Chapter 160: The English Rose of the Strategic Scientific Reserve
Natasha's eyes lit up as she listened.
magic? Superheroes?
These words held an irresistible charm for a young girl.
Especially when they came from the mouth of Arthas, the brother she admired most.
They were like divine oracles to her.
She grabbed Arthas's arm and pressed her face against his shoulder, nuzzling him like a little kitten.
"Arthas, you're the best! I'll definitely work hard!"
"When I grow up and become powerful,"
"I'm definitely going to marry you!"
"I'm not any worse than that Hippolyta!"
"Anything she can do, I can do too!"
"And..."
"I'll be more obedient than her!"
Arthas didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
How did the conversation circle back to this again? However, seeing the little girl's determined look,
he didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm and could only nod perfunctorily.
"Right, right, I get it, I get it."
"You little brat, you sure know a lot."
"But before that, finish today's squats first."
"Go to training now; don't keep the instructor waiting."
"Be careful, or she might punish you by skipping dinner."
"Hmph!"
"I'm not afraid of her!"
Natasha made a face, let go of his arm, and jumped off the bed. Her bare feet pitter-pattered across the floor as she ran toward the door.
At the doorway, she turned back and blew Arthas a kiss.
"Remember to miss me!"
"Arthas!"
With that, she vanished in a flash.
Arthas was left alone on the bed, shaking his head helplessly.
"From now on..."
"I'm afraid there won't be a single quiet day in this manor."
Having sent away the clingy little vixen,
Arthas couldn't go back to sleep.
He got up, washed, changed into a well-tailored suit, and adjusted his tie in front of the mirror.
The man in the mirror was handsome and poised.
His eyes held a confidence and composure that transcended that of a Mortal.
This was his current identity.
Arthas.
A mysterious tycoon, a chess player capable of influencing the direction of the world.
"Alright."
"Time to get to work."
As he fastened his cufflinks, he mentally reviewed the current situation.
The Red Room was basically settled, having become his private armed force.
Although the future managers were still just a bunch of little girls, the future looked promising.
At the Hellfire Club, the piece named Emma Frost had already been planted.
He just had to wait for the right moment to kick Sebastian Shaw out of the game.
Then he could take this Mutant power for himself.
As for the rest...
It was the ongoing "Super Soldier Project."
The funding and technology had been settled with DoctorErskine, and he had already set his sights on the "rough diamond," Steve Rogers.
Next was to ensure the plan proceeded smoothly.
Furthermore, in the process, he would slowly infiltrate and take control of the Strategic Scientific Reserve.
When that happened, operating on Earth would be much more convenient.
At this thought, Arthas snapped his fingers.
The driver, who had been waiting downstairs, immediately started the car.
As he walked out the door and passed the Training Ground,
he saw Hippolyta with her hands behind her back, sternly lecturing Natasha and the others.
The little girls were drenched in sweat and gritting their teeth,
yet their eyes were filled with an unyielding spirit.
This scene was truly...
Harmonious.
Arthas smiled and left the manor without disturbing them.
Today's destination was another secret Strategic Scientific Reserve base in Brooklyn.
It was the place specifically for soldier selection and training, the headquarters for Agent Carter and Colonel Chester Phillips.
As the largest private sponsor, Arthas had the right to inspect the results of his investment.
The car drove through the bustling city center and entered a heavily guarded military restricted zone.
After presenting a special pass,
the iron gates slowly opened.
Rows of neat barracks appeared before him.
On the drill ground, a group of shirtless soldiers was running while chanting cadences.
Dust flew and the scent of sweat lingered, filled with a primal, masculine pheromone aura.
Arthas got out of the car and walked into the command center, accompanied by a group of officers.
Although these officers were somewhat dismissive of this soft-skinned, playboy-like sponsor,
they maintained a surface-level politeness for the sake of the cold, hard cash.
"Mr. Arthas, this way, please."
"Colonel Phillips is currently in a meeting."
"However, he left instructions."
"If it's you, you may go straight in."
Arthas nodded but was in no hurry to enter.
His gaze was drawn to a nearby office.
The door was open, and he could see a woman in a dark green military uniform.
She was standing before a massive map, holding a file in her hand.
Her brow was slightly furrowed as she pondered something.
The woman had vintage brown curls.
Her features were exquisite and sharp, especially her eyes—deep and bright.
They carried a soldier's characteristic resolve, complemented by a perfectly applied shade of red lipstick.
In the midst of these rough men, she appeared exceptionally dazzling.
Like an English rose blooming in the trenches.
Beautiful, yet with thorns.
She seemed to sense someone watching her and turned her head.
Her gaze met Arthas's directly.
In that instant,
a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.
She clearly hadn't expected to see a civilian here wearing a bespoke suit and possessing such an outstanding temperament.
But she quickly regained her professional coldness.
She closed the file and walked out.
"This is a restricted military area."
Her voice was pleasant, carrying that distinct British accent.
Elegant, yet possessing a coldness that kept people at a distance.
"Unauthorized personnel"
"are forbidden from entering."
"Unless..."
"you have a special reason."
"Unauthorized personnel?"
Arthas didn't feel offended by her cold, even slightly hostile attitude.
On the contrary, he found the scene quite interesting, perhaps even the biggest surprise of this dull afternoon.
He stopped, in no rush to pull the special pass signed by Colonel Phillips himself from his inner suit pocket.
Instead, with his hands in his pockets, he observed the female officer from head to toe with the appreciative eye one might use for a work of art.
The dark green uniform was perfectly tailored, the belt accentuating her slender yet powerful waist. Her legs, visible beneath the skirt, were long and straight. Even in this muddy and dusty camp, her black high heels were polished to a shine, reflecting the afternoon sun.
Her hair curled down to her shoulders, and that touch of red lipstick was strikingly vibrant and alive against the surrounding sea of grey and green.
Chapter 161: Peggy Carter
"This..."
Arthas leaned in slightly, glanced at the name tag on her chest, and a playful smile curled at the corners of his mouth.
"Agent Carter. I think you might have misunderstood something. In this world, some so-called 'unauthorized personnel' might be... a bit more important than you imagine."
As he spoke, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
That unhurried aura, along with those amber eyes that seemed capable of seeing through one's soul...
...caused the originally overbearing Carter, who was ready to draw her gun and expel the intruder at any moment, to frown involuntarily and subconsciously tighten her grip on the folder in her hand.
"No matter how important you think you are, Sir."
Peggy Carter didn't back down an inch. She tilted her chin up, her deep eyes staring directly at Arthas. There wasn't a trace of fear in her gaze, only the sternness of official business and the persistence of a soldier.
"This is a secret base of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, not a playground for some wealthy Young Master to go on an adventure."
"Any unauthorized personnel must leave immediately. Otherwise, according to wartime regulations, I have the right to take compulsory measures."
Her hand had already left the edge of the folder and was slowly moving down, resting on the holster of her sidearm at her waist.
That wasn't a bluff; her fingers had already gripped the buckle of the holster, ready to draw the gun at any moment.
The surrounding air seemed to freeze. Several passing soldiers stopped in their tracks, watching the scene with curiosity and tension.
But no one dared to step forward and intervene, because they all knew that when Agent Carter lost her temper, even those burly instructors would stay far away.
Just at this tense moment, where things were on the verge of turning violent...
...the heavy iron door next to the command center was suddenly pushed open from the inside with a loud 'clang.'
Following that, a voice as loud as a broken gong rang out, breaking the stalemate.
"Mr. Arthas! Oh my! I am so sorry! I've kept you waiting!"
"That group of damn staff Sirs always loves to waste time on trivial matters!"
Colonel Chester Phillips strode out with great purpose.
His uniform, covered in medals, looked a bit tight on his somewhat plump body.
His face was covered in a rare smile, the kind of enthusiasm reserved for seeing a true God of Wealth, even carrying a hint of fawning.
He walked quickly to Arthas, completely ignoring Carter, who already had her hand on her gun.
"Colonel?"
Carter was stunned for a moment.
She looked with surprise at her superior, who was known for being strict and old-fashioned, as he treated this young man—who seemed useless except for his good looks—with such politeness, or even... respect?
Her hand on the holster froze in mid-air. For a moment, she didn't know whether to continue drawing her gun or to salute.
