《Marvel : from zombie verse》


 Chapter 1

    "I''m sorry to tell you this, Mr. Adrian, but our examination results show that you have advanced lung cancer. We can start chemotherapy right away if you choose, but from my perspective, I''d still recommend palliative care."


    "How effective is the chemotherapy now?" Adrian raised his head and looked at the doctor.


    "If I''m being optimistic, it might buy you a few more months."


    "I''ll think about it. I need some time."


    When Adrian left the hospital, his face looked worn, his lips dry, and a few strands of hair had fallen onto his pale forehead. The people at the hospital entrance ebbed and flowed like a tide¡ªboth close and yet distant, gradually drifting away. Adrian felt like he was in another world, isolated and helpless.


    He returned home in a daze and collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted. His reflection on the TV screen showed sunken cheeks and hollow eyes, as if each breath required every ounce of his strength.


    He had just graduated and had only been working for two years, finally making it in a big city. Despite missing out on promotions and raises, he had kept going. But just days ago, he had noticed blood in his cough and sharp chest pains. Now, after that fateful hospital visit, it was all too late.


    He raised his arms and looked at his hands. His heart felt empty, like a blank page. The cancer diagnosis had shattered his hope and future. He just wanted to fade away, drifting into a state of numb despair.


    That seemed better than spending a fortune to live for a couple more months hooked up to tubes in a hospital bed.


    "Do you want to understand the meaning of life? Do you really want to live?"


    "Who¡­ who said that?"


    Adrian jolted up from the couch, looking around in alarm. He soon noticed a crystal-clear, white light floating in front of him, with a line of text swaying slightly across it, the same as what he''d just heard.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    An illusion? Adrian shook his head, rejecting the thought. He reached out to touch the text, but his fingers passed right through. He circled the light, but no matter where he moved, it stayed in front of him.


    Then, two more lines appeared, their letters slightly faded, like buttons:


    [Yes] [No]


    "Do I really want to live? Yes or no? Who hasn''t seen something like this in Infinite Horror?"


    Adrian sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Am I going crazy? Or is this some kind of setup?"


    It wasn''t uncommon for characters in novels to be pulled into new worlds with similar prompts, but could he really believe this was happening to him? If he clicked "Yes," he might be stuck in some terrible situation. But if he clicked "No," would he miss his last chance?


    "This feels like my only way out¡­ but why only ''Yes'' and ''No''?"


    Realizing something was off, he lowered his hand. Just then, a notification popped up.


    [Ding!]


    [The host did not make a selection in time. Random choice made.]


    Before he could react, the options disappeared. He thought he saw the "Yes" on the right briefly flicker into a "No."


    [Starting transmission to target world¡­]


    [Transfer complete!]


    [Target World: Marvel Universe¡ª2149]


    "2149?"


    Adrian scratched his chin, his mind racing. He loved reading about comic book worlds, but he couldn''t immediately remember this universe number. So he grabbed his phone and looked it up.


    "This¡­ this can''t be."


    He laughed awkwardly, rubbing his hands. Realization dawned on him, and he stepped back, horrified. The Marvel Zombie Universe¡ªknown for its nightmarish, infected superheroes¡ªwas no safe place.


    [Transfer confirmed]


    "Wait!"


    A flash of white light erupted, and Adrian vanished from his living room, leaving his phone to fall to the floor with a crash.


    A pink lightning bolt slashed through the New York sky, twisting through dark clouds like a serpent. After a moment, the sky echoed with a series of loud booms, and heavy rain began to fall.


    "Ahhhh!"


    A figure plummeted from the sky, landing in a large trash can. Adrian scrambled to get out, coughing and gasping for air.


    "Ow¡­ my back."


    He patted himself down, relieved that the trash had softened the impact.


    [Distributing beginner''s reward]


    [Desert Eagle pistol with limited ammo]


    A Glock 20 pistol materialized in front of Adrian, along with a handful of yellow bullets. He picked up the weapon, and a rush of information surged into his mind, giving him instant knowledge of how to use it.


    His body no longer felt weak; he was filled with energy.


    [System experience completed. Default positive review registered.]


    Before he could process the system''s disappearance, a loud roar echoed above him. Looking up, he saw a massive black fighter jet hovering in the sky, its wings arched like a bird''s, with the rear hatch wide open as if waiting for someone.


    "Luke, move it! There''s another call from Times Square. Something''s changed¡ªwe need to hurry!"


    A voice shouted from the plane. Adrian squinted and made out a figure waving at the door.


    "Coming!" A muscular Black man in a yellow jacket leaped from a nearby rooftop, ignoring the dizzying height, and landed smoothly on the jet. Its engines roared to life, sending twin blue flames shooting out as it vanished into the clouds.


    "If I''m right, that guy who just got on the plane is Wonder Man, Luke Cage."


    Adrian gulped, realizing what this meant.


    Today was the day everything changed in Universe 2149. Today was the day superheroes became zombies.

 Chapter 2

    Zombies devoured human flesh and blood, spreading the virus that brought the world to its knees within weeks. In Marvel Zombies, only supernatural beings retain their intelligence after infection¡ªthough even this line is blurred, with characters like Kingpin and Punisher, who are supposedly mortal, somehow managing to stay sharp.


    Getting cancer is one kind of death; being eaten by zombies is another. But, in a way, the former feels more delicate and gentle than the latter.


    "With the level of technology in this world, curing my cancer isn''t impossible¡ªit''s just¡­ complicated. But in a world full of zombies, I still want my hair back!" Adrian thought, feeling a mix of frustration and absurdity. He slammed his hand against the wall, startling the people around him, who hurried away, casting him looks of contempt, sympathy, suspicion, and concern.


    "We need a plan. Fast!"


    "Fast? Yeah, that''s it¡ªfast!"


    Suddenly, he drew his gun, sprinted to a newsstand, and pressed the barrel against the owner''s forehead, silencing the screaming onlookers.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "I, I, I¡ª" stammered the newsstand owner.


    "Shut up, turn off the phone, and¡­" Adrian grabbed a pen, snatched a page from the newspaper, scribbled a note, and slapped it onto the owner''s forehead. He wrote another note and tossed it in front of him.


    "That''s the Avengers'' phone number. Call it on speaker. If you don''t, I''ll count to ten, and you''ll regret it. Got it?"


    The terrified owner looked at Adrian, his face contorting with fear.


    "You want to cry? Cry later! Now, call."


    "I will! I will!"


    As he felt the barrel start to cool against his forehead, he quickly dialed the number on the landline.


    "Hello, this is Avengers Headquarters. How can I help you?"


    "I need to speak to Pietro Maximoff. Magneto asked me to bring him a message about Wanda."


    The other end of the line fell silent. The owner glanced at Adrian, whose gun stayed firmly in place. Finally, after ten tense seconds, a voice responded.


    "I''m Pietro. What''s the message?"


    The newsstand owner, sweating and trembling, took a deep breath, gripped the phone, and shouted: "Listen up! Wanda Maximoff is the kind of watch everyone wants to wear!"

 Chapter 3

    A pale blue figure weaved through the streets and alleys of New York City, passing cars that seemed to crawl like snails and pedestrians who appeared almost motionless in his field of vision. He sped along both sides of the street toward the back.


    In about three seconds, Pietro would reach his destination, but that was enough time to recall the annoying incident that had just occurred.


    Just twelve seconds ago, a person on the other end of the phone claimed to be a messenger for Magneto, her father. Honestly, he might have thought so. The pig-nosed, green-faced guy had called just to mock him, but when he heard the second part of that sentence, he brought Wanda into the conversation.


    Pietro decided to listen, using his rare patience, and then he heard the most disgusting insults of his life. making permutations and combinations in an attempt to insult his dearest relatives.


    The use of obscene words and vile phrases was unimaginable.


    How could a giant durian be used in such a context? What kind of pervert devised this twisted game?


    "Squeak¡ª"


    Pietro turned sideways, his shoes making a grinding sound on the asphalt road. After briefly determining the direction, he ran to the street mentioned on the phone.


    Yes, that foul-mouthed madman had even dared to hurl insults at the people on this street over the phone. If Quicksilver showed up, he would definitely deliver some payback!


    He arrived! A quick glance revealed a middle-aged bald man holding a phone in his hand. He immediately planned to punch the rude man to silence him, but when he approached rapidly, he suddenly stopped.


    Pietro squinted and pulled a piece of paper from the newsboy''s forehead, which bore some writing.


    "Wanda is in danger; remember the gypsy Natalia?"


    In an instant, his pupils narrowed. Natalya was the mother of him and his sister, the Scarlet Witch. She had vanished shortly after the twins were born. Such secrets were definitely not known to passersby who sought to take advantage of the Avengers.


    Could this unattractive bald man actually have information about Magneto?


    Pietro hesitated, considering this, and the fist he was about to swing paused mid-air before finally dropping. Instead, he grabbed the newsagent''s collar and shouted, "What danger is Wanda in? I''m only giving you one chance¡ªtell me!"


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "Hey!"


    Seeing Quicksilver suddenly appear before him in a gust of wind, the boss trembled in fear, nearly falling to the ground, but Pietro''s strong grip held him up.


    "Speak quickly; I don''t have much patience. If¡ª"


    Just as Pietro was about to mock and interrogate the boss, he felt a sharp pain in his hip. Gunshots rang out, followed by more pain in his leg. He instinctively let go of the man and fell to the ground.


    Across the street, Adrian watched the silver-haired man sprawled at the newsstand''s entrance, blood pooling beneath him. After a moment''s thought, he raised his hand and fired again.


    "Ah!"


    Nodding with satisfaction, he approached the bewildered newsagent.


    Consider this: a person with a normal mindset can accept that the water in a glass flows as slowly as thick superglue. How long does it take to drink a glass of water? Or could the latency be as high as hundreds of milliseconds while gaming?


    Therefore, to interact with those who aren''t as fast, speedsters like Quicksilver inevitably slow their thought processes to match that of ordinary people.


    Otherwise, they would endure the agony of being conscious for tens of seconds without hearing a single word. No one can tolerate this; it''s their greatest flaw.


    "You just killed an Avenger!"


    Adrian, who had just put down his weapon, rolled his eyes at this remark and walked toward the newsstand.


    "Stop yelling. Quicksilver isn''t dead. Didn''t you hear him scream? I just injured him."


    The newsstand owner leaned forward, peering at Quicksilver lying on the ground and groaning. He took a deep breath, then shouted anxiously, "Oh my God, thank God you''re not dead! He used my family to threaten me! I¡­I swear I really didn''t mean to do this!"


    "He''s too busy hurting to hear you. Besides, you should be thanking me."


    "If I were you, I''d sell all my belongings right now to buy enough food and water, then find a basement to hide in for decades. Or even simpler, think of a way to commit suicide right now and experience what happens next."


    "What are you saying?"


    The newsstand owner looked at Adrian, who seemed strangely serious, suddenly feeling a bit scared. Could this guy be a follower of an evil cult? The kind that believes the end of the world is near and evil gods will destroy everything?


    He couldn''t help but take a few steps back, only to find himself pressed against the wall of the newsstand, unable to retreat.


    Adrian regarded the owner''s unusually shiny forehead and then bent down to check Quicksilver''s injuries.


    He had fired a total of nine shots, six of which hit Quicksilver''s legs, but judging by the amount of blood, they likely hadn''t hit an artery.


    Examining the wounds on Pietro''s body, some were puncture wounds while others were superficial. This indicated that some shrapnel was still lodged in his muscles, but the wounds were slowly starting to close. The mutant''s strong physique, which stopped the bleeding, allowed him to heal quickly.


    "Give me the newspaper string and tape, and turn on the TV behind you. Switch to the news channel."


    Adrian raised his head to look at the still-shocked boss and spoke indifferently.


    The snowy screen flickered for a few seconds before a female reporter in a beige trench coat appeared. She stood in Times Square, chaos surrounding her, with the large promotional screens still visible in the background.


    The reporter''s voice sounded a little nervous: "Dear viewers, I''m on the scene in Times Square, where a strange crash has occurred. We see a humanoid creature that has crashed into the middle of the square. The police have lifted the containment zone, and nearly all the police in New York City are here to evacuate civilians. The Avengers are on their way to deal with the situation."


    "Turn it up a little louder so I can hear clearly."


    The boss touched his head and chuckled nervously before reaching over to adjust the volume knob on the television.


    The reporter continued, her voice edged with surprise: "I can now clearly see that the strange humanoid creature is wearing a golden uniform and appears to be a superhero or villain. We cannot confirm the identity or origin of this creature at this time. However, I believe the Avengers can handle this incident quickly to ensure the safety of the citizens."


    At this moment, the camera shifted focus, capturing a golden figure lying on the ground several meters behind the reporter, trembling slightly, with a tattered blue cloak fluttering in the wind.


    The Sentry, who claims to possess the power of a million stars in this universe, is merely a drug addict. Especially concerning the Sentinel robots used to hunt mutants, people''s perceptions of the word "Sentinel" remain deeply ingrained.


    They had no idea what it meant for the mentally unstable and dangerously mad individual in front of them to turn into a zombie.


    Adrian lowered his head and kicked the man bound with tape and rope. He understood the implications of seeing Quicksilver, who had already fainted from heavy blood loss.


    It was this fast kid who spread the virus around the world within hours of being attacked by zombie

 Chapter 4

    The television image finally focused on the Quinjet as it slowly descended. Within seconds, a violent camera shake accompanied by screams and explosions filled the screen. Then, the signal disappeared, leaving only static on the old TV.


    "You can leave, call the police, go home, or do whatever I say. It''s up to you," Adrian said indifferently.


    "Hey, hey! Thank you, sir!" The newsagent owner rushed out of his office, as if pardoned, and disappeared around the corner.


    Maybe later, those zombies would be torn apart by heroes and stuffed into his mouth to eat. Perhaps he would be lucky enough to be one of the hundreds of millions of survivors, but that wasn''t a problem he needed to worry about right now.


    In the original plot, at this moment, Steve, Ms. Marvel, and Black Widow had been infected by zombies and were feasting on the citizens they once protected.


    Fortunately, Adrian had devised a way to trick Quicksilver into not interfering with him while he headed to support the Avengers. This might slow the spread of the virus, at least preventing zombie heroes from wiping out humanity in just a few days.


    Now it was time to take the next step in his plan.


    Adrian scanned his surroundings and noticed the glass window on the wall beside him. Without hesitation, he raised his arm and smashed his elbow through the glass.


    "Wow¡ª"


    The shattering glass produced a sharp crack, and pieces flew everywhere. Adrian caught a large shard and slowly leaned it toward Quicksilver''s eyes.


    However, instead of moving closer, he turned his wrist, allowing the sunlight to shine through the broken glass and reflect a dazzling light.


    Adrian expressionlessly adjusted the glass piece over and over until he successfully directed the sunset''s afterglow into Quicksilver''s eyes.


    "Okay, come on, we need to talk."


