Marvel - The Blood God

On a sunny afternoon at Luna Park, Coney Island, New York, Frank Castle sipped a Coke by a food stall. Seeing Maverick step out of a sports car, he exclaimed, "Wow, am I seeing things? A vampire out during the day?"

"I'm not just any vampire now!" Maverick laughed and hugged Frank, while Mercury stayed in the car. She wasn't immune to sunlight—the car's glass had a special coating to block ultraviolet rays.

"Sorry I'm late," Maverick apologized. "A few senators kept me chatting, asking questions. Had to do some networking!"

"Senators?" Frank glanced at the Lamborghini beside them and smiled. "Looks like you're doing well. Honestly, the Rolls-Royce that picked us up this morning really surprised me!"

Maverick grinned. "It's nothing special—just my reward for saving the world!"

"You almost had me believing that, just for a second." Frank chuckled. He thought for a moment and sighed, "You should watch fewer movies. In the real world, heroes often don't get happy endings."

"Seems like that instructor left quite an impression on you," Maverick said with a smile. "But enough about that. Did you have a good time?"

"Absolutely! Thanks for inviting my family here," Frank replied happily. "But how much did you pay the staff? They were super enthusiastic, followed us everywhere, even pushing a cart alongside us."

"Didn't pay them anything—I have shares in this place!" Maverick laughed. "If you're free later, I'll take you to Universal Studios on a private jet. It's even more fun there."

"Shares and a private jet? You really are doing well." Frank was a bit surprised but didn't press further, thinking Maverick must have come into some inheritance. He got to the point, "Maverick, is there something you want me to do?"

Maverick didn't mince words. "I want to ask you to be my personal bodyguard."

Frank was stunned. "Me? Your personal bodyguard?"

"Yes. Vampires can't be out in daylight, so I need a human bodyguard," Maverick explained. "I can offer you a million-dollar annual salary, plus great benefits. You won't be treated poorly!"

"A million a year?" Frank was surprised. That was several times his salary as an instructor. To be honest, he was tempted.

"Yes, and there might be a raise in the future," Maverick smiled. "Frank, you have two kids, so you must be under a lot of pressure. I believe this job won't disappoint you!"

American parents might not need to buy houses for their kids, but saving for college tuition is a big deal!

Frank looked a bit embarrassed. He knew he needed to save money, but as a soldier, he was used to spending freely. Even so, after thinking it over, he decided to decline. "I prefer to stay in the army, Maverick. If you really need a bodyguard, I can introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Billy Russo—he runs a security company."

"I know him, but I don't like him," Maverick shook his head. He turned and gestured to Mercury, who tossed a yellow envelope to him from the car.

Frank was a bit taken aback. What kind of secretary throws things at her boss like that? Isn't that a bit disrespectful?

"She's a vampire and can't get out of the car. I'm already looking for a human secretary," Maverick explained as he caught the envelope. He handed it to Frank. "Here are some things I found. You can look at them when you get home, so it won't spoil your mood now."

Frank was puzzled but took the envelope. "I'll contact you after I've read it."

"Sounds good," Maverick said. "Frank, do you mind if I join you for dinner? I'd like to meet your wife and kids!"

Frank smiled. "We'd love that. Maria said she wanted to thank you in person!"

So, Maverick and Frank's family went to a restaurant for dinner. Frank's wife, Maria Castle, was a gentle woman, and their two kids were adorable, calling Maverick "Uncle" nonstop.

Watching Frank being so tender with his family, nothing like the tough soldier on the battlefield, Maverick thought to himself, "Tough guys have tender hearts. It's because Frank loves his family so much that when they die, he becomes the Punisher. Thankfully, that tragedy won't happen this time!"

Soon, lunch ended on a happy note. Maverick had things to do in the afternoon, so he said his goodbyes.

"When summer vacation comes, I'll take you all to Universal Studios!" Maverick waved to Frank's kids, started the sports car, and roared away, disappearing from the Castles' sight.