"And this is..."
Colonel Phillips seemed to only just notice Carter's presence.
He coughed once, regaining a bit of his Sir's dignity, and pointed at Arthas to introduce him to Carter.
"Agent Carter, put your gun away. This is Mr. Arthas, the largest sponsor of our Super Soldier Project."
"Without his generosity, I'm afraid we wouldn't even be able to pay the electricity bill right now, let alone conduct experiments."
"That new equipment and those precision instruments in Doctor Erskine's lab were all sponsored by this gentleman."
A sponsor?
The legendary mysterious tycoon who provided the money and equipment that allowed the entire project to be brought back to life?
Carter's gaze changed from the previous vigilance and indifference to surprise, and even a hint of disbelief.
She looked Arthas up and down. No matter how she looked at it, this fellow in a high-end bespoke suit, with skin more delicate than a woman's...
...seemed more like a playboy who squandered money on Broadway than a far-sighted strategic investor.
"So it is Mr. Arthas."
Carter quickly adjusted her state. She withdrew her hand from the holster, stood up straight, and snapped her feet together.
She gave a standard military salute, her movements crisp and efficient, without any hesitation.
"My apologies, I was rude just now."
"For the safety of the base, I must remain highly vigilant. After all, there are many eyes watching this place."
"It's fine."
Arthas waved his hand, not getting angry over the little interlude.
That meaningful smile still hung on his lips, and his gaze lingered for a moment on Carter's heroic face.
"Vigilance is a good thing, especially for a lady... working in a barracks full of stinking men."
"It's never wrong to be a bit more guarded. After all, there are quite a few wolves here."
His words seemed to carry some sort of implication, yet also seemed like mere polite small talk.
Carter frowned, unable to figure out this man's angle, but she didn't respond, merely maintaining a professional, polite smile.
"Alright, alright, it's good that the misunderstanding is cleared up."
Colonel Phillips clearly didn't want to dwell on the topic.
He checked his watch, then looked back at his office where a mountain of documents awaited. His eyes darted around as an idea formed in his mind.
"Mr. Arthas, since you've graced us with your presence, you should take the opportunity to tour our training results and see where your money is being spent."
He pointed to Carter standing nearby, a sly smile appearing on his face.
"However, I have an emergency meeting to attend right now, and I'm simply stretched too thin."
"I'll have Agent Carter show you around. She is very familiar with everything here and is one of the core members of this project."
"I imagine having such a beautiful guide accompany you will be much more pleasant than facing an Old Man like me, wouldn't it?"
"Colonel?"
Carter called out with some dissatisfaction, her brow furrowed.
She still had a stack of background check reports on new recruits to review and tomorrow's training schedule to plan.
She really didn't want to waste her precious time on something as boring as accompanying a wealthy Young Master on a stroll.
"That's an order, Agent."
Colonel Phillips put on a stern face, exerting his authority as an Sir with an unquestionable tone.
"Hosting our distinguished guest and ensuring he is satisfied with our work is also part of the job—and a very important part at that."
"Agent Carter, carry out the order."
"Yes, Sir."
Carter took a deep breath. Although she was extremely reluctant, her duty as a soldier made it impossible to refuse a direct order from her superior.
She turned around and looked at Arthas, her expression returning to that polite yet distant smile as she made a 'please' gesture.
"Mr. Arthas, please follow me."
"I hope the environment here won't dirty your expensive leather shoes. After all, the roads here aren't as smooth as the avenues in Manhattan."
Chapter 162: The Visit
Arthas shrugged, nodded to Colonel Phillips, and then followed Carter's pace.
"It's fine, Miss Carter."
He walked leisurely beside her with his hands in his pockets, showing no sign of discomfort despite the harsh environment around them.
"I'm the type of person who adapts very well to my environment."
"Besides, I think the scenery here is... quite nice."
His gaze unashamedly fell upon Carter's back as it swayed slightly with her stride.
That upright military posture, that persistence in maintaining elegance and refinement in this rough, all-male environment, was indeed a unique sight to behold.
The two walked out of the command center and arrived at the massive open-air Training Ground.
The midday sun scorched the earth mercilessly, the air thick with the smell of dust and sweat, along with the roar of operating machinery.
Several squads of soldiers were performing weighted runs in the mud, their shouts intertwining with the sharp whistles of the instructors, creating a deafening noise.
Seeing Carter approach, the soldiers who had been focused on their training were instantly drawn to her.
Some looked with awe, others with admiration.
Of course, more of them looked with primal, masculine desire.
In this place filled only with men, a beauty like Carter was simply the dream girl for everyone, the only bright spot in their dull military lives.
But when they saw Arthas following beside Carter, those looks became complicated.
Envy, jealousy, curiosity, and even a hint of hostility.
Who was this fair-skinned, pretty boy wearing a suit?
Why was the ice goddess, who was usually cold to everyone, acting as his guide?
Was it another relative of some high-ranking official here to pad his resume?
Arthas ignored these malicious looks, walking leisurely with his hands behind his back, occasionally stopping to comment on the surrounding training facilities.
"The obstacles here are set up too simply."
Arthas pointed at the climbing net in the distance and shook his head.
"Training of this level can only build physical stamina, not reaction speed."
"On a real battlefield, enemies won't wait for you to climb like wooden blocks, and bullets don't have eyes."
"Moreover, the weight of those sandbags is insufficient; for a so-called 'Super Soldier,' this weight is no different from cotton."
Carter stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him with some surprise.
She had originally thought this wealthy Young Masterwould only frown at the dirt and squalor here.
Or ask naive questions like 'How much is this gun?' or 'Can I drive that tank?'
She hadn't expected him to actually see the intricacies of it all.
"Mr. Arthas."
Carter narrowed her eyes, reassessing the man before her.
"You seem... quite knowledgeable about military training?"
"Have you served in the military as well?"
"Or is this just talk you've picked up at the club?"
"Served?"
Arthas smiled as memories of his hellish special training in Asgard surfaced in his mind.
He recalled the scenes of those two freakish instructors, Odin and Brunhilde, chasing him with whips and spears.
Compared to that kind of training that pushed one to the brink of death and could actually kill at any moment, these Earthling tricks were simply kindergarten-level child's play.
"In a way, yes."
He looked at Carter, his gaze deep.
"In another... place."
"But the training there was much more brutal than this."
"If you didn't pass, you really died, unlike here where the worst you get is a few insults from an instructor."
Carter looked into his eyes, trying to find any trace of a lie.
But all she saw was a profound calm.
That calm wasn't faked; it was the composure settled after having experienced a true sea of corpses and blood.
At this moment, her perception of this man began to undergo a subtle change.
Perhaps he wasn't just an ordinary second-generation heir who only knew how to squander his family fortune.
"That is..."
Arthas suddenly stopped, his gaze passing over the crowd and landing on the most remote corner of the Training Ground.
A physical fitness test was being conducted there.
A group of shirtless burly men were doing push-ups; most were doing them rapidly, muscles bulging, sweat flying, full of power.
Only one person seemed completely out of place.
That person was far too thin, so thin his ribs were clearly visible, looking like a walking skeleton.
His movements were very slow; with every push-up, he would tremble for a long time, like a butterfly flapping its wings, as if he were using every ounce of strength in his body.
His face was flushed red, and sweat dripped from his pointed chin onto the ground, forming a small puddle.
But he still gritted his teeth, propping himself up with all his might.
Even though the people next to him had already finished and stood up, even though the instructor was laughing at him loudly.
He didn't stop, and he certainly didn't give up.
"That is..."
Carter followed his gaze, her brow furrowing slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.
"Steve Rogers. The one with the worst physical fitness in this batch of recruits, and also... a real headache."
"He has Asthma, Rheumatic Fever, and even Scoliosis."
"By all rights, he shouldn't have even passed the basic physical exam; he shouldn't be here at all."
"I don't know why Doctor Erskine insisted on choosing him; it's practically joking with his life."
"Because he has something others don't."
Arthas said indifferently, stepping toward him.
"Some things can't be seen on a physical exam sheet."
"For instance, right here."
He pointed to his heart, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"Besides, I trust the Doctor's judgment, and I believe in... miracles."
