Chapter 85: Hill Devotes Herself to Ethan Late at Night
But he appeared at the Stark Industries building instead.
The person who stepped out of the helicopter arriving at the Osborn Group was Agent Hill.
Her current authority had been elevated once again.
She was already a legendary Rank 9 Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
This Agent ranking system was actually created by Hillherself.
Within S.H.I.E.L.D., there is a strict hierarchy from Rank 1 to 10.
Among them, Rank 10 is held only by Nick Fury.
However, there are still a few Rank 9 Agents.
It's just that the Domains they are responsible for are completely different from Agent Hill's.
Agent Hill got off the plane and returned to the Osborn Group, following a familiar path.
Her public identity remained that of a senior executive at the Osborn Group.
She belonged to the core high-level management of the Osborn Group.
This was a special privilege personally granted to her by Ethan.
However, she had no access to many of the truly core secret documents of the Osborn Group.
With such a major disturbance occurring in New York this time, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s reaction was always a step behind; now they had to eliminate the social impact.
And investigate the ultimate truth behind this incident.
Agent Hill swiped her card all the way through without hindrance, entering Ethan's office directly.
Julia, the private secretary, had already finished work for the day.
Wearing a black hip-hugging professional skirt with a black trench coat draped over it, Agent Hill stepped into Ethan's office in red high heels, making no effort to hide her movements.
Ethan sat lazily on the sofa, seemingly having expected and been waiting for her arrival.
"I'm sorry, the colonel who authorized the airbase forged military orders to forcibly mobilize two fighter jets. That colonel has already been silenced, and we can't find the ultimate mastermind behind him."
Agent Hill stood before Ethan, her graceful S-shaped figure fully on display.
After this period of experience, the aura around her was even stronger than before.
"I know who he is. Although these people cannot withstand the temptation of the Lord of Hell, their inner ambition and desire are essentially objective existences, and their subjective intent to do evil is very strong."
Ethan uncrossed his legs.
Agent Hill continued to press forward.
She casually took off her trench coat and threw it aside.
She gently lifted the hem of her black tight skirt to make it easier for her to sit down.
Ethan leaned back accordingly.
Agent Hill, however, unceremoniously sat astride his lap.
"Are you here to offer your body to atone for your sins?"
A playful smile hung on Ethan's face.
He made no effort to hide his inner enjoyment and desire.
The corners of Agent Hill's mouth curled up slightly, revealing an extremely rare, fox-like smile.
This was definitely not the acting of a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent.
"Could it be that I traveled all this way just for cold, hard work?"
Agent Hill's rhetorical question felt refreshing to Ethan.
"Hill, those words really hit home. The violent emotions inside me are dissipating, and it's all thanks to you."
Ethan praised her sincerely.
"Just dissipating negative emotions? Don't you have any other... inappropriate thoughts?"
Agent Hill's palm pressed gently against Ethan's burning chest, feeling his powerful heartbeat.
"Where you're sitting should give you the most direct sense of my attitude."
Ethan responded provocatively.
"Yes, the feeling is very obvious."
Agent Hill said in an ambiguous tone.
A hint of shyness actually appeared on that ice-cold beauty's face.
Her original vigorous and resolute career-woman aura was instantly shattered.
But it was precisely this stark contrast of shyness that made Ethan like this woman more and more.
"Tell me, what are the conditions?"
But Ethan still calmed down slightly.
In principle, he would not use his Mind Dominator ability on the women around him to try and peer into their inner Worlds.
He could enter their bodies, but he could not violate their Souls.
"Pfft." Agent Hill gave Ethan a frustrated look, "There are no conditions."
"So it's a honey trap strategy?"
"What strategy?!"
"Trying to distract me to buy time for that one-eyed Director to recruit more people."
Ethan had a smile that saw through everything as he looked at Agent Hill, who showed a trace of astonishment.
"I think you've misunderstood. I don't accept any relationship based on a transaction."
Agent Hill said with some resentment, and she made a move to stand up from Ethan's lap.
But a large hand, like iron pincers, firmly held her waist and pressed her back down.
"You said it yourself."
Ethan exerted force with his hand, pinning Agent Hilldown onto the soft sofa.
"Now you don't even have a chance to regret it." Ethanshowed a satisfied smile.
Pinned beneath Ethan, Agent Hill's eyes shimmered with an unusually bright light as she looked affectionately at the domineering man before her.
"I don't want any transaction. I want you to treat me as a normal woman—your lover, your sweetheart."
"Even if it's only for tonight."
Such an emotional and charming confession touched Ethan deeply.
He could clearly sense Agent Hill's sincerity at this moment.
It was the most primitive and pure emotional fluctuation from the depths of her heart.
"I've always treated you as a normal woman. I was just worried that you'd be burdened by my ill repute, so I used this method to compensate you. I might hurt many women, but my affection for you is also from the heart, Hill."
Ethan gazed at her with sincere eyes, using that seductive, sexy, and magnetic voice to speak the most genuine words of love.
"Then what are you waiting for?"
These words from Hill were the best aphrodisiac.
In the empty office late at night, with no one around.
It instantly turned into a primitive battlefield where they vented and grappled to their hearts' content.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Nick Fury was looking with a solemn expression at the decadent-looking Tony Stark sitting on the sofa.
"Tony, can you tell me exactly what happened?"
The low voice finally brought Tony Stark back to his senses.
He called out in a weak voice: "Jarvis, play all the scene recordings from tonight."
A huge virtual holographic screen instantly popped up in the room.
It reenacted all the bloody scenes that had occurred at the heroes' gathering tonight.
"The hidden power of the Ice Demon has already far exceeded the limits of all our imaginations. His freezing power is only one of his many means, but this single freezing power is enough to wipe us all out. Because Jarvisdetected that the freezing power he released can operate directly at the atomic level, stopping atomic motion and forcibly lowering the temperature to Absolute Zero."
Tony Stark tried his best to force himself to describe a scientifically desperate matter with a calm mindset.
Chapter 86: Absolute Zero and the Despair of Nine Million Degrees
"Humanity has always pursued the lowest freezing point, which is the theoretical absolute zero in science. No matter how much humans spend on experiments, they can only get infinitely close to absolute zero, but never reach it."
"But do you know how terrifying absolute zero is in its true sense?"
Tony Stark's lips curled into a self-deprecating, bitter smile.
"I don't know, Tony. You're the expert in this field, and I'd like to consult you on this matter."
Nick Fury asked calmly, though he already had a bad premonition in his heart.
"How can you not know? I've already placed the answer right in front of you, Nick!!"
Tony Stark suddenly became irritable and stood up abruptly.
