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"You're absolutely right. Reed betrayed him and tried to turn the Fantastic Four into zombies. Good thing you reminded us."
Fury looked at Adrian with his one good eye, speaking softly.
Reed's last, crazed words only confirmed there was something wrong with his mind. He actually called the zombies "new people." Even Deadpool, after drinking ten kilos of fake whiskey, wouldn't have said something that insane.
Adrian just smiled, staying silent.
This version of Mr. Fantastic's madness didn't compare to the others across the Marvel Universe. He seemed more like a fool than a genius gone insane. Sure, zombies might live forever, but once infected, they lose their ability to heal, something essential for any living creature.
If a human cuts their hand, it may heal in a few weeks and leave a small scar. But for zombies, a cut just stays open. Over time, exposure to the elements would only make it worse. Stitching it up might hold it together temporarily, but it would still tear over time.
Fury took a long drag of his cigar and exhaled slowly. "So, which prophecy did you use? Mutant powers? Alien technology? Or maybe some form of dark magic?"
Adrian shrugged. "Does it matter?"
"No," Fury replied. "I'm not prying. A simple thank you could never repay your contribution to humanity. If you need anything, just ask. SHIELD will do its best."
After a pause, Adrian spoke, "Can you cure cancer? Advanced lung cancer?"
Fury, caught off guard, lowered his cigar and looked at Adrian in surprise.
The young man looked vibrant and alive. He seemed to have overheard Wanda's conversation with a doctor and had fought numerous zombies without hesitation.
Could it be someone close to him?
"Is it you who has cancer?" Fury asked cautiously.
"Yes," Adrian replied without a moment's hesitation. There was no need to hide it. Being honest might even help; perhaps SHIELD could find a way to cure him.
Fury studied Adrian carefully, setting his cigar down. "If you'd like, I can arrange chemotherapy right now. We have top medical facilities onboard; I can guarantee the best care."
"So, you can't actually cure it? Not even SHIELD?" Adrian frowned slightly.
After a brief silence, Fury shook his head. "I'm sorry, we can't. SHIELD isn't omnipotent."
Adrian's face darkened, and he stood up. "I'll check on Wang and Wanda. Pietro should wake up soon."
"Wait, take this with you."
Fury opened a drawer, pulling out a small tube of light green liquid. It was clear and unsticking.
Adrian turned and took it from Fury's hand. "What's this?"
"A semi-finished, self-healing serum made from Logan's genetic samples. It also has nanobots. This is all we have, and no, it can't cure cancer. But it might slow the progression."
"It'll buy you a few more months."
"Thank you," Adrian said.
"No, we should thank you. This is the least we can do."
Fury handed him a needleless syringe. Adrian slowly poured the serum into it, watching as the liquid gently swirled, almost alive.
With a steady hand, he pressed the syringe to his arm. As he injected the serum, he felt a cool sensation spread under his skin, a faint herbal scent filling the air.
A warm feeling spread through his arm, easing his muscles and relieving his fatigue. Even a scratch on his face from earlier began to heal.
"You should rest up. Thor's Quinjet was shot down, and he's buying time. Tony can't leave for now but will meet us later."
"Of course, if you want to wander around, go ahead. I've entered your ID into the system; you're free to access most areas."
Fury, watching Adrian leave, scratched his chin and murmured into his earpiece, "Hill, any luck with his background check?"
A female voice answered, "No data, Director. It's like he appeared out of thin air, right in an alley with no surveillance."
Fury sighed. This guy's predictions were worryingly accurate, and it seemed cancer was the cost.
As Adrian walked out, unaware of Fury's suspicions, he headed towards the medical bay to check on Wanda and the others.
The fact that cancer was incurable here didn't bother him too much. In the Marvel Universe, almost anything was possible. If he couldn't find a cure in this universe, maybe the next one would have it.
On the way, he stopped an agent and asked, "Where's the medical bay? I need to get there."
The agent paused, briefly surprised before a signal flashed in his retina, confirming Adrian's credentials. His expression immediately changed to one of respect. "The medical bay is on the 20th floor. Head right here and take the elevator."
"What about the equipment department?"
"Tenth floor, right out of the elevator. Would you like me to escort you?"
"No, thanks."
Adrian nodded and thanked the agent. Watching him walk away, he made his way to the elevator alone.
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