on the Quinjet, the group finally found a moment to breathe.
As the high-altitude Quinjet soared over New York City, they could see the once-prosperous city below, now looking like a torn, tragic painting. New York's streets were now empty, its once-proud skyscrapers desolate, with wrecked vehicles scattered haphazardly. From above, the smoke and flames rising from the ruins created a bleak landscape, occasionally showing survivors struggling through the rubble—a haunting reminder of life amidst devastation.
Within hours, New York would be devoid of any living beings, leaving behind only zombie "heroes" who roamed, endlessly hungry. They devoured anything and anyone, blind to the fact that soon there would be no fresh prey left on Earth.
Wang still seemed uneasy, unable to stop thinking about Spider-Man's failure to board the plane. At that moment, Adrian walked over to one of the soldiers and said quietly, "Turn on the TV. Let's see the latest news."
The soldier complied, and the emergency news broadcast appeared on the screen. J. Jonah Jameson stood in a shabby newsroom, holding a microphone in one hand and a gun in the other. Behind him were chaotic piles of equipment, burning files, and even a few zombie corpses.
Looking physically and mentally exhausted, Jameson spoke heavily, "Dear viewers, this may be the last broadcast of the Daily Bugle. The world is in chaos. In this apocalyptic moment, our heroes have fallen, unable to save us."
"But where's that wall-crawling freak?" he sneered. "Maybe he's just a fake, a so-called 'hero' swinging around the city, afraid to face real threats. We need real heroes, not some freak who calls himself Spider-Man!"
A loud crash suddenly echoed, and the window shattered. Spider-Man swung into the room, his costume tattered, revealing blood and bruises underneath. Twisting his body, he quickly approached Jameson with his mouth open, revealing sharp, ravenous teeth.
"Haha, Jameson," Spider-Man sneered. "Did you miss me?"
"You damn reptile! I knew you were no good!" Jameson screamed, stepping back and firing his gun in desperation.
Spider-Man, moving with supernatural speed and agility, easily dodged the bullets. "You can't escape, Jameson. My hunger's out of control now, and you're the tastiest thing I've seen in a while."
The broadcast ended with the horrifying sounds of Spider-Man's attack, leaving the group staring in stunned silence. Adrian waved his hand, signaling the soldier to turn off the screen.
As the screen went dark, Adrian looked at Wang, who wore a grim expression. "Now do you understand why I didn't wait for Spider-Man's family? By now, they're probably dead because of him."
Wang gave a bitter smile and nodded, sinking into silence once more.
Adrian absentmindedly reached up to touch the necklace around his neck. A warm energy radiated from it, spreading through his fingertips. The necklace held the unnamed fire of the Weishan Emperor and an astral projection spell, simple yet powerful magic, both essential for his plans.
The fire's destructive power was akin to a swarm of termite bombs, ideal for harming ethereal beings, while astral projection would let him experience an out-of-body journey within certain limits.
Just then, the Quinjet's radio crackled to life, and Fury's voice came over the speaker: "When you arrive, I need to speak to Adrian alone. Over."
Adrian raised his head, narrowing his eyes. Wanda and Wang exchanged looks before Wanda said, "It sounds like Fury has something important to discuss with you, Adrian."
Adrian glanced at Quicksilver, who was sleeping soundly nearby, then turned to Wanda. "What's your impression of Fury?"
Wanda frowned, deep in thought. "He's skilled in leadership, but he often keeps things from us. There are secrets he won't share."
Adrian gave a knowing smile. "That man's heart is darker than coal."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"At the start of this crisis, Pietro's abilities could have worsened the outbreak. So, I broke his legs preemptively to prevent that," Adrian replied. "But would Fury be as merciful as I was?"
The truth of his words weighed on Wanda. She knew Fury had a history of questionable actions, like placing surveillance in heroes' homes and collecting blood samples for cloning experiments.
As she considered Adrian's words, Wanda muttered, "When we arrive, I'll bring you and Pietro to Fury. I won't let him get away with this."
"Not a problem," Adrian replied with a smile, nodding in satisfaction. He didn't need to tell her the extent of Fury's plans—her suspicion alone was enough.
In the beginning, Fury might indeed have taken Quicksilver's life to protect the world, and he wouldn't have hesitated to do so. But now, with the virus spreading rapidly, killing Quicksilver would make little difference.
Adrian, however, was different. His growing influence and strategic importance might push Fury to use extreme measures against him. Still, Adrian believed that Fury, despite his ruthlessness, wouldn't go so far just yet. Having Wanda by his side would be a final safeguard.
🛡️Ronin 🛡️
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