At that moment, Steve finally finished his last push-up.
He collapsed onto the ground as if paralyzed, gasping for air, his throat making a sound like a wheezing bellows.
Several large soldiers nearby were laughing at him shamelessly.
"Hey! Beanpole! Not dead yet? Want me to call you an ambulance?"
"Forget it, just go home and drink milk! This is a place for men!"
"I think he'll fall apart if he does two more, hahaha!"
Steve ignored them, struggling as he tried to use his trembling arms to prop himself up and stand.
But he truly had no strength left; after several attempts, he fell back into the mud puddle each time.
Just then, a hand was extended in front of him.
A hand that was clean, slender, and well-defined, yet contained startling power.
"It seems your lid-throwing skills aren't quite there yet, but your push-ups are decent."
Chapter 163: The Bet
"Although it was a bit slow, every one was very standard; it's much better than those guys who only care about speed and not quality."
A familiar and gentle voice came from above, like a ray of sunlight, piercing through the surrounding noise and ridicule.
Steve froze for a moment, then struggled to lift his head.
Because of the backlight, he squinted his eyes, but he still recognized that figure.
The man who saved him in the alley in Brooklyn, the one who magically cured his asthma, the one who gave him hope and dignity.
"Hu... Arthas, sir?!"
He was so surprised he nearly bit his tongue; he hurriedly grabbed Arthas's hand to pull himself up, forgetting even to brush the mud off his body.
"You... why are you here?!"
The surrounding laughter vanished instantly, as if they were ducks whose necks had been grabbed.
Those big soldiers who were still loudly mocking him just a moment ago all widened their eyes.
Looking at this man who had suddenly appeared, wearing an expensive suit.
Not only did he personally pull that loser up, but he also acted very familiar, even like a friend?
What is going on?
And, isn't that Agent Carter following behind, the one everyone wants to pursue but dares not?
Even she is respectful to this man?
"I came to check on my investment."
Arthas smiled and patted the dust off Steve's shoulder, just as if he were treating an old friend, completely unconcerned about getting his own hands dirty.
"And to see you, by the way."
"How is it, young man? Are you getting used to the food here?"
"Is anyone bullying you?"
"If so, tell me, or tell this..."
He turned and pointed at Carter behind him, a playful smile on his face.
"Beautiful and righteous Sir Carter."
"She is one of the people in charge here; she will uphold justice for you."
Steve was flattered, his face turning bright red, and he scratched his head, feeling somewhat at a loss.
He looked at Carter, who was standing to the side with an expressionless face but surprise in her eyes, and stammered.
"N-no."
"Everyone is... doing quite well."
"It's just that the training is a bit tiring."
"But I can keep going! Really! I can go all day with them! Never give up!"
He puffed out his thin chest and said loudly, his eyes still flashing with that familiar, moving stubbornness.
Carter stood to the side, watching this scene quietly, ripples rising in her heart.
She didn't expect that Arthas actually knew Steve?
And it seemed they had a pretty good relationship?
This billionaire with a net worth of hundreds of millions, and a poor kid from the bottom of Brooklyn?
Such a combination was just too strange.
But what surprised her even more was Arthas's attitude toward Steve.
There was no trace of disgust or pity, nor that condescending feeling of charity, but rather a kind of... equal respect.
Even admiration.
"Mr. Arthas."
Carter stepped forward, speaking to Arthas in a serious tone for the first time, her eyes containing less hostility and more inquiry.
"It seems Doctor Erskine's judgment is as unique as yours."
"Do you really think he can pass the selection?"
"In this team full of elites, relying on that... body that could collapse at any moment?"
The clamor on the Training Ground continued, those soldiers still rolling in the mud, shouting slogans only they could understand.
Arthas withdrew his gaze from Steve and turned around.
He looked at the valiant female Agent beside him with a rather playful gaze, a confident arc curling the corners of his mouth.
"Since Miss Carter is so certain, why don't we make a bet?"
He put his hands into his suit pockets and leaned his body forward slightly, shortening the distance between the two.
That masculine scent with a faint hint of cologne instantly invaded Carter's safety Domain.
"If that little guy really passes the selection and becomes that one-of-a-kind super soldier."
"Then, Miss Carter must do me the honor of having dinner with me."
Carter instinctively wanted to step back, but the pride of a soldier made her stop in her tracks.
She lifted her chin and looked straight into Arthas's deep amber eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of unyielding stubbornness.
"Just dinner?"
She raised an eyebrow, seemingly a bit surprised by the simplicity of the bet.
"That doesn't sound bad for me; after all, being treated by a big financier like Mr. Arthas is something many Manhattan socialites would die for."
"No, it's not just dinner."
Arthas shook his head, extending a slender finger and waving it in the air.
"I choose the location, I choose the time, and most importantly... that night."
"You are not allowed to wear this uniform, and you are not allowed to talk about work."
"You must only be Peggy Carter, a beautiful lady, not an Agent of the Strategic Scientific Reserve."
His gaze boldly swept over her.
From that slightly rigid military cap to that uniform, which, although well-tailored, was ultimately too serious.
Finally, it rested on her calves wrapped in military boots, his eyes showing a hint of regret.
"Although this uniform really accentuates your figure and has... a certain special charm."
"But I would rather see what the real you looks like after taking off this camouflage."
Carter froze for a moment, a barely noticeable blush flashing across her face, but it was quickly covered by her professional indifference.
This man's words were bold, even somewhat flirtatious, but strangely, she didn't feel repulsed.
Perhaps it was because of the openness in his eyes, or perhaps because of his confidence that seemed to have everything under control.
"Then what if you lose?"
She countered, not agreeing immediately, but showing the caution of an Agent.
"Although I think the probability of that is as high as 99%."
"But I still want to know, if that unlucky guy Rogers really gets eliminated, or collapses on the Training Ground."
"What price do you intend to pay?"
"If I lose."
Arthas shrugged, looking indifferent.
"I can unconditionally agree to one request of yours."
"Any request."
"Even if you want the moon in the sky, or for me to take off this suit and go run laps with them, I will do it."
This was a heavy bargaining chip.
For the Strategic Scientific Reserve, which was in its startup phase and urgently needed various resource support.
Obtaining an unconditional promise from this mysterious financier was even more precious than getting a ton of gold.
"Deal."
Carter didn't hesitate and directly extended her hand; that decisive spirit was indeed very charming.
"Although I don't think you will have the chance to fulfill that promise, I will still look forward to that dinner... if a miracle really happens."
Chapter 164: The Visit Concludes
The two hands clasped together.
Arthas's palm was dry, warm, and powerful, while Carter's hand was slender and firm, providing a solid grip.
This handshake was not only the beginning of a bet but also seemed to herald the establishment of a certain relationship between the two.
After the bet was made, the originally stiff atmosphere visibly relaxed.
Carter continued to fulfill her duties as a guide, leading Arthas to visit the rest of the base's facilities.
However, her tone was no longer as cold; she occasionally shared anecdotes known only to insiders or complained about certain unreasonable training schedules.
They passed through the noisy equipment room and arrived at the underground firing range.
The light here was dim, and the air was thick with the heavy scent of gunpowder.
The sounds of gunshots echoed one after another, making one's eardrums throb.
"This is the shooting range."
Carter pointed at the rows of recruits practicing their marksmanship; because of the noisy environment, she had to raise her voice to be heard over the gunfire.
"Although the core of the Super Soldier Project is serum enhancement, Colonel Phillips insists that basic military proficiency is indispensable."
"After all, we are creating soldiers, not just strongmen."
Arthas picked up an M1911 pistol from the table, expertly pulled back the slide, and checked the magazine.
The movement was smooth and fluid, as if he had handled such a firearm countless times.
"Marksmanship is indeed important."
He weighed the gun in his hand, feeling its cold metallic texture.
"But on the battlefields of the future, while individual firepower is key, tactical awareness and judgment of the situation are the fundamentals that decide victory or defeat."
"You're still using these stationary targets for training; it's too outdated."
He raised his hand and, without even aiming or blinking, fired three shots in quick succession.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
After the three shots, three bullet holes appeared precisely in the bullseyes of the three moving targets in the distance.
Moreover, these three bullet holes actually formed a perfect equilateral triangle.