    A wide silver band tightly wrapped around Quicksilver''s hands, feet, and all his joints, forming a crisscrossed binding web. A small amount of nearly frozen blood trickled from a wound on his leg.


    Quicksilver slowly woke from his stupor, the dull pain in his legs gradually clearing his consciousness. He attempted to open his eyes, but the reflected sunlight made him squint as his mind raced.


    Who was attacking him? He had only been a superhero for a few years, typically working with Colonel America and others to eliminate various threats. Unlike them, his enemies had never included ordinary people.


    Almost no one had dared to attack him before.


    He tried to move, but his limbs were tightly bound, and tape covered his mouth, preventing any sounds. Fragments of memory flickered in his mind, and after a few seconds, he opened his eyes fully.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    He suddenly realized that he had been shot by an ordinary person, and anger filled his heart.


    "Uh-huh! Uh-huh!"


    Seeing Quicksilver so frantic, Adrian shrugged. "I''ll tear the tape off your mouth now, but you won''t bite me, right?"


    He aimed the sharp piece of glass at Pietro''s trembling eyeball, slowly advancing until it was only a few centimeters away. Noticing a flicker of fear in Quicksilver''s eyes, Adrian nodded in satisfaction and removed the tape.


    "Do you know what you just did? Give it to me right now."


    "I know. I shot and injured an Avenger, preventing him from joining the fight. I also saved his life and stopped him from becoming a zombie."


    "Believe it or not, the Avengers who boarded the Quinjet and headed to Times Square were all destroyed. They''ve all turned into zombies, just like in the movies."


    "Uh-huh?"


    The corner of Pietro''s mouth twitched as he processed Adrian''s nonsensical speech. He thought this person might be suffering from delusions. Wasn''t the idea of zombies just a fictional concept? Surely, this guy was just a gamer who lost touch with reality.


    But then, as the fastest man in the world, he hadn''t expected to be conspired against by this young man, and he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.


    "Hey, are you listening to me? You''re the one who''s tied up, not me."


    Adrian noticed Quicksilver''s distraction and snapped his fingers twice.


    "Listen, you tied me up instead of killing me. Who sent you? Hydra? The Brotherhood of Mutants? Or Pioneer Tech?"


    Quicksilver writhed like a caterpillar, realizing he couldn''t move and said helplessly, "Tell me, do you have Nick Fury''s contact information? An emergency number or something?"


    "No, I''m not familiar with him. If you''re a crazy little SHIELD fan, you should go find Colonel America. He''s the closest you''ll get to those guys."


    Adrian looked at Quicksilver very seriously. "I already told you, Colonel America has turned into a zombie. Hurry up and find a way out."


    Quicksilver closed his eyes in frustration. It was disturbing to talk to someone who seemed to be suffering from paranoia.


    Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed in the distance, shaking the entire street with a shock wave. Thick smoke began to curl and swirl in the air, forming a black vortex.


    Objects on the street lifted into the air¡ªgarbage cans, trees, and vehicles shook violently.


    An ambulance siren blared as it sped past, and from the corner of his eye, Pietro saw the ambulance heading toward Times Square.


    "Untie me quickly!"


    "Wait a minute."


    Adrian stood up, seriousness etched on his face as he observed the thick smoke rising into the sky.


    The bound Quicksilver widened his eyes in anger and shouted, "What are you waiting for? We need to go! Civilians need me to save them. Don''t you realize that not letting me go is equivalent to death for so many people?"


    He twisted violently in his restraints, blood trickling from his wound until he finally stood helplessly.


    Adrian glanced at the camera with a flashing red dot on the street corner. "I''ll wait for a smart person to contact me. They should also understand the dangers of turning into a zombie if they get infected."


    "Fucking Jesus up there!" Quicksilver rolled his eyes. He didn''t want to listen to this lunatic any longer. Once this was over, Steve would definitely laugh at him for being caught by a mentally ill person. His sister would laugh too, not to mention the annoying Hawkeye.


    Just then, all the phones on the street rang simultaneously. From the supermarket across from them to the newsstand in front, loud ringtones echoed in the empty street.


    In Pietro''s shocked gaze, Adrian picked up a ringing phone, placing it to his ear as if greeting an old friend.


    "Hello?"


    "I''m Nick Fury. Who are you?"

 Chapter 5

    "Hello, are you still there?"


    "Very polite. Cough, cough, cough."


    Adrian held the phone tightly and was about to say something when he suddenly broke into a violent cough.


    "Ahem. Hah!"


    He coughed painfully, the strange rust smell lingering in his mouth, each cough accompanied by a strong feeling of discomfort. As he coughed harder, several mouthfuls of dark red, bloody phlegm erupted from his mouth.


    "I''m tired of the bureaucracy. Long story short, I believe you now know what''s happening in Times Square. I have all the information you need to send a Quinjet to pick me up and take me to the airport. Air and space carrier."


    Silence lingered on the other end of the phone, seemingly surprising Adrian with his frankness and making him consider the conditions he proposed.


    He slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and glanced at Quicksilver, who was waiting for an answer from the other end of the line. This time, he was still coughing up blood. Unlike the original world, after the system''s upgrades, his body didn''t feel tired at all.


    After a moment, a voice finally broke the silence. "So, what''s Pietro''s condition? Is it fatal?"


    Adrian sighed and kicked the silver-haired man, who had fallen to the ground. "I''m afraid these injuries are not fatal. He should be able to survive on the space aircraft carrier."


    The other end of the line fell silent again, but this time it was shorter. A few seconds later, the voice returned. "Maybe you can catch him?"


    "No, that wasn''t part of my plan."


    Adrian interrupted, knowing what Fury was planning. It would be better to eliminate Quicksilver here than to keep a ticking time bomb alive. However, he still had some plans and needed to rely on Quicksilver''s cooperation, so he couldn''t be allowed to die just yet.


    "Convince Pietro not to object to my decision on the way, and I will take him to the spaceship."


    "Okay, give him the phone."


    Adrian was surprised by Fury''s willingness to accept this. He picked Quicksilver up off the ground and held the microphone to his ear. "This is for you."Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Quicksilver''s hands were tied, making it difficult for him to answer the phone comfortably. He could only raise his shoulders and grip the receiver tightly to keep it steady, his face filled with dejection.


    "Fury? Is that you? Did you send this bastard? Tell him to give me something right now!"


    Quicksilver''s shock deepened as he listened to the news on the other end of the line. His eyes widened, and his pupils constricted slightly. An icy chill rose from the pit of his stomach¡ªwere Colonel America, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Luke Cage, and the others dead?!


    No, that couldn''t be true. Just like Adrian said, they had turned into zombies but still maintained a level of intelligence. They were currently scattered around Times Square, preying on citizens.


    The explosion that had occurred was from the junior hero Jack of Hearts, who had blown himself up while trying to take down an unknown creature before he died. But judging by what happened next, he hadn''t even harmed the creature.


    Fear slowly crept onto Pietro''s face. His eyebrows furrowed slightly, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he began to realize that the situation was more dangerous and complicated than he had thought.


    If all the most powerful superheroes on the planet vanished in a matter of minutes, who could resolve this crisis?


    No. This was just another Skrull invasion or Chitauri invasion. Soon, SHIELD would be able to mount a counterattack. And it was worth noting that not all members of the Fantastic Four and X-Men had suffered the same fate.


    He consoled himself with this thought, but then Fury poured cold water on him.


    "After the preliminary assessment, we''ve decided to evacuate New York City and begin gathering survivors. I need you to cooperate as much as possible with whoever is around you and..."


    The voice on the other end dropped to a whisper, almost indistinctly saying, "Keep an eye on him."


    Quicksilver took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew that in order to save the world, he had to set aside his personal fears and interests to make the right decision.


    Under Adrian''s watchful gaze, he silently nodded, accepting the request on the other end of the phone. Though still anxious, he decided to trust that this decision was correct.


    After all, he was a superhero. He would move forward with determination to save more lives for the greater good.


    "Click."


    Adrian raised his hand and hung up the phone, a half-smile on his face as he looked at Quicksilver.


    "Looks like we''ve come to an agreement. You''re not going to hold a grudge against me for shooting you, are you?"


    "This isn''t over yet. Take me away. Almost every Quinjet from SHIELD has been dispatched to stop them."


    After Pietro said this, he paused, a strange expression crossing his face. "Zombie heroes just sent one to pick us up. The boarding location is a little far from here. It''s only a twenty-minute walk."


    Suddenly, a large group of people rushed in from the corner of the street.


    These individuals wore frightened expressions, as if they were being chased by something terrifying. They ran quickly, paying no attention to the crowd behind them, their only goal to escape.


    Adrian stood in surprise, watching the crowd rush by.


    "Run! What are you doing standing still?"


    Some kind individuals urged Adrian to move, but he was soon engulfed by the crowd and disappeared.


    As the panicked throng fled, they passed by Adrian and Quicksilver. Men and women, old and young, hurriedly pushed and shoved one another, desperate to escape.


    The disheveled clothes of some and the dust covering others indicated they had fled the dangerous area as fast as possible.


    Yet, even as they ran frantically, they subconsciously avoided Adrian and Quicksilver, carefully circling around them to keep as far away as possible from these two figures.


    In the distance, thick black smoke billowed straight into the sky, painting the horizon red.


    The dense black smoke spread rapidly, merging with the gray clouds above. It seemed to have an inexhaustible power, forming a demonic mark in the air that enveloped the entire area.


    The smoke was accompanied by faint screams that sounded like the roars of demons in a nightmare.


    These screams, filled with pain, fear, and helplessness, spread rapidly, stabbing into everyone''s hearts like a sharp knife.


    "Where did you just say the place Fury mentioned was located?"


    "In the direction these people came from."


    Adrian took a deep breath and picked up the Mercury lying on the ground.


    "Time waits for no one. Let''s go.

 Chapter 6

    After turning the corner and walking a few


    hundred meters, Adrian saw what the crowd


    had been fleeing from.


    The head of the Statue of Liberty was


    wedged into a Starbucks caf¨¦. Its


    cross-section faced Adrian and Quicksilver,revealing scattered wires and tangled metal components, broken and incomplete.


    The statue''s once-bright eyes had lost their


    shine; one was even torn apart, as if


    expressing silent pain. The mouth was


    damaged and distorted into a twisted smile,


    hinting at the devastation it had endured.


    Signs of heavy friction and impact were


    evident, with burn marks on the bronze


    surface giving it a dull, damaged appearance


    compared to its usual gleam.


    The building''s second floor had crumbled


    under the weight, and the large glass


    window shattered into countless sharp fragments, which glittered in the cold sunlight like diamonds.Inside the caf¨¦, chaos reigned. Tables and chairs were overturned, pieces of porcelain were scattered around, and the coffee


    machine continued to hiss. Still, the rich


    scent of coffee mingled with dust and


    debris, creating an odd, chaotic odor.


    "What happened here?"


    Adrian looked around, kicking half of a


    broken sign to the ground. The mermaid logo was missing, with only part of the crown left.


    "It must have been Jack of Hearts. Fury told me he died fighting whatever creature fell here."


    Quicksilver, slung over Adrian''s shoulder,wore a heavy expression. He didn''t know Jack of Hearts well, but seeing thisStolen novel; please report.


    aftermath left him with a deep sadness.


    "Well, I suppose he made a sacrifice. But not


    entirely."


    Adrian''s gaze settled on a familiar figure


    amidst the debris.It was Jack of Hearts-a once-indispensable


    Avenger. Now, he lay half-buried in the


    rubble, his body blown apart by an explosion, with only his upper half remaining.


    As Adrian approached, he sensed a chilling


    aura in the air. Jack of Hearts had been


    infected, his eyes now devoid of intelligence


    and filled with madness.


    "Hun...gry... Must... eat...."


    Adrian took a step back, increasing the


    distance between himself and the undead


    Jack of Hearts.


    According to Quicksilver, Jack had likely


    been infected during the fight and tried to self-destruct. But he''d somehow survived,albeit with only half his body intact.


    "I''m so hungry! You... let me... eat!"Jack''s upper body struggled to break free


    from the debris, his broken mechanical parts


    screeching as he moved. With a low, feral


    growl, he bared his sharp teeth and lurched


    toward Adrian.


    But with only his upper half, Jack''s


    movements were clumsy and erratic. He suddenly lost balance and crashed to the ground.


    Undeterred, he crawled forward, dragging himself with one arm while the mechanical parts in his body rattled. His broken arm


    reached out for Adrian, desperate.


    Adrian calmly raised his weapon, aimed at the infected Jack of Hearts, and pulled the trigger without hesitation.


    The sharp crack of the gunshot shattered


    the silence. The bullet pierced the air, hitting


    Jack of Hearts'' head with pinpoint accuracy.Time seemed to freeze, and then, with an explosion of force, Jack''s head burst apart.Flesh, blood, and bone fragments flew


    everywhere, filling the air with a rancid


    stench. His shattered skull exposed what


    little remained of his brain.


    Jack of Hearts'' body couldn''t contain his


    power without the equipment to suppress it.The bullet had acted as a catalyst, triggering his energy to release uncontrollably.


    In his last moments, his eyes were filled with


    agony and despair before his body finally


    collapsed, motionless.


    Fragments of brain matter and blood spread across the ground, painting a ghastly scene.Jack''s twisted, broken corpse lay as a


    grotesque nightmare made real.


    His body continued to convulse, small


    explosions igniting between his head and


    torso. Although these blasts weren''t


    powerful, they scattered bits of the corpse


    furtherSuddenly, faint popping sounds came from


    Jack''s chest, where broken ribs and


    decaying tissue glowed like sparks in the


    darkness.


    Adrian took a few steps back. These small


    explosions were likely caused by the energy


    still within Jack''s body-a remnant of the


    powers he wielded as a hero, now lingering


    in his remains.


    Each explosion sent weak energy rippling outward, making his corpse convulse even more violently.


    Jack''s limbs twisted and jerked under the


    impact, as if he were still fighting for


    survival even in death.


    "Is this what happens after infection turns


    someone into a zombie?"


    Perched on Adrian''s shoulder, Pietro


    watched in horror as Jack''s body twitched


    and exploded in small bursts. Shock and fear


    filled his eyes as he took in the surreal


    scene.He could feel the faint energy radiating from Jack''s remains, a sensation that sent a chill through his entire body.


    What disturbed him most were those small,deadly explosions-the superhero''s powers still active even in death.


    Fear crossed Quicksilver''s face, and he shuddered. His eyes widened, staring at Jack''s twitching limbs in disbelief.


    In that moment, he realized that he himself was at risk of becoming a monster like this.The world was plunging into chaos, and not even heroes were immune.


    This world was on a path to destruction, just


    as Adrian had warned.


    "I remember you saying earlier you''d rather


    take me out than let me turn into a zombie."


    "Yes," Adrian replied.


    Quicksilver nodded grimly. "I believe you


    now.''

