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In the White House, inside the Oval Office, high-ranking officials gathered.
"What did you say… the President has been kidnapped?!"
Vice President Rodriguez, who just ten minutes ago was at home celebrating his young daughter's birthday party, now sat in the President's chair, feigning an expression of shock and anger, and roared at the head of the USSS (United States Secret Service):
"What are those USSS (United States Secret Service) Agents you sent to protect the President doing? They can't even protect the President's safety? I think the USSS (United States Secret Service) should just disband!"
"I apologize, Mr. Vice President, my people have done their best. They all sacrificed themselves on the spot to protect the President."
The Director of the USSS (United States Secret Service), a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a potbelly, explained with a bitter expression:
"Furthermore, according to the video footage sent back from the scene, it should be the Ten Rings Gang who did it… But unlike before, the terrorists they sent this time seem to be able to transform into fire-breathing lizards, and they can even easily burn through the special bulletproof body of 'America One'."
"What?!"
All the high-ranking officials were immediately shocked and horrified upon hearing this, and many recalled the scene of Brigadier General Jerritt being publicly executed by Mandarin on live television.
Could the tragedy be replayed again?
Only this time, the victim was the President of America!!
"Does anyone know what these damn terrorists are trying to do?"
Although Vice President Rodriguez showed an anxious expression on his face, he was secretly gloating in his heart.
Because once the President dies unexpectedly or is unable to exercise the President's powers normally, then according to the Presidential Succession Act passed in 1947, the new President will be filled in order by the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and important cabinet members.
As Vice President, he was naturally the undisputed first in line of succession.
And the first thing he would do after taking office was to crush the Ten Rings Gang, this terrorist organization that has caused widespread panic, with swift and decisive action, to avenge the deceased President Matthew Ellis.
Thereby thoroughly solidifying his ruling position with this action.
The reason Rodriguez was so confident that he could do what even President Matthew Ellis could not, was because he had long ago secretly colluded with Aldrich Killian.
Not only had the latter been secretly providing him with campaign funds for a long time, but he also promised to help him cure his young daughter's disabled right leg.
In fact, money was not important to Rodriguez at all.
Because if he wanted to, there would be too many benefactors willing to bet heavily on him and make large investments.
But the only person who could cure his young daughter's disabled right leg was probably Aldrich Killian!
Plus, the other party's plan could even directly send him to the presidential throne… So even if the other party's true identity was a terrorist, he didn't care at all.
After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
"To know the true purpose of what those terrorists are doing, we probably can only find out when they actively contact us."
The head of the USSS (United States Secret Service) said in a deep voice: "However, at present, the USSS (United States Secret Service) alone cannot deal with those brutal Fire Lizard Warriors. Their strength is exceptionally powerful, so… we may need stronger help!"
"Where are the S.H.I.E.L.D. people?" Rodriguez glanced at the other party and asked with a frown.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers members previously destroyed a secret Base of the Ten Rings Gang in Miami and are now rushing back… But it is roughly estimated that it will take at least a few hours to reach New York."
The head of the USSS (United States Secret Service) pursed his lips helplessly, "However, Nick Fury said he would send Tony Stark and Human Torch to provide support first… But time is of the essence, our top priority is to find President Ellis's whereabouts first."
At this point, the head of the USSS (United States Secret Service) paused slightly and turned his gaze to General Ross, who was sitting opposite him, representing the Department of Defense at the meeting. After a moment of hesitation, he said:
"Given the current emergency, I suggest it is best to seek help from Mr. Karl Merks first. I believe he will definitely have a way to find the President's whereabouts in the shortest possible time!!"
Because General Ross had previously helped the Vatican Church and Hyperspace Group connect, successfully resolving a very tricky mission.
So now, his position in the Department of Defense has risen, subtly becoming the target of various forces secretly trying to win him over.
The head of the USSS (United States Secret Service) naturally would not miss such an opportunity to curry favor with the other party.