The surrounding instructors and recruits were all stunned.
In such dim light, hitting moving targets with rapid fire without aiming—how could he achieve such a result?
This wasn't just a benefactor; this was a god-tier marksman!
Carter also looked at Arthas with surprise. She knew he wasn't simple, but she hadn't expected his marksmanship to be this good.
This gun was famous for its heavy recoil; an ordinary person's wrist would have gone numb from rapid fire, let alone maintaining such precision.
"Good luck."
Arthas put down the gun and lightly blew the smoke from the muzzle, his face still maintaining that calm and indifferent expression.
"However, these antiques should be replaced."
He thought of the energy weapons from Nidavellir or the enchanted items from Kamar-Taj.
Although he couldn't use them directly, a slightly modified "Earth tech version" would definitely leave these World War II soldiers jaw-dropped.
"You always manage to surprise me, Mr. Arthas."
There was a hint of inquiry and admiration in Carter's eyes as she looked at him.
Not just because of his marksmanship, but because of his understanding of war.
In an era where most people still blindly believed in big guns and battleships, he seemed to have seen a much more distant future.
"Not just a surprise, Miss Carter."
Arthas turned his head, looking into her eyes, which seemed exceptionally bright in the dim light.
"Perhaps one day, I will become yours... and even this world's, greatest surprise."
The visit continued until evening.
When the afterglow of the setting sun covered the entire Training Ground, Arthas finally took his leave.
"Thank you very much for your guide service, Miss Carter."
He stood by the car.
"It has been a very pleasant afternoon."
"I also have full confidence in this program."
"Especially..."
He glanced at Steve, who was still training extra hard in the distance.
"That little guy."
"I hope you are right too."
Carter stood there, the setting sun casting a golden silhouette around her, making her look a bit less cold and a bit more soft.
"Regardless of the outcome, I will remember that bet."
"I'll remember it too."
Arthas smiled and sat in the car.
"Looking forward to our dinner. Goodbye, Peggy."
This time, he didn't call her Agent Carter, but used her first name directly.
Carter did not object; she simply nodded slightly and watched the black sedan slowly drive away from the base, disappearing at the end of the Brooklyn street.
The car drove smoothly on the road back to Long Island.
Arthas leaned back in the rear seat, resting with his eyes closed.
Although today's trip was a bit tiring, it was very fruitful.
Not only had he confirmed Steve's status, but he had also successfully earned a wave of favorability from Carter and even set up a bet full of flags.
Next, he just needed to wait quietly for the day of the serum experiment, watch the Super Soldier be born, and then naturally reap the rewards.
"Boss, back to the manor?"
The driver's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Yes, back to the manor."
Arthas opened his eyes and glanced at the streetlights that had already been lit outside the window.
"The little gluttons at home must have been waiting impatiently for a long time."
It was already past seven in the evening when they returned to Dawn Manor.
As soon as he entered, he smelled an enticing aroma.
It wasn't the refined but cold scent of a high-end restaurant, but a homely, comforting aroma of food that made one feel at ease.
"Brother Arthas is back!"
Before he could even change his shoes, a red figure rushed over like a small cannonball and crashed directly into his arms.
It was Natasha.
The little girl had clearly already showered; she was wearing a pink little nightgown, her wet hair clinging to her face, looking exceptionally adorable.
"Slow down, slow down! Aren't you afraid of falling?"
Arthas caught her, picked her up, and gave her a kiss on her chubby little cheek.
"What's wrong? Did you miss your brother? Or did you miss the delicious food?"
"Both!"
Natasha hugged his neck and rubbed against his face like a clingy kitten.
"Sister Hippolyta made so much delicious food today!"
"And that glutton Yelena has been sneaking bites! I could barely stop her!"
"Who's sneaking bites!"
"I was tasting it! Tasting it, do you understand!"
Yelena's somewhat muffled rebuttal came from the dining room.
Arthas walked in carrying Natasha; Yelena was leaning over the dining table, her mouth stuffed full, holding a fried chicken leg in her hand.
Seeing Arthas enter, she didn't feel embarrassed at all; instead, she grinned at him, revealing a row of small white teeth.
Chapter 165: Heart-to-Heart
"Arthas, come here quickly! This fried chicken is really super delicious!"
"That fierce sister, even though her training is brutal, she's really good at cooking!"
"That goes without saying."
Hippolyta walked out of the kitchen with the last bowl of soup.
She had changed out of her trench coat, which was convenient for movement, and put on simple loungewear. Her hair was casually tied back, and she was even wearing an apron printed with a bear pattern.
Obviously prepared for Natasha and the others, it looked a bit funny but also warm on her.
This contrast made the Amazon Queen look a little less divine and a little more like a devoted wife.
"Back already?"
She placed the soup in the center of the table, wiped her hands, and glanced at Arthas with a hint of imperceptible tenderness in her eyes.
"Wash your hands and eat."
"These little girls were starving. If I hadn't told them to wait for you to come back before picking up their chopsticks, this table of food would have been gone long ago."
"Thank you for your hard work, sister."
Arthas put Natasha down on a chair, walked over, naturally wrapped his arms around Hippolyta's waist, and kissed her on the cheek.
"Not only do you have to teach them how to fight, but you also have to cook for them. You really are an all-capable goddess."
"Stop with the sweet talk."
Hippolyta rolled her eyes at him, but she didn't push him away; instead, she took the opportunity to straighten his collar.
"Since you know I've been working hard, you'd better perform well tonight."
"Also... how was the base today?"
"Is that Super Soldier Project reliable?"
"It's alright."
Arthas pulled out a chair and sat down, looking at the table full of sumptuous dishes.
There was American-style fried chicken and steak, as well as Greek-style salads and roasted meat. Clearly, Hippolytahad combined the specialties of both sides, and his appetite was piqued.
"I met a few interesting people."
"As for the program itself, it depends on the fate of that little guy."
The atmosphere at dinner was lively, one might even say a bit noisy.
Yelena was a total foodie. Faced with so much delicious food, she was attacking from both sides, eating until her mouth was oily.
Natasha was a bit more reserved.
But when she saw Yelena snatch the last and largest piece of steak, she couldn't help but reach out with her fork to "snatch food from the tiger's mouth."
"That's mine! I've been eyeing it for a long time!"
"Whoever snatches it first gets it! Bleh!"
"Brother Arthas, look at her!"
The two little girls started a small-scale "war" on the dining table over the food, even using the fighting techniques they had just learned today.
Of course, it was all for show; it was more like playing around.
Arthas didn't stop them; instead, he watched the fun from the sidelines, occasionally adding fuel to the fire.
"Yelena's grappling technique is pretty good; she's making progress."
"Natasha's feint was very clever; she really is the Genius I picked."
This noisy, mundane atmosphere made him feel a long-lost sense of relaxation.
Although Hippolyta said things like "no manners" and "eat properly," her eyes and brows were filled with smiles.
She was busy, picking food for the two little ones while also taking care of Arthas.
This life of "raising children" was a nice experience for her, having lived on Paradise Island where there were only adult warriors.
Before this, she had only raised Diana.
It was tiring, but looking at these children, including Arthas, that big kid, eating so happily, a sense of inexplicable satisfaction welled up in her heart.
Perhaps this was the joy of that so-called "Mortal life."
After dinner, they sent the two stuffed little girls back to their rooms to sleep, and Arthas and Hippolyta went to the open-air balcony on the second floor.
The night wind was cool, carrying the salty smell of the sea and the fresh fragrance of flowers and plants in the garden. Moonlight spilled onto the sea, shimmering and beautiful like a painting.
Hippolyta leaned on a lounge chair, holding a glass of red wine, looking lazy.
Arthas walked over. Instead of sitting on the chair next to it, he squeezed directly onto her lounge chair.
The lounge chair wasn't big, so the two had to press tightly against each other.
"You're crowding me."
Hippolyta pushed him, but the force was very light; it was more like acting spoiled.
"Isn't there a chair next to us?"
"How could a chair be as comfortable as having you here?"
Arthas said shamelessly, taking the opportunity to rest his head on Hippolyta's lap.
Those legs, wrapped in lounge pants, were still long and strong, and full of elasticity—simply the perfect pillow.
