I'm here to join the fun!"
A strand of spider silk descended from the sky.
Gwen swung down using the silk's momentum, and utilizing gravitational potential energy, she delivered a fierce kick to the mutated Peter, sending him flying.
The sudden turn of events enraged Peter.
He let out a roar, abandoned Harry, and pounced toward Ghost-Spider like a mad dog.
He moved so fast that he even left afterimages behind.
Gwen's heart skipped a beat; this speed was even faster than she had anticipated!
But her reactions were faster. Her figure blurred into an afterimage, narrowly avoiding that lethal strike.
"Phew... that was close. You ugly brute, you really have no sense of sportsmanship."
Gwen patted her chest, her heart still racing with lingering fear.
"Gwen?"
Harry froze, calling out tentatively.
"Gwen?!"
Peter Parker, who was just about to pursue her, was also stunned, his movements freezing mid-air.
"Why? Gwen, why are you helping him against me?"
Peter's voice was filled with the rage of betrayal.
Hanging on the wall, Ghost-Spider covered her mouth in frustration.
"Oops, forgot to turn on the voice changer..."
Since she was exposed, she decided to just admit it openly.
"Since we all know each other and are old classmates, is there anything we can't sit down and talk about over a cup of coffee?"
Gwen tried to act as a peacemaker.
"Talk? Talk about what?"
A morbid, cruel grin appeared on Harry Osborn's face.
"Talk about how he turned into this monster? Or talk about how his father caused my father's death?"
Hearing this, Peter laughed even more maniacally: "Harry! It was your damn father who killed my whole family! Did you expect me to just stick my neck out and let him kill me? Norman Osborn got what he deserved!!!"
"Bullshit! The ones who killed your parents were HYDRA! My father helped your coward of a dad go on the run back then to save him!"
Harry roared back.
"That's just your side of the story! If your father hadn't pressured him, how could my father have died!"
Seeing the two of them glaring at each other like mortal enemies, Gwen was completely dumbfounded.
The hatred was already at its peak; there was no way to mediate this.
"Words are useless. Peter, today is the day you die!"
"With that half-baked Osborn Serum of yours? Haha, let me show you what real, perfect gene-splicing power looks like!"
Peter roared and charged forward again.
"Perfect genes? Do you really think the current Osborn is still the same mess it used to be?"
Harry sneered and directly shed his Green Goblin armor.
In the next second, his muscles began to eerily writhe and expand.
Massive black spider markings instantly crawled across his upper body, and an aura like that of a primordial beast erupted.
"Hao was right, you're the failure abandoned by the era."
"Even though it's also spider genes, your technology is absolute garbage compared to the latest Black Widow serum!"
Harry lightly tapped the spider silk with his toes; his entire body was as light as a feather, yet contained the power to shatter mountains.
This was the true double mutation!
With the Green Goblin's physique plus the agility of a Black Widow spider, he was currently like a demon god descending.
"The true genetic lock is about developing the infinite potential of the human body, not turning into a freak who's neither human nor ghost like you!"
Ethan's teachings echoed in Harry's mind.
"Remember, cut off his head and bring it to me."
That was the devil's whisper.
Beside them, Gwen was already stunned to the point of numbness.
Ethan again!
Her boyfriend, again!
Just how many world-shaking things had this guy done behind her back at the Osborn Group?
Clang—!
Just as the battle was about to spiral out of control, a purple blade of light descended from the sky, slicing through the sky-filling spider silk like it was tofu.
A mixed-race beauty with a smoking hot figure, wielding a purple lightsaber, landed in the center of the battlefield.
"You uncultured monsters, do you know this is England? This is my turf!"
The newcomer was none other than the Mutant, Psylocke, who was also the current Captain Britain.
Having been enhanced by Apocalypse and wielding the legendary sword in the stone, her current strength was unfathomable.
Harry did several backflips to create distance.
Peter also used his eight legs to grip the wall tightly, staring warily at this woman who had suddenly appeared.
The sword in that woman's hand made his very Soultremble.
"Hi, beautiful, don't misunderstand. I'm just a passerby watching the show."
Seeing things were going south, Gwen immediately swung up onto the roof and raised her hand to check her watch.
"Uh... you guys enjoy your chat. I have a flight to catch, so I'll be going now!"
This was a fight she couldn't win.