 Chapter 7

    On an abandoned city street, the wreckage of a Quinjet lies next to a dilapidated building.


    The fighter jet''s structure is nearly unrecognizable, with torn and twisted metal scattered around the fuselage. Black smoke rises from the wreckage, filling the air with a heavy smell of burning.


    Surrounding the wreckage, lifeless bodies are strewn across the ground, mangled and deformed from the impact. Twisted limbs and shattered bones contribute to the overwhelming sight of horror and decay, the stench saturating the air.


    It''s clear that a world-shaking battle has unfolded here.


    In this apocalyptic scene, a zombie-infected American colonel chews on a piece of flesh, his face smeared with fresh blood. He chews with disturbing satisfaction, saying to Hawkeye, "This is great, Barton. There''s all the delicious meat you could ever want in this city."


    As he speaks, his mouth reveals sharp teeth, with bits of bloody flesh caught at the corners.


    Hawkeye''s shoulder bears a nasty gash, with blood flowing freely from it. The surrounding skin is broken, forming a field of blood that soaks his purple suit in dark red. His breathing is heavy and strained, as he feels the infection''s sinister influence spreading. He knows his fate is sealed after being bitten by the colonel.


    Writhing in pain, Hawkeye fights against the overwhelming hunger consuming his mind, holding on to his last shred of willpower. Through gritted teeth, he replies, "No! It''s not supposed to be like this! I won''t become like you, Colonel!"


    "Tony and S.H.I.E.L.D. will find a way to cure us sooner or later."


    The American colonel lets out a raspy laugh, eyes filled with mockery. Lifting a piece of bloody flesh, he tears into it with gusto, blood splattering as he devours it.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "You''re just wasting time, Hawkeye! You can''t escape, and soon enough, we''ll enjoy this news together."


    His smile is twisted, a cruel distortion of what once was heroic. His eyes blaze with hunger as he revels in the taste of flesh and blood, lost in his macabre appetite.


    Hawkeye bites his lip, desperately attempting to block out the colonel''s taunts. His body trembles, his own hunger clawing at him like a dagger to the heart. His willpower wanes with each passing second, even as he clings to memories of his family, friends, and comrades¡ªthose who fought alongside him.


    Snap. A bloody piece of meat lands at his feet.


    "Come on, Clint. Stop torturing yourself and taste it!"


    The smell rises from the meat, rich and smoky, its tender look unbearably tempting. Hawkeye resists, saliva pooling in his mouth, his resolve crumbling as the scent fills his senses.


    Finally, Hawkeye surrenders to his hunger. Eyes blurred, breath quickened, he reaches for the meat, biting into it.


    He remembers Adrian from the Howling Commandos, a vampire who managed to control his bloodlust to become an anti-hero. He thinks, Maybe I can be like Adrian, and bites down again.


    Blood fills his mouth, bringing a strange sense of relief. Strength seems to flow back into him, reminding him of his old days in the circus. The weight of his struggle seems to evaporate, his vision growing distant.


    A faint voice within him cries out, but Hawkeye feels himself slipping further into darkness. The taste consumes him, each bite erasing his former resistance until all that remains is pure indulgence.


    "This¡­ how is it possible¡­ it tastes so good, Steve. I¡­ can''t resist."


    The zombie in the tattered American flag wipes blood from his mouth, his lifeless eyes lighting up with a feral grin. He rises, raising his shield, which gleams with a dim, unholy light.


    "Hahahaha!" he cackles. "No one can resist this!"


    Hawkeye doesn''t respond. He remains on the ground, gnawing on the flesh in silence.


    "Come!" he says in a low, raspy voice, his body wavering as he stands. "Let''s return to the House of the Undefeated. It''s our duty to spread this hunger across the world!"


    The infected Hawkeye stumbles to his feet, following the colonel with eyes devoid of hope. As they walk away, he catches sight of a tattered beige coat lying on the broken Quinjet windshield.


    The trench coat''s fabric, though ripped and dirtied, still retains a hint of its original brightness. Blood stains the collar, adding to its worn, defeated appearance.


    Hawkeye looks at it, feeling a surge of regret and pain. The coat, once a symbol of honor and duty, now lies in ruin, its purpose forgotten.


    He turns away, embracing his fate as he trails behind the colonel.


    A gust of wind lifts the coat off the Quinjet, sending it flying momentarily before it falls into a crimson pool of blood. The fabric darkens as it absorbs the blood, blending seamlessly into the apocalypse around it.


    The coat trembles in the blood, a silent witness to the horrors unfolding. But no matter how much it shudders, it can''t alter reality. It lies quietly, absorbed by the blood-soaked ground, a relic in a world of ruin.

 Chapter 8

    Tall glass windows allowed sunlight to filter into the command center, casting a soft glow over the sleek silver consoles and projection screens. Agents in black uniforms operated controllers and computers with urgent, focused movements.


    Despite the command center''s formidable structure¡ªreinforced with high-density alloys and vibranium¡ªthe agents felt anything but secure. They knew the threats outside were unimaginably terrifying. A zombie virus was spreading rapidly, transforming superheroes into crazed, monstrous versions of their former selves.


    Holographic images flickered on the projection screen, showing scenes of infected heroes. Once-glorious figures like Hawkeye and Captain America were now twisted, their eyes filled with madness and hunger. Hawkeye was shown gunning down civilians, while Captain America tore into flesh, even ripping people apart in violent frenzies. Luke Cage, relying on brute strength and impenetrable skin, stormed a police station, leaving the building streaked with blood.


    In the hall, muffled sobs occasionally broke through the sounds of work. Many agents were worried, wondering if their loved ones could survive this nightmare.


    A sudden, steady rhythm of footsteps cut through the somber atmosphere as Director Fury entered, flanked by Coulson, Hill, and other high-ranking agents, each with a serious expression.


    Fury stepped to the front of the command platform, his one piercing eye scanning the room. In a calm but commanding voice, he addressed his agents:


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "The situation is dire. As you all know, an unknown virus is spreading, and anyone infected is turned into a zombie without exception."


    He paused, then added, "Yes, as you''ve guessed¡ªthese are monsters like those in horror films. They live only to consume human flesh. Worse still, these monsters retain their superhuman powers and intelligence, even after being infected."


    One agent, Adrian, spoke up hesitantly, "So, maybe we can reason with them? Like we did with the Skrulls?"


    A few annoyed glances were cast his way, but Fury remained unbothered.


    "No," Fury replied firmly. "The chances of reasoning with them are slim. Even Steve, one of the most resilient and kindhearted heroes, fell to the infection."


    A wave of despair washed over the agents. For years, Steve Rogers had been the embodiment of unbreakable spirit and courage, always rising no matter how many times he was knocked down. But now, even Captain America had fallen.


    Taking a deep breath, Fury continued, "We face an uphill battle. But it''s in our darkest hours that we show our true strength. We are SHIELD, humanity''s last line of defense."


    He looked around the room, his gaze unwavering. "We''ve seen the incredible feats of superheroes, and they have been our role models. Now, it''s our turn to prove that we, too, have fearless courage and unbreakable determination!"


    He pointed to a strategic map on the wall. "Every Quinjet that takes off represents our hope. Every person still standing is a soldier in this fight."


    "We still have the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and Thor. Together, we''ll stand strong and defeat these monsters. We must protect humanity, and we will never give up on the world we love!"


    The command center fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Then, one agent began to clap, soon followed by another, and then another, until the entire room erupted in applause. Tears filled some agents'' eyes as they chanted in unison, "Yes!"


    With renewed hope, they returned to their duties, focused and determined.


    Fury watched the morale shift, nodding in approval. In a crisis like this, morale was vital. Broken spirits could lead to failure, but with newfound confidence, the agents pushed forward.


    Fury gestured for Hill and Coulson to join him, and a screen of light rose around them, isolating them from the rest of the room. With a somber look, he turned away, lost in thought.


    After a long pause, he faced them again, his words steady and deliberate: "I was ready to sacrifice New York¡ªand the world."

 Chapter 9

    "I was going to give up on New York and the world."


    These words shocked the two people present, and Coulson asked loudly in disbelief: "What did you say?!"


    Fury lifted his head and met Coulson''s eyes with determination, his expression showing a sense of weight and determination, but also desperation and pain.


    He took a deep breath and continued, "Colson, I know this is hard to accept, but this virus is spreading very quickly."


    "And the infected can still think and act as if they were alive. In just ten minutes, we lost the American colonel and Hawkeye!"


    Coulson stared at Fury in shock, disappointment shining in his eyes. He had once looked to Fury as his mentor and leader, and he had never thought Fury would make such a decision.


    "But Fury, we can''t just give up! We are SHIELD, and we have a responsibility to protect people and the world!" There was reluctance in his voice.


    Fury''s eyes turned to Coulson, understanding Coulson''s emotions but his resolve remained unwavering.


    "According to the initial data model simulation, the virus will fully infect New York within a few hours and is expected to complete its spread worldwide within a day."


    Fury waved his hand as he spoke and Jerome, who had become a zombie, ran as fast as he could; one was the ocean, the other was the mountains.


    "But someone helped us for unknown purposes and temporarily slowed the rate of infection by damaging Jerome."


    The image blurred for a moment and turned into a white night that contained a bank surrounded by the ruins of New York City.


    "As for the antidote, our scientists told me they couldn''t do anything. This virus is extremely aggressive. They ran experiments on Wolverine''s tissue samples that were stored in the lab and concluded that even Logan wouldn''t be able to resist this infection."


    "Even his self-healing factor, which he is so proud of, will speed up the process."


    The image distorted again and turned into a grumpy-looking Canadian man.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Coulson listened silently to Fury''s explanation and felt a deep sense of despair and confusion grip his heart.


    His body seemed to have lost all strength, and he sat down on a nearby chair, leaning weakly on the back of the chair.


    He weakly raised his hand and rubbed his forehead. The internal struggle and confusion left a heavy mark on him, and he had no idea what to do next.


    Coulson scratched his head, a sudden inspiration came to him, and he stood up eagerly and asked: "Director, didn''t you just say that someone was helping us for unknown purposes and slowing down the spread of the virus? Where is that person? Us? We need to find him!"


    But the words Coulson wanted most did not come from Fury''s mouth.


    Fury thought for a moment, then said softly, "We are very short on manpower right now. Most of the Quinjets are already on duty, but I sent one to pick him up anyway. Don''t worry."


    After hearing this, Coulson finally got an answer and sat back in the chair, closing his eyes. He sighed deeply, suddenly feeling a little dizzy.


    Is SHIELD''s contribution to saving the world any less than that of a passerby?


    But it seemed to be the same in the past. Whenever there was a major crisis, a few superheroes would show up to prevent the end of the world, and SHIELD would be responsible for picking up the pieces.


    Adrian pointed his gun at the steadily advancing zombies. He concentrated on pulling the trigger. A bullet quickly flew through the air and headed straight for the zombie''s head.


    Time seemed to freeze for a moment, and then a muffled sound echoed in the void. The bullet hit the zombie''s head like a sonic boom, causing the advancing demonic thing to fall violently.


    The zombie''s body lost its support and fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust. Its blood and brains splattered everywhere, staining the surroundings red. At this moment, the zombies'' howls suddenly stopped.


    Silence filled the streets along with the sharp sound of falling bullet casings. The other zombies seemed to be frightened by this sudden change and stopped advancing.


    After the first zombie fell, Jerome, who was carried on Adrian''s shoulders, immediately shouted to remind Adrian: "On your right!"


    Adrian immediately turned his head and several zombies rushed towards him. Their faces were wild and their eyes were filled with evil.


    The zombies roared and eagerly tried to get close to Adrian, but he nimbly avoided their attacks while continuing to fire. His body was coordinated and orderly, his steps were flexible and fast, like a cheetah moving in a small space.


    A bullet hit a zombie in the head, causing its body to fall to the ground instantly. A whip''s leg then hit another zombie in the chest, causing it to lose its ability to move forward, and another bullet ripped out of the chamber, causing the zombie to go completely silent.


    As the gunshots continued, the zombies around them gradually diminished, leaving only corpses on the ground.


    The last zombie fell to the ground, the ongoing sounds of battle gradually faded away, and the street fell silent again. Adrian''s breathing gradually became regular, and a light bead of sweat dripped from his forehead onto the ground.


    "I only walked a few kilometers but I didn''t expect to encounter so many zombies."


    Jerome, who was being carried on his shoulders, said with a serious expression that the situation seemed more serious than he thought.


    Adrian''s shoulders slumped and he threw Jerome to the ground.


    "Hey, what are you doing?" Jerome objected in pain.


    Adrian didn''t answer, but moved closer and silently observed the zombies'' corpses. He saw something deeper than Jerome, who was still in a daze.


    Judging by their clothes, these zombies weren''t superpowered when they were alive, but ordinary citizens. Their bodies had more or less bite marks and scratches.


    But there is no large-scale loss of flesh and blood on their bodies, suggesting that the men who infected them were not focused on satisfying their own appetites but were deliberately spreading the virus.


    This is not good news. Adrian frowned. He thought that the zombie heroes would eat for at least a few hours to satisfy their appetites. Unexpectedly, someone was already working hard to expand the scope of the infection.


    So how many superheroes are there in New York who aren''t zombies? Thinking of this, he looked around anxiously, but fortunately, the corpses around him were still lying quietly on the ground.


    With a plan in mind, Adrian raised his head and was about to leave when he suddenly froze.


    "Jerome, stop yelling. Is that your sister in red in front of you?"

 Chapter 10

    "Huh? Wanda! I''m here!"


    Hearing Adrian''s words, Pietro was momentarily stunned before he excitedly shouted to the figure ahead.


    The figure resembling the Scarlet Witch seemed to hear the voice and slowly walked towards Adrian. Her red cloak fluttered gracefully in the wind, standing out amidst the ruins.


    Adrian tilted his head, a hint of doubt and caution in his eyes, as a subtle uneasiness crept into his heart. Something felt wrong, but he couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was.


    Questions flooded his mind as his thoughts spun. Was it her appearance, or was her behavior uncharacteristic of a witch? He struggled to find an answer.


    Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him. His eyes widened in realization.


    "So there was another character in the plot besides the Scarlet Witch. Why is she the only one here now?"


    "Moreover, if she were truly the Scarlet Witch, wouldn''t she be concerned about her brother being tied up?"


    Reacting quickly, Adrian drew his gun and aimed it at the ''Scarlet Witch'' without hesitation.


    Almost instantly, the figure began to move, accelerating at an astonishing speed, and let out a low, terrifying roar that shook the air around them.


    "Hehehe, it doesn''t matter if I''m discovered. It doesn''t matter if it''s armed. As long as it''s meat, I''ll eat it!"


    "No!"


    When the familiar yet piercing voice reached his ears, Pietro''s heart sank. Pain and sadness flooded his chest, tears threatening to spill.