"Absolute zero means that when this temperature is reached within a certain space, any physical anomalies caused by the movement of atoms or particles will instantly vanish."
"It is theoretically a space of absolute death."
"Energy is completely dead. Matter is completely dead."
"All forms of dynamics disappear entirely."
"No known form of life can survive at absolute zero."
"As long as there is life, energy can be produced; where there is energy, there is radiation; and where there is radiation, there is temperature."
"Absolute zero is absolute nothingness!!!!"
Tony Stark roared hysterically, his voice carrying deep-seated fear.
Nick Fury fell into silence, his face turning ashen.
"All our current power is meaningless in the face of absolute zero. As long as Ethan has the ability to maintain the continuous release of absolute zero power, any form of weapon will become scrap metal."
"Space will lose its meaning."
"Dimensions will lose their meaning."
"Even time will lose its meaning, permanently frozen under absolute zero."
"Everything will stop."
"Stagnation represents complete death."
Tony's roar allowed Nick Fury to deeply understand his anger and despair.
When the laws of physics are crushed, no form of confrontation can achieve victory.
"Then do you know the temperature of the two Heat Visions shot from his eyes?"
Nick Fury shook his head subconsciously.
"Jarvis, tell him!"
"Sir, according to detection, the peak temperature of the heat generated in that instant was over nine million degrees. This has exceeded the upper limit of my detection equipment's energy fluctuations, so I apologize, but I do not have accurate final data."
Nick Fury even stopped breathing for a moment.
Even if he didn't have an intuitive concept of absolute zero,
a high temperature of nine million degrees meant he could be instantly burned into particles with not even ash remaining.
"This ray was shot from his eyes and is entirely controlled by his will?"
Nick Fury suddenly felt his skin crawl, a chill running down his back.
He thought of Ethan's powerful telepathic ability; it was practically a guaranteed-hit precision navigation Systeminstalled for this ray.
If he wanted to kill someone, he only needed to sense that person's existence telepathically to shoot them down, regardless of distance.
Similarly, Ethan could also directly use his telepathic ability to erase a person from a spiritual level.
"So, if the original intention of forming the Avengers was to deal with the Ice Demon, I think we should just disband on the spot. After all, even if you tied all the superhumans in New York together, it wouldn't be enough to withstand a single glance from the opponent."
Tony Stark mercilessly stated a cruel reality.
Nick Fury's single eye flickered with a deep and solemn light, and he slowly shook his head.
"Tony, get the priorities straight. I spent so much effort forming the Avengers, and it was never to engage in infighting on this Planet."
"My gaze has always been fixed on the starry sky above; the threat comes from extraterrestrial civilizations."
"Aliens?"
Hearing this word, Tony Stark's originally dull eyes instantly lit up with a sharp glint.
His whole being seemed to be injected with a shot of adrenaline, and his spirit recovered visibly to the naked eye.
It couldn't be helped; the psychological shadow that freak Ethan had cast on him was too great, like a cancer eating at his bones.
That feeling of powerlessness, where his life and death were completely out of his control and the opponent could erase him with a single thought, made him suffocate.
The Iron Man Armor he was so proud of was like a paper toy in front of Ethan's absolute power—completely meaningless.
"That's right, extraterrestrial civilizations."
Nick Fury stared intently at Tony, his tone steady and powerful.
"According to the intelligence I currently possess, Earth has already come into contact with three different extraterrestrial civilizations. Without exception, their strength is above ours."
"This is the reason why I must form the Avengers; we must deal with the impending interstellar impact."
Nick Fury had his own calculations in mind.
Regarding the research progress on the Tesseract, S.H.I.E.L.D. had already made Breakthrough progress.
Once he could completely control that Interstellar Gateconnecting the Universe, Earth's civilization would welcome a qualitative leap.
By then, even if an alien fleet really descended and blasted Earth full of holes, there would be nothing to fear.
As long as they mastered the manufacturing technology for the spatial Interstellar Gate, they could counterattack at any time, bringing the flames of war directly to the aliens' back garden.
"You've certainly planned it out well, but your purpose is definitely not that simple."
Tony Stark took a sip of wine, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Just say it, what exactly do you want me to do?"
"It's simple. I need your money, a large amount of financial support."
Nick Fury didn't hide anything and threw out his proposal directly.
"In addition, help me contact the superheroes who survived last night's catastrophe."
"I want to gather them together and build an AvengersBase that is completely independent of the S.H.I.E.L.D.System."
This was also a decision Nick Fury had made after careful consideration.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was already rotten to the core. That massive HYDRA parasite would be as difficult as climbing to heaven to completely uproot.
Therefore, after the Avengers had taken their initial shape, he approached Tony again to activate his backup plan (Plan B).
To strip the Avengers away from the quagmire of S.H.I.E.L.D. and maintain absolute independence.
In the future, S.H.I.E.L.D. would only be responsible for providing support and logistics.
Professional matters still had to be handled by professional people.
Troubles brought by superhumans could naturally only be solved by superhumans.
"Tony, this is a deal."
Nick Fury leaned forward and threw out an enticing bargaining chip.
"As long as you nod, I will tell you a shocking secret about your father."
"I can even transfer all the assets and technical data your father left at S.H.I.E.L.D. entirely to you."
"Howard Stark left behind countless Genius concepts that were ahead of their time, which those fools at S.H.I.E.L.D.haven't been able to fully replicate even now."
"But I believe if it's you, once you have your father's true legacy, you will surely be able to build an armor that even gods would fear."
This was indeed the greatest sincerity Nick Fury could offer.
Chapter 87: Tony Learns the Truth About His Parents' Murder
Rather than letting those technologies gather dust in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s warehouse, it would be better to let them shine in Tony's hands; this would only benefit the future Avengers.
"Deal."
Tony Stark fell silent for a moment, his voice low yet firm.
"I will immediately establish a dedicated Avengersfoundation. Funding will be sufficient, and I can even provide a ready-made Base."
"Now, fulfill your promise and tell me the secret about the old man."
Nick Fury lowered his voice, a trace of coldness in his tone.
"Your parents' death back then was no accidental car crash at all, but a meticulously planned murder."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. investigated in secret for a long time, but there was a mole in the agency. Someone forcibly covered up the truth and erased all traces."
Crackle!
The glass in Tony's hand was instantly crushed, his knuckles turning white from excessive force.
A raging fire burned in his eyes, as if he wanted to devour someone.
"I understand, Nick."
"The Avengers must exist, and they must be strong."
"I will use my private vault to secretly train this team, whatever the cost."
Tony Stark finally made up his mind.
That so-called Ice Demon should not become a nightmare that haunts him for a lifetime.
So what if that guy was as strong as a god?
He firmly believed that human wisdom is infinite. Any god must have weaknesses and must bleed.
