[Marvel : Mutant God] Chapter 106 - 110

Chapter 106: Skye is Captured

Richard found himself particularly intrigued by Sersi's abilities compared to the powers possessed by Ajak, Druig, and the other Eternals.

Partly, this stemmed from already having similar X-gene mutant powers to those wielded by Ajak and Druig. More significantly, matter transmutation represented an ability with extraordinary potential. Despite its limitation of requiring physical contact, the advantages far outweighed this drawback.

In truth, this ability's potential rivaled even Dark Phoenix's matter manipulation. With sufficient energy, matter transmutation could theoretically eliminate even Celestials.

After killing Dark Phoenix, Richard had plundered her Omega-level matter manipulation. However, Phoenix's power merely rearranged matter without altering its fundamental properties. Even when breaking targets down to their atomic components, the elemental nature remained unchanged.

Sersi's ability operated on an entirely different principle. Her matter transmutation could freely manipulate atoms, molecules, and ions, breaking existing structures and recombining them into desired forms. In essence, this power touched upon the fundamental laws governing reality.

Reviewing the system's information about his newly acquired ability, Richard smiled with satisfaction. He closed the information panel and returned Yamato to his system space.

Teleportation!

Without hesitation, he vanished from the museum. The moment he departed, Dane Whitman and the other patrons instantly regained consciousness.

Where's Sersi?

When Dane discovered that Sersi—who had been sitting directly across from him just moments ago—had vanished without a trace, confusion overtook his expression. He instinctively scanned his surroundings.

As he searched bewilderedly, exclamations erupted from nearby visitors who had noticed the floor transformed into a swamp-like morass by Sersi's powers.

Looking toward the commotion, Dane also observed the transmuted ground. Realization dawned immediately, and he hurried downstairs.

London

West End Apartment

Sprite—appearing to be an elementary school student despite being over 7,000 years old—lounged on the living room sofa, contemplating whether to visit a nearby bar that evening to find an attractive man for conversation.

Though she had maintained this youthful appearance on Earth for millennia, watching Sersi and Dane Whitman's romantic interactions increasingly irritated her.

We're on the same team, so why am I the only one stuck with a child's appearance? I'm an adult! I want to find a man and fall in love! I want to be a real adult and engage in adult activities!

As Sprite sighed over these frustrations, Richard materialized in her living room like an apparition.

Richard Wesley?

Recognizing him instantly, Sprite bolted upright. Before she could speak, Richard unleashed a powerful gust that coalesced into an invisible, razor-sharp wind blade.

The wind blade sliced cleanly across Sprite's throat, ending her life instantly. Though it had severed vital structures, her head remained attached to her body. Apart from a vivid crimson line marking her neck, she appeared physically intact.

Her expression remained frozen in the moment before death as her skin rapidly darkened.

Plunder.

Richard immediately activated his ability.

[Gain new abilities: Illusions Creation, Immortality, Manipulate Cosmic Energy]
[Identical ability types detected, fusion initiated!]
[Immortality, Cosmic Energy Control strengthened!]
[Illusions Creation: Generate realistic illusions to confuse enemies or manipulate created illusions]

After absorbing Sprite's powers, Richard approached her collapsing body. He raised his right hand and touched her shoulder.

Matter Transmutation!

Rather than employing matter decomposition, he utilized the ability he had just acquired from Sersi. Under his focused intent, Sprite's body instantly transformed into air and vanished completely.

It functions similarly to matter decomposition, but with greater speed!

Richard noted this distinction with interest.

Having dealt with Sprite's remains, he teleported directly to the Thames—specifically, to a location near Tower Bridge. Upon arrival, he employed his newly acquired "Illusions Creation" ability to transform his flowing silver hair into a short black style.

Finding a café with a clear view of Tower Bridge, he ordered coffee and took a window seat.

[Mission content: Kill all Eternal members on Earth, current progress: 9/10]

After checking his mission status, Richard began contemplating where to locate Ikaris—the final target, often compared to a weakened version of Superman.

Though he hadn't extracted memories from Sersi or Sprite, he had learned from Ajak's mind that Ikaris had separated from Sersi five centuries ago, subsequently adopting a nomadic lifestyle with no fixed residence.

Unlike the other Eternals, whose general locations were known, Ikaris's whereabouts remained a complete mystery. Not even Sersi or the others could have predicted his location.

After consideration, Richard decided to search Alaska. He distinctly recalled that Ikaris had taken Ajak there, pushed her from a cliff, and allowed recently freed Deviants to kill her. Though uncertain whether the Deviants remained imprisoned in Alaska, investigating the location seemed worth the minimal time investment.

Decision made, Richard temporarily shelved his search for Ikaris. He savored his coffee while admiring the distant Tower Bridge.

Just as he prepared to finish his drink and depart for Alaska, his cell phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he frowned slightly at the caller's identity.

Black Rook Bud.

Though uncertain why the operative would contact him suddenly, Richard answered without hesitation.

"Sir," Black Rook Bud's voice came through immediately, "you instructed me to monitor Skye, the Rising Tide hacker. We've encountered a complication."

"What's happened?" Richard inquired.

"She hacked the New York base's database."

Hearing this, Richard responded with measured calm. "I presume you're about to tell me she's discovered I control the Club, and that I ordered her investigation?"

Black Rook Bud confirmed without hesitation. "Yes, sir. However, we've contained her. Your information shouldn't have been compromised further—"

Before he could finish, a young woman's angry voice interrupted.

"I'm warning you—release me immediately! Otherwise, tomorrow the whole world will know about your connection!"

Though Richard had never met Skye, he recognized the voice must belong to her.

"Where are you now? The New York base?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. We're currently at the New York facility," Black Rook Bud confirmed.

"Understood. I'll be there momentarily."

Richard ended the call without waiting for a response. Leaving the café, he immediately initiated teleportation.

After executing nine consecutive jumps, he returned from London to the Hellfire Club's New York headquarters. Upon arrival, he found a restrained Skye and a visibly troubled Black Rook Bud.

The operative approached quickly. "My negligence, sir. I promise to handle this cleanly. No information about you or the organization will leak."

"This isn't your concern. Leave us," Richard instructed. "I'll manage the situation."

"As you wish, sir," Black Rook Bud replied after brief hesitation before exiting the room.

Once alone with Skye, Richard settled onto the sofa opposite her. As portrayed in the television series, this universe's Skye possessed distinctly Chinese features—black hair and dark eyes.

After observing her briefly, Richard used his matter manipulation to dissolve the ropes binding her.