"I agree!"
"Agreed!"
"Seconded!"
"…"
Vice President Rodriguez's heart sank when he saw this. The power of Karl and the Hyperspace Group was evident to all. If they really intervened, it was very likely to disrupt his and Aldrich Killian's original plan.
But at this moment, even if he was extremely unwilling in his heart, other high-ranking cabinet officials had already expressed their positions. If he stubbornly chose to refuse, it would instead arouse everyone's suspicion and doubt, thereby increasing the risk of exposure.
So, after much hesitation, still unable to come up with a reasonable reason to refuse, he could only force a smile and nod in agreement, secretly praying in his heart that Aldrich Killian would not fail.
"General Ross, all matters related to contacting the Hyperspace Group are entrusted to you. I hope they can rescue the President safely in the shortest possible time."
The opportunity has come!!
A hint of excitement flashed in General Ross's eyes, but his face remained calm and composed. He nodded slightly and said:
"Mr. Vice President, please rest assured, I will do my utmost to facilitate this cooperation and ensure President Ellis's safe return!!"
… … … …
… …
At the top of Osborn Tower, the battle between Lizard Peter and Lizard Dr. Connors continued.
Lizard Dr. Connors was determined to rush downstairs and kill Harry Osborn, who was making the antidote, while Lizard Peter strenuously tried to stop him.
Bang—
Lizard Peter grabbed Lizard Dr. Connors's tail, then with a beautiful windmill spin, slammed him heavily against the wall of a machine room on the rooftop.
However, such an attack clearly could not cause any substantial damage to Lizard Dr. Connors. A scorching flame spewed out, forcing Lizard Peter opposite him to raise his hand to shield his face.
The former then took advantage of the latter's obstructed vision and charged forward.
Screech—
Lizard Dr. Connors's claws slashed down sharply. Even though Lizard Peter dodged as soon as he noticed, his entire right shoulder, along with his right arm, was still brutally severed by Lizard Dr. Connors's scorching sharp claws.
"Ah?!"
Lizard Peter immediately let out a scream. Before he could dodge, his left arm was also bitten off by Lizard Dr. Connors, who, after getting close, opened his gaping maw and used his sharp teeth.
Although his arms would quickly regrow under the effect of his self-healing ability.
But the excruciating pain at the moment nearly made Lizard Peter black out and faint directly.
Logically speaking, even if Lizard Peter lacked combat experience, as long as his heart was filled with fighting spirit, he could gain an almost infinite "Ravage Buff" under Khorne's blessing.
Dealing with a mere Lizard Dr. Connors would be like tearing apart a chick with his bare hands.
But the problem was, Peter Parker, with his naturally kind heart, could not bring himself to kill Curt Connors, who had already turned into a bloodthirsty monster.
Although he had previously fought fiercely in the Hell's Kitchen battle to help his "goddess" Gwen.
But that was against the bad guys of The Hand, and with the added halo effect of the goddess, he had no qualms about his actions.
However, the current situation was completely different.
Because in Peter Parker's heart, Dr. Curt Connors was not a purely bad person. He was more like a tragic figure who gradually went to extremes in order to restore his missing limb.
In the other party, Peter Parker seemed to see his past self, who had almost gone to extremes several times due to school bullying.
If it hadn't been for Aunt Mei's comfort and companionship at that time, perhaps his heart would have also fallen into endless darkness like Dr. Connors's now?
So, he wanted to save this "misguided" poor man in his own way!
This is why Peter Parker, after transforming, clearly could unleash even more powerful strength and tear Lizard Dr. Connors apart with Khorne's blessing.
Yet, due to his indecisive personality, he always held back at critical moments, thereby gradually putting himself in the dangerous situation he is in now.
And at this moment, Khorne, who was in the Warp, was already about to explode with rage: "Damn it, why did I choose such a precious thing as my chosen one?!!!