"Right, take this."
Nick Fury pulled an old cassette tape from his coat and handed it over.
"Your father once conceived of a completely new element before he died, which could theoretically create infinite clean energy."
Tony Stark solemnly took it with both hands, as if holding a weight of a thousand pounds.
"Move fast. Contact those heroes as soon as possible and let them become our fresh blood."
"Tony, the war horns have already sounded."
"Colonel Rhodes' death was fishy. Although there are many doubts, I am certain he was used as a pawn and got dragged into this suicide mission against the Ice Demon."
Nick Fury paused, his tone becoming even more serious.
"With our current strength, once the Ice Demon's true identity is exposed, the uninformed public will certainly point their fingers at Ethan."
"Once public opinion spirals out of control, the government will be caught in a dead-end dilemma."
"You should have investigated Ethan's personality; he always seeks revenge for grievances, but he also follows the principle of 'I will not attack unless I am attacked.'"
"Colonel Rhodes chose that path to death himself."
Tony Stark replied coldly.
Nick was right.
Rhodey must have been involved in some top-secret operation, attempting to deal with that terrifying Ice Demon.
But Tony knew in his heart that a tycoon like Ethan, who possessed terrifying power and had pushed genetic technology to the limit, was a piece of fatty meat in the eyes of various factions.
Everyone wanted a bite.
Therefore, Ethan's thunderous strike this time was intended to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys.
To tell all the rats hiding in the gutters: If you want to touch me, this is the consequence.
"Tony, get some rest. Don't provoke the Ice Demonbecause of this."
"While an existence of his level is a threat to us, if an extraterrestrial civilization truly invades Earth..."
"Given Ethan's nature, what those alien scum will face is the most terrifying demon in history!"
Nick Fury had already abandoned the idea of recalling Captain Marvel, Carol.
As long as that deal regarding Natasha remained, he held a trump card in his hand.
As for Natasha herself, he believed she would come around.
In Nick Fury's creed, Agents do not deserve to have feelings; they are only burdens.
Agent Hill was the perfect template.
The current Hill was almost ready to replace Natasha's position in the Osborn Group.
In his view, Ethan had not completely fallen out with S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Are you talking about... the nuclear deterrence theory?"
Tony Stark nodded with difficulty.
Having hovered on the edge of life and death, he had come to terms with many things.
The conviction in his heart grew even firmer, as unshakeable as steel.
Meanwhile, the "reliable" female Agent Nick Fury spoke of was lazily lying in the Ice Demon's arms, panting slightly.
The room was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere, the lingering heat yet to fade.
Agent Hill felt as if her whole body was falling apart, finding it difficult to even move a finger.
If she hadn't been injected with the super soldier serum, giving her a physique far beyond ordinary people, she really wouldn't have been able to keep up with Ethan's tempestuous rhythm.
"So, you kept the one transaction opportunity you won from me a secret from Nick?"
Ethan toyed with a strand of her hair, a playful smile on his face.
This was becoming interesting.
Hill's change in attitude toward him was somewhat unexpected even to him.
While it's said that women become unreasonable once they fall into a 'love brain' state, Hill was clearly not that kind of stupid woman.
She hadn't lost her mind; it was just that the sense of admiration for the strong deep within her was spreading like wildfire.
"Ever since you reminded Natasha that S.H.I.E.L.D. is full of HYDRA moles, I've been extra careful about confidentiality."
Hill's brow furrowed slightly, her voice somewhat raspy.
"Even the fact that I was injected with the super soldier serum is currently only known to Nick Fury."
"That deal you made with the Military is too dangerous. It will give HYDRA a chance to obtain the super soldier serum."
"After all, I have my reservations about whether HYDRA's tentacles have penetrated the high-ranking officials of the Military."
Hill's concern was not unfounded.
The Military had provoked a war like a mad dog this time, nearly causing a major disaster, and it was hard to say HYDRA wasn't pushing things from behind.
"Don't worry. Although the super soldier serum given to the Military is good, it's entirely a castrated version."
Ethan's large hand stroked Hill's smooth back as he chuckled.
"Compared to the perfect version you were injected with, it's simply a product of a different dimension."
"As expected of the Ice Demon, truly cunning. The Militaryis going to have to suffer in silence this time."
Hill didn't find it inappropriate; instead, she laughed so hard she shook.
"Let me correct you. I've always been an honest businessman. My promises are my gold standard."
Ethan talked nonsense with a straight face.
"I didn't want to resort to these little tricks, but the Militarybroke the rules first and pissed me off."
"Although I have to maintain a surface balance so the Osborn Group can continue making money in the USA,"
"Since they dared to tear up the agreement, they must accept the punishment."
"Even with the castrated version, it can achieve at most seventy percent efficacy depending on the individual."
"Moreover, the serum I produced is far more perfect in every parameter than the original version Captain Americahad back then."
The product iterations had long been completed.
But the reason Steve Rogers was strong wasn't just because of the serum, but because of his shining, golden will and character.
That was his strongest weapon.
Only he could push the effects of the super soldier serumto the limit.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Military have never gotten along anyway. If you give them inferior goods, we at S.H.I.E.L.D.are naturally happy to see it happen."
Although she hadn't managed to ruin the deal, Hill wasn't discouraged.
She was only testing the waters; it didn't matter if it succeeded or not.
"What about S.H.I.E.L.D.? Not planning to buy some?" Ethan asked casually.
"The situation is too chaotic; we won't seek cooperation with you for the time being."
Hill sighed helplessly.
"Besides, the super soldier serum was originally a product of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s predecessor. We have the manufacturing technology too."
"It's just that the side effects are a bit large. After all, a success case like Cap was just an accident."
Ethan nodded in understanding.
The uncertainty of the super soldier serum was indeed a huge pitfall.
With the same serum, Cap became a hero, while Red Skullbecame a monster.
The so-called 'appearance is born from the heart' was probably the logic behind it.
Hill recovered some strength and flipped over to straddle him again, her eyes hazy.
"There are still three hours until dawn. Don't waste them."
She licked her lips excitedly.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ocean, inside an ancient cave.
Dracula returned to his homeland.
After fleeing the Empire State Building in a sorry state, he hadn't dared to stop for a moment.
Like a startled bat, he sneaked onto a cargo plane and flew all the way back to this familiar land.
His former homeland had become strange to him, but this ancient cave was etched into the depths of his Soul.
It was here that he received the First Embrace and gift from the Blood Ancestor.
He became the supreme King of Vampires.
Possessing the eternal power cursed by God.
But now, even God seemed to have met an opponent.
That arrogant six-winged angel was as fragile as a glass doll before that true demon.