Hippolyta sighed helplessly, reached out, and gently combed through Arthas's hair, her movements exceptionally gentle.
"You... seem to be in a good mood today?"
She looked down at Arthas's eyes and asked softly.
"Is it because of that program? Or because of... that female Agent at the base?"
A woman's intuition is sometimes truly frighteningly accurate.
"Both, I suppose."
Arthas grabbed her hand and rubbed it against his palm.
"That female Agent is indeed quite interesting."
"However, what makes me happier is coming home to see you and eating the food you cooked."
He adjusted his posture slightly, bringing his face closer to Hippolyta's lower abdomen. The warm touch made him feel a little drowsy.
"Sister, do you think... if we just kept living like this, wouldn't it be quite nice?"
Hippolyta's hand paused.
She looked at the moonlight in the distance, her eyes becoming somewhat profound.
"It would be quite nice."
She said softly, her tone carrying a hint of imperceptible melancholy.
"But you are a God, Arthas."
"Your future is in the stars and the sea, in the God Realm, in a wider world."
"This place... is ultimately just a stop on your journey."
"Besides."
She lowered her head, her fingers gently brushing over Arthas's brows and eyes.
"I am not the kind of woman content with just raising children and serving a husband."
"I am the Amazon Queen, and my glory is on the battlefield."
"Once I finish teaching these little girls, I should... go back too."
"If you miss me, then hurry up and become the God King, make things clear with Diana, and then come to marry me."
Arthas fell silent.
He knew Hippolyta was right.
Neither of them were the type to be satisfied with mediocrity.
But that didn't stop him from enjoying the tranquility of the moment.
He reached out, wrapped his arms around Hippolyta's waist, buried his face in her chest, and took a deep breath.
That was the scent that belonged only to her—strong, warm, and carrying a hint of reassuring power.
"No matter where the future leads."
He said muffledly.
"You will always be my sister."
"You are my sworn one."
"That will never change."
"And I will definitely marry you!"
Hippolyta smiled.
She lowered her head and pressed a kiss to Arthas's forehead.
"Fool."
The night deepened, and the waves lapped against the reefs, making a rhythmic sound.
On this quiet night, two hearts drew closer together.
Chapter 166: News from the White Queen
The morning sun of the next day, carrying the unique fresh sea breeze of Long Island, gently woke the sleeping manor.
Arthas sat on a rattan chair covered with a soft wool blanket on the second-floor terrace, holding a cup of freshly ground hot coffee in his hand.
The rich aroma spread through the air, intertwining with the scent of blooming roses in the garden, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort and relaxation.
Just as he was about to enjoy this rare moment of tranquility, a soft and slightly magnetic voice suddenly rang out in his mind.
It was Emma Frost's signature telepathic transmission, carrying an intimacy and respect as if she were whispering in his ear.
"Good morning, my dear Your Highness."
"I hope that long and wonderful night didn't leave you feeling too exhausted."
"After all, Queen Hippolyta's passion is well-known."
Emma's voice carried a hint of imperceptible teasing and probing.
Clearly, she was full of curiosity about what happened between Arthas and Hippolyta last night, or perhaps a subtle jealousy.
"But now, I bring good news that you will surely be interested in."
"Regarding that decadent Hellfire Club and that self-righteous Black King, Sebastian Shaw."
Arthas gently set down his coffee cup, his fingertips stroking the rim.
He wasn't annoyed by the interruption; instead, a curve of anticipation formed at the corners of his mouth.
For he knew that this clever white peacock would never disturb him without being certain.
"I have almost finished arranging the current situation."
"Those elders and core members who have long been dissatisfied with Shaw's autocracy have been won over by me through interests, intimidation, or more direct mental suggestions."
"They are now like a pack of hungry wolves, just waiting for the arrival of you, the new Lion King, to pounce and tear out the old king's throat without hesitation."
Emma continued her report, her tone exuding a confidence of being in total control.
"Tonight, the Hellfire Club will hold a routine internal dinner at its Manhattan headquarters, and all core members will be present."
"This is the best time for us to act and the perfect stage for your coronation."
Arthas nodded. Though Emma couldn't see him, he knew she could sense his emotional fluctuations—his recognition and appreciation of her abilities.
"Well done, Emma."
"It seems I didn't choose the wrong person. You are indeed a natural at playing with power and people's hearts, much better than those brutes who only think with their muscles."
He responded in his mind, his tone calm and composed.
"I will be there on time tonight to claim my spoils and see how many moves that so-called Black King can actually withstand from me."
"However, Your Highness, there is one more thing I must remind you of."
"That is regarding another heavyweight figure of the club, the current Black Queen, Selene Gallio."
Emma's voice suddenly became more serious, even carrying a hint of deep wariness.
"That woman has lived for a very, very long time—so long that her exact age cannot even be found in the club's archives."
"Some say she is a vampire, while others say she is some kind of ancient Evil God."
"In short, she possesses a terrifying magic that can drain the life force of others to maintain her youth and power."
"Unfathomable?"
Arthas raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by this evaluation.
For in his impression, the so-called "strong" on Earth were mostly fragile.
"Except for Teacher Ancient One, of course; Arthas's survival instinct was still that strong."
But since even Emma, with her telepathic abilities, was so cautious, it seemed this Black Queen indeed had some tricks up her sleeve.
"She maintains an unsettlingly neutral stance toward tonight's operation."
"She neither agreed to my recruitment nor informed Shaw."
"Like a proud onlooker standing apart, coldly watching us fight in the mire."
Emma continued.
"But I have an intuition that after we deal with Shaw, she will definitely not be willing to submit to a new ruler."
"Unless... you can demonstrate an absolute power that leaves her in complete despair."
At this point, Emma's tone suddenly shifted, becoming charming again, even carrying a clear hint of flirtation and suggestion.
"By the way, Your Highness, although that Black Queen is an old hag who has lived for God knows how many years..."
"...she has maintained herself quite well. She is very glamorous, and her figure is so hot it's enviable, possessing a charm full of darkness and danger."
"Perhaps... she's just your type."
Arthas couldn't help but laugh out loud. This Emmareally never missed a chance to pimp for him, or perhaps she wanted to test his interest in that type of woman.
"A good figure? Then I can look forward to it. After all, my collection is indeed missing a high-quality piece in this dark style."
He responded half-jokingly, then his tone shifted and became serious.
"Enough, I will handle the Black Queen's matter; you just need to pin that Black King to the chopping block for me."
"Also, I won't be going to the base today. Since we are taking over Hellfire, our future educational endeavors cannot be neglected."
Arthas stood up, walked to the edge of the terrace, and looked toward the private Training Ground behind the manor.
"Since you are also a future principal now, I'll have to trouble you to take more care."
"Help me keep an eye on those little girls' training; don't let that violent maniac Hippolyta overwork them."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Emma chuckled and disconnected.
"I'd be happy to groom those lovely little flowers. After all... they are my future students too."
After ending the call with Emma, Arthas adjusted the collar of his silk bathrobe and turned to walk down the stairs.
The first-floor hall of the manor was empty, with only a few maids quietly busy cleaning. Apparently, those energetic little lolis had long since been ushered to the Training Ground.
He walked through the marble-paved corridor and out onto the backyard lawn.
On the distant Training Ground, Hippolyta was wearing her signature tight training suit, holding a pointer in her hand.
She was correcting Yelena's slightly out-of-form fighting posture, while Natasha was nearby doing squats, drenched in sweat, her small face flushed red but her eyes still stubborn.
Seeing Arthas approach, Hippolyta stopped her movements and turned her head.
A flash of tenderness crossed those purple eyes, but she quickly resumed her persona as a strict instructor.
Chapter 167: The White Queen's Layout and the Black Queen's Seduction!
"Awake? It seems you slept well last night."
She flicked the teaching whip in her hand, producing a crisp crack.
"The foundation of this group of little girls is decent."
"But the things they learned at the Red Room are too messy and disorganized. Many of their power-exertion techniques are wrong. If they aren't corrected, it will be hard for them to become truly strong in the future."
"Thank you for your hard work, Sister."
Arthas walked over, naturally putting his arm around her waist and kissing her sweat-beaded forehead.