    Adrian, meanwhile, watched as the figure''s appearance started to change. Her true form was gradually revealed¡ªa sickly blue complexion and faded blonde hair blowing in the wind.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As she moved, blue patches appeared across her skin, turning it into a rotten blue shade.


    It was Mystique, not Wanda. In the original storyline, she transformed into Wanda, infected Quicksilver, and spread the virus worldwide at an unimaginable rate. Adrian had nearly fallen into her trap.


    Eyes narrowed in concentration, Adrian aimed at Mystique and fired two shots. Unfortunately, Mystique twisted her body, deftly dodging the bullets, which skimmed past and struck a distant wall.


    Turning to Pietro, who still had his eyes shut in pain, Adrian crouched down and placed his hands on Pietro''s shoulders, firmly urging, "Look up¡ªthat''s Mystique in disguise. Get out of here. I''ll handle her."


    Pietro opened his eyes, and seeing the blue-skinned zombie running towards him, he didn''t dare speak. He quickly turned and rolled towards the street.


    Adrian refocused his aim on Mystique, lifting his gun with calm determination, and pulled the trigger once more. The bullet hurtled through the air towards Mystique.


    Mystique roared, her body shifting rapidly as she attempted to dodge the lethal shot. This time, however, her luck ran out. The bullet struck its mark, piercing her skin and splattering her decaying flesh and bones.


    She screamed, her shape-shifting powers failing, leaving her unable to hide any longer.


    "Ah! Even this meat can be bitten!"


    But despite the injury, the creature didn''t retreat. Mystique lunged at Adrian, her bloody mouth open, her razor-sharp teeth glinting menacingly.


    In a crucial moment, Adrian took a deep breath, grabbed a handful of dirt he''d prepared earlier, and flung it at Mystique without hesitation.


    The dust flew, sticking to Mystique''s face and blurring her vision.


    Blinded, Mystique desperately tried to wipe the dirt from her eyes, but the more she wiped, the worse it became. She roared, swinging her arms wildly, attempting to clear the obstacle in front of her.


    Seizing the opportunity, Adrian took several steps back, aiming at Mystique''s head.


    "Boom!"


    The gunshot pierced the air, the bullet embedding deeply into Mystique''s skull.


    Mystique let out a shrill scream, her body trembling. She struggled to remain upright, her claws swiping viciously towards Adrian.


    "Oh no!"


    Adrian''s eyes widened as he dodged, her claws narrowly missing his cheek, leaving a bloody scratch from the forceful swipe.


    A chill spread through him, his heartbeat quickened, and cold sweat trickled down his forehead.


    Only inches away, he''d nearly become one of the walking dead himself¡ªa mindless zombie without any self-awareness.


    "Damn it!" he cursed, firing relentlessly at Mystique''s head as he backed away.


    Though Mystique was a third-level mutant, her skin could only resist small-caliber bullets. While she could shift the position of certain organs, she couldn''t protect her brain.


    Gunfire and roars echoed through the streets as Adrian fired in rapid succession, relentlessly hitting Mystique''s head.


    Blood and brains splattered everywhere, her already monstrous face becoming even more grotesque.


    Finally, Mystique collapsed, her body twitching twice before becoming motionless. Adrian''s fury subsided, and he panted heavily, sweat dripping down his forehead.


    Adrian looked over to where Quicksilver had rolled, and he smiled faintly.


    "You okay?" Pietro asked in shock.


    Adrian nodded. "Yeah, just shaken up. Let''s keep moving; we can''t stop here."


    Just then, a low rumbling sound reached their ears, growing louder as it approached.


    On the horizon, a formation of helicopters appeared, their rotors slicing through the air, buzzing like a swarm of bees.


    "The National Guard," Adrian muttered, squinting. "Not that they''ll be much help."


    But before he could finish, a blinding red laser shot out from the distance, striking one of the helicopters. The hit threw it off balance, and it spiraled downward in flames.


    The sudden attack sent the remaining helicopters into disarray, some being destroyed in the ensuing chaos.


    Shrugging, Adrian turned, pulled Pietro to his feet, and continued forward, unable to do much else.

 Chapter 11

    From the moment the helicopter was shot down, it felt as if someone had hit the start button on chaos. Explosions erupted rapidly across New York.


    The skies above the city turned into a maelstrom of thick black smoke, with flames dancing along building exteriors and sending up columns of fire. The sounds of sirens, mingled with panicked screams, combined to form a symphony of disaster.


    The explosions echoed continuously through the city streets, like thunder in people''s ears. Flames and thick smoke filled the air, darkening the day and painting the sky a menacing red.


    "Oh my God, I''ve never seen New York like this¡­ not even during the Skrull invasion."


    Pietro, lying injured and carried on someone''s shoulder, looked up at a nearby office building collapsing about a hundred meters away. He could hear faint screams from inside. Usually, he would''ve dashed in to help, but his injured leg made it impossible. Besides, something felt wrong in the air.


    Fighting villains used to be so different. Heroes would win, villains would escape or get locked away, and everyone would start fresh. But today, the world was crumbling, and everything felt twisted. Now Mystique¡ªsomeone Pietro didn''t know well, yet felt pity for¡ªwas infected, transformed into a monster.


    "Can we actually make it through this?" Quicksilver asked the man carrying him, realizing this stranger had an uncanny sense of foresight.


    "It''s hard to say," Adrian replied, his tone grave. Though he''d managed to keep Quicksilver from turning, there was no guarantee it would last.


    Adrian''s goal wasn''t to eradicate the zombie virus but to slow its spread enough for him to find a way out. He needed the world to hold itself together for a little while longer.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    But just then, Adrian felt an overwhelming force pressing down on his mind, a pressure so intense it felt as if his skull was being crushed.


    "Ahh!" he groaned in pain, his voice trembling. His vision went red as blood vessels burst in his eyes, pain shooting through his head like needles. He raised a shaking hand to his forehead, trying in vain to ease the pressure.


    It was no use. His breath became tinted with red, like a faint mist of blood with every exhale. The strange, almost supernatural phenomenon left him stunned. Was this some form of reaction, a sign of his powers backfiring? Or was something else happening to his body? Adrian''s mind raced for answers, but only one possibility stood out.


    "Wanda!" he yelled, fighting through the pain. "I know it''s you! If you don''t want Pietro to die, stop crushing my head!"


    At his shout, the suffocating pressure lifted as suddenly as it had come, as if an invisible barrier had shattered. Adrian gasped, drenched in sweat, his body aching from the strain.


    As he wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, he saw Scarlet Witch emerge from around the corner. She was visibly relieved, but guilt flickered in her eyes as she realized her mistake.


    "I''m so sorry! I thought you were a zombie trying to take Pietro away!" she said, her voice heavy with regret.


    Adrian forced a tired smile, realizing his decision to carry Pietro had nearly cost him his life.


    "Wanda! I''m so glad you''re okay¡ªI thought you''d been infected too!" Pietro shouted happily from Adrian''s shoulder.


    "Let me look at that leg," Wanda replied, her concern evident as she used her powers to start untying the makeshift bandage around Pietro''s injury.


    "No, wait, Wanda, listen to me," Pietro urged. He explained everything¡ªhis injury, Mystique''s transformation, and what he''d seen so far. Then he asked, "Wanda, what happened to the Avengers? We need to contact them!"


    Hearing the name "Avengers," Wanda''s eyes welled with tears. She bit her lip, fighting to keep her composure, but her voice broke.


    "The Colonel sent an SOS to the Avengers hotline, calling everyone to headquarters. But he¡­ he was one of the first infected." Her voice trembled as she continued, "Before we realized it, most of the team¡­ She-Hulk, Hercules, Iron Fist¡­ they were all infected."


    Her words were choked with emotion. Pietro didn''t know how to comfort her; he had been spared the worst, shielded by Adrian since the start of the outbreak.


    Suddenly, the sound of a chainsaw buzzed from behind Wanda. A man with brown hair, wearing overalls and holding a chainsaw, emerged.


    "Hey! Why the long faces? I''m Ash Williams, and I say we can still fix this!" He grinned, seemingly unbothered by the chaos around him.


    Adrian squinted, instantly recognizing him¡ªthe protagonist of Evil Dead, known for jumping between worlds and causing trouble wherever he went.


    Ash was here, in the Zombie Universe. And, as always, trouble was bound to follow.

 Chapter 12

    Ash Williams stood before the Avengers, chainsaw buzzing in hand, flashing a cocky smile. His fingers grazed the buttons on his overalls, ready to unleash chaos.


    "What? Why''s everyone looking so grim? And why''s this guy tied up? Couldn''t he have just been bitten?"


    With that, Ash raised his chainsaw menacingly, making it seem as if he might actually slice Quicksilver in half. Ash wasn''t the type to hold back or bluff¡ªon his first day in the Marvel universe, he''d already tried to take down Daredevil with a saw. Success wasn''t guaranteed, but his audacity was unmatched.


    "Hold on! Ash, that''s my brother. He''s not infected!"


    A burst of red energy enveloped the chainsaw, jamming its chain with a loud click. Wanda, standing nearby, raised her hand with a displeased frown.


    "Damn, was he really about to chop me up just now?" Pietro muttered, eyeing Ash, who was still tugging stubbornly at the stalled chainsaw. "This guy can''t be socially anxious. He didn''t even ask a question."


    Suddenly, a loud, shrill voice pierced the air.


    "Quack, quack¡ªHoward, I''m hungry for a full meal today¡ª"


    "Bang!"


    Adrian turned and fired his gun without a second thought.


    Everyone''s heads snapped to the source of the sound. Behind Ash lay a grotesque sight: a giant, zombie-like duck in a tattered blue suit, dragging itself along the ground. Once vibrant, its feathers were now dull and matted, and its eyes¡ªtaking up nearly a third of its face¡ªwere lifeless.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Adrian scratched his head, looking at the half-dead, decayed duck before him. "Howard the Duck?" he asked aloud. "I remember this guy. Isn''t he supposed to be a sort of second-rate superhero?"


    Pietro, perched on Adrian''s shoulder, leaned forward. "Yeah, I didn''t expect to see a zombie duck this size in this world."


    "If you''re looking for a ''superhero'' who specializes in driving taxis or investigating shady affairs, then he''s your guy," Adrian remarked, ending the miserable creature''s suffering with another shot.


    Turning back to Ash, Adrian raised an eyebrow. "So, Ash, still clinging to that chainsaw?"


    Ash grinned, the chainsaw still in hand. "Of course! How else can I, Ash Williams, blaze through this world, find the Book of Death, and save us all?"


    He gave the chainsaw a frustrated shake, muttering to himself, "Why does this thing jam whenever I need it the most?"


    With one more strong tug, the chain finally loosened, and the saw whirred to life. Ash beamed, holding the chainsaw with fierce determination.


    "Alright, miss," he said, glancing at Wanda with a mischievous grin. "Seems like it''s time for Ash Williams to step up and save the day again! Where''s that zombie horde?"


    Wanda looked unimpressed by Ash''s antics and pointed at the lifeless body of Howard the Duck on the ground. Before Ash could go on, she interjected with a question.


    "Ash, do you really know anything about the Book of Death¡ªits origins, how to use it?" There was a trace of worry in her voice. Time was running out, and she hoped that maybe, just maybe, the Book of Death could help end this nightmare.


    Ash had crashed through the Avengers'' front door barely ten minutes earlier, ranting about impending doom, demonic possession, and an army of the dead. Then, the zombie outbreak hit, and he and Wanda joined forces, at least for now.


    Ash''s ravings had started to make eerie sense, mirroring the grim situation unfolding around them.


    "Of course, the rise of the army of death! All we need is the Book of Death to fight these zombies," Ash replied, brimming with excitement.


    "Alright, enough of this nonsense," Adrian interrupted, exhaustion tinging his voice. "I thought Ash Williams, as the hero of his own story, would have some insightful plan. Turns out he''s just full of hot air."


    While Ash wasn''t entirely wrong about the Book of Death, Adrian knew the looming threat wasn''t just these zombies. There were darker forces and black magic at play, all converging by chance.


    "Wanda, can you get him and that chainsaw outside the city?" Adrian asked, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation.


    "Gladly." Wanda raised her hands, casting a spell. In seconds, red chaotic energy surrounded Ash, and after a swirl of distortion, he vanished, chainsaw and all.


    The red light faded, leaving behind a welcomed silence. Wanda felt relieved. Though she knew from Pietro that Ash wasn''t all bad¡ªhe''d even struck a deal with Nick Fury¡ªhis loud, erratic behavior made him unbearable.


    "Where should we go next? To the Quinjet?" Wanda asked Adrian seriously.


    "No," Adrian replied, reloading his weapon. "We''re going to find the Book of Death."

 Chapter 13

    Wanda and Adrian walked silently along the street, her mind troubled by what had happened to Ash. She still doubted the authenticity of the Book of the Dead. Gradually, she couldn''t help but ask Adrian cautiously.


    "Um... about the Book of Death, wasn''t it something Ash made up?" Wanda asked.


    "I said what Ash talked about was nonsense, but I didn''t say he was lying," Adrian replied with a smile. He added, "There''s likely a Book of Death in this world, but it''s probably different from what Ash and you imagine."


    Wanda nodded thoughtfully, taking in Adrian''s words. Then she remembered something important and asked with a smile, "By the way, I forgot to ask your name."


    "My name is Adrian," he replied. His eyes drifted towards Pietro, who was floating behind them, and he rubbed his shoulders. He had given Pietro over to Wanda, whose telekinesis powers were stronger than his own.


    Wanda nodded, "Pietro has lost a lot of blood and needs to rest. He can''t be of much help for the time being; it''s best to let him sleep for a while."


    As if to confirm her words, a loud snoring sound suddenly came from behind them.


    "Speaking of which, I haven''t properly thanked you yet. Thank you for saving Pietro. He''s always been reckless. If he''d been left alone in this apocalyptic world, he might have ended up in a zombie''s mouth."


    Or more likely, someone would have ended up in his mouth, Adrian thought wryly. He shook his head and smiled. "No need to thank me. In saving him, I was saving myself too."


    "You''re so humble," Wanda said, smiling warmly.


    Since childhood, she and Pietro had depended on each other, and she couldn''t thank the person who saved her brother enough. Adrian was about to respond when she looked up and said, "Oh, we''re here."Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    The Victorian-style double doors at 177A Black Street exuded a solemn, ancient atmosphere. The carvings on the door frame were intricate and seemed to tell stories of a bygone era. The golden door handle was decorated with ornate patterns, giving off an elegant, sophisticated air.


    But as they approached, Wanda and Adrian noticed bloodstains on the white steps at the door. The blood spread from the handle and flowed down, staining the entire staircase a dark red. It was like an ominous mark, the bright red contrasting sharply against the white steps.


    They exchanged silent glances, a shared alertness passing between them.


    Whoever had attacked Doctor Strange''s Sanctum Sanctorum¡ªwhether human or zombie¡ªmust have known at least some magic.