Whether it was this woman in the purple bodysuit with a mind-blowing body, or her two crazed classmates, she couldn't beat any of them.
Of the thirty-six stratagems, fleeing was the best.
"Peter, where do you think you're going!"
Seeing Peter trying to slip away, Harry also lost his desire to fight. He summoned his glider, donned his armor again, and turned into a green light to give chase.
Psylocke gave a cold snort and retracted her psionic blade.
She looked up at the distant clock tower, her gaze sharp as lightning.
"We've been spotted."
Hawkeye's heart tightened.
"Let's retreat. This Captain Britain doesn't have a very good temper."
Natasha made a prompt decision, and the two quickly disappeared into the night.
Psylocke's brow furrowed slightly.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. flies..."
She had recently received a secret order from the Royal Family—go to New York and take the head of the 'Ice Demon.'
To consolidate her position, she had to complete this mission.
...
Knock, knock, knock!
"Gwen! How much longer are you going to dawdle?"
Her mother Trish's urging voice came from outside the door.
"Coming, Mom! I'm changing, three minutes!"
Gwen, who had just climbed back through the window, frantically changed into casual clothes.
"Ethan, you just wait!"
Gwen ground her teeth, angrily stuffing her suit into her suitcase.
Even though she was the one who pursued him, this was just too ridiculous!
She had to go back and make him kneel on a washboard to explain everything clearly!
At the same time, a deep sense of crisis welled up in her heart.
That guy known as the 'Ice Demon' had been making too much noise globally lately.
Freezing the Vatican, icing over carrier fleets, and even turning Central Park into a skating rink.
Every single one was a major incident.
Plus, Harry and Peter turning into those monstrous forms definitely had to be connected to him as well.
She used to think he was just a rich second-generation heir who knew some kung fu, wrote novels, and did some investing.
Looking at it now, she was simply as naive as a blank sheet of paper.
After boarding the plane, Gwen stared somewhat blankly at the clouds outside the window.
"Sorry, excuse me, my seat is on the inside."
Gwen looked up and was instantly dazzled by the sexy, auburn-haired bombshell in front of her.
That mature womanly charm made her, a young girl, feel instantly overshadowed in terms of presence.
She hurriedly stood up to let her in.
"Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Natasha Romanoff."
The beauty generously extended her hand with a sweet smile.
"Security Director for the Osborn Group, which means I'm the head of security for your boyfriend. Miss Gwen Stacy, I've heard a lot about you."
"You know me?"
Gwen looked at her in surprise.
"Naturally. As an employee of Mr. Hao, I must memorize the boss's lady's information by heart."
Natasha's smile hid a deeper meaning that only she understood.
Gwen secretly sized up this woman, her intuition sounding an alarm.
This woman was too dangerous, practically a walking hormone; she was exactly the type that men found hardest to refuse.
"That's not right? I interned at Osborn, and the Security Director was a balding middle-aged man. I've never seen you."
Gwen instantly became wary.
"I was transferred there after Mr. Hao joined the board of directors."
Natasha lied without blinking an eye, though it was partially true.
"Then is Miss Romanoff in London on official business?"
Gwen did not let down her guard.
"Inspecting new products and handling some sudden situations along the way."
Natasha smiled meaningfully.
She didn't mind making things a bit difficult for that playboy.
Who told him to have so many secrets, keeping even his official girlfriend in the dark like some naive sweetheart.
"Don't you feel any guilt for doing those kinds of human experiments?"
Gwen suddenly felt a bit angry.
Dr. Connors' tragedy was still fresh in her mind, and she didn't want to see more people turned into monsters.
"Isn't Miss Gwen herself a beautiful 'accident'?"
Natasha suddenly leaned in closer, lowering her voice, her gaze playfully scanning Gwen's youthful face.
"I'm very curious, how did you perfectly fuse with the spider serum?"
"You... did he tell you?"
Gwen's pupils contracted, her body tensing up.
"No. Let me reintroduce myself. I'm not just an executive at Osborn; I'm also an Advanced Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Natasha finally showed her cards.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"The full name is the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. It was founded during World War II to fight HYDRA, and Captain America, Steve Rogers, was also one of our founding members."
Invoking the great name of Captain America had an immediate effect.
Gwen's eyes lit up: "The legend who was frozen for seventy years?"
"Exactly. We just dug him out, and he's alive and kicking."
Natasha took the opportunity to build rapport.