"Useless little Peter Parker…"
Lizard Dr. Connors used his tail to tightly constrict Lizard Peter's neck, dragging him in front of him, and sneered mockingly: "Poor little guy, no dad, no mom, no friends, always alone… And today you will die here alone!!"
"I… I have one… no, two friends."
Lizard Peter, whose face was flushed from lack of oxygen, said stubbornly.
Although he struggled continuously, he was unable to break free from the other party's restraint because his hands had not yet recovered.
And during the struggle, a large amount of residual oxygen in his body was consumed, causing him to quickly fall into a semi-comatose state due to hypoxia.
Even his self-healing ability was greatly affected as a result.
"Tsk tsk, what a pitiful fellow."
Lizard Dr. Connors showed a look of surprise on his face, apparently not expecting this persistent young man to be so concerned about whether he had friends at such a critical moment of life and death.
But everything was no longer important.
Because he was about to die.
Although Lizard Dr. Connors greatly admired Peter Parker's talent, he would not allow anyone to disrupt his plans.
Humanity needed a cleansing and purification…
"Say goodbye to this World…"
Lizard Dr. Connors opened his gaping maw, and a scorching ball of flame began to condense in his oral cavity, but just as he was about to spew it at Lizard Peter's face, a bloody, tough spider web suddenly stuck to his large mouth.
Whoosh—
The fire flashed and disappeared, and wisps of black smoke immediately billowed from Lizard Dr. Connors's mouth and nose.
At this moment, a slender figure had already flown from the side, then her feet, like a pair of heavy hammers, heavily struck Lizard Dr. Connors's body.
Bang—
Lizard Dr. Connors's mountain-like muscular body immediately flew backward, crashing against the parapet at the edge of the building, while Lizard Peter, who was constricted by his tail, was directly flung out and fell towards the bottom of the building.
Whoosh—
A bloody spider web stuck to Lizard Peter's body, pulling him back forcefully.
"He's not alone."
The slender figure who had just made the move slowly walked out of the shadows. It was none other than Spider-Woman Gwen Stacy.
Looking at the weak boy who automatically reverted to human form on the ground, the expression beneath the girl's mask gradually turned icy.
She could not tolerate others harming her friend, "Dr. Connors, you have betrayed Peter's trust!!"
"I know who you are… You're that Spider-Woman who always likes to wander among the skyscrapers late at night?"
Lizard Dr. Connors raised his hand and tore off the spider web from his face, his ferocious vertical pupils staring intently at Gwen, who was wearing a black and white spider suit, but his heart inexplicably tightened.
Because for some reason, he instinctively felt an extremely sharp killing intent and a powerful oppressive feeling like a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood from her slender figure.
This couldn't help but make him feel terrified and shocked.
After all, he now possessed both the Extremis Virus and the Lizard · Cross-Species Gene Serum abilities. How could he not even be able to defeat a mere little spider?
"Although I greatly admire Peter's talent, he shouldn't have come to stop me…"
Lizard Dr. Connors glanced at Peter Parker on the ground and roared viciously: "This filthy World needs to be purified. I will create a World without discrimination… Mumble mumble?!!!"
Before he could finish speaking, a bloody spider web once again stuck to his face.
"Shut your stinking mouth. Who wants to listen to your nonsensical twisted theories?"
Gwen snorted coldly, "But you're right about one thing, this World is full of filth and dirt, and it needs a good purification… Only, it won't be with your Lizard · Cross-Species Gene Serum, but with the butcher's knife in my hand."
"Die for me!!!"
Lizard Dr. Connors tore off the spider web from his face and, furious, spat a fireball at Gwen, while his huge tail swept out horizontally.
Gwen saw this and moved agilely, leaping to the side, successfully dodging the opponent's two attacks.
Then she raised her hand and shot a web upwards, using inertia to swing rapidly in the air in a circle, then kicked Lizard Dr. Connors away again.