Dracula's withered hand stroked the damp rock wall.
Through his unique tactile ability, he was feeling the changes of the passing centuries in this cave.
But no matter how he sensed, he could not find the true Blood Ancestor.
It seemed that because of his arrival, the Blood Ancestorhad already escaped the shackles of the Vampire curse and left this cage.
No longer that blood-sucking monster that could only hide in dark corners.
"Dracula, are you looking for me?"
A faint voice suddenly came from behind, making Draculatremble all over.
Chapter 88: Blood Ancestor Bestows Blood, DraculaSeeks Revenge
A lean middle-aged man in a sophisticated suit stood in the shadows, elegantly holding a goblet.
In his other hand, he held a bottle of crimson liquid.
Even through the sealed glass bottle, Dracula's keen sense of smell detected a blood scent so rich it was overwhelming.
The life force contained within this blood was so powerful it was almost appalling.
"I failed; I fled back like a coward."
Dracula's expression was grave as he bowed his proud head.
"That Ice Demon in New York... I can't see through him at all."
"When his terrifying Telepathy swept across all of humanity, I could only hide in a sealed coffin like a frightened rat, not even daring to breathe."
The lean middle-aged man said indifferently:
"You did the right thing. Although we claim to be immortal, we are not truly unkillable."
The Blood Ancestor's voice was as cold as ice.
Count Dracula gritted his teeth. "Tell me, how can I defeat that monster?"
"Why must you defeat him?"
The Blood Ancestor asked back with interest.
"He makes me feel hatred. I don't need a reason to kill him; I just want him dead and gone."
There was a bone-chilling coldness in Dracula's voice.
He had lived for over a thousand years, though he had been sealed by the Church for most of that time.
But his Bloodline had long since branched out, spreading all over the World.
Through the connection of dreams, he had always been watching this World.
"I cannot see where his limit lies."
The Blood Ancestor pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.
"But if you can consume Angel's blood, it might allow your power to reach a Breakthrough beyond its limits."
"At that time, you should be qualified to wrestle with that monster named Human."
As he spoke, he poured a glass of the crimson liquid and handed it over.
Count Dracula did not hesitate for a second, draining it in one gulp, his face instantly showing a look of obsession.
"This... the power in this blood is too violent!"
"It fascinates me; I feel my Peak power returning at high speed!"
The Vampire Dracula's eyes were blood-red as he stared crazily at the Blood Ancestor.
"This is Mutant blood. How can the trash blood of ordinary people compare to the essence of the New Humans?"
"I think you know what to do next."
"In fact, the Origin of our power is blood; it is a gift of magicand a curse from God."
The Blood Ancestor seemed lost in ancient memories.
"Your Excellency, you have shown me the dawn of hope once again."
Count Dracula revealed a ferocious yet brilliant smile.
"But I have a suggestion: we possess long and endless lives, so why the rush?"
"Time is our greatest ally."
The Blood Ancestor's figure gradually faded, finally vanishing into the endless darkness.
Count Dracula clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms.
His only son had died at the hands of Ethan.
That child had finally acknowledged him as a father in his final moments.
The Church had used his child to oppose him for centuries, but Dracula had actually enjoyed that process, because it meant he wasn't living in this World alone.
His son bringing the blood coffin back to the Vlad Familyrepresented the beginning of acceptance.
Even if his son was abandoned by God, he had the confidence to save him and let him remain in the World to accompany him in another form.
Unfortunately, all of this was destroyed by the Ice Demon.
The Vlad Family had even been uprooted.
This current plan was originally pushed forward by the remnants of the Vlad Family from behind the scenes.
But the power of the Ice Demon was completely beyond this Vampire progenitor's imagination.
No wonder that fellow dared to challenge God with a Mortal body.
Perhaps in the eyes of the Ice Demon, God is just a slightly stronger monster.
"I need an army, a bloodthirsty legion belonging to the Vlad Family."
Count Dracula's gaze gradually became resolute and cold.
Just as the Blood Ancestor had...
Peter Parker's chest heaved violently, his rage almost burning away his reason.
The corner of Harry Osborn's mouth curled into a cruel arc, his eyes filled with a piercing chill.
"That poor woman, Aunt May, raised you like her own son, pouring her heart and soul into it."
"But how could she know that Uncle Ben's life was, in the end, lost because of you?"
This heart-piercing logic instantly detonated Peter's suppressed emotions.
"Shut your damn mouth, Harry!"
Peter's wrist flicked suddenly, and pale spider silk shot out with the sound of breaking air.
The Green Goblin Glider beneath Harry's feet spat out tail flames, his figure nimbly tracing a strange arc in the air to easily avoid it.
"What, you can't take it? There's an even more explosive truth waiting for you, Peter!"
The once inseparable best friends had now become Mortalenemies.
Harry's only pleasure now was admiring the agonized, distorted expression on Peter's face.
He knew very well that with the lizard gene not yet fully fused in his body, trying to instantly kill Peter, who possessed spider abilities, was almost a pipe dream.
"I'm warning you one last time: shut up immediately."
Deep within Peter's originally amber pupils, a terrifying crimson blood-light suddenly erupted.
"Otherwise, no matter the cost, I will crush every bone in your body one by one!"
Terrifying monstrous strength crazily accumulated in his tensed muscle fibers; the surrounding air seemed to solidify because of this killing intent.
"Then listen up. Your parents' death wasn't my father's doing at all."
"The Spider Gene Project was the crown jewel for the Osborn Family, more precious than any asset."
"And your father was the only key to unlock that vault."
"Back then, my father's control over the group was waning, and a mysterious external force took advantage of the weakness, turning Osborn into a sieve."
The smile on Harry's face grew more ferocious, as if he were telling an absurd joke.
"HYDRA, this ancient shadow, is far longer and more powerful than your walnut-sized brain can imagine."
"Their obsession with the super soldier serum is bordering on pathological."
"The source of all this is thanks to Captain America Steve Rogers; it was he who dealt HYDRA an indelible, heavy blow."
"The fragmented serum formula Osborn got was just a stepping stone used to fool the Military into funding the partnership."
"Your father, as the core person in charge of the project, did indeed hide a trump card."
"But you have to use your brain—how could Osborn kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?"
"As long as your father was under control, whether through threats or inducements, that bottle of spider serum would have been coughed up sooner or later."
"From the perspective of commercial interest or legal risk, taking out the Parkers was the most idiotic, losing business for the Osborn Group."
"The only ones who truly coveted that thing and succeeded in planting a mole inside Osborn were HYDRA."
Chapter 89: Desperate Provocation and the Hidden Chess Piece
The sarcasm in Harry's eyes was almost overflowing.