Looking at this girl with an overflowing sense of justice, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Compared to Ethan, who had struggled his way out of Hells Kitchen, Gwen was simply an Angel.
That man was a traumatized hedgehog; anyone who touched him got stung.
Regarding the Vatican incident, although it was publicly called the act of a demon, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s investigation found that it was most likely the Holy See that made the first move.
"Since you know so much, aren't you afraid I'll tell Ethanyou're an undercover Agent?"
"He already knows."
Natasha shrugged, looking completely nonchalant.
"By the way, regarding that business with the Lizard Doctor, he was the one who helped me capture him."
"What?!"
Gwen felt like a fool.
"You mean, he was involved long ago? And he even helped you catch Dr. Connors?"
"It seems the things he's hiding from you are even more than I imagined."
Seeing Gwen's shocked expression, Natasha felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction.
Chapter 61: Girlfriend Questions the Ice Demon's Identity
That's for being a womanizer!
That's for two-timing!
She actually really wanted to tell Gwen: 'Girl, don't be silly. I'm not just his subordinate; I'm his bed partner. In fact, he has enough women on the side to form a football team.'
But looking at Gwen's innocent eyes, Natasha ultimately couldn't bring herself to be the villain.
"Then... about the Ice Demon..."
Gwen's voice trembled slightly.
Natasha didn't speak, only nodding silently.
"Bastard! Liar!"
Gwen's eyes reddened as she spoke through gritted teeth.
"You really didn't know anything at all?"
"I only knew... that he was a scumbag who wrote smut!"
Gwen said huffily.
"fifty shades of grey?"
Natasha almost couldn't stop herself from laughing out loud.
She actually had a copy of that book hidden by her bedside; it was indeed... quite stimulating.
"Join us, Gwen."
Natasha struck while the iron was hot.
"I know you love him and won't leave him just because he's the 'Ice Demon.' But his power is too dangerous; only you can restrain him and guide him onto the right path."
These words were half-truths.
She truly did hope Gwen could leash that Beast.
"Sorry, let me think about it."
Gwen's mind was a mess; right now, she just wanted to go home, drag that man out, and demand an explanation.
...
Back in New York.
Ethan drove a commercial van, eagerly picking up the Stacy family.
But he quickly noticed that his usually lively girlfriend was in a very low mood today.
After dropping the two elders home, Ethan also returned to his own apartment.
The place was very clean; although he hadn't lived there for a while, the housekeeping service had been thorough.
Late at night.
Ethan was slumped on the sofa like Ge You, watching the news on TV.
On the screen, Magneto was manipulating the Golden Gate Bridge, making it dance in the air—a spectacular scene.
"Tsk tsk, that bridge is cursed; it gets torn down once a year."
Just then, the window was gently pushed open.
Gwen jumped in with a Face like frost, standing directly in front of the television.
"Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"
Ethan's heart skipped a beat.
Oh no!
Had his affairs with his other female confidantes been exposed?
Or had that big-mouthed Little Spider blabbed something?
Stay calm!
He was a powerhouse with telepathic abilities; a small scene like this...
Mind Reading, activate.
Holy crap!
It turns out that little vixen Black Widow was undermining him behind his back!
Damn you, Natasha. I only neglected you for a few days, and you pull this stunt on me?
But since it was only about his identity as the 'Ice Demon,' things were much easier to handle.
"What do you want me to explain?"
Ethan looked innocent.
"The Ice Demon! You never told me it was you!"
Gwen crossed her arms, glaring at him huffily.
"How come I remember someone kicking me back then? If I had identified myself on the spot, how awkward would you have been?"
Ethan looked at her with a half-smile.
"That... at that time, you were doing it to save my dad?"
Gwen's Aura weakened slightly.
"Duh! That old man of yours started blasting me with a gun the moment we met. If I hadn't done it for your sake, I would've frozen him into a popsicle long ago! Did you see me fight back?"
Ethan rolled his eyes.
Gwen thought back; it did seem to be the case.
At that time, that terrifying demon had indeed stood there like a wooden stake, letting himself be attacked.
"Then what about those ice sculptures in Hells Kitchen?"
Gwen tried to reclaim the moral high ground.
"Drug trafficking, human trafficking, organ harvesting... the things those scumbags did, even ten minutes of execution by firing squad wouldn't be enough."
Ethan withdrew his smile, his tone turning cold.