"I need you to locate someone," he stated directly. "Find this person, and I'll release you. Whatever information you discovered in our database—you can do as you please with it."

"Who are you looking for?" Skye asked warily, flexing her newly freed hands to restore circulation.

"A man called Ikaris," Richard replied. "He may be using aliases."

As he spoke, Richard retrieved paper and pen from his system space and began sketching before Skye. Within seconds, he produced a detailed rendering of Ikaris.

He utilized a mutant ability called "Precision Drawing" that he had acquired in the past.

[Precision Drawing: Rapidly and accurately reproduce mental images or witnessed scenes]

This typically unremarkable ability occasionally proved invaluable—like now.

After completing the detailed sketch of Ikaris, Richard handed it to Skye.

"You have three days," he informed her.

Three days?

Skye examined the sketch before responding with undisguised confidence. "Don't underestimate me. I only need one day!"

Though Richard had provided merely a pencil drawing, its detail and accuracy rivaled a black-and-white photograph. If she couldn't locate Ikaris within twenty-four hours, she would be unworthy of her reputation as the Rising Tide's premier hacker.

"If you succeed within one day," Richard countered, "I'll not only release you—I'll provide information about your parents."

Chapter 107: Second Template, Zombie Universe

Information about my parents?

Hearing Richard's offer, the disdain on Skye's face immediately transformed into astonishment. Her surprise wasn't that Richard knew she sought information about her parents—given his thorough investigation, that seemed reasonable. What stunned her was that he apparently possessed the knowledge she had spent years pursuing.

"Where are my parents?" she demanded, unable to contain her excitement. "How did you find them?"

"There's no such thing as a free lunch," Richard replied with practiced calm. "As I said, locate Ikaris within twenty-four hours, and I'll share what I know about your parents. If you want their whereabouts, find Ikaris first."

Unlike Skye's visible agitation, Richard maintained perfect composure. Though he hadn't accessed S.H.I.E.L.D.'s files directly, Black Rook Bud's comprehensive investigation had revealed that Skye's parents were Calvin Zabo and Jiaying. Thus far, her life had followed the exact path portrayed in the television series—except for her recruitment by Coulson.

"You'd better not be lying," Skye warned, her brow furrowing. "Otherwise, I'll ensure the entire world learns about your connection to the Hellfire Club."

"I never joke about such matters," Richard stated flatly. "If you require equipment, inform Bud." He rose from his seat. "Remember, you have only twenty-four hours."

Without waiting for her response, Richard teleported away, instantly vanishing from Skye's sight and returning to Silver Manor.

Upon arrival, he first checked on Clarice, whose condition remained stable though not yet optimal. Afterward, he escorted Emma Frost to the bedroom for another tacit "debate on the origin of life."

The following day at noon, after enjoying a traditional Chinese meal at the manor, Richard teleported to the Hellfire Club's New York headquarters. He found Skye asleep on the living room sofa.

The room had transformed dramatically since yesterday—descending into organized chaos. The table overflowed with electronic equipment—computer towers, monitors, and various devices connected by cables scattered across the floor.

Richard observed her briefly as she slept. Skye represented a standard definition of beauty—not stunningly gorgeous but undeniably pretty. If she had any shortcoming, it might be her modest physique. Standing 167 centimeters tall and weighing 49 kilograms, her build was average rather than exceptional.

Telepathy!

Rather than speaking to wake her, Richard opted for his telepathic abilities, choosing a gentler method of rousing her from sleep. Though he could have simply called out, telepathy offered a less jarring transition to consciousness.

Skye stirred quickly, blinking away sleep as she registered Richard's presence with hazy eyes.

"Time's up," he announced simply.

Hearing this, Skye reached for a tablet on the table, checked something on its screen, then tossed it toward Richard.

"He's currently in Paris," she reported. "Using the alias Richard Mack. Staying at the Best Western M-Treize Hotel in Asnières, near Gare des Asnières." Her expression shifted to intense focus. "Now, where's the information about my parents?"

"Your father's name is Calvin Zabo, and your mother's name is Jiaying," Richard stated matter-of-factly. "I don't know their current location. A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent brought you to the United States. The foster families you stayed with were arranged by S.H.I.E.L.D. If you want more details, you'll need to hack their database."

S.H.I.E.L.D.?

Skye frowned immediately. Despite extensive investigation into her past, she hadn't yet discovered S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement. The revelation that S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had transported her to America was entirely new information.

"Are you really letting me go?" she asked, skepticism evident in her tone.

"I honor my commitments," Richard assured her. "Of course, if you prefer to stay, that option exists. I could make an unprecedented exception and admit you to the Hellfire Club, which traditionally only recruits mutants."

Richard wouldn't deny a certain interest in Skye. However, having experienced Emma Frost's attentions the previous night, his baser instincts remained temporarily satiated.

"I don't want to join the Hellfire Club!" Skye declared emphatically. She stood and moved toward the exit.

After several steps, Richard's voice halted her progress.

"I suggest freshening up before departing," he advised. "Though you're attractive, proceeding without basic hygiene seems inadvisable."

Skye had expected Richard might renege on their agreement and detain her—a hacker of her caliber represented significant value. Instead, his comment about her hygiene caught her completely off-guard.

"You're the unhygienic one!" she retorted, turning to glare at him with undisguised irritation.

Richard ignored her outburst, extracting the Cosmic Cube from his system space. Before Skye's astonished gaze, he generated a spatial portal to Paris. Thunderclouds and lightning crackled around the gateway's perimeter as it stabilized.

When the portal fully materialized, Richard stepped through without hesitation. In the next instant, both he and the dimensional doorway vanished from Skye's sight.

Paris

Asnières Station

Emerging from the spatial portal, Richard immediately deployed his telepathic abilities. With minimal effort, he detected Ikaris's distinctive mental signature. Having pinpointed his target, Richard teleported to a park several kilometers away.

Ikaris sat alone on a bench, observing passersby with evident boredom. Since his separation from Sersi, he had wandered the world aimlessly. Though such an existence proved monotonous, he had long since acclimated to this lifestyle.

Just as he contemplated which city to visit next, Richard materialized before him from empty air.

Richard Wesley?

Ikaris recognized him instantly, his brow furrowing slightly. Though they had never met personally, Ikaris had seen numerous reports and news coverage about Richard over the past six months.

Richard disregarded Ikaris's scrutiny, speaking with deliberate calm: "I've eliminated Ajak and Sersi. You are the last Eternal remaining on Earth. I hope you'll provide more challenge than they did."

What?