If you kill my father now, you won't just fail to get your revenge; you'll become a joke for treating your enemy as your father.
The spider serum that your parents were willing to protect with their lives has been delivered by you, their "filial" son, right into the hands of their murderer.
If their spirits were watching from above and saw you working for HYDRA, I wonder if they'd crawl out of their graves in rage?
These words were like a bolt from the blue, leaving Peter Parker stunned and frozen in place, unable to move.
Harry slammed his foot down on the pedal, and the Green Goblin glider spewed blue flames, carrying him into the sky as he abandoned the pursuit.
Here's one more desperate fact for you.
In the eyes of those HYDRA lunatics, you, Peter Parker, are just a lab rat that can be sacrificed at any moment.
Your only value is as a living genetic container, a somewhat durable experimental consumable.
All the combat results you achieve will ultimately turn into cold data.
HYDRA will step over your bones to mass-produce countless terrifying genetic warriors and then go on to conquer this World.
The veins on Peter's forehead bulged like earthworms, and his teeth chattered as he ground them.
Harry, consider this round your win; you've successfully provoked my desire to kill.
But if you think I'm a brainless fool who would betray the organization and Dr. Connors based on a few words of provocation, then you'd better go home and keep dreaming!
Believe it or not, my old friend.
Harry looked down on him from above, his eyes filled with pity and mockery.
That man Ethan gave me the second perfect serum; do you think he was being merciful and wanted to help me get revenge?
Don't be naive; he just wants to use the fight between us to collect data on the most extreme genetic collisions.
I believe HYDRA has the same plan, treating you and me as the best living beta tests.
Once the seed of doubt is planted, it will take root and sprout in your heart; you can't lie to yourself.
I don't need to lift a finger to kill you now; hatred and suspicion will consume you sooner or later.
You will definitely look into the truth of what happened back then, you will definitely question Dr. Connors, and you might even dig into HYDRA's secrets.
When you start verifying my words, only endless slaughter will be waiting for you.
HYDRA will never let a test subject who knows too much leave alive.
They will capture you, slice you up for research, and drain every last drop of genetic value from you.
Harry left behind a trail of manic laughter, turning into a green streak of light that vanished into the horizon.
The wind whistled in his ears as the instructions he had just received echoed in Harry's mind.
It was the script Ethan had transmitted directly to him via Telepathy.
The data for the second stage of genetic Fusion has been collected, and the results are practically perfect.
The current mission is to drive Peter to a dead end and force him to actively enter the third stage of genetic Fusion.
This is the only chance Peter has to overcome HYDRA.
Otherwise, to eliminate potential threats, HYDRA will surely strike first and wipe out this uncontrollable pawn.
In truth, a fire burned deep within Harry; he wished he could tear Peter apart with his own hands.
But Ethan had promised that in the days to come, Peterwould live a life worse than death.
This brought more pleasure to Harry's twisted heart of revenge than simple physical destruction ever could.
Meanwhile, on the bustling streets of New York.
A tall, curvy beauty with a hot figure stopped in her tracks.
She pulled out her phone, the glow from the screen reflecting off her exquisite yet cold face.
The encrypted message from London was only a few lines long, but it revealed shocking information.
The battle between those two genetic monsters has come to an end.
There was no so-called winner; it was like a farce that had suddenly been paused.
The genetic war directed by the collaboration between HYDRA and the Ice Demon has concluded its first stage of field testing.
A trace of suppressed anger flashed in Psylocke's beautiful eyes.
At this moment, she carried the legendary sword in the stone on her back, standing alone on the unfamiliar streets of New York.
Previously, she had met her old acquaintance Storm at the Xaviers School for Gifted Youngsters.
The two had both been among the Four Horsemen under Apocalypse and knew each other well.
It was during that meeting that she learned Professor X Charles had died at the hands of Jean.
And that World-destroying Jean had ultimately fallen under Wolverine Logan's claws.
Familiar faces were vanishing one by one, as if the era were accelerating its turning of the page.
Walking through this city like a steel jungle, a sense of unprecedented confusion welled up in Psylocke's heart.
Since escaping Apocalypse's control and returning to London, she had unexpectedly gained the recognition of sword in the stone.
Not only did she ascend to the throne as the leader of the Knights of the Round Table, but she was also bestowed with the glorious title of Captain Britain.
But this wasn't the life Psylocke wanted at all.
The moment she grasped sword in the stone, it meant taking on a heavy burden.
The World today was even more suffocating and terrifying than when Apocalypse first resurrected.
The once-arrogant Mutant race was being gradually divided and dismantled by humans.
The emergence of that cure which could eliminate the x-gene seemed to toll the death knell for the era of Mutants.
The waters of the Osborn Group were definitely bottomless, hiding unspeakable secrets.
Psylocke's gaze was like a knife, staring intently at the distant Oscorp Tower.
But she didn't act rashly, because she knew who the Master of that tower was.
That legendary Ice Demon was also the true helmsman behind Osborn.
The British Royal Family had sent her to New York, originally wanting her to contact S.H.I.E.L.D. or the X-Mento form a group to crusade against this demon who profaned God.
But when she actually set foot on this land, what she saw was a different story.
Just a moment ago, a lethal ray from an unknown source flew past the tips of her hair.
If not for her battle-hardened crisis intuition, she would have long since turned into a pile of ashes scattered in the wind.
Even the powerful figure known as the Angel Holy Monkhad come to New York, only to die miserably at the hands of the Ice Demon.
Even that fearsome Count Dracula of the Vatican was so terrified that he fled overnight.
The list of heroes and legends who fell at the hands of the Ice Demon was long enough to wrap around the Earth.
Psylocke knew clearly in her heart that even with sword in the stone in hand, if she truly went head-to-head with that monster, she would just be delivering herself on a silver platter.
Her phone vibrated again, and a new top-secret instruction popped up.
Infiltrate Osborn, get a job as an employee, get close to the Ice Demon Ethan, gain his trust, and steal genetic technology.
Looking at these words, Psylocke was so angry she almost crushed her phone on the spot.
Didn't those old fogies in the Royal Family know that the monster had the ability to read minds?
This was simply sending her to her death!
Despite being full of resentment, Psylocke also knew her own trump cards.
The Telepathy hidden within her Mutant abilities had clearly been unearthed by the Royal Family's intelligence network.
Chapter 90: Psylocke Barges into Oscorp Tower
Back then, Apocalypse not only developed her physical potential but also strengthened her Mental Energy.
This was one of the reasons why her combat power was among the top tier of Mutants.
In the battle where Apocalypse attempted to capture Professor X, she was bestowed with powerful Telepathic Defense techniques.
That defense mechanism was comparable to Magneto's helmet, which could block all prying eyes.
