Yasuo in Marvel - Chapter 38
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Baron Strucker, the monocle-wearing man from “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” is the second-in-command of Hydra. During Red Skull’s absence, he serves as Hydra’s highest leader.
In World War II, he was infected with a deadly spore virus, which granted him the ability to slow down aging. Operating in the shadows to develop Hydra, his public identity is the owner of a biological research laboratory, listed under several global institutions including the U.S. government, the World Peace Organization, and S.H.I.E.L.D.
Two months ago, Strucker acquired two intriguing items: a vial of blood from a powerful superhuman and the corpse of a bio-monster. Due to his infection with the deadly spore virus, Strucker has always had a special interest in such unique materials.
After long-term analysis and research, Strucker found the superhuman blood to be just ordinary human blood, useless for his research. However, the monster corpses opened a new door for him. Hydra had always been developing the super soldier serum, and the appearance of the ‘Reapers’ provided a significant breakthrough far beyond simple addition.
Thus, the vampires were unlucky. Many were captured and sent to Hydra’s secret research base in Sokovia, becoming experimental subjects. Recently, the experiments achieved a major breakthrough. Originally, the test subjects could only survive for an hour, but now, as long as they get enough blood, they can survive long-term without deteriorating. Strucker was overjoyed, but not for long.
Something enraging happened: the mindless test subjects collectively came under someone’s control, gained collective consciousness, escaped from the Sokovia base, and attacked S.H.I.E.L.D.’s laboratory, ‘The Cube.’ It all made Strucker feel like he had fallen into someone else’s trap.
Meanwhile, Alexander Pierce, sitting in his office at S.H.I.E.L.D., was furious after hearing Strucker’s report. The old guy from World War II not only threatened him to acquire the test subjects but also attacked S.H.I.E.L.D.’s secret lab. To Pierce, everything in S.H.I.E.L.D. belonged to Hydra; it was their property.
Strucker’s reckless actions risk exposing Hydra. Cleaning up this mess could easily lead to Pierce’s own exposure. Hydra has always believed in developing in the shadows post-WWII; now is not the time to openly confront the world.
Elsewhere, Blade’s base received two special visitors.
Dressed in black tactical suits with night-vision goggles, one wielding a long sword was evenly matched with Blade.
“Lisa, put away your sword. We are not here to fight; we have a message,” said the other, stopping his companion.
“We are representatives sent by the true rulers of the vampire empire. They hope for a truce and to clear up misunderstandings. The Prince wants to meet you,” the man stated their purpose.
“Take off your masks,” Blade demanded coolly.
The two complied, revealing a white female vampire and a black male vampire.
The male introduced himself, “I am Asad, and this is Lisa. We come with sincerity.”
Lisa added, “You and the Red-Clad Weirdo have always been our most feared enemies, but recently a more terrifying enemy has emerged, even more, dangerous than you.”
Two helicopters carried Blade, Whistler, and the others to a heavily guarded modern castle. On the way, Lisa explained, “The true power of the vampire empire lies here. We adhere to the peace treaty signed with humans, hiding among ordinary people. Few know of our existence. My father, the true ruler of the vampires, has been working with human governments to develop a cure that can turn vampires back into normal humans.”
Minutes later, Blade met a pale-skinned ancient vampire. Asad introduced him, “Prince Eli Damaskinos, the true ruler of the vampire empire.”
“Welcome, Daywalker. As they say, be proud of your enemy and appreciate his achievements. I should thank you,” the Prince humbly stated.
A group of humans then approached.
“Why?” Blade didn’t understand the compliment.
The newly arrived humans clarified, “Because you took out Deacon Frost. He had broken the treaty. If you hadn’t dealt with him, the vampires would have. I’m Karel, a human lawyer representing the vampires in all communications with human governments.”
Ignoring the humans, the Prince continued, “You should know that vampirism is a viral infection spread through saliva. Within seventy-two hours, it spreads throughout the human bloodstream, creating parasitic tissue, much like cancer cells but with a specific purpose.”
Karel added, “Unfortunately, this virus evolves. We’ve identified a new variant, R-Type. Like all superior viruses, it quickly found carriers. They have attacked government facilities, drawing the attention of human governments.”
“They can not only feed on human blood but also vampire blood. This is a representative of the human government. We invited you here to ask for your help in eliminating these carriers. Both sides will assist you,” the Prince explained.
“It sounds like you’re asking for my help,” Blade observed.
A government representative responded, “You’ve missed the point. Those bitten by them won’t die but become monsters like them. They too become carriers. Understand, they are like drug addicts, needing to feed daily. Currently, there are estimated to be over a hundred R-Type carriers. In a month, there will be thousands. Human society will collapse.”
“The U.S. government will provide support and convenience in all aspects. The vampires will deploy a Blood Pact Special Forces unit trained for two years, under your command,” Karel added.
“Trained for two years?” Blade questioned.
“Yes, originally to deal with you. But now, you are not the enemy. Within the vampire community, there are those who yearn for a normal life, like the Prince who has always worked towards human-vampire coexistence.”
Blade decided to join them, seeing it as a way to better understand the cooperation mechanism between the vampire empire and human governments.
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