Ikaris's expression registered shock at this pronouncement. Though he couldn't verify Richard's claim, one thing became immediately clear—this wasn't a social visit.

As Richard spoke, he summoned the Masamune from his system space. Seeing the legendary blade materialize in Richard's grip, Ikaris reacted without hesitation. His eyes ignited with golden energy as he unleashed his heat vision toward Richard.

Though different in color and less extreme in temperature than some variants, the energy beams projected from his eyes were unmistakably heat rays. They crossed the distance to Richard in an instant.

Just before the golden beams made contact, Richard activated his own Alpha-level heat vision. Unlike Ikaris's golden energy, Richard's heat rays manifested as intense crimson beams.

Sizzle... Sizzle...

The red thermal beams fired by Richard perfectly intercepted Ikaris's golden rays. Their collision generated a crackling sound reminiscent of electrical discharge.

Though Ikaris had initiated the attack, he gained no advantage. Worse, his golden energy beams rapidly lost ground against Richard's crimson onslaught.

Since ancient times, the left side has always lost!

If this were a film, Ikaris would indeed occupy the left side of the screen. However, even without this cinematic trope, his golden heat rays stood no chance against Richard's red beams.

Within the Eternals team, Ikaris represented their most formidable combatant. Yet compared to Richard, a significant power disparity remained evident.

After mere seconds, Richard's crimson energy pressed to within half a meter of Ikaris's face. Recognizing his disadvantage in the beam struggle, Ikaris wisely abandoned the contest, preparing to utilize his flight ability to create distance.

At that precise moment, Richard swung Masamune with practiced precision.

Judgment Cut End!

Richard employed neither the more devastating Fully Stylish Judgment Cut End nor a continuous barrage—simply the standard technique sufficed. As Yamato sliced through the air, space itself distorted around Ikaris.

In the next instant, six or seven crescent-shaped spatial slashes converged on him from multiple angles.

Chi-chi-chi-chi-chi-chi...

Without any opportunity for evasion, Ikaris—poised for flight—was instantly dismembered by the dimensional blades, his body reduced to dozens of fragments of varying sizes.

Plunder!

After dispatching Ikaris with Judgment Cut End, Richard immediately ceased his heat vision and activated Plunder.

[Gain new abilities: Heat Vision, Flight, Super Strength, Super Speed, Enhanced Durability, Immortality, Manipulation of Cosmic Energy]
[Identical ability types detected, fusion initiated!]
[Super Strength, Super Speed, Immortality, and Manipulation of Cosmic Energy enhanced!]

Ikaris truly deserved his reputation as the most formidable member of the Eternals. While his teammates typically possessed one or two specialized abilities, Ikaris commanded an impressive arsenal of powers.

Even disregarding the immortality and cosmic energy manipulation common to all Eternals, he still wielded four distinct abilities. Though his strength couldn't match Gilgamesh's raw power, and his speed fell short of Makkari's velocity, both attributes far exceeded human limitations.

As Richard prepared to decompose Ikaris's remains using matter manipulation, a notification appeared before him:

[Mission "Superboy-Prime" has been completed!]
[The mission reward Kryptonian Physique (Superboy-Prime) has been delivered!]
[Second Template: Superboy-Prime Template Awakens!]
[Host awakens the second template, system updated!]
[System update completed!]
[Template content updated!]
[World Travel opened!]
[First Template: Sephiroth (Fusion Degree 65%)]
[Second Template: Superboy-Prime (Fusion Degree 5%)]
[World Travel: 1 (number of challenges)]

The second template awakens? World Travel function?

Richard stared at the system information with undisguised surprise. Though the mission reward had specified Superboy-Prime's Kryptonian physique, he hadn't anticipated awakening the complete template. He had assumed his second template would be Vergil, given his mastery of Yamato, Phantom Sword, Judgment Cut End, and True Demon Form.

His prediction had proven incorrect. Though momentarily surprised, he quickly regained his composure.

Matter decomposition!

After reducing Ikaris's body to its component atoms, Richard teleported away from the park under the curious stares of onlookers. He reappeared on a nearby rooftop, where he examined the World Travel function description in detail.

[World Travel: Travel randomly to other worlds and return after completing the corresponding challenges. The time flow rate ratio between other worlds and this world is 100:1]

[PS: Please use this function with caution. Except for template skills, other extraordinary abilities will be strengthened, weakened, or unusable depending on the world you are in.]

While characteristically brief, the system's explanation provided sufficient information to understand the World Travel function.

In the Marvel Universe, parallel realities were commonplace. However, the World Travel feature clearly transcended simple parallel universes; otherwise, the system wouldn't have included specific cautionary notes about ability compatibility.

Though uncertain which worlds the system might direct him toward, Richard found himself intrigued by this new capability. His only complaint was the randomized destination—foreknowledge would have been preferable. Traveling blindly to unknown worlds resembled opening a mystery box with potentially dangerous contents.

Dismissing the information panel, he extracted the Cosmic Cube from his system space and generated a portal back to Silver Manor.

One week later.

Silver Manor Training Ground

After seven days of contemplation, Richard decided to explore the newly unlocked World Travel function. Though numerous tasks remained in his current universe—eliminating Captain Marvel, Thanos, Ego, and Kang the Conqueror, or perhaps Conquering Wakanda for its vibranium—these objectives held less immediate appeal than interdimensional travel.

According to the system, time flowed at a ratio of 100:1 between alternate worlds and his current reality. This meant that 100 days in another dimension would equate to merely one day here. Even if a challenge required decades to complete, only months would pass in this world.

With luck, he might return before the day ended.

Before coming to the training ground, he had informed Emma Frost and Clarice of his temporary absence. Though he hadn't specified his destination or return date, he needn't worry about their short-term welfare.

During the past week, Richard had also monitored for any sign of the Celestial Arishem. Despite eliminating Sersi, Ikaris, and the other Eternals, the cosmic judge had shown no indication of intervention. This suggested that as long as Richard refrained from harming Tiamut—still developing within Earth's core—Arishem would remain uninvolved.

To the Celestial, the Eternals were merely mass-produced synthetic beings—replaceable tools rather than irreplaceable individuals.

Standing at the training ground's center, Richard took several deep breaths before activating the World Travel function.

[World Travel: 1 (number of challenges)]
[Do you want to randomly travel to another world to begin a world challenge?]

Mentally prepared, Richard resolutely selected "Yes."

The moment he confirmed his choice, the challenge counter immediately dropped to zero. Simultaneously, a pitch-black sphere approximately three meters in diameter—resembling a miniature black hole—materialized before him.