Speaking of that helmet, it seemed to have gone missing again recently.
Rumor has it that it was stolen by a mole within the Brotherhood of Mutants.
Psylocke took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to turn around and leave New York.
Her exquisite figure traced an elegant arc at the street corner as she walked straight toward Oscorp Tower.
As soon as she stepped into the luxurious lobby of the Osborn Group, the fully armed Psylocke was stopped by security personnel.
"Go tell your Vice President Raven that Psylocke is here to visit."
Psylocke stood at the front desk with her arms crossed, her tone cold but carrying an unquestionable authority.
It was no longer a secret in Mutant circles that Raven had transformed into an executive at Osborn.
However, not many people truly knew that Raven had completely sided with the Ice Demon.
Only those powers standing at the top of the pyramid possessed this core intelligence.
Furthermore, these powers were tight-lipped, fearing that a leak would provoke that malignant star.
After all, being targeted by a monster of the Ice Demon's level was no different from being marked by the God of Death.
At this moment, in the top-floor office, Raven was reviewing documents.
The Military had already relented, agreeing to the new proposal submitted by Osborn.
They would send three elite soldiers with wills of steel to serve as the first batch of guinea pigs for Genetic Modification.
Hearing the report from the front desk, Raven raised an eyebrow.
A beauty named Psylocke had come looking for her with a longsword on her back?
Raven naturally knew the weight of this old comrade-in-arms.
One of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse, a master of Telepathy, and someone who could manifest Mental Energy into deadly weapons.
Her combat power was off the charts; even Beast Hankhad been beaten senseless by her back then.
Not to mention she now had the blessing of sword in the stone; her strength was likely far beyond what it used to be.
More importantly, Raven remembered that when she was "sparring" with Ethan, she had transformed into Psylocke's appearance.
At that time, Ethan's reaction was very subtle; he clearly had a soft spot for this exotic war goddess.
Raven remembered that excitement of his very clearly.
Now that the real person had actually delivered herself to the door, this drama was getting interesting.
As for what Psylocke was planning, Raven could probably guess most of it.
The success of the Genetic Serum was like a piece of bloody meat, attracting the greedy eyes of government departments worldwide.
"Sandy, go downstairs and invite Ms. Psylocke up."
Raven pressed the communicator on the desk, her tone calm.
"Psylocke? Is it the Psylocke I know?"
Sandy Brandenbourg hesitated for a moment on the other end of the communicator.
"Yes, it's her, in the flesh."
Sandy was suddenly a bit dazed.
Are the paths of superheroes nowadays so wild?
Without any disguise, she just swaggered right to the door?
Shouldn't she be in Britain being their national idol? Why did she come to New York to join the fray?
Could she also be here for the Genetic Soldier project?
The news that Osborn had developed a Perfect Serum had already spread like wildfire within the high levels of the U.S. Military.
Never underestimate the infiltration capabilities of intelligence agencies; to get information, they would use any underhanded means possible.
A few minutes later, the elevator doors opened.
"You look very familiar."
Psylocke's gaze was like a torch as she sized up Sandy, who was leading the way.
As a Senior in the Mutant world, Psylocke had experienced transformation by Apocalypse, the blessing of sword in the stone, and even the bizarre experience of a Soul swap.
Time had left no trace on her face; thirty years had passed, and she was still as beautiful as ever.
"I used to spend some time in X-Force."
Sandy kept her posture very low, with a professional smile on her face.
She had self-awareness; even if ten of her were tied together, they wouldn't be enough to take on one hand of the woman before her.
This was an existence at the ceiling level of female Mutantcombat power.
"One of Deadpool Wade's subordinates, that madman?"
Psylocke frowned slightly, seemingly having no good impression of that chatterbox.
"Not entirely... forget it, you can understand it however you like."
Sandy didn't want to waste her breath explaining the complex relationships involved.
Anyway, why fear her? No matter how strong this woman was, wouldn't she eventually have to obediently crawl onto the boss's bed?
"This company looks decent. Do you mind if I ask a question?"
Psylocke's voice was steady and pleasant, with a natural magnetic quality.
Sandy looked back and smiled, appearing exceptionally bright: "Sister Psylocke, feel free to ask. I will definitely tell you everything I know."
"What kind of magic does that Ice Demon have that makes all of you abandon your dignity and willingly serve as his slaves?"
Psylocke's words were barbed, her mockery undisguised.
If the royal family hadn't forced her to come, she wouldn't want to have any intersection with that so-called Ice Demon in her life.
Although she wasn't a believer, she had always disliked fellows who proclaimed themselves as gods.
In ancient times, Apocalypse also called himself a god; he was the first Mutant on Earth, and his power was indeed terrifyingly immense.
Unfortunately, he encountered the cheating Phoenix and was beaten into a daze.
In a one-on-one fight, Phoenix might not have been able to kill Apocalypse; his power might even have been absorbed back.
But in Psylocke's eyes, although the Ice Demon was strong, he was probably still a notch below Apocalypse, who possessed thousands of abilities.
She had personally seen Ethan release Heat Visions, and the power was indeed startling.
But that wasn't enough to become her nightmare.
So she was curious, what was this female Mutant before her after?
"Mr. Hao isn't as bad as you imagine. Aside from the commotion being a bit loud every time he fights, he's actually quite a good person in private."
A faint blush appeared on Sandy's pretty face, her eyes dreamy.
"He respects women, is generous with money, and gives us enough dignity."
"The kind of compromise you're talking about simply doesn't exist. That's why we're willing to stay."
Psylocke's brow furrowed, as she thought of Ethan's Mind Control abilities.
Could this girl have already been brainwashed and charmed?
Demons are best at toying with people's hearts; Psylockehad dealt with such filthy things many times before.
However, this kind of mental charm was completely ineffective against her, who possessed top-tier Telepathic Defense.
"In my view, selling one's Soul to a demon is utter corruption."
Having been Captain Britain for so many years, the pride in Psylocke's bones had long been etched into her DNA.
Sandy sneered and retorted unceremoniously, "Sister Psylocke was one of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypseback then, too."
"If the intelligence is correct, you were willing to be Apocalypse's lackey in pursuit of power and almost slaughtered all of us."
Faced with this sarcasm that exposed her past, Psylocke's heart remained unruffled.
"Apocalypse is the god of us Mutants. Whether you agree with his philosophy or not, his strength is an objective fact."
Psylocke's tone was firm and beyond doubt.
Sandy immediately shot back, "If Apocalypse dared to appear before Mr. Hao, I bet the one who would die in the end would definitely be that blue-skinned freak."
In her heart, Ethan was no longer the terrifying powerhouse who had once threatened them.
