After returning to New York City, Merlin first delivered the Uru metal to the modification shop, then headed home. The shop already had a robust defense system in place, and with Optimus Prime and the others there, theft wasn't a concern.
Once home, Merlin immediately opened his laptop and logged into the online platform created by Sol. Due to his injury, Merlin was still on sick leave, but with his upcoming role at Hammer Industries, he knew he'd soon have to take a break from school altogether.
As the platform loaded, the documents on the page were simple—monster files, weapon files, and vehicle files. Merlin clicked on the monster file, and a card of the Lizardman appeared. For now, this was the only monster material in the game. But that was about to change.
Merlin began modeling based on the data from his recent encounters. He envisioned a creature with the strength of a velociraptor, a jet-black torso and tail, and terrifying, ferocious vampire fangs. He named it:
---
*[002, Vampire Alien]*
*Origin*
Evolved from parasitic vampire embryos, these creatures possess a powerful self-healing ability when they have access to sufficient blood. Measuring three meters long and 2.6 meters tall, they are known for their exceptional agility and jumping ability.
*Appearance & Composition*
- Their exposed bones are designed for visual intimidation and are composed of silicide.
- No thermal conductivity: They can adapt to external temperatures and pressures swiftly, rendering thermal imagers useless.
- The siliconized shell serves as hard armor, making them highly resistant to bullets and electric shocks.
*Respiratory & Biological Traits*
- Respiratory organs are located on their back, functioning to regulate both body pressure and temperature.
- Inner teeth are designed for infection transmission.
- Their blood is extremely corrosive, capable of melting steel, making it a potential industrial auxiliary material.
*Intelligence*
- These creatures have a certain level of intelligence and communication ability.
---
*Behavior & Habits*
- They share many traits with cold-blooded animals, preferring moist and dark environments.
- "Mimicry" habits allow them to simulate their surroundings, making them adept at hiding and hunting.
- They have an aversion to sunlight, garlic, and silver products.
---
*Diet*
- Flesh
---
*Weaknesses*
- Sunlight
- Silver products
- Allicin (compound in garlic)
- Ultraviolet rays
After some resuscitation to stop the bleeding, Eric was rushed to the nearest hospital. Though he wasn't revived, the equipment managed to temporarily stabilize his brain activity.
"It seems like you have a big secret hidden in you," Coulson said, frowning at Thor, who was now holding Mjolnir and fully armored outside the hospital. "Don't worry, we are all for world peace."
"I dealt with those four aliens, and there's still one more wandering around. I must go back now, and I can only leave things to you," Thor said, now much calmer after regaining his hammer.
"Don't worry, I've already taken care of that one," Merlin, who had been pestered by Jane, waved and shouted.
Thor's expression became more solemn as he saw Merlin. "Thank you for saving Sif and the others. From now on, you will always be Asgard's friend and my Odinson's forever friend! After the rebellion is over, I hope you can come to Asgard as a guest!"
"Okay, I happen to be very interested in runes," Merlin smiled. According to mythology, runes were created by Odin from observing the laws of the universe, containing universal properties.
"I think my father doesn't hate smart people," Thor replied with a smile, but seeing the red-eyed Jane, he sighed. "I'll leave Dr. Eric to you."
"It depends on luck!" Merlin said cautiously.
"Just do your best!" Thor understood the gravity of the situation but didn't hold out much hope. He hugged Jane to comfort her before reluctantly letting her go when Sif and the others urged him. "Would you like to see the Bifrost?"
Without waiting for Jane's reply, he lifted Mjolnir and shot into the sky with Jane in his arms, disappearing from sight. After thanking Merlin once again, Sif and the others hurried to follow.
The next day, Merlin found himself riding in Coulson's car. With Thor gone and no more immediate threats, S.H.I.E.L.D. had little left to investigate, so they were returning to New York City. Merlin hitched a ride with them.
"Ahem, Merlin, you know, since we're giving you a ride, could you maybe give us a little share?" Coulson coughed lightly while driving, hinting at the Destroyer's remains.
Merlin glanced at him, "You're dreaming! I defeated it, and there's no way I'm giving you anything."
"I plan to build new armor with the Uru metal. You don't know how dangerous it is hanging around with the Cybertrons these days," Merlin remarked.