Without requiring further action from Richard, this dark orb generated tremendous gravitational pull. He offered no resistance, allowing himself to be drawn toward the sphere.

Within seconds, he was completely absorbed. Before he could properly examine the sphere's interior, an equally powerful repulsive force ejected him outward. After being "spat out" by the black sphere, Richard found himself hovering above an unfamiliar cityscape.

Is this truly another world?

Barely had this question formed in his mind when system information appeared in his field of vision:

[Current Universe: Marvel Zombie Universe]
[World Challenge: Eliminate all zombie heroes and zombie villains in this universe]
[Challenge time limit: None]
[Challenge Reward: Awakening Vergil Template]
[World restrictions: None (all abilities can be used)]

Zombie universe? It seems those destined to traverse realities are never truly unlucky!

Richard sighed inwardly upon reading the system's information. Though he couldn't precisely determine how many superheroes and villains had transformed into zombies in this universe, this particular challenge didn't appear overly difficult.

Most importantly, this world imposed no restrictions on his abilities. Even if he encountered zombie versions of Thanos or Scarlet Witch, excessive concern seemed unnecessary. Regardless of whether he could triumph, he retained the option to withdraw whenever circumstances warranted.

After dismissing the information panel, Richard extracted the Cosmic Cube from his system space while remaining suspended in midair. Rather than generating a portal, he merely channeled a fraction of its energy. Confirming the Space Stone within functioned normally, he returned the Cube to his system space.

Telepathy!

In an instant, his telepathic awareness enveloped the entire city below. Almost immediately, his expression darkened into a frown.

Chapter 108: A Miraculous Scene

Richard detected hundreds of mental signatures emanating from the city below—all normal human consciousness patterns. The zombies shambling aimlessly through the streets registered no mental activity whatsoever.

Though he had never personally encountered zombies before, their absence of mental patterns didn't surprise him. Superficially, these creatures appeared alive, but in reality, they had died long ago. Their continued mobility stemmed solely from the zombie virus animating their corpses.

Upon realizing he had entered the zombie universe, Richard had anticipated telepathy's ineffectiveness against the undead. While he hadn't read every Marvel comic, he retained significant knowledge of the zombie universe—Earth-2149 in Marvel's multiverse designation.

One detail nagged at him: the zombie universe should contain mutants. Yet among the hundreds of mental signatures he sensed, none belonged to the X-gene carriers. This seemed improbable—even if the zombie virus targeted mutants specifically, some should have survived, given their enhanced abilities compared to ordinary humans.

Richard locked onto a dozen random survivors and began simultaneously scanning their memories. Despite the multiple concurrent readings, the task presented no challenge. If necessary, he could easily expand his telepathic reach to hundreds of minds simultaneously.

Effortlessly, he extracted the information he sought. These survivors remained ignorant about the zombie virus's origin. They knew only that it had spread globally at an alarming rate, with approximately three years elapsed since the initial outbreak.

Notably, the infected didn't conform to the classic, shambling zombie archetype. These creatures could run and jump with agility matching or exceeding normal humans.

The survivors' memories confirmed Richard's earlier observation—this universe contained no mutants. However, most other superheroes and villains existed: Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and various others.

Having gathered sufficient intelligence, Richard saw no reason to descend and rescue the survivors below.

Teleportation!

Without hesitation, he transported himself to New York City.

From the survivors' memories, he had identified the city below as Baltimore. Though situated in different states, Baltimore and New York lay only 305 kilometers apart—a several-hour journey by car for ordinary people, but merely a thought's effort for Richard.

In an instant, he relocated from Baltimore's airspace to hover above New York City.

Suspended in midair, he surveyed the devastated metropolis teeming with undead. Once again, he extended his telepathic awareness across the urban expanse.

New York, befitting its status as America's largest city, harbored considerably more survivors than Baltimore—thousands of minds registered within his telepathic range. Numerically, a few thousand might seem insignificant, but this represented a tenfold increase over Baltimore's survivor count.

This disparity made perfect sense. New York's pre-outbreak population had exceeded 8 million, dwarfing Baltimore's 700,000 residents. Beyond sheer demographics, New York's higher survival rate also stemmed from the concentration of superheroes who had protected the city.

After briefly scanning several survivors' memories, Richard flew toward an underground facility in the city center—a former S.H.I.E.L.D. installation repurposed as a sanctuary after the outbreak. Several similar shelters existed throughout New York, but this particular facility hosted the largest survivor concentration.

However, population density hadn't drawn Richard there. This shelter specifically housed surviving superheroes.

Soon, he arrived above the facility. The shelter, converted from a S.H.I.E.L.D. underground base, lay beneath a building in Queens. Though predominantly subterranean, the surviving superheroes and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had fortified the entire structure, establishing defensive perimeters along surrounding streets.

These "walls" consisted primarily of abandoned vehicles strategically positioned to block approaching avenues, creating a relatively secure zone around the building.

Shortly after Richard's arrival, a figure ascended from the building below.

Falcon!

The approaching figure was none other than Sam Wilson of the Avengers—the new Captain America who had inherited the vibranium shield.

Wilson wore his distinctive Falcon combat suit while clutching Captain America's iconic vibranium shield in his right hand.

What a pity! No opportunity to eliminate Rogers personally!

Richard sighed inwardly. From the survivors' memories, he had learned that Steve Rogers had been infected and transformed into a zombie long ago. Before his complete transformation, Rogers had bequeathed his shield to Falcon, passing the Captain America mantle to his trusted ally.

Within moments, Falcon hovered before Richard.

"Who are you?" Wilson demanded, circling warily around the silver-haired newcomer.

"My name is Richard Wesley," he replied with deliberate calm. "As you can see, I possess extraordinary abilities. I've come specifically to help resolve your zombie crisis."

Unlike the ideologically rigid Rogers, Falcon generally demonstrated fewer double standards. Nevertheless, Richard harbored no particular affinity for him.

Hearing Richard's response, Falcon's expression grew increasingly suspicious rather than relieved. Though Richard showed no signs of infection, something about him triggered Wilson's instinctive wariness.

After circling Richard several times, Falcon finally gestured toward the building. "Follow me."

Without waiting for acknowledgment, he descended directly to the rooftop. Upon landing, he activated the communication device integrated into his gear, alerting personnel within the underground facility.

Minutes later, twelve familiar figures emerged onto the roof.

Spider-Man, The Thing, Invisible Woman, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Ant-Man, The Wasp, Winter Soldier, War Machine, Black Panther, Happy Hogan, and Sharon Carter.