    "Do you know any protective spells? Like the Seraph Shield?" Adrian asked, touching his chin as he tried to recall what he''d read in the comics.


    Wanda nodded with a smile and replied, "Of course." She formed a seal with her fingers and muttered a few words. A pale yellow light glowed around them as she cast the Seraph Shield. Every mage has a unique image that symbolizes security when casting this spell.


    Feeling the warmth of the shield''s protective energy, Adrian nodded with satisfaction. Wanda, watching him, was slightly surprised by his knowledge of magic.


    "Let''s go inside. It sounds like something''s happening in there," Adrian said, pressing on the shield.


    He pushed open the bloodstained door, and a cacophony of noises immediately filled their ears.


    "Please, stop resisting, Wong! I really don''t want to hurt you, but I''m starving!" screamed a zombie-turned druid master. With a wave of his hand, he launched several fireballs, each the size of a tire.


    The druid''s voice was filled with anguish and desperation. His once majestic blue cloak was now stained with blood and no longer reflected its former splendor. His hair, already sparse, was matted and streaked with blood.


    Nearby, Wong, bald and bruised, was forming complex gestures with his remaining hand, a mysterious energy swirling around him. He had created a defensive barrier marked by glowing runes. The fireballs hit the barrier, resulting in huge explosions that chipped away at the shield.


    Sweat dripped from Wong''s brow, his physical strength and willpower waning. Still, he maintained the barrier, silently praying, Dr. Strange, I know you can hear me. Please come as soon as possible. We need you.


    Wong knew only Strange''s magic could reverse this desperate situation. Otherwise, he''d soon be prey to his former friend.


    Wong fought on, maintaining the barrier with his last reserves of strength, all the while hoping for Strange''s arrival. But the druid master''s next fireball was larger and more powerful; it would undoubtedly break through Wong''s weakened defenses.


    At that critical moment, a loud voice rang through the Sanctum: "Stop it, Master Druid! I''ve found a cure for the zombie curse; you can be free from this hunger!"


    Adrian''s words broke the tension, and all eyes turned toward him. Wanda stared, stunned by his revelation.


    The druid master paused, looking at Adrian with a mix of hope and hesitation. Adrian met his gaze and, with sympathy in his voice, held up a small vial of potion. It emitted a soft blue glow, radiating a healing energy.


    "This is the antidote, Master Druid," Adrian said gently. "It can help you break the zombie curse and regain your sanity and humanity."

 Chapter 14

    "Is what you said true?"


    "Of course, I''ve been through this myself," Adrian replied, turning his face slightly to reveal the bloodstains smeared across it.


    "Just pick up that bottle of potion and drink it; it''ll rid you of the zombie virus."


    His tone was sincere, his eyes filled with hopeful encouragement for the Druid Master.


    Master Druid hesitated, doubt clouding his gaze. Hunger''s agony clashed with the dark allure of flesh, leaving him torn between belief and desperation.


    Wanda stood silently nearby, observing the scene unfold.


    The infected Druid took a shuddering breath and grasped the bottle with trembling hands. His gaze lingered on the liquid, its soft blue glow reflecting in his hollow eyes.


    "If this works¡­ there''s no reason not to try," he murmured, his voice weak and hoarse.


    Master Druid¡ªAnthony Ludgate Druid¡ªhad once trained with Himalayan lamas, honing control over his mind. Perhaps this helped him stave off hunger longer than others. Adrian knew this from the comics and nodded in encouragement, his smile warm. "Believe me, Master Druid. This is your chance for freedom, to reclaim your humanity and become a hero once more. Strange would be proud."


    Steeling himself, Master Druid raised the bottle to his lips. At that moment, Wanda noticed Adrian''s subtle glance, his smile carrying a silent understanding. She knew what he was planning and readied herself.


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    With her focus sharpening, Wanda summoned her powers, twisting the air into a rotating wind blade that pulsed with red energy. Determined and unwavering, she directed the blade toward the Druid Master''s neck.


    Caught off guard, Master Druid dropped the bottle in shock and tried to cast a defensive spell, but he was too slow. The wind blade struck, severing his head from his body with a sickening slash.


    Blood arced through the air, painting a gruesome scene as his hands remained mid-gesture. Wanda used her telekinesis to catch his head, skillfully avoiding the blood splatter.


    "You lied to me!" Master Druid''s severed head roared, filled with fury and betrayal. "You liar! I should have just devoured you!"


    "Sure, call the cops," Adrian replied with a calm smile, giving a casual wave to Wanda.


    It was a risky move, Adrian knew. Only "good zombies" like the hesitant Druid Master could be fooled by his "antidote" act. If it had been Mr. Fantastic in a similar state, he''d have gone straight for Adrian.


    Wanda took the cue, flinging the Druid Master''s head out the door. A sickening crunch echoed as the head met its end outside, and Adrian stepped over the fallen body, nudging the discarded bottle aside. Wanda glanced at the bottle with curiosity. "What was in that?"


    Adrian shrugged, flashing an easy smile. "Just some herbal tonic I picked up yesterday. I took off the label."


    Wanda rolled her eyes and followed Adrian.


    Crossing the Druid Master''s lifeless body, Adrian called out to Wong, who was tending to his own injuries, "Hey, Wong! How''s the hand?"


    Exhausted, Wong managed a weary smile. "I''ll live, thanks to both of you."


    Wanda introduced Adrian formally, "This is Adrian. We met on the road; he helped me save Pietro."


    Wong nodded, acknowledging Adrian. "Thank you, Adrian. You arrived just in time; I''d have been a goner without your help."


    Adrian asked, "How''s the hand?"


    Wong glanced at his wounded arm. "I''ll manage. I don''t necessarily need both hands to cast a spell."


    Adrian appreciated Wong''s resilience. It wasn''t easy to maintain optimism in the face of such losses.


    Curious, Wong inquired about Adrian''s purpose at the Sanctum. Adrian''s smile faded slightly. "I came for the Book of the Dead."


    Wong''s expression grew serious. "The Book of the Dead? That book holds dark magic and forbidden knowledge. Why seek it?"


    Taking a steady breath, Adrian looked Wong in the eye. "The Book of the Dead has immense power, but it could be our best weapon against this zombie plague. I''m willing to bear the risks and responsibility, using it only to stop the spread of this virus."


    Wong was silent, weighing Adrian''s words. He knew the dark pull of such artifacts; few resisted its corruption. Yet, Adrian had saved his life, and Wanda clearly trusted him.


    At last, Wong gave a resolute nod. "Alright, Adrian, I''ll take you to it. But tread carefully. This is a dangerous path."


    Adrian smiled in appreciation. "Thank you, Wong."


    "Follow me. The Book of the Dead should be on the second floor," Wong said, leading the way as the Sanctum''s heavy doors closed behind them with a resonant thud.

 Chapter 15

    They ascended the winding wooden staircase to the second floor, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. As they approached, a magnificent scene unfolded before Adrian''s eyes.


    Towering bookshelves nearly ten meters high loomed like silent giants. Each shelf was packed with books of all shapes and sizes, filling the air with the thick scent of ink. Adrian''s eyes widened, and he couldn''t help but let out a soft breath of awe.


    The hall resembled a vast maze, with intricate, intertwining corridors creating a disorienting path. Dim lighting provided only a faint glow, casting eerie shadows among the shelves.


    The shelves seemed endless, with book covers in an array of colors and patterns representing fields of knowledge and wisdom. Adrian reached out to touch a book, feeling the rough texture under his fingers.


    Suddenly, Wong''s voice broke through his reverie. "Adrian, these books hold immense knowledge and energy. They lure visitors to keep reading, sometimes even until they die of exhaustion right here. Be careful not to get lost in them."


    Adrian shook his head, banishing the intense craving for knowledge that had momentarily taken hold. Now he understood the strange pull he''d felt upon entering the second floor.


    Once calm, he turned to Wong. "I understand. Let''s find the Book of Death. After we locate it, come with us to S.H.I.E.L.D.''s air carrier¡ªit''ll be safer there."


    Wong paused, then nodded. "Follow me; let''s find the Book of Death."


    Adrian and Wanda followed Wong through the labyrinth of shelves, careful to avoid loose books and jutting shelves. Each book exuded an ancient, mysterious aura, as if alive with secrets. Their eyes scanned every row, seeking any clue to the Book of Death''s location.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Wong led them through the maze with practiced ease. Adrian and Wanda sometimes bent or sidestepped around the corners of shelves, their movements agile. Despite the tempting allure of nearby books, they kept focused on their mission.


    After dozens of steps, Wong stopped in front of a shelf. He began searching through the books, flipping covers with focused urgency.


    As time passed, worry crept into Wong''s expression. His hands moved faster, yet his face grew more anxious.


    Finally, he stopped, his voice heavy with shock. "It''s gone! The Book of Death is gone!"


    Adrian and Wanda exchanged stunned glances, their eyes moving to the shelf Wong indicated. Though packed with books, a small but glaring gap was visible.


    Silence enveloped them, broken only by the faint rustling of pages nearby.


    Wong''s shout echoed across the endless shelves, stretching and lingering as though mocking their efforts.


    Adrian thought for a moment. He knew well enough that the Book of Death wasn''t here¡ªit was in Latveria, Dr. Doom''s fortress. But his real purpose was to see if he could persuade Wong to join them.


    Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through, carrying a strange energy. An almost transparent figure appeared, floating before them.


    Adrian squinted, noticing silver strands of hair amidst the soul''s otherwise dark hair and a long, neat mustache. But what confirmed his identity was the iconic red cloak the figure wore, like a dim light in the darkness.


    The soul''s voice echoed, laced with an ethereal magic. "Wong! Hold on¡ªI''ll help you defeat Master Druid!"


    Wong''s eyes widened in surprise. "Stephen? I thought you''d gone to¡­ heaven or something."


    The soul laughed. "I sensed danger in the Sanctum, so I used astral projection to return. But¡­ where is Master Druid? Why is Wanda here? And who are you? Why are you all on the second floor?"


    Doctor Strange''s spirit surveyed the room, his voice filled with confusion. "And Wong, where''s your hand?"


    Adrian stepped forward. "Master Druid is defeated. I''m Adrian, and Wanda came with me to find the Book of Death."


    "You''re late, though¡ªby about five minutes."


    Doctor Strange''s soul frowned, his cloak shifting as though deep in thought. "The Book of Death¡­ Do we even have that here, Wong?"


    Wong sighed. "Yes, Stephen. We placed it into storage years ago, and I put it on this shelf about seven months back. You don''t often check the library, do you?"


    Doctor Strange looked embarrassed, muttering, "Maybe my memory''s a bit jumbled from all the out-of-body experiences."


    Wong rolled his eyes.


    "Alright, Adrian, was it? If you need to locate the Book of Death, let me try divining its location."


    Doctor Strange began chanting an ancient incantation, his voice low and resonant. Gradually, golden light surrounded him, forming a shimmering magical circle.


    His fingers trembled slightly as he reached deep into the realm of divination, seeking traces of the book''s energy.


    But abruptly, he shuddered, and the magic circle vanished.


    Slowly opening his eyes, he looked troubled, his breaths coming faster as he steadied himself.


    "Someone used magic to interfere with my vision," he said quietly. "I''m sorry¡ªI can''t help you."

 Chapter 16

    Wong was about to say something when he heard Dr. Strange remark, "The structure of this interference spell isn''t complex, but it will take a few days to undo. Unfortunately, time is the one thing we don''t have."


    He turned to Adrian and said, "Adrian, I don''t know why you need that book, but I believe it must be for something important. I''m sorry I couldn''t be of more help. And thank you for saving Wong''s life. He''s my closest friend, so please accept this."


    Dr. Strange extended his palm, and a stream of magical energy coalesced into a golden necklace. It had a round pendant with four intertwined golden curls¡ªthe symbol of Kamar-Taj.


    The pendant looked familiar to Adrian; it reminded him of the circular skylight in the Sanctum Sanctorum, as seen in the Doctor Strange movies.


    "Don''t underestimate this," Strange said. "It symbolizes that you have earned the Sorcerer Supreme''s gratitude and Kamar-Taj''s friendship. It can also store various spells; right now, it contains the spells of invisibility and astral projection."


    He pushed the necklace toward Adrian, who took it with a smile and put it around his neck, feeling a warm sensation spread through his body.


    It was almost like a one-button remote control that didn''t require magical knowledge to use. It had authentication abilities and would work only for him. Marvel was full of treasures like these¡ªitems like the Bone Sword of Agamotto that could heal the wounded or the Hand of the Vishanti, which enabled dimensional travel.


    Saving Wong had merely been a friendly gesture for Adrian, but this reward was a pleasant surprise.


    Adrian suppressed a grin as Wanda looked at him curiously. "Ahem, Doctor," he said, "Wong mentioned something about an app?"Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Dr. Strange frowned slightly and sighed. "I went to SHIELD''s spaceship twenty minutes ago to research the virus. The scientists were at a loss. If technology can''t fix this, maybe magic can. I''m considering casting a spell over the city to try to cure the zombie virus."


    Adrian thought for a moment. "Doctor, I understand your determination, but I''m afraid magic alone can''t solve this."


    Dr. Strange''s expression grew serious. He let out a sigh and nodded. "You''re right. But I still have to try."


    Adrian remained silent, lost in thought. Strange''s approach wasn''t unreasonable, but Adrian knew it wouldn''t work.


    Marvel''s zombie universe had seen a few major viruses: the voodoo curse, the giant virus, and now this hunger virus. There was an antidote for the hunger virus, but in this alternate universe, all the superheroes had perished before it could be developed. In another universe, years later, an antidote would eventually be created, but that was of little use here.


    Seeing Adrian''s silence, Strange nodded, understanding. "Alright, I suppose you don''t plan to stay here in the Sanctum forever, do you? The druid broke the wards, and zombies will soon start roaming in."


    "Yes, we''re planning to head to SHIELD''s spaceship for now," Adrian replied. He turned to Wong, who was gazing intently at a bookshelf. "Wong? You should come with us. The Sanctum isn''t safe anymore."


    Before Wong could respond, Dr. Strange interjected. "As I asked, Wong. Go with them to the spaceship. That''s an order from the Sorcerer Supreme."


    Dr. Strange''s astral form shimmered and faded, his projection dissipating.


    With a sigh, Wong replied, "As you wish, Sorcerer Supreme."


    Adrian placed a hand on Wong''s shoulder. "Wong, I know this is a tough choice, but we have to go."


    Wong''s loyalty to the Sanctum was evident, but he also knew his duty to Strange. After a moment, he sighed and agreed, "Since the Sorcerer Supreme ordered it, I must obey. I''ll go with you to the spaceship."


    Dr. Strange''s voice echoed faintly in the wind, "You''ve made a wise choice, Wong."


    Wong nodded, suppressing his reluctance. "So, how are we getting to the spaceship?"


