The combination of Luke Cage's self-healing factor and his vibranium-based transformation made him nearly unstoppable in battle. However, Zod knew that sheer toughness wasn't enough to make someone truly formidable, so he also integrated a mutant gene for super strength. Originally, this gene would have only granted around ten tons of power, but after Zod's modifications, it became far more potent. Luke Cage's strength now exceeded 100 tons, enough to face off against Red Hulk, Hulk, and even Abomination in hand-to-hand combat. Despite his immense strength, his body remained relatively compact and flexible, thanks to the lightweight properties of vibranium.
"Zod," a voice called from behind, and Morgan approached quietly.
"Is there a problem?" Zod asked, turning to face her.
Morgan hesitated. "What if I can't use soul magic anymore?"
She had once formed a bond with Zod through an incident involving soul magic, but now, her inability to use it weighed heavily on her mind. She feared losing her connection to him, especially with so many others vying for his attention. Morgan felt an overwhelming sense of insecurity.
Zod, sensing her anxiety, replied calmly, "Even if you can't use soul magic, there are other ways to contribute—cell research, gene compilation, high-energy physics, astrophysics, space physics, theoretical physics, energy physics... I need talent in those fields."
The list of complex subjects made Morgan's head spin. She felt even more out of place. Zod's private college offered instruction in all of these fields, but the concepts seemed beyond her grasp.
"I'll try my best," Morgan muttered, her heart heavy. She left quickly, unsure of how she could ever measure up.
As she walked the streets, feeling dejected, a voice suddenly echoed in her mind. "Do you want his love for you?"
Startled, Morgan froze. She had seen enough to know that not everything in this world could be explained by science. She turned around and saw a dark, blue-tinted figure materializing behind her, a vague shadow at first but then clearly taking shape in her mind's eye—a towering demon, its four horns jutting from its head like crystalline spires, and its scales gleaming in the dim light.
Fear gripped her as she recognized the presence before her. It was the dimensional demon Ancient One had warned her about.
"Don't be afraid, Morgan. I am your father," the demon spoke, its voice dripping with dark intent.
Morgan's fear only grew. She remembered Ancient One's warning that one of her parents might be a product of a dimensional demon's invasion. And here he was—her father, an entity from a realm beyond her understanding.
As she prepared to run, her body refused to move.
"You desire his love, don't you?" the demon coaxed. Images of Zod flashed before Morgan's eyes—he was exercising, his muscles glistening in the gravity room, and Morgan's heart skipped a beat.
"I—no, you can't manipulate me!" Morgan stammered, trying to resist.
The demon chuckled darkly. "Oh, my dear. I'm not manipulating you. I'm simply offering you what you already want."
Morgan shut her eyes, refusing to listen. But the demon continued, "Have you seen Uuld? That secretary of his is beautiful, capable—everything you aren't. Do you really think you can compete with her for Zod's attention?"
An image of Uuld appeared before Morgan, and it stung. Uuld was flawless, in both appearance and skill. Every part of her screamed perfection, something Morgan could never hope to rival.
"Zod prefers mature women. How long do you think you'll have to wait for him to even notice you?" the demon whispered.
Morgan was paralyzed. Her mind churned with jealousy and despair as the demon's words dug deeper into her insecurities. Just as quickly as the demon had appeared, it retreated, sensing Ancient One's attention on them.
"I'll give you a few days to think about it, Morgan," the demon said, his voice fading into the shadows.
Morgan collapsed, trembling from the encounter. When she regained her composure, her first instinct was to run to Zod and tell him what had happened. But as she reached his office and saw him laughing and talking with Uuld, she froze again. A wave of jealousy surged through her. She wanted to tell him everything, but instead, she turned and left without a word.
She was jealous. And that jealousy was now a seed planted deep within her, one that the dimensional demon could cultivate. He knew he was drawing closer to her world.
Morgan didn't mention the demon encounter to anyone, and she kept her emotions bottled up. If she couldn't gain power, she couldn't be close to Zod...
Wanda noticed Morgan's odd behavior the next day and approached her. "Morgan, are you okay?"
Morgan forced a smile. "I'm fine, Wanda. Don't worry about me."
But Wanda could tell something was wrong. "If there's anything on your mind, you can talk to me. We're friends, remember?"
Morgan's heart warmed at Wanda's concern. Wanda had always been kind and sincere, someone Morgan trusted deeply.
"I'll be sure to annoy you when the time comes," Morgan said lightly, but deep down, she had already made up her mind. She couldn't let Wanda or anyone else get involved in the dangerous path she was now considering.