"I don't feel like I was committing a crime; I was helping New York clear out the trash. Rather than letting them harm the innocent, it's better to turn them into ice sculptures to cool the city down."
"Then what about the Vatican? That's a Holy Land!"
"Holy Land?"
Ethan sneered, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"That night, the so-called Crusader Knights came out in full force, wanting nothing more than to chop off my head as a sacrifice to their Lord."
"Just because I have superpowers, in their eyes, I'm a heretic, a demon that must be eliminated."
"They wanted to kill me; was I supposed to just stretch out my neck and let them?"
A bone-chilling killing intent instantly filled the room, making Gwen shudder involuntarily.
The Ethan before her suddenly became incredibly foreign and terrifying.
"As for the aircraft carrier sinking incident from a couple of days ago..."
Ethan looked into Gwen's terrified eyes, his voice softening slightly.
"If you hadn't been by my side that night, the one kidnapped would have been you."
"Those maniacs in the Military kidnapped my neighbor, Jessica Jones, strapped her with bombs, and forced me into the trap they'd set."
"Then, they didn't hesitate to detonate a miniature hydrogen bomb."
"A hydrogen bomb?!"
Gwen covered her mouth in disbelief.
"Exactly. They never intended for us to live."
"I simply happened to survive by luck, and then I 'returned the favor' a little, saving Jessica in the process."
"I was one man against an entire Carrier Battle Group. If I didn't freeze them, was I supposed to wait for death?"
Ethan spread his hands, acting as if it were only natural.
"So, to give them a lesson they'd remember, to stop them from bothering my life in the future, and to protect you..."
"I simply taught them a slightly 'chilling' truth."
Ethan sank lazily into the soft leather sofa, crossing his legs high.
Gwen could no longer spare the energy to be angry.
Her beautiful eyes were full of shock, and the stormy waves in her heart could not be calmed.
She never dreamed that the flip side of the World hid so many unknown secrets.
"When your fist is hard enough to make everyone lose sleep, even your breathing is wrong, and everyone will see you as a thorn in their side."
Ethan pointed to the Void Realm behind him, his tone eerie.
"Look at what happened to those Mutants. If we choose to be cowards today, their tragedy will repeat itself on us tomorrow."
"We will be culled like lambs to the slaughter, and it might even affect our descendants."
"Imagine your child strapped to an experimental table with cold leather belts, undergoing cruel tortures you've never even heard of."
"Do you know how many Mutants are hidden in this World?"
"Too many of them are children who can't even speak properly yet, knowing nothing of this World, yet abandoned like trash by their biological parents."
"Eventually falling into the hands of the Military, locked in dark cages, becoming lab rats."
"In the eyes of those high-and-mighty power-holders, it seems only they deserve to possess power; that is their so-called justice."
"While for common folk like us, once we experience an Awakening of extraordinary abilities, our very existence is a crime."
"Gwen, to be honest, your luck is quite good. At least you know how to hide your identity as a Masked Vigilante."
"Otherwise, you would have long ago become another name on that tragic list."
Ethan's low voice seemed to carry a hypnotic magic, seeping bit by bit into the depths of Gwen's consciousness.
Gwen's eyes began to lose focus, becoming even more lost.
"I've always kept you out of my circles because the future I have to Face is much darker and more evil than this petty nonsense."
"I truly hope you will always be that heroine swinging freely between the city buildings, only doing what makes you happy."
"You should live in the sunlight, and when you look at me, you should only see my sunny side."
"Rather than witnessing me with one foot in the abyss."
Gwen suddenly looked up, staring intently at him as she asked, "If one day comes when you are driven mad with rage, would you destroy the World?"
"Why would I destroy the World when I have nothing better to do?"
Ethan laughed at the question, retorting casually.
"But your power is too terrifying. If you ever did have that thought, who in this World could stop you?"
Hearing Gwen's worry, Ethan shook his head helplessly.
"Earth? In the vast Universe, it doesn't even count as a grain of dust; it's too tiny."
"Have you ever heard of Odin from Norse mythology? He's a real person."
"That old guy's power could destroy Earth like it's a toy, and Earth is nominally his territory anyway."
"How is that possible!"
"Nothing is impossible. The eldest prince of Asgard is currently eating dirt in New Mexico."
"He is Thor Odinson, the God of Thunder. Some call him Thor, some call him Sol; it's just a translation issue."