    Marvel comics didn''t have as many convenient portals as the MCU, but there were other ways, albeit more complex.


    Adrian reassured him, "A Quinjet is on its way. Let''s go; time is running out."


    The group set out, carefully navigating the narrow, winding streets. The eerie silence around them was unsettling, with only occasional distant howls and the sound of the wind.


    After about ten minutes, they finally reached a basketball court where a Quinjet was parked. A few scattered zombie corpses lay around it, presumably regular civilians.


    A group of soldiers stood guard by the Quinjet, waving them over. One soldier, likely a captain, stepped forward, eyes sharp and focused.


    "Welcome," he greeted them. "Are you Adrian? We''ve been ordered by the Director to bring you safely to the spaceship. We need to leave immediately."

 Chapter 17

    Adrian nodded, expressed his gratitude, and gestured for Wong and Wanda to follow. As the soldiers cautioned them, the group quickly approached the Quinjet.


    The ramp of the Quinjet lowered slowly with a rumble as the cabin door opened.


    Just as Adrian and the others were about to board the Quinjet, a sudden shout froze everyone in place. "Wait!"


    A figure swung through the air on strands of spider silk. His blue and red suit, with a faint spider emblem on the chest, showed signs of wear and tear.


    Landing on the ground, he quickly pulled off his mask, revealing his true face to prove he wasn''t a zombie. The young man with brown hair and an earnest face was Spider-Man¡ªNew York''s friendly neighborhood hero.


    "This is a Quinjet, right? I know you''re headed for the spaceship. Please, take Aunt May and Mary Jane with you!" Spider-Man''s words were full of pleading, his face showing genuine worry. His suit bore marks of battle, with several scratches and burn marks testifying to the fierce encounters he had endured.


    Adrian noticed a small wound on Spider-Man''s shoulder that didn''t look like a bullet graze or a scratch from debris.


    The soldiers, unmoved by Spider-Man''s plea, pointed their guns at him coldly and shouted a warning. "Stand back now, or we will open fire!" one of them barked.


    Ignoring the guns aimed at him, Spider-Man continued, his voice growing more anxious. "Listen to me! There are plenty of empty seats. We just need to bring two more people!"


    The tension in the air was thick, but Adrian stepped forward calmly and asked, "Where are Aunt May and Mary Jane?"


    Seeing Adrian''s willingness to listen, the soldiers exchanged glances and lowered their weapons slightly.


    Spider-Man''s eyes filled with relief and hope. "Thank you! They''re at my apartment, not far from here. Give me fifteen minutes¡ªI can have them here in ten!"


    Before anyone could respond, he swung away, shooting his web into the distance.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Adrian watched the fading figure of Spider-Man with a mix of reluctance and pity. "Alright, let''s get on board," he said to the others.


    Wong frowned, unable to keep silent. "But what about Spider-Man and his family? We can''t just abandon them."


    Wong had worked with Peter on several missions before and had even exchanged phone numbers. To raise Peter''s hopes only to leave him now felt cruel.


    After a moment of silence, Adrian finally responded, "Spider-Man is likely already infected. As for his family... they''ll need a miracle if they hope to survive before he returns."


    Wong fell silent upon hearing Adrian''s response.


    Once aboard the Quinjet, the roar of the engines filled their ears, and the fighter jet vibrated slightly. Adrian and his companions fastened their seatbelts, preparing for takeoff.


    As the Quinjet lifted off the ground, they could see the city below shrinking, reduced to ruins and flames as far as the eye could see.


    Adrian lowered his gaze, trying not to dwell on the choices they had made.


    He didn''t need a crystal ball to predict Peter''s fate. The wound on his shoulder was likely the work of a zombie¡ªa tragic twist similar to the original storyline. In a matter of minutes or even seconds, Peter, New York''s beloved hero, would lose all sense of self, consumed by an insatiable hunger.


    With the city devoured by zombies, there was no hope of saving Peter''s family now or in the future.


    Wong, hearing Adrian''s words, said nothing more.


    Inside the Quinjet, Adrian sat quietly, unwilling to think further about how Peter would react upon realizing his fate. If he held himself together, he might decide to end things swiftly. But if he couldn''t bear it¡­ things would only spiral into horror.


    Adrian sighed deeply. It was a fate Peter hadn''t deserved. If there was blame to be assigned, it lay with the world that had crumbled into chaos around them.


    "Ah, Peter¡­ come on, buddy, hold on. You''re almost home," Adrian murmured, his voice laced with sorrow.


    Despite the unbearable pain from his wound, Peter pushed on. The thought of Aunt May and Mary Jane¡ªhis love for them¡ªgave him the strength to fight through the agony.


    Throwing his webs between high buildings, he moved with purpose, each swing bringing him closer to his family and fueling his last flicker of hope.


    He was nearly home.


    As he drew closer to his apartment, his worry intensified. He broke through the window, landing clumsily inside the room.


    The sound of shattering glass startled Aunt May and Mary Jane. They turned, fear flashing in their eyes, but it melted into relief upon seeing Peter.


    "Oh my goodness, Peter! Are you alright? Look at your shoulder!" Aunt May said, walking toward him with concern. Mary Jane joined her, her eyes filled with worry.


    Peter gave them a weak smile, grateful for their care. Despite his battered suit, the three embraced tightly, finding comfort in each other.


    Peter''s voice was steady, filled with determination. "I''m fine, Aunt May. Mary Jane, let''s hurry. We need to get out of here."


    Aunt May gently touched the wound on his shoulder and said, "Let me get some hydrogen peroxide to treat this!" She rushed into the room.


    Mary Jane stayed close to Peter, her face full of worry. She asked softly, "What happened, Peter? How did you get hurt?"


    Peter frowned and sighed. "I''m not sure, Mary Jane. I got close to the Colonel, hoping to figure out what was happening, but suddenly he attacked me," he replied.


    "I fought my way out and ran back as fast as I could. Honestly, I don''t know much more than you do."


    "Alright, go help Aunt May. Ugh¡ª"


    Suddenly, Peter felt a sharp, unbearable hunger. The sandwich he''d eaten earlier now seemed revolting, and his skin started to feel as if it were on fire. His body twisted painfully, as if something was tearing him apart from the inside, the hunger spreading rapidly.


    After a brief, desperate struggle, Peter let out a piercing scream: "I''m starving!"


    "Peter? What''s wrong?"


    Mary Jane had just turned to call Aunt May when, in an instant, Peter''s eyes filled with bloodlust, and he lunged forward, sinking his teeth into her neck. Blood sprayed into the air.

 Chapter 18

    on the Quinjet, the group finally found a moment to breathe.


    As the high-altitude Quinjet soared over New York City, they could see the once-prosperous city below, now looking like a torn, tragic painting. New York''s streets were now empty, its once-proud skyscrapers desolate, with wrecked vehicles scattered haphazardly. From above, the smoke and flames rising from the ruins created a bleak landscape, occasionally showing survivors struggling through the rubble¡ªa haunting reminder of life amidst devastation.


    Within hours, New York would be devoid of any living beings, leaving behind only zombie "heroes" who roamed, endlessly hungry. They devoured anything and anyone, blind to the fact that soon there would be no fresh prey left on Earth.


    Wang still seemed uneasy, unable to stop thinking about Spider-Man''s failure to board the plane. At that moment, Adrian walked over to one of the soldiers and said quietly, "Turn on the TV. Let''s see the latest news."


    The soldier complied, and the emergency news broadcast appeared on the screen. J. Jonah Jameson stood in a shabby newsroom, holding a microphone in one hand and a gun in the other. Behind him were chaotic piles of equipment, burning files, and even a few zombie corpses.


    Looking physically and mentally exhausted, Jameson spoke heavily, "Dear viewers, this may be the last broadcast of the Daily Bugle. The world is in chaos. In this apocalyptic moment, our heroes have fallen, unable to save us."


    "But where''s that wall-crawling freak?" he sneered. "Maybe he''s just a fake, a so-called ''hero'' swinging around the city, afraid to face real threats. We need real heroes, not some freak who calls himself Spider-Man!"


    A loud crash suddenly echoed, and the window shattered. Spider-Man swung into the room, his costume tattered, revealing blood and bruises underneath. Twisting his body, he quickly approached Jameson with his mouth open, revealing sharp, ravenous teeth.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Haha, Jameson," Spider-Man sneered. "Did you miss me?"


    "You damn reptile! I knew you were no good!" Jameson screamed, stepping back and firing his gun in desperation.


    Spider-Man, moving with supernatural speed and agility, easily dodged the bullets. "You can''t escape, Jameson. My hunger''s out of control now, and you''re the tastiest thing I''ve seen in a while."


    The broadcast ended with the horrifying sounds of Spider-Man''s attack, leaving the group staring in stunned silence. Adrian waved his hand, signaling the soldier to turn off the screen.


    As the screen went dark, Adrian looked at Wang, who wore a grim expression. "Now do you understand why I didn''t wait for Spider-Man''s family? By now, they''re probably dead because of him."


    Wang gave a bitter smile and nodded, sinking into silence once more.


    Adrian absentmindedly reached up to touch the necklace around his neck. A warm energy radiated from it, spreading through his fingertips. The necklace held the unnamed fire of the Weishan Emperor and an astral projection spell, simple yet powerful magic, both essential for his plans.


    The fire''s destructive power was akin to a swarm of termite bombs, ideal for harming ethereal beings, while astral projection would let him experience an out-of-body journey within certain limits.


    Just then, the Quinjet''s radio crackled to life, and Fury''s voice came over the speaker: "When you arrive, I need to speak to Adrian alone. Over."


    Adrian raised his head, narrowing his eyes. Wanda and Wang exchanged looks before Wanda said, "It sounds like Fury has something important to discuss with you, Adrian."


    Adrian glanced at Quicksilver, who was sleeping soundly nearby, then turned to Wanda. "What''s your impression of Fury?"


    Wanda frowned, deep in thought. "He''s skilled in leadership, but he often keeps things from us. There are secrets he won''t share."


    Adrian gave a knowing smile. "That man''s heart is darker than coal."


    "Oh? Why do you say that?"


    "At the start of this crisis, Pietro''s abilities could have worsened the outbreak. So, I broke his legs preemptively to prevent that," Adrian replied. "But would Fury be as merciful as I was?"


    The truth of his words weighed on Wanda. She knew Fury had a history of questionable actions, like placing surveillance in heroes'' homes and collecting blood samples for cloning experiments.


    As she considered Adrian''s words, Wanda muttered, "When we arrive, I''ll bring you and Pietro to Fury. I won''t let him get away with this."


    "Not a problem," Adrian replied with a smile, nodding in satisfaction. He didn''t need to tell her the extent of Fury''s plans¡ªher suspicion alone was enough.


    In the beginning, Fury might indeed have taken Quicksilver''s life to protect the world, and he wouldn''t have hesitated to do so. But now, with the virus spreading rapidly, killing Quicksilver would make little difference.


    Adrian, however, was different. His growing influence and strategic importance might push Fury to use extreme measures against him. Still, Adrian believed that Fury, despite his ruthlessness, wouldn''t go so far just yet. Having Wanda by his side would be a final safeguard.

 Chapter 19

    The Quinjet landed steadily on the airship''s deck. After Adrian and the others exited, the fighter jet immediately sped off, likely off to another mission.


    "Hey, how do I get to the Director''s office?" Adrian asked, grabbing a passing agent, only to let go in frustration as the agent looked at him half-confused.


    Sure, Fury wanted to talk, but Adrian had no idea where to go on this massive aircraft carrier.


    He looked around, taking in the bustling scene. At least twenty Quinjet fighters were landing or taking off, and everyone seemed preoccupied, looking grim and hurrying. Almost all of them had lost loved ones in the catastrophe.


    "Hello, are you Mr. Adrian? Director Fury has requested to speak with you."


    Adrian turned to see a middle-aged, overweight man, looking exhausted and clutching stacks of paperwork. Before Adrian could say anything, the man added apologetically, "I''m sorry for the delay. We''re stretched thin here. Please, follow me."


    "Let''s go," Wanda said, her tone icy.


    "Uh, actually, the Director only asked for Mr. Adrian," the man stammered, surprised by her reaction.


    Adrian touched his amulet and said, "I''m pretty sure Fury''s office is big enough for a few more people."


    The man hesitated, then muttered, "Understood. The Director has allowed everyone to join." With that, he motioned them to follow, his earpiece buzzing as he received instructions.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Let''s get moving," Adrian said curtly.


    The man''s mouth twitched, but he led them to the elevator without complaint. As it descended, they reached the SHIELD command center at the core of the carrier. Instantly, a cacophony of urgent voices filled the room.


    "New Jersey''s registered hero, Hermes, has been infected. He''s speeding toward Florida at Mach 3, and missiles can''t hit him. He wiped out all the units we deployed!"


    "Any chance of backup from the X-Men?"


    "No, they sent word they''re unable to help. Bigfoot and Leprechaun are on Hermes'' path; call them off! They''re walking into a death trap!"


    "We need Colonel Rhodes. We''ve detected an infection in East Maine; immediate support is critical!"


    "Daredevil''s signal has disappeared. That''s the ninety-third superhero missing in New York City. Mark him as infected if he doesn''t respond in twenty minutes."


    "Thor is fighting over a dozen zombie heroes at the Empire State Building. Send Nova and Ares for support, then get a Quinjet to extract them."


    "Begin tightening defense lines. The infection has spread across New York State''s borders. We need to regroup."


    Adrian stood at the command center''s entrance, taking in the crisis unfolding around him. Wanda and Wong listened, their faces pale. Wanda''s expression was filled with despair, while Wong''s brows furrowed deeply in concern.


    "Right this way," the man said, guiding them down the hall. "Director Fury''s waiting in the second room on the left."


    After a final look at the chaotic command center, Adrian sighed. "Let''s go."


    The infection would spread worldwide regardless. Speedsters like Hermes could easily evade any pursuit, spreading the virus faster than any containment effort could keep up with.


    As they reached a closed metal door, Wanda''s gaze narrowed¡ªit looked more like a prison door than an office.


    Just as they considered this, the door opened, and a voice said, "Come in."


    Wanda exchanged a glance with Adrian, then led the way inside with Pietro, who was still fast asleep, in tow. Adrian and Wong followed close behind.


    Inside, Adrian relaxed a bit. Instead of an interrogation room, it resembled an office, adorned with abstract paintings and a massive mahogany desk.


    Behind the desk sat a man with brown hair and a single eye, staring at Adrian with a steely gaze. Director Fury held a partially smoked cigar, studying Adrian intensely.


    "Take a seat," Fury said.


    Adrian nodded, letting his amulet rest on his chest as he sat, followed by Wanda and Wong. Under the light, the amulet shimmered, and Fury''s gaze flickered briefly at the sight of it.


    Fury took a drag from his cigar, blowing out a thin stream of smoke. "Now," he said, locking eyes with Adrian, "let''s talk."