Maria turned to Frank curiously. "Frank, you actually have such a wealthy friend?"

"Former employer," Frank replied thoughtfully and told her about Maverick wanting him to be a bodyguard. Maria was surprised. "A million-dollar salary? I didn't realize you were worth that much!"

"Are you underestimating me?" Frank pretended to be offended. He hesitated and shared his decision with her. Although Maria was a bit disappointed, she said, "You can decide for yourself. I'll always support you!"

"Thank you," Frank hugged Maria gratefully. With her and the kids, he had everything he needed.

In the sports car, Mercury asked Maverick, "Blood God, with your current status, you don't need to personally recruit a bodyguard, do you?"

Maverick replied, "He's different. If fully prepared, he can take down Deacon Frost's entire team alone!"

Mercury was skeptical. "You're talking about Superman, not a human!"

"Let's not discuss that. What's on the agenda for this afternoon?" Maverick didn't explain further. How could Mercury understand the power of the Punisher? He's the peak of ordinary human combat power! And beyond his fighting skills, Frank's leadership abilities are even more impressive, which is why Maverick wants to recruit him—not just as a bodyguard, but as a commander.

"We've already talked to S.H.I.E.L.D. They'll come over this afternoon to exchange prisoners with us. Also, they've returned some of the companies and funds they seized," Mercury said. "According to estimates, we can get back about 70%."

"Seventy percent? Not bad. Seems Director Fury isn't as stingy as I thought. I expected we'd only get back about 30%," Maverick remarked.

"It's probably out of respect for Ms. Carter. Or maybe they're both putting on a show," Mercury commented. She was still hostile toward Carter—in fact, even more so now. During this time, their pureblood power and interests were constantly being taken away by her. This woman's abilities are quite terrifying!

Maverick said lightly, "Carter is doing a good job."

Mercury didn't say more. The purebloods' plan to use Maverick as a puppet was clearly failing. Both Maverick and Carter were not easy to deal with.

The location for the prisoner exchange was in the underground parking lot of an abandoned factory in Hell's Kitchen (Clinton, Manhattan). Leading S.H.I.E.L.D.'s team was Melinda May. She said to Maverick, "I'm Melinda May. I'll be leading this exchange. Also, I'll be joining the Vampire Police Department as the deputy chief."

"Welcome!" Maverick shook hands with Melinda, then had someone open the stairwell door to release the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. These agents looked fine and clearly hadn't been mistreated.

Seeing this, Melinda signaled to her team. An agent opened the bus door, and the vampire captives came out.

Level 8 agent John Garrett walked up to Maverick and said with a smirk, "Blood God, we'll meet again, but not here—in S.H.I.E.L.D. When that time comes, I'll be sure to greet you properly!"

Maverick smiled. "I'll visit S.H.I.E.L.D. soon. Remember to prepare some tea—I don't drink anything less than $10,000 a cup!"

"You might as well drink gold!" John Garrett retorted. He seemed very dissatisfied with Maverick, but when no one was looking, he and Maverick exchanged glances, saying everything without words.

Melinda said sternly, "Agent Garrett, Director Fury asks you to report back to S.H.I.E.L.D. immediately!"

"Understood. Wonder how many reports I'll have to write this time!" John Garrett grumbled and walked toward the S.H.I.E.L.D. bus with the other prisoners. Meanwhile, the vampire prisoners approached Maverick and his team, looking both confused and surprised.

Mercury quickly went up to greet them, reassuring them and explaining the current situation so they wouldn't disrespect the Blood God. This Blood God wasn't someone to mess with.

"You S.H.I.E.L.D. folks have gone too far. Look at them—all pale and weak, clearly mistreated," Maverick complained. "I treated your agents well—they didn't have to worry about food or drink, and Garrett even gained weight!"

John Garrett stumbled and nearly fell, turning around to give Maverick a hard glare.