Upon reaching the rooftop, the assembled heroes immediately scrutinized Richard. Though none recognized him, they all sensed an overwhelming, almost oppressive aura emanating from his presence.

This sensation arose not from any telepathic projection, but because Richard had ceased suppressing his natural energy signature. Though invisible to the naked eye, the magical fluctuations radiating from his body manifested as a tangible pressure—his personal aura.

In his original universe, Richard had habitually masked these emanations to avoid discomforting those around him. In this reality, however, he no longer bothered with such courtesies.

While Spider-Man and The Thing observed him warily, Richard conducted his own assessment of the assembled heroes. His attention lingered predominantly on Invisible Woman, Black Widow, The Wasp, and Sharon Carter, while merely glancing at the male heroes.

His focused gaze didn't go unnoticed. Observing Richard's particular interest in the female heroes, Falcon frowned disapprovingly.

"You claimed you're here to help with our zombie situation," Wilson interjected sharply. "Exactly how do you intend to assist? What abilities do you possess?"

Richard responded with measured deliberation: "I command numerous extraordinary powers—too many to enumerate individually. As for my assistance, it's straightforward—I can eliminate the zombies you've been unable to handle."

While speaking, he discreetly employed telepathy to probe their memories.

Though his statement conveyed literal truth and his demeanor remained composed, his response still provoked visible skepticism among the assembled heroes.

Madness!

Spider-Man, The Thing, and the other heroes shared an identical assessment: Richard exuded unbridled arrogance.

Their collective judgment didn't escape Richard's notice as he scanned their thoughts.

"You consider me arrogant," he acknowledged calmly. "That's understandable—you don't know who I am." A slight smile played across his lips. "Allow me to demonstrate. Within three minutes, I will make every zombie in New York City disappear."

What?

If the assembled heroes had previously considered Richard merely arrogant, now they viewed him as completely delusional.

Though New York currently hosted no particularly powerful undead—most were transformed civilians rather than enhanced individuals—their sheer numbers exceeded eight million. To eliminate eight million zombies in three minutes seemed impossible. The heroes couldn't envision any solution short of detonating a nuclear device in Manhattan.

"You're planning to detonate a nuclear bomb in New York?" Black Widow asked, her tone simultaneously skeptical and alarmed.

Richard merely smiled and shook his head. "No nuclear weapons necessary," he replied with unsettling calm. "I only need my abilities."

With that declaration, he turned and walked toward the roof's edge, the assembled heroes watching his every movement. Upon reaching the perimeter, he addressed them without turning. "Don't blink. What happens next won't be repeated."

As the final word left his lips, Richard activated his powers. Specifically, he simultaneously employed the matter manipulation plundered from Dark Phoenix and the matter transmutation acquired from Sersi.

Sersi's original ability had required physical contact to transform matter. When Richard first obtained this power, he too had assumed direct contact was necessary. However, after several days of experimentation at Silver Manor's training grounds, he discovered that "matter manipulation" and "matter transmutation" could work in perfect concert.

Matter manipulation originated from the X-gene, while matter transmutation derived from cosmic energy. Though fundamentally different in both principle and genesis, they complemented each other perfectly. Matter manipulation's targeting function effectively substituted for physical contact, enabling matter transmutation at a distance.

Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and the others remained uncertain about Richard's intentions. Nevertheless, they approached the roof's edge, eager to witness how he planned to eliminate New York's entire zombie population within three minutes.

They anticipated some magnificent, large-scale attack. The reality proved far more astonishing.

Under their watchful gaze, zombies from every corner of New York began rising into the air. Whether shambling through streets or lurking within buildings, every undead creature targeted by Richard levitated skyward.

Within seconds, hundreds of thousands of zombies floated above New York, forming a grotesque "zombie cloud."

This is impossible...

Disbelief etched itself across the faces of Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and their companions.

Time passed steadily. After approximately one minute, the "zombie cloud" had expanded dramatically, blotting out the sun like an ominous thunderhead.

Having confirmed that all zombies now hovered airborne, Richard turned to address the stunned heroes. "Have you ever witnessed cherry blossoms raining from the sky?" he inquired casually.

What?

Confusion replaced their expressions of disbelief.

Without awaiting response, Richard continued: "Enjoy the cherry blossom rain."

As he spoke, he activated his matter transmutation ability. Under the heroes' astonished gaze, golden light suddenly erupted from the zombie cloud's center. Within an eyeblink, this radiance expanded like lightning, encompassing the entire suspended mass.

As the golden illumination faded, the revolting "zombie cloud" underwent a startling metamorphosis. Where decaying corpses had been, delicate pink cherry blossoms now floated. Pulled by gravity, these countless petals began descending slowly toward the devastated city below.

The spectacle of countless pink blossoms drifting through the air above the silent, ruined metropolis created a surreal, almost transcendent tableau—beauty amid devastation.

It worked!

Like Black Widow and Invisible Woman, Richard observed the cherry blossom rain he had created. Unlike their expressions of astonishment, however, his features reflected relief.

Despite his status as an Omega-level mutant with vast magical reserves and numerous plundered abilities including Hellfire and matter transmutation, the demonstration had consumed substantial resources. Nearly one-third of his stored energy had been expended to accomplish this feat.

Though he had drawn exclusively from his body's energy reserves rather than his magical resources, depleting nearly a third of his power in just over a minute represented a significant expenditure.

In that brief span, he had transformed over one million zombies into a cascading rain of cherry blossoms.

Even witnessing this miraculous transformation firsthand, Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and their companions struggled to comprehend what they had just observed.

Could any human possess such power? Who is this man? Why have we never heard of him before?

These questions and more raced through the minds of the assembled heroes.

Though they couldn't identify Richard or understand the full extent of his capabilities, one fact became incontrovertible: his earlier statement had not been arrogance.

He had simply stated the truth.

Chapter 109: The Source of the Zombie Virus

"Amazing!"

"How did you do that?"

"Is that your superpower?"

"What's your ability called?"

As Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and the others gazed in disbelief at the cherry blossom rain filling the sky, a maskless Spider-Man approached Richard, bombarding him with excited questions.

This universe's Spider-Man appeared considerably older than his movie counterpart—clearly post-college age. Despite the age difference, he shared that familiar trait with every other incarnation: an irrepressible tendency to chatter.

Richard turned to regard him calmly. "Nothing particularly special," he explained with casual indifference. "I simply altered the material properties of the zombies, transforming their flesh and blood into cherry blossoms."

Change the material properties of zombies?

