Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The World Watches
The world had seen many battles, but this one—broadcasted live across multiple news outlets and plastered across social media—was different. The fight between the mysterious blood-wielding figure, the Hulk, and the Abomination had left an impact that rippled across the globe, reaching the most powerful figures in the Marvel Universe.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier – Command Center
Nick Fury stood in the dimly lit command center of the Helicarrier, his one eye fixed on the massive screen displaying footage of the battle. The room buzzed with activity as analysts and agents worked to piece together every detail of the fight. Fury's expression was unreadable, but the tension in his posture spoke volumes.
"What do we know about him?" Fury asked, his voice low and commanding.
Maria Hill stepped forward, holding a tablet. "Not much, sir. No name, no background, no records. He just… appeared. But based on the footage, he's not just another enhanced individual. His abilities are unlike anything we've seen before."
Fury's eye narrowed as he watched the footage of Ethan manipulating blood into weapons, shielding civilians, and holding his own against Abomination. "Blood manipulation, enhanced strength, regeneration… and now heat manipulation? That's not a coincidence."
Hill nodded. "He also took the time to protect civilians during the fight. That's not the behavior of a typical threat."
Fury crossed his arms. "Or it's a calculated move to gain public trust. Either way, we need to find out who he is and what he wants. I don't like unknowns, especially ones that can go toe-to-toe with the Hulk."
"We're already running facial recognition on the mask," Hill said. "But so far, nothing. It's like he doesn't exist."
Fury's jaw tightened. "He exists. And if he's out there, we'll find him. Put a Level 7 priority on this. I want every resource we have focused on identifying him. And get me a meeting with Banner. If anyone can shed light on this, it's him."
Hill hesitated. "Sir, Banner's not exactly easy to track down after a fight like this."
Fury's eye flicked to her. "Then make it happen. This guy's a wild card, and I don't like wild cards."
Stark Tower – New York City
Tony Stark sat in his private lounge, a holographic projection of the battle playing in a loop before him. His face was unreadable as he studied the footage, rewinding and pausing at key moments. The way Ethan manipulated blood as if it were an extension of his body, the way he took on the Abomination and held his ground against the Hulk—this wasn't just some mutant with an X-Gene. This was something else.
"Jarvis, enhance the footage," he ordered, taking a sip of his scotch. "I want a full breakdown. Energy readings, biological markers, anything that stands out."
"Already processing, boss," Jarvis responded, the AI's voice crisp and efficient. "Preliminary results suggest a unique biological signature. Traces of gamma exposure detected in his system after the battle. Additionally, thermal scans indicate extreme heat generation during certain moments of the fight."
Tony narrowed his eyes. "Gamma? That's a dangerous game to play, kid." He leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "And now he's throwing heat manipulation into the mix? What's next, ice powers?"
He exhaled, shifting his gaze to another screen where a separate feed displayed footage of the Hulk. "And Banner… he was in a rare form today." His expression tightened. "That green rage machine is still a problem. But this new player? He's an unknown variable, and I hate unknowns."
Tony paused the footage, zooming in on Ethan's mask. "Who are you? And what do you want?"
The Baxter Building – Fantastic Four Headquarters
Reed Richards was in his lab, analyzing the footage from a scientific standpoint. His brow furrowed as he took in the biological phenomenon that was Ethan.
"Incredible… A form of hemomancy, but far beyond anything previously recorded," he muttered, adjusting the data streams. "Self-propulsion, hardened constructs, even regenerative properties… his blood manipulation is as versatile as it is deadly."
"Should we be worried?" Susan Storm asked, arms crossed as she watched over his shoulder.
Reed tapped a few keys. "He's dangerous, undoubtedly. But what concerns me more is his potential origin. This kind of power doesn't simply manifest without a cause." He brought up a side screen filled with mystical symbols. "And there's a faint trace of something else in his abilities—something arcane."
Ben Grimm, standing nearby, let out a low whistle. "So we got a vampire wizard running around New York now? Great."
Johnny Storm smirked. "I dunno, looks kinda badass to me." He tapped the screen as Ethan was shown mid-battle, glowing red with raw power. "If he ever wants to throw down, I wouldn't mind a match."
Susan shot him a glare. "Johnny, not everything is a competition."
"But if it was, I'd win," Johnny quipped.
Reed sighed, shaking his head. "For now, we observe. But if he becomes a threat, we'll need to be ready."
Kamar-Taj – The Ancient One's Sanctuary
The Ancient One traced her fingers along the ancient tome before her, her mind preoccupied not with spells, but with the ripple in the mystical fabric she had felt during the battle.
"This power… it isn't natural," she murmured, her cloak shifting as if reacting to her unease.
Wong stepped forward, arms crossed. "We've faced vampires before. But this one? He's something different."
The Ancient One nodded. "Not just a vampire. There's something else entwined within him—something… old. He is a variable, one that did not appear in past visions of the future." She closed the tome with a snap, her gaze hardening. "I need to investigate further."
Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters – X-Men's Briefing Room
Professor Charles Xavier sat in quiet contemplation, his fingers steepled as he processed the information. Across from him, Logan leaned against the wall, his arms crossed.
"This kid fought that Abomination and lived. That's not normal," Logan grunted. "And from what I can smell, he's not just any mutant."
Jean Grey looked troubled. "I sensed something… dark. When he was fighting, it was like his power was fueled by something deeper than just strength or skill. It felt… ancient."
Cyclops crossed his arms. "Do we need to intervene?"
Xavier shook his head. "Not yet. But we must keep a close eye on him. If he becomes a threat, we'll need to act."
The Hellfire Club – Selene Gallio's Chambers
Selene Gallio, the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club, reclined on her velvet chaise, watching the footage of the fight with a delighted smile.
"A most… intriguing specimen," she purred, swirling a glass of crimson liquid. "A vampire who wields his blood as a weapon. Such artistry… such potential."
A shadowed figure beside her spoke. "Shall we make contact?"
Selene's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, not yet. Let him grow, let him struggle. He is still a mere fledgling. But in time…" She took a slow sip. "He may be worthy of the gift of true power."
Wilson Fisk's Penthouse – Kingpin's Domain
Fisk stood in front of his massive windows, looking down at the city, his expression unreadable as his informant finished his report.
"This guy… he's a wild card," the man said. "But he could be useful."
Fisk adjusted his cufflinks. "Or he could be a problem. Either way… I want to know everything about him."
A Dark Castle in Transylvania – Dracula's Sanctuary
Far across the world, in the heart of Transylvania, Dracula himself watched the battle unfold through enchanted flames. His crimson eyes glowed with intrigue.
"A fledgling with such raw potential… and yet, he does not bow." He smirked, his fangs glinting. "Fascinating."
A lesser vampire knelt before him. "Shall we intervene, my lord?"
Dracula waved a hand. "No. Let him carve his own path—for now. But the day will come when he will either kneel before me… or be destroyed."
Across the world, the battle's impact continued to spread. Governments, heroes, villains, and creatures of the night all turned their eyes toward the mysterious figure. Some sought to use him, others to destroy him, and a few simply wished to understand him.
And amidst all the analysis of his battle prowess, one thing stood out to many observers—he had taken the time to help civilians, shielding them, pulling people from wreckage, and ensuring minimal casualties despite the destruction.
But one thing was certain: his fight had changed everything.
And the world was watching.
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