The more Zod used his war machines, the more he marveled at their versatility. These machines weren't just aerial units—they could connect to satellites, perform strikes beyond visual range, and even act as strategic missiles. Their flexibility and ground-level anti-material capabilities meant they could easily eliminate tanks, not to mention helicopters, which stood no chance against such nimble and fast war machines.
Although many nations were reluctant at first, they eventually reduced the development and costs of traditional fighter jets and tanks, opting instead to invest in war machines. These cross-generational weapons fundamentally reshaped military systems across the globe.
Weapons like these, if left unchecked, would give the wielder immense power. Tony Stark might be one of the few capable of reverse-engineering such advanced tech, but even he couldn't touch the core components that Zod had patented. Stark's only option would be to create an entirely different type of technology. Otherwise, Zod would ensure that Stark "disappeared" discreetly—perhaps thrown into some far-flung corner of the Middle East to rethink his ambitions.
The rich rewards offered by Zod's irregular fighting contest had drawn fighters from all over the world. Even mercenaries were eligible to join, with no occupation limitations. Some were motivated by the potential prizes, while others simply sought the thrill of combat. Regardless, Zod welcomed them all.
Three months later, the streets of New York were teeming with fighters of unknown origin. Police Commissioner George Stacy was overwhelmed. Despite the influx of unfamiliar faces, all their credentials were in order, leaving the police powerless to take action.
Zod was aware that his irregular fighting competition had attracted a mix of dangerous individuals. Among them, he even spotted a familiar figure—Wade Wilson, the future Deadpool. Wade, a mercenary with a penchant for chaos, would never pass up the opportunity for a substantial reward, especially with his confidence in his own skills.
"This is a good way to see what kind of people with superpowers or special genes emerge," Zod mused. He knew the Marvel Universe housed countless hidden aliens and mutants, descendants of alien species that had lived among humans for generations.
Despite Earth being in a remote corner of the galaxy, many alien species had crossed paths with the planet. Captain Marvel from the Kree Empire, for instance, had stumbled onto Earth by mere accident. Similarly, Carol Danvers—later transformed into Captain Marvel—was born to a defected Kree warrior who had settled on Earth.
Many aliens lived peaceful lives on Earth, blending in. However, there were always outliers, like the Skrulls, infamous for their covert infiltration tactics. Future events, like the "Secret Invasion," would highlight the threat posed by these shapeshifters. At the time, Nick Fury, not present on Earth, left a Skrull to impersonate him, leading to disastrous consequences.
Zod had no desire to meddle with major plot events or heroic figures. They were too unpredictable. Villains, on the other hand, were simpler—Zod knew their goals and how to manipulate them.
The irregular fighting competition had two purposes: to scout for potential candidates for the super beastized soldier program and to collect valuable genetic material from combatants. The contest was essentially a magnet for those with powers, unknowingly delivering their abilities straight to Zod.
"But what if there are no mutants in my universe?" Zod pondered. Besides natural mutations, there were technological mutations, wormhole-induced mutations, drug mutations, and biochemical reactions—along with alien influences, particularly from the Kree. Either way, special individuals were sure to turn up.
Zod had already dispatched some lycanthrope soldiers to track down street-level heroes like Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and even Kilgrave, the Purple Man. Their unique genetic markers would be invaluable additions to his project.
Anyone participating in the competition had to undergo rigorous medical examinations. Though no one raised objections, some questioned why the tests included blood, bone marrow, and subcutaneous tissue samples. Of course, they had no idea that the Black Queen was using this data to isolate and test for genetic anomalies.
Sure enough, Zod's predictions were correct. Many participants displayed signs of special abilities. Unbeknownst to them, they had become valuable raw materials in Zod's experiments—all while fighting for what they believed were valuable prizes.
The fallen combatants were swiftly carried away to Zod's newly established medical facility: Blade Industrial Medical. This medical department boasted that it could revive anyone as long as they had a sliver of life left.
Though the facility wasn't yet capable of such miracles, Zod had plans. Once his cloning technology and devices were perfected, he could transplant brain tissue and nerves into new bodies, effectively replacing any damaged ones.
Injured combatants received meticulous care from Zod's team. Those deemed ordinary, without any unique traits, would be transformed into beastized soldiers to bolster his army.
The competition proceeded smoothly, but Zod's attention was drawn to one individual in particular: Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier. Hydra's prized assassin was participating in the fight, blending in with an indifferent expression and hiding his metal arm beneath a layer of synthetic skin. But Zod's enhanced vision easily pierced through the disguise.
"Even Hydra couldn't resist the lure of a hundred war machines," Zod thought, satisfied. As Bucky knocked out his final opponent with a single punch, Zod stepped forward.
"The champion is this gentleman!" Zod announced, ignoring any potential threat posed by Bucky's proximity. Hydra agents monitoring the fight momentarily considered taking the opportunity to abduct Zod. After all, he was within arm's reach, without any visible guards or protection.
But Bronsky, Zod's loyal enforcer, was already moving closer, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings. Even if Zod could fight, Bronsky was determined to ensure his boss's safety.
Bucky remained expressionless, unfazed by the cheers around him.