Though Richard's tone remained nonchalant, Spider-Man immediately recognized the extraordinary implications. As a scientific genius, he instantly grasped the near-impossible complexity involved in completely transforming matter's fundamental properties.

In technological terms, instantly transmuting matter outclassed even Iron Man's Arc Reactor by several orders of magnitude. While the Arc Reactor represented revolutionary technology, its theoretical foundations existed—the challenge lay primarily in miniaturization. Matter transmutation operated on an entirely different level.

Though burning with additional questions, Spider-Man restrained himself. Instead, he extended his right hand. "My name is Peter Parker," he offered earnestly. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," Richard replied, accepting the handshake with measured politeness.

Following Spider-Man's example, Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and the other heroes introduced themselves in turn. Despite their fame, proper introductions seemed appropriate given the circumstances.

After these courtesies concluded, Richard accompanied them to the underground facility beneath the building.

Conference Room Inside the Base

Once everyone had settled around the conference table, Black Panther—still clad in his vibranium suit—addressed their visitor. "Where did you reside before this? Why haven't we heard of you until now?"

Black Panther wasn't alone in his curiosity. Black Widow and Invisible Woman shared his interest in Richard's backstory.

Though not every powered individual chose to become a hero or villain, someone with Richard's extraordinary abilities should have generated some intelligence. Given S.H.I.E.L.D.'s standard procedures, any potential metahuman warranted thorough investigation. Dangerous individuals faced detention in specialized facilities, while those too powerful or benign to contain remained under close surveillance.

Richard surveyed the assembled heroes briefly. "I'm not native to this universe," he stated simply. "I come from an alternate reality."

He'd briefly considered fabricating a cover story but ultimately abandoned the idea. Even if they learned of his extradimensional origin, what difference would it make? After completing his world challenge, he would return to his original universe regardless.

"A parallel universe?" Spider-Man leaned forward, his scientific curiosity evident. "What kind of parallel universe?"

"Similar to this one, but without zombies," Richard explained. "Incidentally, counterparts of everyone in this room exist in my reality, so you're all familiar to me."

Though his tone remained measured, his revelation cast a palpable gravity over the room. Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and the others adopted expressions of heightened solemnity.

The concept of parallel universes wasn't novel to them, but confirmation still carried weight.

After allowing a moment for his words to register, Richard continued: "I've entered your universe with a singular purpose—to eliminate the zombified superheroes and supervillains on Earth. During this mission, I'm willing to help you destroy zombies transformed from ordinary civilians. Once I've accomplished this, I'll depart and return to my original reality."

In truth, he harbored three objectives, not one.

Primarily, he needed to complete the World Challenge and awaken Vergil's template.

Secondarily, he intended to seduce Invisible Woman, Black Widow, and Sharon Carter. After reading memories, he'd excluded Wasp from consideration due to her relationship with Ant-Man.

Finally, he planned to acquire this universe's Space Stone, Time Stone, and Mind Stone.

Through telepathic scanning, Richard had extracted considerable "classified" information unavailable to ordinary people, particularly regarding the zombie virus's origin.

The virus's genesis in this universe differed significantly from its comic counterpart. Here, S.H.I.E.L.D.—or more accurately, HYDRA scientists embedded within S.H.I.E.L.D.—had accidentally created it while studying Thanos's corpse.

This universe diverged significantly from both the comics and cinematic reality Richard knew. Like the MCU, this world had experienced a Battle of New York, but with Thanos himself leading the invasion rather than Loki. The Mad Titan had personally arrived with the Black Order, Chitauri, and his other forces to claim both the Cosmic Cube from S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Time Stone from Doctor Strange.

Despite Thanos's overwhelming force, the combined might of the Avengers and Fantastic Four had repelled him, though at terrible cost. Doctor Strange and Hulk perished in the conflict, while Iron Man, Captain America, and others sustained grave injuries.

Notably, Thor didn't exist among this universe's Avengers. Whether because Loki never rebelled or for some other reason, this reality's Thor had never been exiled to Earth as in the cinematic universe. Black Widow and Invisible Woman remained entirely unaware of Asgard's existence.

Following Thanos's defeat, S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, and Fantastic Four had begun post-battle cleanup operations—standard procedure after such catastrophic events. However, HYDRA scientists within S.H.I.E.L.D., protected by Alexander Pierce, had secretly preserved Thanos's corpse for study.

During their examinations, they discovered an unknown virus in Thanos's remains. Before they could properly analyze this pathogen, Thanos reanimated as a zombie.

The aftermath proved predictable. Zombie Thanos effortlessly overwhelmed HYDRA's secret facility, transforming scientists and soldiers alike into the undead. The zombie virus spread rapidly from this epicenter.

Upon learning of Thanos's "resurrection," the Avengers and Fantastic Four attempted to contain the threat. This time, they failed catastrophically. Captain America, Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, and Human Torch fell to zombie Thanos's infection.

Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and the other survivors recognized their tactical disadvantage and retreated. Unfortunately, this strategic withdrawal effectively surrendered Earth to the undead. Within months, the zombie virus had engulfed the planet, ushering in the apocalypse.

"Have you defeated Thanos in your universe?" Invisible Woman asked Richard.

"No," Richard answered truthfully.

"Then how can you be certain of defeating our zombie Thanos?" she pressed. "After transformation, his strength didn't diminish—it increased."

"I haven't defeated Thanos because I haven't encountered my universe's version," Richard clarified. "Not because I lack sufficient power." He maintained his composed demeanor. "Regarding your zombie Thanos, I recognize his formidability but don't anticipate particular difficulty eliminating him. Once you locate him, I'll destroy him."

He continued matter-of-factly: "Incidentally, you should also confirm the locations of zombie Captain America, Iron Man, and Human Torch. I'll eliminate them simultaneously."

After reviewing the heroes' memories, Richard realized this world challenge would prove simpler than anticipated. Though widespread, the zombie virus remained contained to Earth rather than spreading throughout the cosmos. His primary targets were therefore limited to zombie Thanos, zombie Captain America, and other transformed heavy-hitters.

His only remaining uncertainty concerned Scarlet Witch's existence in this universe. If Wanda existed here and had succumbed to infection, she would require elimination as well. Though he harbored considerable interest in Wanda—particularly her fair-skinned, beautiful, and smiling incarnation—he held no reservations about destroying her zombified counterpart. Better to prevent an undead Wanda from tarnishing her image in his mind.

"You intend to kill them all?" Invisible Woman asked, her brow furrowing.

"They're already dead," Richard responded simply.

Like his previous universe, this reality's Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic weren't married. However, this Reed Richards had shown greater ambition, successfully pursuing Susan Storm into a relationship. Had the zombie outbreak not occurred, they likely would have married within a few years.