"I knew leaving them to you was the most reassuring choice. After all, you are the strongest warrior of the Amazons. Teaching these little brats should be a walk in the park for you."
Hippolyta rolled her eyes at him. Although she didn't say anything, she was clearly pleased by the flattery.
Yelena, nearby, took the opportunity to slack off, plopping down on the ground and panting heavily.
Natasha, however, was still gritting her teeth and persevering, though her large eyes would occasionally glance toward Arthas, clearly seeking praise.
"Alright, let's take a break first."
Arthas clapped his hands, signaling everyone to pause the training.
"Natasha, Yelena, you've done very well. This kind of persistence is the first step to becoming strong."
"But remember to balance work and rest. Don't injure your bodies from training too hard. I'll have the maid prepare some nutritious meals for you later to replenish your energy."
Hearing the words 'rest' and 'nutritious meals,' Yelenaimmediately cheered. Ignoring the dirt on the ground, she sprawled out in a star shape.
Although Natasha also breathed a sigh of relief, she still stood properly, wiped her sweat, walked over to Arthas, and tugged at the corner of his clothes.
"Brother Arthas, are you going out today?"
She looked up at Arthas, who had changed into formal attire, sensitively sensing something.
"Where are you going? Can you take me with you? I've become much stronger; I can help you!"
Looking into those large eyes filled with expectation and attachment, Arthas crouched down, rubbed her head, and spoke in a gentle yet firm tone.
"Tonight is an adult gathering. There are some... rather bloody and boring matters to handle, not quite suitable for children."
He didn't hide the danger of the night, because he knew that for these children, excessive protection was actually a form of slight.
"Besides, I need you to stay at home, keep an eye on the place for me, and protect your sister. This is a very important mission."
Natasha was a bit disappointed.
But hearing the words 'watch the house' and 'protect your sister,' the sense of being entrusted with a heavy responsibility made her puff out her chest.
"Alright then! I'll watch the house! If anyone dares to cause trouble, I'll... I'll bite them to death!"
She waved her small fist, putting on a fierce expression, but to Arthas, she looked more like a pampered kitten acting spoiled.
After soothing the little girl, Arthas stood back up and looked at Hippolyta.
"I might be back a bit late tonight. After dealing with the matters over there, I also need to go meet that legendary Black Queen."
He lowered his voice, speaking at a volume only the two of them could hear.
"Supposedly an old antique who has lived for tens of thousands of years. I hope she gives me some pleasant surprises rather than a fright."
"The Black Queen?"
Hippolyta frowned, clearly not unfamiliar with the name, or rather, having a natural aversion to such dark creatures.
"Those types who cling to life by sucking away life force... besides being disgusting, there's nothing to look forward to."
"You'd better be careful. Don't let that old hag drain you dry, or you'll have hell to pay when you get back."
Despite her harsh words, a trace of concern flickered in her eyes.
Arthas smiled and whispered something in her ear, causing the Queen's cheeks to flush slightly as she gave him an annoyed push.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, night fell.
The lights of Manhattan began to glow, decorating the city that never sleeps like a dream.
A black stretched limousine was already parked at the manor entrance, its body bearing a low-profile yet luxurious family crest. The driver stood respectfully by the door.
Arthas had changed into a well-tailored deep black evening suit, with a dark red silk shirt underneath. His collar was slightly open, revealing his collarbone and Adam's apple.
His entire being radiated an elegant, mysterious, and dangerous aura, like a sovereign of the dark night about to attend a banquet.
"Let's go."
He nodded to the driver and sat in the back seat.
The car door closed, sealing away the warmth and tranquility of the manor behind him.
The car smoothly drove out of Long Island and merged into the flow of traffic toward Manhattan.
Arthas watched the receding streetscape outside the window, his fingers lightly tapping his knee as information about the Black Queen, Selene, surfaced in his mind.
A Mutant who had lived for tens of thousands of years, a woman who considered herself a god, a Witch who mastered Death Magic.
This was indeed much more interesting than those Hydraagents who only knew how to kill.
"Selene Gallio..."
He whispered the name, a playful smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"I hope your strength lives up to your reputation."
"And that supposedly stunning beauty—don't let me down."
For Arthas, tonight was not just a transition of power, but a hunt.
The prey was not just the massive power of the Hellfire Club, but also that high-and-mighty, mysterious Black Queen.
The limo stopped in front of a grand Gothic building on Fifth Avenue.
This was the headquarters of the Hellfire Club. On the surface, it was a top-tier private club, but in reality, it was the dark heart controlling the world's economic and political lifelines.
Uniformed security personnel with cold expressions stood on both sides of the entrance. However, upon seeing the special black-gold invitation Arthas presented—prepared by Emma—
They immediately became extremely respectful, bowing low and opening the heavy, carved doors.
As soon as he stepped into the hall, an air of extravagance, decadence, and temptation rushed toward him.
A massive crystal chandelier cast a brilliant glow, expensive Persian rugs covered the floor, and oil paintings passed down from the Middle Ages hung on the walls.
Men and women in magnificent evening wear gathered in small groups, holding champagne and talking in low voices, each face wearing the hypocritical mask characteristic of high society.
Arthas's appearance didn't cause much of a stir because he had intentionally restrained his aura, making himself look like an ordinary, newly joined young tycoon.
But his unique temperament still attracted the gazes of many socialites and noble ladies—gazes filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and naked desire.
"Welcome, my dear Your Highness."
Just then, a familiar voice sounded in his ear.
Emma Frost, wearing a breathtaking white deep-V evening gown, walked over like a proud white swan.
She held two glasses of champagne, a charming smile on her face, but her eyes flickered with the excitement of an impending slaughter.
Chapter 168 Orochimaru (Special Guest Appearance by the Snake from the Group)
"The trap has been set. That fool Sebastian Shaw is inside the VIP lounge, celebrating another'successful' investment with his die-hard followers."
Emma handed a glass of champagne to Arthas and naturally hooked her arm through his, her movements fluid and intimate.
"As for that woman Selene, she's reportedly in a private lounge upstairs, though who knows what she's up to."
"Very good."
Arthas took the champagne and took a light sip; the cold liquid slid down his throat, bringing a hint of refreshment.
"Then let us go and send that Black King... to his end."
"As for the Black Queen, she is the dessert after the meal; there is no need to rush."
The two walked arm in arm through the crowd, heading toward the VIP lounge that symbolized the highest power.
People around them cast side-glances, speculating about who this man was that could make the proud White Queentreat him so intimately.
Upon reaching the entrance of the lounge, two burly bodyguards reached out to stop them.
"Sorry, Ms. Frost, but Mr. Shaw has given orders that no one is to disturb him without his permission."
One of the bodyguards said coldly, his eyes filled with a hint of disdain; he was clearly a trusted confidant of Sebastian Shaw.
Emma did not speak; she merely cast a cold glance at the bodyguard.
The next second, the bodyguard's eyes suddenly became dull, as if his soul had been extracted. He mechanically stepped aside and opened the door.
"This is the convenience of Telepathy."
Emma smiled at Arthas, with a hint of showing off.
"No violence is needed, just a little suggestion."
The atmosphere inside the lounge was lively, with Sebastian Shaw sitting in the main seat.
Holding a thick cigar in his hand, he was holding court to several sycophantic subordinates.
"The future of Mutants belongs to us! As long as we control the economic lifeline, those foolish human governments will have no choice but to kneel at our feet and beg for mercy!"
He spoke loudly, completely unaware of the arrival of the Grim Reaper.
It wasn't until the door was pushed open and Arthas and Emma walked in that he noticed.
"Well said, Mr. Shaw."
Arthas applauded, a mocking smile on his face.
"It's a pity that the 'us' you speak of probably does not include you yourself."
"Because your future ends... tonight."
Sebastian Shaw stood up abruptly, looking at Emma with a gloomy expression, then glanced at Arthas, clearly realizing something.
"Emma! How dare you betray me?!"
"And who is this pretty boy?! Are you trying to rebel?!"
He roared, his muscles beginning to swell; it was the precursor to him absorbing energy.
"No, Sebastian Shaw."
Emma let go of Arthas's hand, stepped back, and made an elegant gesture of invitation.