 Chapter 20

    Journey Through the Marvel Universe Starting from the Zombie Universe


    Chapter 20: Contact


    After staring silently at Adrian for a few seconds, Fury turned to Wanda. "Let''s talk, Wanda. Do you have any business with me?"


    "You brought Pietro here¡ªwhy not get his wounds treated first?"


    "Let''s get one thing straight. Do you intend to do anything to Pietro?" Wanda asked, her expression unreadable as she faced Fury.


    Fury chuckled dryly, pressing his cigar beneath the table. A light blue holographic map appeared, displaying the world. On it, countless red dots spread outward from New York State, which was slowly darkening. Surrounding states were also turning black as the infection spread.


    "Honestly, if this had been half a day ago, I might have considered it. And I believe Pietro would understand my reasoning," Fury admitted. "But you can see now, the virus is completely out of control. Early containment won''t solve this. Don''t worry¡ªI have no plans to harm him."


    "Take Pietro to the infirmary. Look at the blood on his leg."


    He gestured for Wanda to leave, signaling that the Scarlet Witch could go. But Wanda remained seated, glancing at Adrian as if looking for confirmation before turning her gaze back to Fury with a hard expression.


    Fury owed Adrian a debt of gratitude, but he was notorious for manipulating people to suit his ends. He knew he couldn''t afford to take advantage of Adrian.


    Fury observed Wanda, Wong, and Adrian in silence, as if weighing his options, before sighing. Exhaustion and a hint of despair tinged his voice as he lit another cigar.


    "If I had wanted to harm Mr. Adrian, I could have done it back on the Quinjet. Someone will be joining us soon, and you can rest assured of his safety."


    Before Adrian could respond, Wanda looked up at Fury, suspicion evident in her eyes.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Who''s joining us? Why wasn''t I informed? I''m an Avenger too," she protested.


    "Thor and Iron Man. Thor''s on his way in a Quinjet, and Stark is already on board. He''ll be here shortly. You can wait for them if you''re still concerned."


    Wanda glanced at Pietro, who was twitching slightly in pain, her expression softening as worry filled her gaze. Then, she looked back to Adrian, curious.


    Adrian considered it. While Thor and Tony Stark might be blunt and carefree, their sense of honor was far stronger than the spymaster in front of them. Besides, Wanda couldn''t keep using her powers to hold back Pietro''s bleeding indefinitely, and Wong was too decent to let anyone else bully Pietro.


    Making his decision, Adrian said, "Pietro has suffered enough. Take him to be treated right away."


    Wanda gave him a grateful look before gently lifting Pietro with her telekinesis and leaving.


    "Wong, you should go too. Your arm needs medical attention," Adrian added.


    Wong nodded in respect to Adrian before exiting to follow Wanda and Pietro.


    The heavy metal door automatically shut, and with it, the room''s temperature seemed to drop. The lighting dimmed slightly, and Adrian turned back to face Fury.


    Fury, with his one good eye, studied Adrian¡ªthe seemingly ordinary young man who appeared to have no superpowers.


    The two silently waited for the other to speak, locked in a quiet standoff. Eventually, as Fury''s cigar burned a bit lower, he broke the silence.


    "First of all, as Director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division, I''d like to thank you for your heroic efforts. Your actions helped slow the virus'' spread and gave us valuable time to respond."


    Although Fury expressed gratitude, his tone was flat, almost as if he were reading from a list of ingredients on a shampoo bottle.


    "However," he continued, "I''m curious: how did you come up with the idea to contain Quicksilver to slow the virus'' spread?"


    "And based on our surveillance comparison, it looks like you neutralized Quicksilver almost the exact moment that the Colonel and others were infected. That timing is¡­impeccable."


    Fury''s voice held a hint of scrutiny, though his expression remained as indifferent as ever.


    Adrian suddenly let out a deep sigh, catching Fury off guard as the cigar in Fury''s hand wavered slightly.


    There seemed to be tears glistening at the corners of Adrian''s eyes as he spoke in a soft, trembling voice. "When I was a kid, my family and I went to see a wonderful show at the theater. Afterward, we took a shortcut down an alley."


    "Halfway through, a thug appeared, intent on robbing us. My parents were brutally shot down. I still remember my mother''s pearl necklace scattering on the ground, the sound echoing in the quiet night."


    "As I felt my mother''s warmth fading from her hand, I looked up and saw a group of bats flying across the sky. In that moment, a mysterious power awoke within me, and I gained the ability of prophecy."


    With tears in his eyes, Adrian looked up at the ceiling, as if he could still see his parents waving to him from beyond.


    Moved by this tragic backstory, Fury nodded in sympathy and asked, "And, Mr. Adrian, what was your father''s name?"


    Adrian hesitated for a moment before answering, "Thomas Wayne."


    Fury raised an eyebrow. "Then your mother''s maiden name must have been Adrian?"


    Adrian nodded, "Her name was Martha Wayne, maiden name Kane."


    The cigar in Fury''s hand trembled, and ashes fell outside the ashtray. "So your father''s last name was Wayne, your mother''s was Kane, and yet your last name is Adrian?"


    Adrian sighed softly and waved his hand dismissively. "Hey, what can I say? They didn''t know my last name. I couldn''t very well make them change theirs to match."


    "You''re too young to understand. When you get to be my age, you''ll get it."


    Fury suddenly felt the urge to hit someone with an ashtray.


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 Chapter 21

    "


    "Ah? Isn''t that incredible?" Adrian leaned back in surprise. "Alright, let''s try a different one. In the second year of era , a wandering gambler visited the Wayne family household."


    "Stop!"


    Fury slammed his fist on the table, veins bulging on his forehead.


    "This is getting worse by the second. One moment it''s modern, and now we''re in Era''s second year? These events have nothing to do with you."


    "You need to make sense of your nonsense!"


    "Fine, I''ll skip the details on where I''m from. Didn''t you say you could predict or foresee the future? Then tell me, what else have you seen?"


    Taking a deep breath, Fury decided to ignore the last comment and moved on.


    "Isn''t that enough?" Adrian relaxed in his chair. For all the trouble, at least the SHIELD chair was comfortable¡ªprobably made from real leather.


    Under Fury''s deadly glare, Adrian shrugged and finally said, "I saw the spaceship eventually fall from the sky."


    Fury flicked his cigarette ash, remaining silent.


    "All of this happened because Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards¡ªthe genius himself¡ªturned into a zombie."


    Fury''s brow furrowed. "Impossible. We ran extensive tests on everyone when they boarded the spaceship; nobody was infected."


    "You''re right."


    "But Reed is a scientist obsessed with discovery, and he lost two of his children. He may not be stable mentally."


    "If he discovers that zombies can live indefinitely without needing food, he might actually choose to infect the Fantastic Four to initiate a new form of evolution."


    "But I suppose you wouldn''t think twice about that and would send him off to work on a cure, exposing him to the virus, would you?" Adrian smirked with sarcasm.


    Fury wasn''t angered by Adrian''s words. Instead, he considered the explanation, finding it uncomfortably plausible.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Reed was endlessly curious about strange phenomena and experiments. His intelligence might be the greatest among the world''s geniuses, but that''s exactly why he often found himself in predicaments.


    In college, he once stayed up for three days straight trying to solve a problem, only to collapse on the test bench¡ªand end up mocked by Doom.


    If...


    Suddenly, Fury looked up at Adrian.


    "Wait, you said zombies could live indefinitely without food or water? How do you know that?"


    "I''m a prophet, of course." Adrian shrugged, acting as if it was the most natural thing in the world.


    After all, in the original comics, it was this "rubber man" who went berserk, injected the zombie virus into the Fantastic Four, and managed to sabotage SHIELD''s aircraft carrier from the inside.


    "Computer, initiate surveillance in Mister Fantastic''s lab. Also, downgrade the bunker plan''s priority from A to B."


    The holographic projection instantly switched to display the lab, showing Mister Fantastic in a white lab coat, focused on his experiments.


    His arm stretched over ten meters to easily reach a cup, and his neck extended a few meters as he examined a zombie corpse with a magnifying glass.


    Completely absorbed in his work, he seemed unaware that two people were watching him on the security camera. He simply continued picking up various tools and working on the body.


    "I think he''s acting normal," Fury said calmly. "Just a scientist doing what scientists do."


    The kind of scientist who might create Frankenstein, he thought.


    Adrian leaned forward, pointing at the harmless rubber band on the screen, and said, "You might want to close the door and test him again. I''m sure Mr. Richards, as the hero he is, wouldn''t mind if people misunderstood his intentions."


    "It''s harmless. Just do it."


    Fury nodded slowly. He tapped the screen twice, and the lab door slammed shut and locked. Mister Fantastic, startled by the sudden action, quickly turned around and looked around in confusion.


    "Hello? Is anyone there? Sue? Is that you?" Mister Fantastic mumbled, trying to understand what was happening. His voice sounded uncertain.


    The lab atmosphere became tense and isolated. Fury watched Mister Fantastic''s reaction through the screen with a neutral expression.


    Reed stood in the lab, glancing around, knocking on the door, trying to reconnect with the outside world. A hint of nervousness and doubt filled his eyes as if he were questioning whether an accident had occurred.


    "Sue, if it''s you, please come out and explain. What''s going on?" he called, hoping for an explanation that would calm his concerns.


    Fury glanced at Adrian''s smiling face and finally spoke, "It''s me, Reed. An infected person just managed to slip onto the aircraft carrier. We''ve locked all the doors to check for any secondary infections."


    "But don''t worry, you haven''t left yet. You''re still whitelisted."


    Fury''s voice resonated from all over the lab, making it impossible to pinpoint its origin.


    "Oh, I see. Wait¡ªare Sue and the others okay?" Reed, just beginning to relax, asked quickly, sounding like a concerned husband and brother.


    "They''re fine. Ah, and Susan should be with you shortly, so I''ll leave you be." With that, Fury cut off the communication.


    Adrian frowned, noticing no one outside the lab door. The corridor was empty.


    Ignoring Adrian''s suspicion, Fury continued, "Computer, send an LMD to the 30th floor, set to look like the Invisible Woman. Once preparations are complete, open Gamma Area 16''s protective gate."


    The Life Model Decoy (LMD)¡ªFury''s favored android¡ªcould mimic its original subject almost perfectly, including appearance, voice, and certain functions exclusive to living beings.


    Hold on, Adrian thought in shock. Is the person in front of me an android too?


    "Don''t look so surprised. The one I used was a bio-simulation decoy. While it''s valuable, it''s nothing compared to the trust you have in Reed."


    Fury took a deep breath, eyes filled with pain, then looked back at the security camera.


    Outside the lab, a crack opened silently, and a beautiful blonde woman in a blue uniform stepped out.


    "Please enter the command."


    "Susan," Fury commanded flatly.


    "Assuming the personality of Susan Storm to observe Reed Richards'' reaction to the zombie virus."


    "Clear."


    The android''s eyes rolled, her body twitched slightly, and her head shook as she dropped her perfect, composed look.


    Seconds later, her neck clicked back into place, and a trace of sadness appeared on her face. Her eyebrows and mouth sagged as if embodying a mother grieving her two lost children.


    The lab door slowly opened with a heavy mechanical echo, and Fury observed the situation closely.


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 Chapter 22

    As the lab door opened, Susan entered and stood beside Reed.


    "I''m glad you''re okay, Sue," Reed said, though his focus remained on the zombie specimen. He carefully cut a small piece of the zombie''s heart and placed it under a microscope, studying it intently.


    Susan, ignoring his distant demeanor, asked with concern, "Why are you working alone here? I thought you were collaborating with Banner and Tony."


    "They''re working on separate projects," Reed replied without looking up. "If one of us makes a breakthrough, the others can come to assist. It was Tony''s idea, but I agree with it."


    Susan nodded, understanding.


    "To be honest, though, I''m not sure what they''re up to, but I think I''m making real progress here."


    "Progress?" Susan asked, a bit puzzled.


    Reed''s eyes sparked with excitement. "These creatures are fascinating. They''re human but not human. The infection with this virus has made them incredibly efficient."


    "Can you imagine? While a regular adult male needs at least 15,000 calories and 20 liters of water per week, these creatures survive on a fraction of that¡ªone-thousandth, even one-ten-thousandth."


    Susan''s eyes widened in horror. "These zombies are monsters, Reed! They''re not some new species. Do you remember what they did to our children?"


    Reed, still peering into the microscope, responded indifferently, "Of course, I haven''t forgotten. But what''s remarkable is how these zombies have evolved. They''re better adapted to the harsh conditions of this world."


    He then removed one of the zombie''s eyeballs, holding it close for examination with a look of admiration.


    Susan, her voice filled with pain and anger, responded, "Evolution? This world is cruel because of them! They destroyed our home, took our loved ones away¡ªand now you''re talking about their evolution like it''s some sort of marvel?"This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Her voice shook with emotion as she looked at Reed, her eyes blazing with anger and despair. She couldn''t comprehend how he could speak about the zombies so coldly, almost as if he was fascinated by them.


    Unable to take any more, she turned and left the lab, disgusted with her husband''s apparent descent into madness.


    Meanwhile, Reed continued his work, examining the zombies'' organs. He mused to himself, "Most of their organs are practically stagnant, no longer serving any purpose, yet they retain both mobility and intelligence. Their minds function only rarely. It''s strange."


    He called out absent-mindedly, "Are you still there, Sue?"


    But Susan had already left, slamming the door behind her.


    Outside the lab, Adrian, who had been observing, remarked dryly, "So, you''ve got all the evidence you need? He even calls this virus ''evolution.'' But to me, they''re just flesh-eating monsters, not some pinnacle of progress."


    Seeing "Susan" revert to her blank expression and disappear into the wall, Adrian continued with a tone of frustration.


    "Reed must have lost his mind after losing his child, or maybe he was always a little unhinged. Now he actually believes zombies are humanity''s future."


    Adrian continued, "Sure, zombies don''t need to consume energy like we do, but Reed is missing one crucial point: their insatiable hunger. Normal humans stop eating when they''re full because of signals in the brain. Zombies, though¡ªthey''re relentless. They keep consuming, even when there''s no need. They''ll eat until they physically burst, yet they''ll still continue if given the chance."


    "Some zombie heroes have managed to resist this hunger, but that only happened forty years later. And by then, they''d devoured nearly everything in the universe."


    Nick Fury, who had been watching Reed work on the corpse on a monitor, seemed hesitant.


    Sensing Fury''s doubt, Adrian pressed on, saying with urgency, "You remember what I told you, right? I''m the one who injured Quicksilver, which bought us valuable time. If that wasn''t enough proof, then take what I just said: zombies don''t need food or water to survive. Reed''s experiments have shown the same."


    Still silent, Fury remained thoughtful. In a flash of frustration, Adrian slammed his hand on the table. "What are you waiting for? Do you want all of us to end up as food for those monsters? Kill Reed now, before he causes more damage."


