Not long after Zod obliterated Mephisto's projection, the Ancient One appeared before him.
"Master Ancient One, I think I deserve an explanation," Zod said bluntly. "You didn't mention that I'd end up targeted by Mephisto just for carrying a trace of the Hell dimension's aura."
This encounter was hardly one he'd anticipated; the old devil Mephisto would likely pursue him relentlessly now, seeking more information about this Hell dimension fragment. While Zod wasn't exactly afraid—Mephisto couldn't physically manifest on Earth—dealing with the schemes of an ancient devil was far from desirable.
"I apologize. That was a miscalculation on my part," the Ancient One admitted. "If you erased his projection swiftly, he may not even realize what happened. Still, I recognize this can't simply be ignored. So, Zod, is there anything you want in compensation?"
"I don't want anything. But since you're here, how has Morgan been doing lately?" Zod replied, watching her closely. With the dragon's power enhancing his senses, he could detect a dark energy subtly coursing through her—likely a sign she had been busy absorbing dark dimension energy, which might explain her recent absence.
"Morgan's talents are extraordinary, but they attract the attention of demons all too often," the Ancient One explained. "Her ability to master the magic of Kamar-Taj is remarkable, and while she must pay a price to wield such power, I've taught her a way to channel her father's dimensional energy. This... 'tax evasion' strategy has allowed her to progress quickly. Her soul magic has grown stronger, and even Kamar-Taj's spells transform under her touch."
However, her rapid ascent had its costs; many demons had taken notice, and Kamar-Taj had recently repelled a wave of infernal intruders. Mephisto had managed to slip through unnoticed, though his projection was eradicated by Zod before he could act.
"Mephisto's power is limited here, so it's mainly his persuasive abilities we need to watch out for," the Ancient One cautioned, returning to the matter at hand. "Although his influence is constrained, he still has a knight in his service."
Zod scoffed. "Johnny Blaze might just be a daredevil now, but it's only a matter of time before Mephisto calls him, and when he does, things will get complicated."
"That knight's power is hardly a threat to you, is it?" the Ancient One countered, smiling slightly.
"No, but it's annoying to have him around," Zod replied. "I could send him off to space, but knowing my luck, he'd return as some 'Cosmic Ghost Rider' just to make trouble."
After this exchange, the Ancient One handed Zod something he'd find invaluable: a magical artifact capable of deflecting Mephisto's influence. She provided several, in fact, knowing Zod's associates might need them. Zod himself didn't need it—his dragon power offered sufficient protection—but the women close to him were another matter.
Just in case, Zod distributed the artifacts to Urd, Esdeath, and Wanda, presenting them as "tokens of affection." Urd, shocked by this rare romantic gesture from him, accepted it with a bright smile.
"Come over tonight," she whispered, "I'll have a surprise waiting for you."
"Can't tonight," Zod replied, determined to spend the evening studying his Hulk blood sample. He was convinced this sample could unravel mysteries about the Hulk lineage—whether its powers stemmed from genetic anomalies or something more profound. Women? Zod's hormone levels were under precise control, and he had no interest in distractions.
Esdeath, upon receiving her "token," declared she would "settle matters" with him that night as well, which he also declined.
For Wanda, the gift served more as an acknowledgment of her growth. Her eyes lit up with surprise and excitement, thrilled that Zod actually paid attention to her efforts rather than just sponsoring her. Her happiness, however, triggered jealousy in Emma, who stormed in demanding her own recognition.
"I work hard for World Serpent too!" Emma declared indignantly. "I deserve a reward just as much as anyone!"
Having anticipated this, Zod calmly produced the last artifact for her.
"It's already prepared," he said.
Emma's mood shifted immediately; overjoyed, she left with the charm, satisfied. Zod chuckled to himself. "She's so easy to please."
Jessica, on the other hand, was notably absent—no surprise. She didn't consider herself part of Zod's circle, and likely wouldn't risk stepping into any romantic entanglements with him. Zod was indifferent; his original plan to use her as bait for the Purple Man remained unfruitful, as the villain had either gone into hiding or met an untimely end.
That night, Zod immersed himself in his lab work, poring over his Hulk research with relentless focus. As he examined Banner's unique genes, he grew increasingly convinced that a key lay within this gamma-induced mutation. While OBA (the One Below All) added an unpredictable factor, there was clearly a biological foundation as well.
Experimenting with these cells held potential for replicating Hulk's abilities in others, though Zod was cautious not to rush. The Ancient One's mere presence served as a reminder that there were boundaries he should tread lightly around.
Beyond his research, Zod was also preoccupied with his new responsibilities as President of the Superhero Association. This role demanded he oversee the association's affairs, including the burgeoning superhero merchandise and film industry linked to the Association.
Zod's vision extended far beyond mere financial gain. He saw an opportunity to build a global culture rooted in heroism, much like the world of One Punch Man. With superheroes occupying the center of public consciousness, Earth would evolve into a society capable of defending itself without his direct involvement.
He issued orders to the association members: "Heroes willing to endorse merchandise can opt-in, while those with a fanbase over one million may vote to create their own film franchises."
The revenues from these ventures were trivial to him, but cultivating a "hero culture" would have long-term benefits. Soon, the entire world would rally under a unified heroic ideal, with Zod at the top of its hierarchy. In the face of any threat, he could merely raise his hand, and the heroes would answer his call to arms.
The Earth's growing roster of almost 10,000 superheroes, street-level and beyond, gave him an army not only capable of defending the planet but also exploring the universe. After all, Gamora was already renowned as one of the galaxy's deadliest assassins...