He was her man, her reliance.
Chapter 91: Captain Britain Defects to Osborn
The sense of security he brought, along with that Soul-shuddering pleasure, was something no one else could provide.
Besides, Ethan gave far too much; that astronomical wealth was enough for her to live in luxury for the rest of her life without lifting a finger.
Before, for the sake of those meager commissions from the Vlad Family, she had to risk her life in the Vatican.
And now? She only needed to enjoy the air conditioning at the company to earn money she couldn't even dream of back when she was risking her life.
What did they give in return? Labor?
Don't be ridiculous; it was enjoying the favor of the Ice Demon and experiencing the ultimate bliss of life.
"Hearing you hype him up like that makes me even more interested in that Mr. Hao."
Psylocke didn't argue with Sandy further; a small fry of this level wasn't worth getting worked up over.
Her true opponent was Mystique Raven, who was sitting inside.
She heard that Raven had been injected with Cure and had become an ordinary person.
But Psylocke didn't dare show the slightest contempt; this was the Ancestral Master of the Agent world.
Moreover, Osborn's Genetic Serums were so Heaven-Defying that once Raven was injected, she would become a super soldier in minutes.
With the combat data of those two monsters in Londonright there, why did the Royal Family insist on sending her, their'Sword,' here?
Wasn't it all for that damn super soldier serum?
"Should I call you Psylocke, or Captain Britain, or perhaps Miss Elizabeth 'Betsy' Braddock?"
Raven sat behind the large mahogany desk, her aura fully unleashed.
The luxurious office layout was somehow made to look like a queen's coronation by her presence.
"Just call me Psylocke."
Psylocke responded in a deep voice, her gaze sharp as lightning.
"Then let's get straight to the point, Psylocke. What exactly do you want, coming all this way to Osborn?"
Raven cut straight to the chase, not beating around the bush at all.
She wasn't worried at all that Psylocke would suddenly lash out.
As long as Psylocke dared to move even a single finger, Ethan would notice instantly.
That man would never allow his woman to suffer the slightest harm.
"If I said I wanted to jump ship and join Osborn, I wonder if Mr. Hao would dare to take me in?"
Psylocke didn't bother with nonsense either and laid her cards on the table.
"The reason? You are the sharpest sword of the British Empire."
The corners of Raven's mouth curled slightly as she scanned Psylocke with a playful look.
Looking at that incredibly hot figure, Raven sighed inwardly: She really is the type that pervert likes.
No wonder that guy had such a big reaction when she transformed back then.
The exotic beauty in front of her even made Raven, as a woman, feel a stir of attraction, let alone those stinking men.
Of course, this was also one of the boss's pre-ordered collectibles.
"If humans win, is there still a future for Mutants?"
Psylocke had prepared her speech long ago, and every word was true.
"Besides, you know that the arrogant Knights of the Round Table don't like being bossed around by a woman, especially one who isn't 'pure'."
"The way Mortals look at Mutants now is even more disgusting than when Magneto was causing trouble."
"In their eyes, Mutants are like a contagious disease, more nauseating than mental illness."
"I've heard rumors that the Royal Family plans to inject me with the cure to turn me into a complete Mortal."
Psylocke's tone was cold, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
If there was any exaggeration in these words, it was at most twenty percent.
However, with a figure as prominent as Captain Britaincoming to defect during such a sensitive time, Raven had to be cautious.
"It seems telling Erik about that boy's whereabouts was a mistake; the era of Mutants is indeed coming to an end."
Raven sighed, her expression complex.
"Erik escaped from prison; you should know that news by now, right?"
Psylocke asked in return.
"I've left him a long time ago. I'm doing quite well at Osborn now and don't want to get involved in his mess anymore."
Raven replied resolutely.
A storm of shock rose in Psylocke's heart.
Who was Raven? She was a warrior who had fought for the Mutant cause her whole life.
Even an Iron Lady with such firm convictions that she could set off alarms during a security check was willing to work for the Ice Demon.
Just how terrifying was that man's charm?
"Once the cure is released, it's the end for Mutants. I left the Royal Family because I didn't want to become a tool for the government to hunt down my own kind."
Psylocke unstrapped the longsword from her back and held it out with both hands to Raven.
"This is sword in the stone. I brought it out with me. This should finally prove my sincerity, shouldn't it?"
Raven reached out to take it, but as her fingertips touched the hilt, a strange force instantly repelled her.
Her hand jerked back as if she'd received an electric shock.
"This sword recognizes its master. Unless you are the chosen one, it will reject anyone who touches it."
Psylocke explained, her gaze remaining indifferent.
"So this is the legendary sword in the stone; it certainly has some tricks."
Raven shook her numbed hand and flashed a professional smile: "Welcome to the Osborn Group."
Psylocke grasped Raven's outstretched hand; the touch was slightly cool.
"When can I see Mr. Hao? I came here seeking asylum and don't want to be watched by other factions like flies."
Psylocke made her request directly.
"When he wants to see you, you will naturally see him."
Raven smiled enigmatically, a hint of oddness in her eyes.
"Don't worry, he has actually already'seen' you."
Raven withdrew her hand, and the look in her eyes made Psylocke feel uneasy.
Thinking of Raven's shapeshifting abilities, Psylocke's expression changed slightly.
But on second thought, this woman had lost her superpowers and shouldn't be able to cause much trouble.
"Sandy will arrange everything. For now, report to the security department. Until the boss returns, follow all orders."
Raven's words revealed a key piece of information: the Ice Demon was not in New York.
As for where he was, Raven would never say.
Psylocke was secretly pleased; although she hadn't met the man himself, this was the best time to investigate the Osborn Group.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Earth.
Ethan strolled through the swirling snow, the Siberian winds cutting like knives.
But to him, it was as comfortable as returning to a warm home.
The bone-chilling frost aura instead felt incredibly familiar and welcoming.
He left New York because he wanted to personally witness the craziest drama of a master and disciple turning against each other.
How could such a brilliant play proceed without him as an audience member?
The roar of propellers broke the silence as a black helicopter hovered in the snowstorm.
Harry Osborn, wearing his full Green Goblin armor, leaped down and landed steadily on the snow-covered mountain peak.
The two stood side by side without speaking, quietly watching the cluster of buildings hidden in the forest at the foot of the mountain.
With their extraordinary vision, they could clearly see that the buildings were actually armed-to-the-teeth war fortresses.
Any intruder who dared to approach even half a step would be riddled with holes in an instant.
"Peter has already come here from London? Are you sure this is HYDRA's lair?"
Harry's voice came through the armor's loudspeaker, carrying a metallic quality.
"This is one of HYDRA's most important core military bases."