    After a few moments, Fury finally broke into a chuckle. There was relief in his laughter as he extended a hand toward Adrian.


    "You''ve proven your worth and your loyalty. Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D."


    Surprised but pleased, Adrian shook Fury''s hand.


    "A pleasure to work with you."


    Fury returned to his seat, lit a new cigar, and handed one to Adrian. As Adrian took the cigar, Fury turned his attention back to the holographic monitor.


    The display zoomed in on Reed Richards, capturing his every move.


    "Computer, initiate a purge in Zone 16 on Floor 30 of Gamma."


    A mechanical voice replied, "A registered hero is present in the target area, ID: 00042, Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards. Protection protocols have been activated."


    Fury, unphased, took a drag from his cigar, exhaled a plume of smoke, and calmly ordered, "Override with Level 10 authorization. Ensure the target is fully neutralized."


    "Authorization successful. Initiating purge."


    As the mechanical voice faded from the holographic projection, Adrian saw Reed in the lab, suddenly looking uneasy. He took off the magnifying lens he''d been wearing, walked to the table, and wiped his forehead, as though sensing something was wrong. After removing his lab coat and draping it over the chair, he looked around with mild confusion.


    Was it just his imagination, or did the cold, sterile lab suddenly feel warmer?


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 Chapter 23

    Reed sat slouched in a chair in the lab, extending his palms toward the broad leaf of a large cattail plant in an attempt to cool himself.


    "Why is it so hot?" he muttered, fanning his hands through the air.


    He kept waving, hoping for some relief, but the temperature only rose. Sweat dripped down his forehead, and he felt a growing sense of unease.


    Is the temperature control system broken? he thought. No, SHIELD wouldn''t make such a stupid mistake.


    The temperature in the lab continued to climb, and the powerful heat wave made the air feel thin, almost suffocating. Reed''s clothes clung to his body, damp with sweat that seemed to steam off in the stifling heat.


    The lab felt like an oven, and the instruments groaned, unable to withstand the intense temperatures.


    "What''s going on? Fury?! Sue?! This isn''t funny!" Reed yelled, running to the lab door. He slammed his hand on the door button, desperately trying to escape.


    "Open the door! I''m Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards! Open the door!" he shouted, hoping the access system would recognize him and unlock the door.


    The system beeped twice and displayed the message: "Unidentified. This person is not in the database."


    "This is impossible! I''m a registered hero with SHIELD!" Reed shouted, pounding on the door. Anger rising, he coiled his body like a spring and launched himself toward a ceiling vent in the corner of the room.


    But when he tried to grab the vent louvers, his hands slipped on the smooth metal. His hope fell into despair, and frustration exploded within him.


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    As he landed, he noticed something odd¡ªa movement on the wall beside him.


    His eyes widened in horror as he saw a gun barrel emerge from the wall. Flames and fuel shot out, forming a terrifying tongue of fire aimed directly at him.


    Who would want to harm me?! he thought, horrified.


    He stretched his body like rubber, springing and leaping to dodge the flames. He contracted and expanded with each jump, flying through the heat like a flexible bullet.


    "Fury! Are you watching surveillance? Help me!" Reed shouted.


    But there was no response, only more gun barrels emerging from the walls, spewing flames that filled the room. The lab was engulfed in a sea of fire, and dense smoke thickened the air.


    Lab coats, chairs, equipment¡ªeverything was ablaze, crackling in the heat. The white coat hanging on a chair was quickly reduced to ashes, with only sparks left floating in the air.


    Chemicals exploded from glass containers, adding more fire and smoke to the already chaotic scene. The walls blackened, the heat melting surfaces until liquid dripped from the metal.


    The lab turned into an inferno, as the blazing heat scorched Reed''s skin and began to melt his clothes.


    Why? he thought, his desperation mounting. Why is this happening?


    Collapsing beside the lab table, he gazed helplessly at the flames consuming the room.


    In the corner of his vision, he noticed a body slowly disintegrating under the flames, exposing bones beneath melted skin. A realization hit him like a lightning bolt.


    He looked up at the ceiling, a crazed smile spreading across his face as he yelled, "Adrian! I know what you fear! You fear the future!"


    His voice echoed through the blazing lab, filled with anger and madness.


    "Can''t you see with that one eye of yours? Our resistance is futile! Why don''t you join those evolved beings? Can''t you see the beauty of eternal life?"


    As his body continued to melt, his once-elastic muscles lost their resilience, his skin liquefying and dripping onto the floor.


    "It hurts! Damn it, it hurts!" Reed screamed in agony.


    "Just a few more minutes¡­ just a few minutes more, and I could have transformed Susan and the others into new beings! We would¡ª"


    Reed''s limbs deformed as he collapsed to the ground. His nose drooped to his mouth, one eye melted into a pool, and the other sagged from its socket. His ears melted down to his legs.


    No one would have thought that the melted figure was once a living person, yet he continued to shout and roar.


    "Do you think you can escape the zombies by killing me? Impossible! Your defeat is inevitable!"


    "Ahhh! My hand!" he cried, his voice fading into silence as the flames finally consumed his body.


    In his last moments, his final words echoed faintly.


    As time passed, the flames gradually died down, and a layer of ashes settled over everything. The lab grew quiet once more.


    The gun barrels retracted back into the walls, disappearing as if they''d never been there.


    Only a blackened mass remained in the center of the room. The charred remnants vaguely retained Reed''s shape, though they had lost all elasticity and life, now hardened and brittle.


    Reaching toward another charred mass on the table, his final gesture left a haunting scene.


    Watching everything through surveillance, Adrian smiled in satisfaction as he observed the charred remains break apart.


    "Your wife¡­ SHIELD is taking care of her. Don''t worry," he murmured.


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 Chapter 24

    "You''re absolutely right. Reed betrayed him and tried to turn the Fantastic Four into zombies. Good thing you reminded us."


    Fury looked at Adrian with his one good eye, speaking softly.


    Reed''s last, crazed words only confirmed there was something wrong with his mind. He actually called the zombies "new people." Even Deadpool, after drinking ten kilos of fake whiskey, wouldn''t have said something that insane.


    Adrian just smiled, staying silent.


    This version of Mr. Fantastic''s madness didn''t compare to the others across the Marvel Universe. He seemed more like a fool than a genius gone insane. Sure, zombies might live forever, but once infected, they lose their ability to heal, something essential for any living creature.


    If a human cuts their hand, it may heal in a few weeks and leave a small scar. But for zombies, a cut just stays open. Over time, exposure to the elements would only make it worse. Stitching it up might hold it together temporarily, but it would still tear over time.


    Fury took a long drag of his cigar and exhaled slowly. "So, which prophecy did you use? Mutant powers? Alien technology? Or maybe some form of dark magic?"


    Adrian shrugged. "Does it matter?"


    "No," Fury replied. "I''m not prying. A simple thank you could never repay your contribution to humanity. If you need anything, just ask. SHIELD will do its best."


    After a pause, Adrian spoke, "Can you cure cancer? Advanced lung cancer?"


    Fury, caught off guard, lowered his cigar and looked at Adrian in surprise.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The young man looked vibrant and alive. He seemed to have overheard Wanda''s conversation with a doctor and had fought numerous zombies without hesitation.


    Could it be someone close to him?


    "Is it you who has cancer?" Fury asked cautiously.


    "Yes," Adrian replied without a moment''s hesitation. There was no need to hide it. Being honest might even help; perhaps SHIELD could find a way to cure him.


    Fury studied Adrian carefully, setting his cigar down. "If you''d like, I can arrange chemotherapy right now. We have top medical facilities onboard; I can guarantee the best care."


    "So, you can''t actually cure it? Not even SHIELD?" Adrian frowned slightly.


    After a brief silence, Fury shook his head. "I''m sorry, we can''t. SHIELD isn''t omnipotent."


    Adrian''s face darkened, and he stood up. "I''ll check on Wang and Wanda. Pietro should wake up soon."


    "Wait, take this with you."


    Fury opened a drawer, pulling out a small tube of light green liquid. It was clear and unsticking.


    Adrian turned and took it from Fury''s hand. "What''s this?"


    "A semi-finished, self-healing serum made from Logan''s genetic samples. It also has nanobots. This is all we have, and no, it can''t cure cancer. But it might slow the progression."


    "It''ll buy you a few more months."


    "Thank you," Adrian said.


    "No, we should thank you. This is the least we can do."


    Fury handed him a needleless syringe. Adrian slowly poured the serum into it, watching as the liquid gently swirled, almost alive.


    With a steady hand, he pressed the syringe to his arm. As he injected the serum, he felt a cool sensation spread under his skin, a faint herbal scent filling the air.


    A warm feeling spread through his arm, easing his muscles and relieving his fatigue. Even a scratch on his face from earlier began to heal.


    "You should rest up. Thor''s Quinjet was shot down, and he''s buying time. Tony can''t leave for now but will meet us later."


    "Of course, if you want to wander around, go ahead. I''ve entered your ID into the system; you''re free to access most areas."


    Fury, watching Adrian leave, scratched his chin and murmured into his earpiece, "Hill, any luck with his background check?"


    A female voice answered, "No data, Director. It''s like he appeared out of thin air, right in an alley with no surveillance."


    Fury sighed. This guy''s predictions were worryingly accurate, and it seemed cancer was the cost.


    As Adrian walked out, unaware of Fury''s suspicions, he headed towards the medical bay to check on Wanda and the others.


    The fact that cancer was incurable here didn''t bother him too much. In the Marvel Universe, almost anything was possible. If he couldn''t find a cure in this universe, maybe the next one would have it.


    On the way, he stopped an agent and asked, "Where''s the medical bay? I need to get there."


    The agent paused, briefly surprised before a signal flashed in his retina, confirming Adrian''s credentials. His expression immediately changed to one of respect. "The medical bay is on the 20th floor. Head right here and take the elevator."


    "What about the equipment department?"


    "Tenth floor, right out of the elevator. Would you like me to escort you?"


    "No, thanks."


    Adrian nodded and thanked the agent. Watching him walk away, he made his way to the elevator alone.


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 Chapter 25

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    Adrian moved quickly down the winding corridors of the aircraft carrier. Upon reaching the infirmary lobby, he took in his surroundings. Apart from the SHIELD logo, it looked like any regular hospital, with shelves stocked full of medical equipment and supplies.


    "Where''s Quicksilver?"


    "Room 4, bed 2. Make way! Keep your feet clear!" the nurse replied before rushing off with her cart.


    Adrian entered the room the nurse had indicated. Quicksilver lay on the bed, his injuries stitched up, sleeping soundly. Heavy restraints bound his wrists, ankles, and neck to limit his mutant powers. This special device ensured Quicksilver couldn''t use his super-speed to escape or cause trouble.


    Although there was no longer any need to harm Quicksilver, SHIELD had clearly taken precautions.


    Adrian approached and gently patted Quicksilver on the shoulder in a show of concern. Quicksilver opened his eyes, looked at the restraints, and sighed, his expression one of disappointment.


    "These things are annoying," he muttered. "I know you have to take precautions, but they used these in mutant concentration camps before."


    His face showed a mixture of anger and understanding. He had woken up about ten minutes earlier and, through a conversation with Wanda, learned he may have unknowingly contributed to spreading the virus. Initially, SHIELD had considered extreme measures to stop it. Compared to becoming a zombie or being killed, this restraint was a relief.


    After a moment, Adrian said, "I understand this is unfair, but we have to ensure the safety of the aircraft carrier. This is temporary¡ªonce the crisis is over, these restrictions will be removed."


    "I hope you''re right," Pietro replied with a forced smile.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. The two looked over as the door opened, revealing Wanda and another figure in red and gold armor. The armor gleamed, its circular reactor pulsing with faint light in the center. The faceplate was up, revealing a familiar face.


    With a confident smile and assured demeanor, Iron Man stepped into the room. Tony Stark nodded at Pietro before extending his hand to Adrian with a friendly grin. "So, you''re the ''hero'' Wanda and Fury keep talking about¡ªAdrian, right?"A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Maybe they exaggerated, but yes, that''s me," Adrian replied, shaking the steel hand briefly.


    Tony noticed Adrian''s hesitation and chuckled. "Don''t worry. My armor''s power control is perfect. I could handle a piece of tofu without smashing it."


    Wanda walked up, watching Adrian and Tony shake hands, then looked at Adrian with warm eyes. "Adrian, thank you again. You saved Pietro''s life. He''s my brother. Losing him is unimaginable¡ªI''ll always remember your kindness."


    "Yes, absolutely! Thank you, thank you!" Pietro quickly added, realizing Wanda''s glance was his cue. Despite feeling awkward, he was sincere.


    Adrian nodded, accepting their gratitude, and asked, "By the way, where''s the King? What happened to him?"


    "Oh, his injuries are more complicated," Wanda replied. "He had to seal his blood vessels with magic, and he''s undergoing surgery now. They''ll bring in a prosthetic hand for him later."


    "Well, send him my best. And, Stark, do you know why Fury wanted to meet with us? What''s this meeting about?"


    With the pleasantries out of the way, it was time to get back to business. The calm on the aircraft carrier was likely temporary, as the zombies below would soon realize what was flying above them and likely attack.


    Hearing Adrian''s question, Tony''s expression shifted to a more serious one. He nodded, lowered his visor, and said, "Follow me."


    They said goodbye to Wanda and Quicksilver before heading to the 40th floor of the ship. The elevator brought them to a hidden room behind what appeared to be a restroom. At first, Adrian thought it was just a restroom break, but when Tony walked straight through the wall, he realized it was a holographic projection.


    The secret room was much larger than Adrian expected¡ªhalf the size of a soccer field. Its walls were smooth and solid, illuminated by unseen lights that bathed the room in a bright glow.


    In the center of the room sat a partially assembled device that looked like a metal belt. Made from a polished, intricate alloy, it had the unmistakable craftsmanship and style of Tony Stark. As Adrian got closer, he noticed a small inscription: Made by Stark.


    Tony approached the device, patting it proudly. "This is the project I''ve been working on since the crisis started¡ªa device that combines energy conversion with space-warping technology. It''s still under construction, but I believe it has tremendous potential."


    He ran his hand over the device and added, "In short, this is a portal machine. It could take us to other realities¡ªfar from these zombies."


    "It''s only half-built," Tony admitted. "Banner was too tired to continue, and if he didn''t sleep, Hulk would''ve attacked me. Reed¡­ well, we know where he is now. He might have had other plans, but we made it."


    Tony''s expression turned reflective as he added, "Reed and I never got along¡ªgenius rivalry, you know. But he''s gone, so I guess I''ve outlived him in a way. I don''t envy him."


    He turned back to Adrian with a wink. Adrian held back a grin as he observed Tony. Up close, he could even see sandwich crumbs in Tony''s mustache, probably from his last meal.


    "You see the future, Adrian?" Tony asked with a smirk. "Well, Fury has given me a hint, so tell me: are we


    all still standing in the end?"