"That kid's potential is bottomless. When he experiences his Awakening in the future, his power will definitely surpass mine."
"Looking at the Universe, beings who can crush a Planetwith a wave of their hand are as common as cow hair."
"For example, that woman on the news right now. The Phoenix Force hidden in her body could blow away the Milky Way Galaxy, let alone Earth."
Gwen whipped around to look at the TV screen.
In the footage, a woman was leading a massive army of Mutants, aggressively crossing a bridge toward an island.
Her brownish-red hair danced wildly in the wind, and her red clothes were strikingly bright; one could feel the sense of oppression even through the screen.
"Her name is Jean, the most terrifying existence in Mutanthistory. Magneto is like a little brother in front of her."
Ethan patted the empty spot on the sofa next to him.
"Do you plan on standing there like a door guard forever, Gwen?"
"I..."
Gwen's cheeks instantly turned bright red; the amount of information Ethan had just revealed was too much, completely overturning her worldview.
"The Water in this World is deep; there are pitfalls everywhere."
"My current skills are barely enough to save my own life and protect you and a few acquaintances."
"So don't always think I'm invincible; it's purely because your current level is too low."
"But when the real crisis comes in the future, if you don't have a trump card in hand, the enemy won't show mercy just because you're pretty."
"When there's a chance, I'll take you out of Earth to travel to various corners of the Universe, to open your eyes and see what the Universe really looks like."
"Then you'll understand that everything I'm doing now is practically an act of great mercy."
After saying this, Ethan himself felt that the picture he was painting was a bit nauseating, and he almost couldn't stop himself from laughing.
Gwen bit her silver teeth, as if having made a decision: "If you promise me one condition, I'll sit over there!"
"I'll promise a hundred. Name it."
Ethan spread his hands, looking indifferent.
"You are absolutely forbidden from attacking ordinary civilians. Even if you have to fight, it can only be in self-defense."
Gwen's large eyes stared fixedly at Ethan, fearing he might lie.
"I'm not a psychopathic killer. Why would I be bored enough to attack ordinary people for no reason?"
Ethan rolled his eyes, feeling speechless.
"Just say whether you promise or not."
Chapter 62: S.H.I.E.L.D. Alarmed by the Genetic Crisis
"Fine, fine, fine, I agree."
Ethan chuckled inwardly; he might not even need to lift a finger.
There would be plenty of opportunities in the future for her to beg him to act.
Little girl, did you think I couldn't handle you?
The plot of Iron Man 2 was now a closed chapter.
The mess over in Thor 1 was likely nearing its end as well.
That kid Loki should have already succeeded in his usurpation, seizing the reins of power in Asgard.
That old fox Odin should also be entering the Odinsleep soon.
Before long, the Destroyer armor would be sent down for some 'demolition' work.
However, these messes had absolutely nothing to do with Ethan.
He currently had only one goal: to wait for that delivery boy Loki to obediently bring the Mind Stone to Earth.
Otherwise, how would his longed-for Scarlet WitchWanda be created?
"Hey, hey, hey! Where are you putting your hand!"
Gwen's face was as red as a ripe apple as she struggled to pull Ethan's restless 'claw' away.
"Well, they say a day apart feels like three years. I missed you."
Ethan wore his signature wicked smirk, but his eyes were very honest.
"No! I promised Trish that I absolutely wouldn't spend the night in your room. It's a matter of principle."
Gwen said no, but her tone was already wavering.
Ethan didn't care about any of that; he swept his arm around her slender waist and pulled her directly into his embrace.
"Then let's make it quick. I just happened to have some new insights into superpowers. Do you want to experience them firsthand?"
"Superpowers... can be used for that kind of thing?"
Gwen looked curious, her eyes blinking rapidly.
But that flickering gaze had already completely betrayed her.
At an age of youthful restlessness, having tasted the forbidden fruit, how could she control the surge of hormones?
"Of course. Who says great power can only be used for fighting and killing?"
Ethan's unscrupulous gaze fell upon Gwen's long, beautiful legs.
They were well-proportioned and full of explosive power.
This signature pair of'scissor legs' was practically a Soul-snatching lethal weapon.
As expected of the weapon Ghost-Spider was most proud of.
"You and your head full of bad ideas. I'm leaving!"
Gwen struggled slightly; reason told her she should reject these thoughts filled with 'yellow waste' material.