Chapter 92: Peter Forcibly Injects the Tier 3 Serum
Ethan's tone was flat, as if he were speaking of an insignificant matter.
The roar of a helicopter sounded again, and a strand of spider silk shot out from the cabin.
Peter Parker swung down on the spider silk, nimbly leaping and weaving across the tops of those Bunkers.
Strangely, those heavily guarded Agents didn't fire; they didn't even raise their muzzles.
Clearly, Peter had extremely high clearance in this Base.
"Is this the falling out you mentioned? It looks like he's coming home to me."
Harry's tone was displeased, sounding somewhat restless.
"I thought that after those fierce battles in London, you would have matured a bit."
Ethan glanced at him, his voice carrying a hint of a lecturing tone.
"It seems that although the Green Goblin persona is gone, that irritable streak is still fused into your very bones."
"I just simply want to kill him, the sooner the better."
Harry replied coldly.
"From the moment he stepped into that Base and returned to the laboratory, the current you could no longer beat him."
Ethan's gaze was like a torch, his vision seemingly able to penetrate the thick reinforced concrete.
"He's already prepared to inject the third Genetic Serum, attempting to find a way to perfectly perform a Fusion of the spider and lizard genes."
"Alright, Peter has gone in. It'll be dark soon."
Ethan pointed to the cluster of Bunkers below.
"I have a task for you: kill all these HYDRA Agents on the surface without alerting the people in the underground lab."
"Why should I follow your orders?"
Harry suppressed the anger in his heart, his tone stiff.
"If you don't want to become an ice sculpture in this snow, feel free to try refusing."
Ethan's voice carried no warmth.
Harry fell silent instantly, a chill running up his spine beneath his armor.
"Don't worry, I guarantee these scumbags won't even get a chance to pull a trigger or sound an alarm."
Harry pressed a button on his wrist, and the coating on the Green Goblin armor instantly changed.
The original dark green turned into a deep black, like a ghost in the dark night.
"Quite a nice toy."
Ethan offered a rare compliment.
"Hmph!"
Harry snorted coldly and leaped down on his Glider, carving a trail of death across the snow.
"You're really a headache, Natasha."
Ethan looked at the snowstorm in the distance and sighed helplessly.
"Instead of going to the Red Room to catch up with your old friend, you just had to come to this godforsaken place to seek death."
He and Black Widow were currently having a bit of a tiff.
This woman just can't get her priorities straight, always treating everything as a mission to be executed.
Can't she consider her own life for once?
Well, great. She played the undercover game too hard and got caught.
Although Ethan knew this was Natasha's Self-injury Ruse, with her meager Mortal combat strength, how could she possibly contend with Dr. Connors' genetic monsters?
Regardless, this filthy Base must be wiped off the map today.
Ethan used to think about relying on Genetic Serums to strengthen his Physical Body.
But ever since he had an Awakening of his Kryptonian Bloodline, he had long looked down on such low-level things.
Close-quarters combat, which used to be a weakness, had now become his most terrifying trump card.
Below, Harry Osborn, clad in black armor, was performing a silent massacre.
A few Miniature Pulse Bombs were accurately tossed into the Bunkers, instantly paralyzing the internal communication Systems without affecting other buildings.
The High-frequency Vibration Blades popping out from his arms were like the God of Death's scythe; wherever they passed, no Agent was left in one piece.
Moments later, having cleared the grunts, the Green Goblin circled low around the Bunkers on his Glider, scanning the underground structure.
Ethan nodded slightly; Harry had indeed grown a lot, both in his methods and his Heart-Nature.
He tapped his toes lightly and shot out like a cannonball, instantly hovering in front of the Green Goblin.
"Found the underground entrance?"
Ethan asked.
"The lab is hundreds of meters underground. If HYDRAgoes crazy and triggers the Self-destruct Sequence, the collapse of the snowy mountain above could bury us alive."
Harry's voice held a hint of manic excitement.
"Correction: you would be buried alive, not me."
Ethan smiled, a very relaxed smile.
"You think a mere few hundred meters of cave-in could kill me?"
"You know nothing of true power."
Harry was stunned for a moment, then fell silent.
Indeed, to kill the Ice Demon before him, a physical attack of this level was simply a joke.
"Lead the way."
Ethan chuckled.
Meanwhile, inside the laboratory buried deep underground.
Peter Parker walked through the corridor expressionlessly, as the surrounding HYDRA members cast looks of awe and fear.
Here, the Law of the jungle was the only Law of survival.
Dr. Connors was focused intently on a cell sample under the microscope when he seemed to sense something and looked up abruptly.
"You look like you're in a foul mood?"
Dr. Connors pushed up his glasses, somewhat puzzled.
"Professor, Osborn has already mastered Tier 2 Genetic Technology and has already used it on Harry."
Peter's voice was as cold as ice shards.
Dr. Connors was stunned, then fell into deep thought.
"Impossible. Osborn's technological accumulation definitely hasn't reached that level."
The Dr. had been monitoring Harry and Peter's movements; this was also the greatest doubt in his heart.
"You and I both know what an empty shell Osborn is."
"If you hadn't provided the Core Equations back then, they wouldn't have even touched the surface of the lizard serum."
"Furthermore, the lizard serum has a fatal flaw: it causes one's humanity to gradually become bestial."
Dr. Connors tried to explain the research difficulties of those years to Peter, but Peter clearly had no interest in listening to such academic nonsense.
His mind was filled with Harry's heart-piercing words from earlier.
Especially the claim that Gwen was just one of Ethan's many women, which gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake.
That Ethan had finally revealed his ugly face.
Peter knew Ethan could fight and was skilled in a strange water-controlling Spell, but he didn't know that this was the legendary Ice Demon.
After all, he and the Dr. had left New York too early and missed a lot of key intelligence.
In his view, Ethan was just a lucky person who had been injected with a Genetic Serum, or perhaps some kind of Mutant.
Dr. Connors continued his analysis: "Our technological Breakthrough was purely a flash of inspiration because we had the unique key of the spider gene."
"Even if Osborn replicated the experiment, without this key, they could never open that door."
"Unless... they really reverse-engineered the spider gene to crack the genetic lock."
Peter snapped back to his senses, his mind racing.
"My father's briefcase is in my hands; Aunt Mei knows nothing about the notebook."
"If they really made a Breakthrough, there's only one explanation."
"They cracked the underlying logic of the spider gene and truly mastered that key."
Peter said decisively, his expression turning incredibly solemn.
"Professor Connors, I want to undergo the third Human Genetic Experiment right now."
Dr. Connors' face changed drastically: "Peter, are you crazy? The Tier 3 Synthetic Serum isn't stable yet; injecting it now is gambling with your life!"