"This is not betrayal; this is... a change of power."
"And this, is your new Master."
Arthas smiled and unbuttoned his suit jacket. In his amber eyes, the golden light of Divine Power began to surge.
"Come, Black King."
"Let me see your strength."
Inside the spacious and luxurious VIP lounge, the air that should have been filled with soft jazz and the fragrance of expensive champagne was now filled with a suffocating, murderous aura. The heavy atmosphere seemed to freeze even the dust in the air.
Sebastian Shaw stood in the center of the room.
"Boastful fool, come and witness my power."
The velvet suit, handmade by top tailors, had already been torn in several places by his extreme rage, revealing the slightly reddened and constantly writhing muscles beneath, filled with energy.
Behind him stood torrent and several other loyal core henchmen.
Everyone assumed their most guarded combat stances, staring fiercely at the arrogant, uninvited guests at the door.
Opposite them, the White Queen Emma Frost stood there with a composed expression.
Her snow-white evening gown glittered with a brilliance and coldness like diamonds under the reflection of the crystal chandelier overhead.
To her left was the indifferent Azazel Azazel, who was carelessly toying with two sharp daggers.
To her right was a new face that looked somewhat eerie and strange, exuding a dangerous aura all over.
That person was wearing a robe with a distinct ancient Eastern style, and his skin was as pale as a corpse soaked in formalin.
A pair of vertical golden pupils emitted a chilling, hair-raising cold light, and purple eyeshadow extended to the sides of his nose, making him look like a highly venomous python ready to strike and devour its prey at any moment.
"Your Highness, this is the new surprise I have prepared for you, Orochimaru."
Emma turned slightly to introduce him to Arthas beside her, her tone carrying a hint of obvious showing off and desire for credit.
"A mysterious Mutant from the far East, who is also proficient in certain dark magic considered taboo by orthodox mages."
"His abilities are very interesting and lethal; I believe you will definitely like them."
Orochimaru extended that impossibly long purple tongue and slowly licked his lips.
He let out a hoarse and low laugh, a sound like countless snakes sliding and rubbing against rough sandpaper, making anyone who heard it feel a chill from the bottom of their heart.
"It is an honor to meet you, powerful new King."
He bowed slightly, his movements appearing respectful.
But those cold, temperatureless snake eyes flashed with undisguised greedy exploration toward Arthas's body.
"Your body contains fascinating power; that radiance is even purer than anything else. It is truly a perfect vessel... oh no, a perfect work of art."
Arthas did not mind Orochimaru's somewhat offensive, or even disrespectful, gaze. Instead, he looked him over with great interest and then nodded slightly.
"Very interesting ability? I hope your performance is worthy of Emma's recommendation."
He said indifferently, his gaze passing over Orochimaru and landing on the Black King opposite, who was about to explode with rage, his entire body's energy boiling.
"After all, I have very high standards for my subordinates."
"Enough! You damned traitors!"
"How dare you collude with outsiders to usurp my position! Do you really think I'm dead?!"
Sebastian Shaw roared, and the energy fluctuations on his body burst forth violently. The expensive solid wood table and leather sofa nearby were instantly shattered into dust that filled the air.
"Since you are seeking death, I will grant your wish!"
"Everyone here today must die! Not a single one will be spared!"
Following his roar, torrent, who had been standing behind him ready to strike, was the first to launch an attack.
He swung his hands violently to both sides, and two high-speed rotating micro-tornadoes formed instantly, whistling as they swept up debris and glass shards from the floor.
They rushed toward Emma and the others like two meat grinders running at full power.
Facing this fierce and lethal attack, Emma did not show the slightest panic; she didn't even frown.
Chapter 169: The Final Judgment of Black King Sebastian Shaw
She simply turned around, stood on her tiptoes, and lightly pressed a kiss onto Arthas's cheek; the sensation was cool and soft, carrying a faint, chilly fragrance.
"Your Highness, I'll leave that reckless Black King for you to judge personally."
"As for those yapping lackeys by his side, leave it to me and my new partners to clean them up."
She whispered in Arthas's ear, and then instantly, her entire body diamondized, turning into a crystal-clear yet indestructible diamond statue.
She blocked the way in front of Arthas, head-on withstanding torrent's two wind blades—which were sharp enough to slice through steel—resulting in a piercing sound of metal scraping.
"Move! Don't keep His Highness waiting!"
At Emma's command, the figure of the Azazel, who had remained silent, instantly vanished from the spot.
A second later, he appeared to the left-rear of torrent, accompanied by a cloud of pungent red sulfur smoke.
The dagger in his hand carried the cold light of death as it ruthlessly stabbed toward the other's heart from behind.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru let out an even more chilling, wild laugh.
His originally normal arms suddenly underwent a bizarre distortion and expansion, his sleeves bursting open as countless slimy venomous snakes surged out like a black tide.
Instantly, they submerged the few thugs in front of him who were trying to open fire in retaliation.
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
These venomous snakes were no ordinary beasts; each one possessed staggering strength and a lethal poison capable of killing instantly.
Once they bit an enemy, they would never let go, even capable of injecting a toxin through their bite that instantly paralyzed the nerves.
Several thugs ensnared by the snakes let out shrill screams; they rolled frantically on the ground in an attempt to shake off the swarming serpents.
But those snakes were as if they grew directly from Orochimaru's body—continuous and endless—even capable of rapidly regenerating new heads after being severed.
At the same time.
Orochimaru did not stop his movements just because this strike succeeded.
His hands quickly formed seals at a speed so fast that an ordinary person's naked eye could only see a blur of afterimages, as a cold and evil energy rapidly gathered in his palms.
"Summoning Jutsu: Reanimation!"
Although the current environment was not suitable for summoning overly powerful undead.
He still relied on the residual Death Qi here to forcibly summon two simple wooden coffins with Talismans attached from beneath the floorboards; then, the coffin lids suddenly popped open.
Two long-dead Mutant warriors emerged; one was covered in burning eerie green flames.
The other had a translucent body and walked out with stiff steps, joining the slaughter of Shaw's subordinates.
On the other side, Arthas walked with elegant and composed steps through this chaotic and bloody battlefield.
He walked straight toward Sebastian Shaw, who had been continuously accumulating energy.
The splashing wind blades, the stray bullets flying everywhere, and even the occasional bursts of residual energy waves...
...all seemed to hit an invisible wall three feet around his body and dissipated automatically.
It was as if a divine Domain completely isolated him from the conflicts of this Mortal world.
"So you're the so-called Black King?"
Arthas looked at the man before him, who had become somewhat deformed from absorbing too much energy and was emitting a dangerous red glow from his entire body.
He shook his head, his tone carrying a trace of undisguised disappointment and contempt.
"You don't seem like much, other than puffing yourself up like a balloon."
"I don't see any of the bearing or wisdom that belongs to a king in you."
"Arrogant brat! You will pay the price for your ignorance and arrogance!"
Shaw laughed out of extreme rage; he stomped his foot hard, charging at Arthas like a heavy artillery shell fired from a barrel.
That fist, which had absorbed all the kinetic energy from the surrounding explosions and Shockwaves, slammed toward Arthas's face with world-destroying power and a whistling sound.
The power of this punch was so great that it even caused visible ripples of distortion in the surrounding air.
If it were an ordinary person, or even another powerful physical expert, taking this punch head-on would likely result in broken bones and tendons, or even being turned directly into a pile of mush.
But Arthas did not dodge; he didn't even move his feet an inch.
He merely raised a hand slowly, a faint layer of divine golden light appearing in his palm as he met the attack nonchalantly.
"Boom!"
A deafening roar exploded within the private box.
Shaw's fist smashed heavily into Arthas's palm, triggering a visible shockwave that blew away the surrounding carpet and furniture fragments.
But the expected scene of Arthas being blown away or even having his arm broken did not occur.
That figure, which didn't look strong and even seemed a bit thin, actually remained motionless; even the floorboards beneath his feet didn't crack in the slightest.
"How is this possible?! This is impossible!"
Shaw's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief and terror.
This punch of his had absorbed the storm energy created by torrent just now, as well as the residual spatial oscillation waves from Azazel's teleportation.
The force was at least several hundred tons; how could it be blocked so easily with one hand?