Unfortunately, Ethan had no intention of giving her a chance to escape.
Water molecules in the air instantly condensed, and a crystal-clear Water Dragon appeared out of thin air, gently but firmly entangling her delicate body.
"You... what are you doing?"
"Of course, I'm inviting you to sample my new Move: Scooping the Moon from the Water."
"And then a bit of 'Double Heavens of Ice and Fire'."
"Hehe!"
Ethan had already planned this out.
With Gwen's personality, if she knew all his secret trump cards...
She might actually slap him across the face regardless of the consequences.
The only way to solve this was to completely conquer her, from her body to her Soul.
To make her crave the experience so much that she might even proactively help find other women to share the 'firepower' later.
Was such a thing possible?
Ethan hadn't plagiarized 'fifty shades of grey' back then for nothing.
With his methods, combined with those varied ways to play, and the subtle influence of the Mind Dominator...
This little spider would never escape the palm of his hand in this lifetime.
...
At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, the atmosphere was so oppressive it was suffocating.
"So you're saying S.H.I.E.L.D. went all out, and we couldn't even defeat those two mutated Spider-Beasts, Peter and the Green Goblin Harry?"
Nick Fury's already dark face was now as black as the bottom of a pot.
"Second-stage Genetic Lock? Injecting two types of genetic serums simultaneously without conflict, and even achieving Fusion and evolution?"
"Do you know what this means? Back then, how much effort did we expend just to create one Captain AmericaSteve Rogers?"
"To this day, the Captain remains our only ace."
"The Hulk is an uncontrollable ticking time bomb; Bruce Banner can't even handle himself."
"But the combat power displayed by this Peter and Harryis simply ridiculous!"
Nick Fury was so angry his single eye was wide open, and veins were bulging on his forehead.
"The genetic technology possessed by the Osborn Grouphas completely escaped our supervision."
"If that old man Norman were still around, fine. That old guy was a pure scientist and businessman after all; he had a bottom line."
"But what kind of person is Ethan? Do you not have a clue?"
"That guy does things entirely based on his mood, with no regard for rules."
"With Osborn in his hands, if he ever gets the whim to create a demon legion, the whole World is finished."
Black Widow and Hawkeye kept their heads down, not saying a word.
Images of a vast army of Spider-Monsters had already surfaced in their minds; just thinking about it made their skin crawl.
Not to mention an army of Lizardmen with freakish regenerative powers.
Natasha pondered for a moment, then looked up at Nick Fury.
"Officer, I don't think the Osborn Group is the most urgent threat."
"The strength of that Ice Demon can no longer be offset by numbers. Even if he really created a monster army, to him, it would just be making a few toys."
"What I'm truly worried about is the mysterious hand behind Peter Parker and Dr. Connors. Could it be HYDRA?"
"Everyone knows the ambitions of those HYDRAmadmen."
"If they get their hands on this mass-produced monster technology, we at S.H.I.E.L.D. can only wait for a total collapse."
"The peace that so many martyrs in World War II gave their lives for would be destroyed by HYDRA."
"Global turmoil will ensue, and the World order will completely crumble."
Nick Fury understood Natasha's words all too well.
"I agree with Natasha's view, Officer."
Hawkeye Barton interjected with a cold expression.
"We must take the initiative to strike, clearing out HYDRAstrongholds and pressuring them until they have no time for research and development."
He had seen the horror of those genetic monsters with his own eyes.
If it were just one Peter Parker, he could still maneuver a bit using the terrain.
If there were a few more, he could only throw down his bow and surrender.
"I understand your concerns."
"But HYDRA is hidden too deep. A single Move affects everything. We must wait for the right moment to strike a killing blow."
"Regardless, a monster army must never be allowed to take shape."
"We must bring Dr. Connors back. If he's alive, I want him; if he's dead, I want his body."
"If he joins HYDRA, it will be the birth of a second Red Skull!!!"
"The primary mission now is to dig out Connors for me."
Nick Fury forcibly pulled his attention back from the chaos of the Mutants.
Tonight, Alcatraz Island Prison in Los Angeles had already turned into a battlefield.
Professor X's sudden disappearance left Nick Fury feeling very uncertain.
It was hard to say if the remaining X-Men could stop Magneto.
"Hill, find a way to get a sample of Osborn's genetic serum."
S.H.I.E.L.D. might be struggling, but their own research team wasn't incompetent.