Unfortunately, the apocalypse had intervened.

Time passed swiftly.

Three days elapsed before Richard realized it. During this period, he hadn't departed New York to hunt zombie Thanos, zombie Captain America, or other priority targets. Instead, he focused on his second objective within the underground base—seducing Black Widow, Invisible Woman, and Sharon Carter.

Though he'd arrived mere days ago, his spectacular demonstration of transforming eight million New York zombies into cherry blossoms had rapidly earned their trust.

Conquering Black Widow and "Agent 13" Sharon Carter required minimal effort. After nearly three years in this apocalyptic reality, every survivor had developed varying degrees of "doomsday syndrome"—psychological issues stemming from prolonged trauma and fear. Even superheroes couldn't escape these effects, though their symptoms manifested more mildly than those of ordinary civilians.

On Richard's first night in this world, Sharon Carter had visited his quarters unbidden, initiating an adult exploration of life's mysteries.

If Sharon had made the first move, Richard had actively pursued Black Widow. Had Bruce Banner still lived, she would have proven far more resistant. However, with Banner gone, simple suggestions and subtle temptations sufficed to bring her to his room for philosophical discussions concerning life's origins and universal mysteries.

Black Widow tastes exquisite indeed!

After their intimate encounter, Richard had to acknowledge her reputation as a stunner was well-deserved. Before his interdimensional travel, he'd encountered comic readers who disliked Black Widow, dismissing her as promiscuous. Richard had always maintained a favorable impression of her character.

In the comics, Black Widow had indeed formed relationships with numerous superheroes. The cinematic version, however, demonstrated considerably more restraint. After accessing her memories, Richard discovered this universe's Natasha Romanoff resembled her film counterpart, having developed romantic feelings exclusively for Banner.

Her experience in physical intimacy existed but remained relatively limited. Unlike female operatives who relied primarily on seduction to gather intelligence, Black Widow possessed numerous exceptional skills—her beauty represented merely one weapon in her arsenal. Unless all other methods failed, she rarely employed her physical attributes strategically.

Learning of this Natasha's limited experience only reduced Richard's already minimal psychological reservations. Even if she had matched her comic counterpart's extensive history, he wouldn't have hesitated. He harbored no intentions of marrying her; her past held no relevance to his present interests.

As an analogy: if offered a night with a celebrity, most men would enthusiastically accept regardless of whether she possessed extensive experience, marriage status, or children.

When purchasing an automobile, one naturally considers whether it's new or used, its driving history, and mechanical condition. When simply taking a car for a track day, these considerations become largely irrelevant—safety becomes the only significant concern.

Regarding casual encounters, Richard maintained straightforward principles: enjoy the moment without overthinking implications. He hadn't been innocent before his transmigration and certainly wouldn't adopt restrictive moral standards afterward.

Chapter 110: Zombie Captain America

Richard's liaisons with Black Widow and Sharon Carter weren't kept secret from the other residents of the underground base. In truth, neither woman intended to conceal their activities. They were all adults; such interactions hardly warranted concealment.

Nevertheless, Richard's seemingly unfocused behavior generated discontent among certain individuals—particularly Falcon and Black Panther. They believed he should prioritize rescuing survivors in other cities rather than engaging in recreational activities with Black Widow and Sharon Carter.

Though dissatisfied, they refrained from confronting him. It wasn't that they lacked the desire, but rather they recognized their powerlessness against him. Despite Richard's approachable demeanor, they understood that if provoked, not only would they be unable to oppose him individually, but the combined forces of the entire underground base would prove insufficient.

While Richard enjoyed his time with Black Widow and Sharon Carter, Falcon, Black Panther, The Thing, War Machine, Hawkeye, Happy, and Winter Soldier worked diligently outside, helping survivors rebuild homes and constructing defensive barriers throughout downtown Manhattan. Though impossible to fortify the entire city, they could at least establish roadblocks and barricades along key thoroughfares to prevent zombies from wilderness areas and neighboring municipalities from infiltrating the city center.

Meanwhile, Spider-Man, Ant-Man, The Wasp, and Invisible Woman pursued their own productive endeavors. Using equipment within the underground facility, they attempted to develop instruments capable of locating zombie Thanos, zombie Captain America, and other transformed heroes.

Compared to average individuals, Spider-Man and Ant-Man represented exceptional intellects. Yet measured against Tony Stark and Reed Richards, their abilities seemed merely "adequate." Despite three days of concentrated effort, they failed to produce a device capable of tracking "super zombies" like Thanos and Captain America.

Their work wasn't entirely fruitless, however. Though unable to create an instrument for tracking transformed superbeings, they successfully developed a detector for locating Infinity Stones. Building upon Banner's previous research on gamma-ray tracking algorithms utilizing cluster recognition principles, they fashioned a device capable of pinpointing the cosmic artifacts.

At this juncture, they remained ignorant of the Infinity Stones' true origins, understanding only that the Cosmic Cube contained limitless energy. Doctor Strange, who possessed comprehensive knowledge of the Stones, had perished in the battle against Thanos before sharing this information.

Richard had candidly expressed his intention to acquire the Space Stone, Time Stone, and Mind Stone. "I'm helping eliminate your zombies," he'd stated plainly. "You should provide something in return. I don't make a habit of working without compensation."

Though his bluntness might have cast him in an unfavorable light, he'd spoken honestly. After all, heroes didn't typically arrive in new universes and seduce Black Widow and Sharon Carter.

Despite their reservations about Richard's demands, Spider-Man and Ant-Man had developed the requested Infinity Stone detector.

Laboratory in the Underground Base

Spider-Man presented Richard with a metal-detector-like device resting on the laboratory table.

"Scott and I constructed this using Dr. Banner's gamma-ray tracking algorithm," Peter explained. "This detector can identify specific gamma-ray signatures within a two-hundred-kilometer diameter. We've calibrated it to match the Cosmic Cube's gamma-ray frequency band. Any matching signal within range will be captured and its location displayed."

Richard frowned slightly. "The maximum detection range is only two hundred kilometers?"

"Yes, that's our current limitation," Spider-Man confirmed. "Without access to S.H.I.E.L.D. satellites and given our equipment constraints, this represents our best effort."

Though the detection range fell significantly short of his expectations, Richard accepted the device without obvious disappointment. Creating such sophisticated technology under present circumstances represented an impressive achievement.

After briefly examining it, he asked, "Have you tested its accuracy?"

"No, but it should function correctly," Spider-Man replied apologetically. "We lack appropriate testing targets."