"We can protect you!" Coulson quickly replied, but Merlin's skeptical look made him falter. "You couldn't even handle one alien monster. Doesn't your conscience hurt saying that?" Merlin complained. Even Hawkeye, sitting in the backseat, couldn't help but cringe.
Despite the awkwardness, Coulson shamelessly persisted. "Agents don't have something as inconvenient as a conscience, but you can't possibly use all that metal. How about you sell us one of the armors after you've made three?"
"We'll see," Merlin said noncommittally, already planning to use the Uru metal to forge a mechanical long sword and a floating cannon.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had thought about detaining Merlin, but Coulson knew better. Merlin had powerful allies like Frank, Iron Man, and even Daredevil, all of whom owed him favors. Any misstep would cause far more trouble than it was worth. Although Sitwell saw Merlin as a potential threat, Coulson understood that moving against him would come at too high a cost.
After returning to New York City, Merlin first dropped off the Uru metal at the modification shop and then headed home. With the shop's defenses and Optimus Prime around, he wasn't worried about theft. Back at home, Merlin opened his laptop and began working on some designs for the online platform Little Mute had created.
Since Merlin was still on sick leave, and with his upcoming role at Hammer Industries, he took a break from school. On the platform, he started modeling new creatures, adding to the lizard man entry already in the system. Now, a new entry was about to be added.
Merlin began working based on recent data, envisioning a creature with a body as strong as a velociraptor, jet-black skin, and terrifying vampire fangs.
As time passed, a knock on the door startled him. "Coming!" Merlin muttered, quickly switching the screen back to his chip research page.
As soon as he opened the door, Gwen practically pounced on him, pressing a hand to his chest. "Hey, I'm still injured!" Merlin teased.
"I'm holding back," Gwen grinned, rubbing his chest softly. "I heard you were discharged a couple of days ago, but I haven't seen you. Not at school, not at the shop—where have you been?"
"I went to New Mexico right after leaving the hospital. I tried to find you, but you weren't around," Merlin replied. Then he asked suspiciously, "What about you? Where've you been?"
Gwen hesitated. "Ahaha... a girl needs some private space too!"
Recently, New York City had been in turmoil after the Hulk incident, with various criminal groups becoming active. At night, Gwen had been patrolling the city as Spider-Woman, swinging between buildings to fight crime. Electromagnetic pulse guns and atomic energy weapons had become more widespread among the police, resulting in a large number of arrests. Between the actions of Iron Man and Spider-Woman, it had become difficult for criminals to operate without powers.
With December approaching, the weather in New York City was growing colder. People on the streets were wearing coats, and the school semester was winding down, leading up to Christmas.
"Oh, Merlin, I almost forgot," Gwen suddenly said, breaking the conversation. "I have something important to tell you..."
"What's going on?" Merlin asked while still modeling.
"You know... I have a good relationship with Spider-Woman. It was thanks to you that we solved the crisis in New York City last time. She's really grateful to you." Gwen blinked her beautiful eyes and looked at Merlin. "So... she wants to invite you to a movie."
Merlin paused mid-click on the keyboard, turning to Gwen, unsure if he'd heard correctly. "What did you just say?"
Gwen, suddenly shy, repeated herself, "Spider-Woman wants to thank you and invite you to watch a movie alone."
Merlin stared at her with a confused expression. "If I'd been the one to make the serum last time, this would be an opportunity for me," she added, feigning indignation.
Merlin remained silent for a moment, staring at Gwen with a strange look. "This... is an interesting setup."
"What's there to think about? This is Spider-Woman's invitation!" Gwen quickly shouted, trying to cover up her guilt from being caught.
"Alright, I'll go. But I'm going to Monaco next week, so it'll have to wait."
"No time?" Gwen asked, suddenly disappointed.
"I should be able to find some time after next week."
"But I don't have much time either. If the plan goes well, I may need to take a break from school for a while. I'll be busy for most of the first half of next year."
"What are you busy with?" Gwen looked at him in surprise.
"Artificially intelligent robots and androids." Merlin gestured toward the notebook, where a cute, round robot design was displayed on the screen.
"It's adorable!" Gwen's eyes lit up. "What's its name?"
"His name is Baymax, a medical intelligent robot," Merlin explained. "Since I want to project a harmless nurse persona, Baymax fits perfectly as a positive character. A cute, friendly robot to pave the way."
"Artificial intelligence I get, but are the androids anything like the ones from the game Detroit that Rockstar released recently?" Gwen asked, still curious.
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