"Nice strength, but that's all there is to it."
Arthas felt the force coming from his palm and commented indifferently, as if what he had just caught wasn't a heavy punch, but a falling leaf.
"Your ability is to absorb kinetic energy and convert it into your own strength; that is indeed a decent talent."
"Unfortunately, your body has its limits, and your method of application is far too crude and primitive."
Having said that, Arthas's wrist suddenly flipped, his backhand gripping Shaw's fist tightly before wrenching it downward.
"Crack!"
A crisp, ear-piercing sound of bone cracking rang out, and Shaw let out a scream like a slaughtered pig.
That arm of his, originally as hard as iron and filled with energy...
...was actually twisted into a braid-like shape by Arthas; bones pierced through the skin, revealing white, jagged shards.
"You like absorbing energy, don't you? Then I'll give you energy—plenty of it."
A golden light flashed in Arthas's eyes, and the Divine Power of Light in his palm instantly erupted in full force, turning into a dazzling pillar of light.
It poured frantically into Shaw's body through that broken arm.
"Taste this: the power of light from the realm of Asgard. Let's see just how much your body can hold."
Shaw was still instinctively trying to absorb this energy to heal his injuries.
But he soon realized something was wrong; this energy was too vast, too pure, and far too overbearing.
It was simply not something his Mortal body, which could only absorb physical kinetic energy, could withstand.
"Aaaaah! Stop! Stop it!"
Shaw let out a heart-wrenching scream.
His body began to swell violently, cracks appearing on his skin with dazzling golden light shooting out from them.
It made him look like a humanoid ball of light on the verge of exploding.
He desperately tried to shake off Arthas's hand, wanting to expel this energy that was rampaging through his body.
But Arthas's hand was like an iron vise, clamping down on him so he couldn't move at all, forced to accept this destructive infusion.
"Can't take it already? Your capacity is only so-so."
Arthas sneered as he looked at Shaw's agonized, distorted face, where his features had already shifted out of place.
"I thought you could absorb more, but it seems your 'container' has been leaking for a long time."
He released his grip and kicked Shaw hard in the stomach, sending him flying like a tattered sack. Shaw slammed heavily into the wall, creating a deep crater, and was instantly buried by rubble and dust.
Chapter 170: The Fall of the Black King
At this moment, the battle on the other side was also nearing its end.
Under Orochimaru's mysterious and unpredictable Spells and Azazel's elusive teleportation assassinations,
torrent and several other die-hard loyalists had long since fallen into pools of blood.
Some were bitten to death by countless venomous snakes, some were torn to pieces by the undead of the Impure World Reincarnation, and others were thrown several thousand meters into the air by Azazel to perform a free fall, crashing into a pile of mangled flesh.
In the entire private box, aside from the corpses and blood covering the floor, only Shaw remained, struggling for breath amidst the ruins.
Shaw struggled to crawl up from the wreckage.
His current appearance was incredibly wretched, covered in blood with large areas of his skin cracked open.
His originally meticulously combed hair was now a mess; he no longer possessed even a hint of the Black King's former glory.
Yet the madness in his eyes hadn't diminished in the slightest; instead, it became even more hysterical due to the fear of impending death.
He couldn't lose; he absolutely could not lose to this kid who had appeared out of nowhere!
"I won't lose! I am the Black King! I am the god destined to rule the world!"
Shaw roared, beginning to frantically absorb all the energy he could from his surroundings—even the residual heat emanating from his companions' corpses and the current from the severed wires in the walls.
His body swelled up again, becoming a size larger than before.
Like an out-of-control monster, he left a burning footprint on the floor with every step he took.
"Stubborn and foolish; how truly pathetic."
Looking at this man who had completely succumbed to madness and lost his sanity, Arthas shook his head, having lost all interest in continuing the game.
He slowly raised his right hand, pressing his index and middle fingers together, then gently traced a perfect cross in the void before him.
"Since you love energy so much, I'll give you one last send-off and let you find complete release within the radiance."
Following his movement, the surrounding light seemed to be drawn toward him, converging at his fingertips to form a dazzling point of light that radiated an aura of destruction.
"Cross Ray: Judgment."
A cross-shaped beam of light, not particularly thick but condensed to the extreme, as if it could cut through space itself,
shot out from Arthas's fingertips with a sharp whistle, instantly crossing the distance between the two.
Shaw didn't even have time to take a defensive stance or let out a cry of surprise.
The beam of light pierced through his seemingly indestructible body without any resistance.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment.
Shaw stood there stiffly, the crazed expression still frozen on his face.
But in the center of his chest, a massive cross-shaped hole had appeared.
The edges of the hole were incredibly smooth, without any scorch marks, as if a piece of him had been erased out of thin air by an eraser.
"Is this... the power of a god..."
Shaw squeezed these few words out of his throat with difficulty, the light in his eyes fading rapidly.
Then, his body began to disintegrate from the wound, turning into countless tiny specks of light and dissipating into the air.
There was no violent explosion, no scene of flesh and blood flying everywhere.
It was as if he had never existed, completely erased from this world.
Only the mess on the ground remained to prove everything that had just happened.
With the total annihilation of the Black King, Sebastian Shaw, the entire private box returned to a deathly silence.
Emma deactivated her Diamond Form and stepped forward with elegant strides.
Taking Arthas's arm, she looked at the now-empty ruins, her eyes filled with deep awe and adoration.
This man's strength had once again redefined her understanding of power.
"That was a perfect performance, Your Highness,"
she said softly, her voice carrying a slight tremor.
"From today on, the Hellfire Club is yours; no one will ever dare to defy your will again."
Orochimaru also withdrew his snakes and undead, walking up to Arthas.
He knelt on one knee and bowed his head deeply; those snake-like pupils no longer held their previous greed, replaced instead by absolute obedience.
"Your power is breathtaking, My Lord."
For the first time, his voice carried genuine submission.
"It is my honor to serve you."
"Perhaps... I can research more interesting 'toys' for you to enrich your collection."
Arthas looked at the mess on the ground, then at these powerful Mutants bowing to him, and nodded with satisfaction.
This operation had gone very smoothly; he had not only eliminated the disobedient thorn that was Shaw but also won over a high-potential asset like Orochimaru.
The power of the Hellfire Club had now completely fallen into his pocket.
"Emma, I'll leave the cleanup here to you,"
Arthas adjusted his slightly disheveled collar and commanded, his gaze turning toward the spiral staircase leading to the upstairs lounge.
"I'm going to see that Black Queen who has been watching the show from above."
"I hope she's a bit more... sensible than Shaw, so I don't have to waste any more effort."
Emma nodded knowingly, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes; she knew Arthas always harbored a desire to conquer such powerful women.
"Go ahead, Your Highness."
"That Black Queen is a famous ice-cold beauty."
"But I believe that under your radiance, even ten-thousand-year-old ice will melt."
Arthas ascended the spiral staircase covered in dark red carpet, his leather shoes making dull, rhythmic sounds on the thick wooden steps; every step felt as if it were treading on the old, recently stopped heart of the Hellfire Club.
He pushed open the heavy oak door of the second-floor lounge.
A mixture of the mellow aroma of aged red wine, expensive perfume, and a faint, lingering scent of blood immediately rushed toward him.
This complex scent was like a miniature of the room owner's long life—both decadent and corrupt, yet filled with fatal temptation.
The spacious lounge was unlit; only the fire burning in the fireplace and the neon lights of Manhattan outside intertwined, casting mottled and distorted shadows.
On a vintage chaise lounge in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, a woman in a black Gothic gown sat with her back to the door.
In her hand, she held a crystal-clear goblet; the crimson wine swayed gently in the glass, reflecting her beautiful profile, which was pale to the point of being nearly transparent.
Hearing the door open, the woman didn't turn around immediately but unhurriedly drank the red wine in the glass to the last drop.
Her slender fingers gently caressed the rim of the glass, as if reminiscing about some distant memory.
Not until Arthas reached the center of the room did she slowly turn around; those deep, black-hole-like eyes pierced through the dim light, landing on Arthas without any hindrance.
"I didn't expect that in this era where myths have long been forgotten,"
"a true god would actually appear before an old woman cursed by time like me in such an
unexpected way."