As Zod dominated the battlefield, his efficiency was unmatched, leaving other heroes feeling somewhat overshadowed. Determined to showcase more, Zod summoned his nanobots to form a sleek, futuristic-looking gun.
Tony Stark observed the transformation of the weapon, noting the advanced nanobot technology.
This was no ordinary weapon—Zod had created a "Fusion Gun," capable of firing ultra-high-temperature energy blasts that could vaporize enemies upon impact. A single shot obliterated a Deep Sea creature in an instant, reducing it to nothing.
Johnny Storm was awestruck. "This weapon is intense! That thing just… vanished!"
Reed Richards studied the weapon, thinking of the possibilities, though his speculations far outstripped those of Tony Stark.
Meanwhile, Nick Fury, observing from S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, was struck by the gun's similarity to the Hydra energy weapons from World War II. The Hydra weapons had relied on the Tesseract, yet here was Zod, independently creating equally powerful devices.
As Zod continued, it became clear he was using the city's urban setting to his advantage. Heavy artillery couldn't be deployed without severe collateral damage, leaving Zod and the superheroes the sole defense against the invasion. By the battle's end, Zod had effectively bolstered the public's confidence in himself and the superheroes, while the military's reliance on Zod's advanced tech raised questions about its strength.
After three grueling hours, the Deep Sea invaders finally retreated from the coastline. The military, having taken severe losses, breathed a sigh of relief. Their credibility, however, had taken a major hit, while Zod emerged as a savior.
---
Back at Blade Technology Industries, Zod was greeted by an unexpected guest. As he walked into his office, he saw "Natalie," also known as Natasha Romanoff, standing beside his desk.
"Meeting for the first time, Mr. Zod," said a voice behind him. The office chair spun around to reveal Nick Fury, leaning over the table, hands clasped.
Feigning surprise, Zod called for security. "Security, there are intruders in my office," he announced.
A squad of heavily armored, genetically enhanced security guards entered, quickly restraining Nick Fury and Natasha as they tried to resist. Natasha struggled, stunned by the guards' superhuman strength. She had expected a simple fight but found herself pinned to the floor.
"What… just happened?" Natasha gasped, bewildered. "Are the security guards here all supersoldiers?"
Turning his attention to Fury, Zod spoke calmly, "Natalie, whatever your intentions, consider yourself fired. You'll also be hearing from our legal team for breaching confidentiality." He gave Fury a sharp look. "Take her and your friend here with you on your way out."
Fury tried to speak, but Zod's guards weren't interested in listening. Fury's attempts at negotiation were met with silence as he was led out.
After they left, Zod instructed his assistant, Uuld, to have his office thoroughly swept for bugs and cameras. "Have the place stripped and remodeled. I don't want any surprises."
Looking out over the city from his floor-to-ceiling windows, Zod murmured to himself, "The Avengers Initiative, huh? So Fury's already started laying the groundwork. Well, that's not happening on my watch."
Meanwhile, Fury and Natasha, now outside, discussed the unexpected resistance they'd faced.
"Those security guards… they're not ordinary humans," Fury observed darkly. "There's a chance they're all enhanced somehow."
Natasha nodded. "They're too strong for standard operatives. It's possible Zod has been conducting genetic modifications or technological upgrades within Blade Technology Industries. Whatever the case, he's not just a scientist or businessman. He's something far more dangerous."