Zod, now armed with the power of electromagnetism, wasted no time putting it to use. His first step? To modify his own DNA. He began by eliminating the biological limitations that restrained ordinary scientific researchers. Using the life code as a template, Zod rewrote his genetic makeup, incorporating the DNA of every profession he deemed essential.
The military personnel DNA he integrated made Zod's cells more efficient, vastly accelerating his absorption of sunlight. He could feel his strength growing by the second. But the real breakthrough came from his new ability to manipulate cells and rewrite DNA. Zod quickly realized that he could do much more than just enhance himself—he could fundamentally alter the genetic codes of others as well.
The possibilities were endless. Mutant genes, beastly soldiers, even the gene-modification experiments of the Adventers—Zod knew he could surpass them all. Although he lacked the sophisticated adjustment technology used by the Adventers, his newfound mastery over electromagnetic force gave him a unique advantage. He could manipulate cells, alter genetic structures, and even fuse DNA strands that would otherwise be incompatible.
"Beast God General..." Zod mused to himself. He envisioned creating a legion of super-powered beings, each one wielding a unique and formidable ability, much like Geo's power over gravity.
While Zod wasn't sure how the Adventers had managed their genetic enhancements, he knew that mutant genes held immense potential for creating beings of similar power.
"Black Queen, how many mutant genes have we collected so far?" Zod inquired.
The Black Queen, ever efficient, responded almost immediately. "Over 10,000 unique mutant gene samples have been acquired through the mandatory medical screenings. The numbers continue to grow as we expand our efforts into additional countries."
Zod nodded in approval. In some universes, the number of mutants exceeded 200 million. While the numbers in this universe were far smaller, they still provided ample material for experimentation.
"Good. Begin the experiments," Zod commanded, eager to test his theories.
He started with the weaker mutant genes, those considered useless by conventional standards. One such gene allowed its host only to emit light from their eyes—essentially a walking flashlight. But Zod was determined to elevate even these so-called 'garbage' genes. Using his control over electromagnetic forces, Zod successfully enhanced the mutant's genetic structure. What had once been a simple glow now transformed into the ability to fire powerful laser beams from the eyes.
Zod's experiments progressed quickly. He modified another mutant whose gene only allowed them to regrow severed limbs, similar to Wolverine's healing factor, but on a much smaller scale. After Zod's adjustments, the mutant gained a regenerative ability comparable to Wolverine's—able to heal from virtually any injury short of total disintegration. While the enhanced mutant wouldn't be immortal, they would be nearly impossible to kill through conventional means.
"Perhaps no one thought to burn Wolverine or Sabretooth to ash," Zod mused as he considered the new capabilities he had granted.
The experiments continued. Zod spliced in a sample of Colossus' DNA, bestowing the subject with a steel-like body that made them nearly impervious to damage. The process wasn't without limits, though—Zod found that most subjects could only tolerate the integration of up to three mutant genes before the genetic structure became unstable.
Satisfied with the results of his latest experiment, Zod wiped the subject's memory, implanting new, carefully curated thoughts that guaranteed loyalty. This subject, who now possessed an indestructible body, a powerful healing factor, and laser vision, would be known as the Black Knight.
The Black Knight's name was fitting. In Zod's growing army, the members of Deathwing were named after chess pieces. Black Knight would serve as one of the key figures, alongside others who were named after kings, queens, bishops, and chariots.
As Zod observed the Black Knight, he commented, "It's a pity you don't have the ability to fly. Otherwise, you'd make a perfect black chariot."
The Black Knight stood silent, obedient as ever. Zod wasn't concerned. In time, the Black Knight would develop his own will, but for now, he was an empty vessel. The Black Queen would be responsible for educating him, providing him with the knowledge and experience needed to function in Zod's plans.
However, Zod's work was soon interrupted by an unexpected visitor: the Blade Warrior. He hadn't come for revenge over Chad Norma's death. Instead, Blade had encountered a strange duo who had enlightened him about how to wipe out vampires completely. To achieve that, however, they would need to eliminate the source of all vampires: Dracula.
Blade had already fought Dracula and found himself completely outmatched. Desperate for a solution, he turned to Zod for assistance.
"Dracula, the vampire progenitor?" Zod muttered, his interest piqued. Invading Blade's mind, Zod scanned his memories and confirmed that this Dracula was not the comic version from the Dead Mansion but rather the movie adaptation.
"I've got something for you," Zod said as he handed Blade a set of specialized bullets. "These contain the Extremis Virus. Just one shot of this, and I guarantee that even the original vampire won't survive."
Blade eyed the liquid-filled bullets skeptically. "What's this?"
"Think of it as a super-virus. The Extremis Virus will react violently to any vampire virus, tearing it apart from the inside out. It's potent—use it wisely."
Though still doubtful, Blade pocketed the hundred rounds of Extremis Virus bullets Zod had provided. He didn't have much choice, and it wasn't as if he had a better plan.
Blade returned to his allies—Hannibal and Jessica—who were disappointed that Blade hadn't brought reinforcements. Still, Blade assured them that the weapons Zod had given him might be powerful enough to tip the scales in their favor.
The final battle began at the vampire stronghold, and Blade soon found himself face-to-face with Dracula once again.
"Blade…" Dracula sneered, ready to unleash his full power. But before he could act, Blade quickly drew his gun and fired three of Zod's Extremis Virus bullets into the vampire lord.
At first, Dracula dismissed the attack. He'd seen countless weapons aimed at him—silver bullets, anticoagulants, nothing had worked.
But this time was different. Blade watched as the three bullet wounds began to glow with an ominous red light. The Extremis Virus was taking effect.