Melinda was speechless. Isn't it normal for vampires to be pale? Is it a problem if they have rosy cheeks? She said coldly, "If you have any complaints, you can take them up with Director Fury."

Maverick nodded. "Good suggestion. Mercury, remember to write me a complaint letter!"

Melinda couldn't be bothered with Maverick and asked, "The prisoner exchange is complete. Who should I contact about the Vampire Police Department?"

"Blade is on the third underground floor. You can take your team to find him. Lately, many vampires want to cause trouble and need you," Maverick said. "Melinda, although we're on different sides, we both hope for peace. I hope you won't disappoint me!"

"Since I've taken this position, I'll perform my duties accordingly," Melinda replied coldly. She thought of something and asked, "Is this the headquarters you've chosen for the Vampire Police Department?"

"Yes, right here. The vampire police station will be built underground—safe and convenient. Also, we'll rebuild a factory above ground to give vampires jobs," Maverick nodded. "By the way, does S.H.I.E.L.D. have any tax exemption channels? Opening a factory in the city has high taxes. It'd be better if we could get some subsidies! And why are you looking at me like that? Worst case, I'll give S.H.I.E.L.D. some kickbacks—we're partners now!"

"Kickbacks?" Melinda was at a loss for words. She didn't know how to respond, so she turned and left to find Blade on the third underground floor.

"I'll have to discuss this with Nick Fury. That guy is very interested in kickbacks!" Maverick shrugged. Just then, Mercury approached with a group of prisoners. Though they looked conflicted, none dared to act out. They all said respectfully, "Thank you, Blood God, for saving us!"

"You're welcome," Maverick replied. "Mercury will tell you about recent changes. Remember, times have changed—it's my time now!"

The vampires looked at each other, and finally, under Mercury's signal, they said in unison, "Yes, Blood God!"

"Go back and rest!" Maverick waved them off, then took Mercury to a café on the edge of Hell's Kitchen—also his property.

Maverick looked through the window at the apartment building across the street and asked, "Have you bought that apartment building?"

"I've signed a contract with the owner, but there are many tenants inside, so it's not easy to handle," Mercury said, standing in the shadows. "We've talked to them, but few are willing to move out. Legally, they have the right to stay until their leases end.

"I suggest using some other methods. After all, the people inside aren't exactly model citizens—they're alcoholics, gamblers, and addicts."

"They don't want to move because they can't afford rent elsewhere," Maverick said. "Buy another apartment building and move them there. Also, give each of them extra compensation."

"That will cost us a lot of money!" Mercury exclaimed. "Blood God, why insist on buying this building for the Blood God Group's headquarters? There are better locations in Hell's Kitchen!"

Maverick replied, "The feng shui here is good. Just buy it as soon as possible, then demolish it and build our group headquarters!"

He said "feng shui" in Chinese, and Mercury was puzzled. "Feng shui? What's that?"

"No need to worry about it. Just do as I say. And don't stress about the money—I have plenty!" Maverick assured her, thinking that this apartment is where the dragon bone is located. The feng shui is indeed excellent!

"You're certainly not short on cash. I'll get a lawyer to handle this as soon as possible," Mercury agreed. Then, she brought over a laptop and pointed to some resumes on the screen. "Blood God, these are the secretaries I've found for you. They're all from the KGB family—you can trust them!"

"Laptop? The technology in this world is quite inconsistent. Tony Stark has holographic projections, but smartphones aren't widely used yet! By the way, is Twitter around now? Should I acquire it? Then I can block that big-mouthed guy in the future!" Maverick mused as he took the computer and carefully read the resumes. When he got to the third one, he couldn't help but be surprised.

Maverick pointed at the red-haired beauty with wavy hair on the resume and asked Mercury with a puzzled expression, "Is this woman also from the KGB family?"

Mercury glanced at it and nodded. "Natalie Rushman. She is indeed from the KGB family. She has several degrees and is proficient in combat. She's the best among them!"