"Your absence of testing materials doesn't reflect my situation," Richard remarked.

With that statement, he extracted the Cosmic Cube from his system space. Though from a different universe, any Infinity Stone would function normally within Marvel's parallel realities, having been created during the multiverse's Big Bang.

"You possess a Cosmic Cube?" Scott Lang asked incredulously upon seeing the object materialize from nowhere.

"Yes, though from my universe," Richard clarified.

While responding, he casually tossed the Cosmic Cube away. Under Spider-Man and Ant-Man's watchful gazes, the artifact traced a perfect parabola through the air before hovering steadily several meters distant.

Ignoring the suspended Cube, Richard studied the detector's display. After confirming the accuracy of the indicated location and distance, he nodded with satisfaction. The device's precision appeared excellent.

Though he couldn't verify whether its range truly extended to a two-hundred-kilometer diameter, any detection capacity would prove valuable. According to Black Widow's intelligence, prior to the zombie outbreak, S.H.I.E.L.D. had stored both the Cosmic Cube and the Mind Stone Scepter at their Triskelion headquarters.

Doctor Strange's body had been retrieved by a sorcerer who'd opened a portal. While Black Widow couldn't identify this individual, Richard surmised the Time Stone's probable location. According to Kamar-Taj tradition, when not carried by the Sorcerer Supreme, the Eye of Agamotto containing the Time Stone remained securely within the sanctuary.

Though uncertain of Kamar-Taj's precise coordinates, Richard's rough knowledge of its location, combined with Spider-Man and Ant-Man's detector, should prove sufficient.

After briefly testing the device, Richard recalled the floating Cosmic Cube and returned both artifacts to his system space.

"Continue researching equipment to track the 'super zombies,'" he instructed Spider-Man and Ant-Man. "I'm heading to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Triskelion headquarters."

"Are you going alone?" Peter inquired.

"No, I'll bring Natasha and Agent Carter," Richard replied. "Though the Triskelion has been abandoned for years, its security systems may remain operational. Their agent credentials might prove necessary."

Given his current abilities, Richard could overcome any security measures at the Triskelion. Nevertheless, as a precaution—particularly if he needed to access specific information—bringing Black Widow and Sharon Carter seemed prudent.

Spider-Man nodded without further comment.

Departing the laboratory, Richard located Black Widow and Sharon Carter, briefly outlining his plan to visit S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Triskelion headquarters. Both women immediately began preparations without discussion.

Unlike Richard, they possessed no supernatural abilities. Without proper weaponry and equipment, they represented merely two exceptionally trained women skilled in combat arts.

Within five minutes, they stood ready. Black Widow had donned her signature black tactical suit, which accentuated her athletic physique, and equipped herself with various instruments including her "Widow's Bite" bracelets. Sharon Carter had changed into standard S.H.I.E.L.D. tactical gear and armed herself with conventional weapons—assault rifles, pistols, grenades, and combat knives.

By contrast, Richard appeared remarkably casual in comfortable civilian attire, carrying no visible weapons. His relaxed expression suggested he was preparing for a leisurely stroll rather than infiltrating a potentially zombie-infested intelligence headquarters.

When the fully-equipped women returned, Richard openly admired their appearances. Though he had been intimate with each woman individually, he hadn't yet experienced their combined company. Additionally, their current attire evoked a distinctive professional allure—not the common uniform fantasy associated with flight attendants, nurses, or teachers, but the specialized appeal of female agents and operatives.

Noticing his wandering gaze, Black Widow frowned slightly. "Be serious," she admonished.

"Am I being inappropriate?" Richard countered.

Without awaiting her response, he positioned himself between them, extending his arms to encircle both women's waists.

Teleportation!

Before either woman could react, their surroundings abruptly shifted.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Triskelion Headquarters

They materialized on the rooftop of the imposing structure.

"Is that another of your abilities?" Black Widow inquired.

Over the past three days, Richard had demonstrated numerous powers and techniques to enhance their intimate encounters, but teleportation had remained unused until now.

"Yes, I mentioned having multiple abilities," he confirmed casually.

Simultaneously, he retrieved the Infinity Stone detector from his system space. According to Black Widow's intelligence, following the Battle of New York against Thanos, S.H.I.E.L.D. had secured both the Cosmic Cube and Mind Stone Scepter for intensive study.

Rather than transferring these artifacts to a specialized warehouse, S.H.I.E.L.D. had retained them to investigate their properties and develop advanced weaponry. Thanos's invasion had not only precipitated a variant Battle of New York distinct from the cinematic universe but had also demonstrated Earth's technological inferiority to extraterrestrial civilizations.

Despite the presence of superhero teams like the Avengers and Fantastic Four, American leadership harbored misgivings about entrusting planetary defense to these independent groups. Shortly after the battle concluded, government officials had directed S.H.I.E.L.D. to comprehensively analyze the Cosmic Cube and Mind Stone Scepter, with the goal of developing superior energy weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

Richard activated the detector immediately. Unable to confirm whether HYDRA operatives embedded within S.H.I.E.L.D. had absconded with the artifacts, the detector represented his sole means of verification.

Upon activation, the device quickly detected a gamma-ray signature, drawing a satisfied expression from Richard. Though uncertain whether the signal originated from the Cosmic Cube or Mind Stone Scepter, its presence confirmed his journey wouldn't prove futile.

Indeed, the fortune of dimensional travelers never disappoints.

"The detector indicates a gamma-ray signature in a chamber approximately fifty meters below our position," Richard observed, turning the display toward Black Widow. "Is that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s laboratory for studying the Cosmic Cube and Mind Stone Scepter?"

"Not according to my recollection," she replied after briefly examining the screen. "The research facility for those artifacts was housed within the main building. Underground laboratories primarily focused on weapons and equipment development."

"Perhaps someone attempted to escape with the artifacts but perished below," Richard speculated, then frowned abruptly.

The signal is moving.

Observing the shifting indicator on the detector screen, Black Widow and Sharon Carter immediately tensed. Zombies typically showed no interest in cosmic artifacts like the Cube or Scepter.

"We'll know once we investigate," Richard stated simply.

Both women nodded in silent agreement.

After returning the detector to his system space, Richard once again embraced their waists.

Teleportation!

In an instant, they transported from the rooftop to the underground chamber indicated by the detector—and encountered a familiar figure.

Why him?

The individual before them was none other than Captain America Rogers—or rather, his zombified form. The undead supersoldier clutched the Mind Stone Scepter in his right hand while wielding an alloy shield with his left.