Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

Although Adam had successfully created the first-generation Blacklight Virus, he remained unsatisfied.

While the first-generation virus allowed infected individuals to absorb and enhance their capabilities, it lacked the ability for evolution or transformation.

Moreover, the first-generation virus had an enormous energy demand. Without sufficient food to support the enhancements, infected hosts would quickly starve to death.

As a result, the first-generation virus had never been deployed in actual combat scenarios. Now, everything depended on whether Blacklight-2 could address these issues.

Thinking about Blacklight-2 naturally brought Adam's mind back to Masanobu Tanikawa.

Even after a year of research, he had not identified the cause of the man's mutations. What was more perplexing was that Tanikawa's genes were entirely indistinguishable from that of a normal human being. There was no trace of viral infection or genetic alteration.

It was as if the human arm was always meant to be a tentacle.

This was the core issue.

Adam had initially speculated that the problem lay in the realm of the mind, but with modern technology unable to observe spiritual energy, progress in studying the so-called "Cthulhu Virus" remained stagnant.

Still, they had begun to collect patterns and develop relevant technologies. Adam believed that in a few years, technological advances might finally allow humanity to observe spiritual energy.

......

The next day arrived~

News about the military blockade failure in Arne city(Iraq) and the spread of Rift Zombies to all western regions quickly dominated global headlines.

The reports sounded alarms across the world.

Unlike Kyushu Island, where the containment of Japan was feasible in the event of an outbreak, Iraq occupied a strategic position in the Middle East.

If the region were to spiral out of control, the Rift Zombie virus could trigger a global catastrophe.

In response, the United Nations Security Council swiftly reached a consensus: nations would contribute either manpower or resources.

Within days, a massive military force—numbering a million troops, though including a substantial number of construction workers—was deployed to seal Iraq's western regions and the eastern border.

The workers focused on building walls and fortifications around the area.

.......

At a seaside villa in New York, Tony Stark was conducting experiments when a visitor arrived.

"Mr. Stark, this zombie crisis threatens the safety of the entire world. We urgently need your help," said Maria Hill, who had recently been appointed Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. after Nick Fury's dismissal by the UN Security Council.

Maria's first act as director was to seek out Tony and rebuild the Avengers.

Tony, seated on a couch beside Pepper Potts, lowered his head without responding. He had already promised Pepper that he would consult her before getting involved in any dangerous ventures.

And this zombie crisis was undeniably the most significant threat to global security.

Respecting Tony's decision, Pepper turned to Maria.

"Tony's not feeling well recently, as you can see from the wires in his chest. He's not in any condition to participate."

Maria, however, ignored Pepper's words and looked directly at Tony.

"This crisis threatens the lives of all seven billion people on the planet. If we don't eliminate the mutated zombie leader, the only regions left untouched will be the Americas."

"But even then, no one can guarantee these zombies won't eventually cross the ocean—or evolve the ability to fly."

Hearing the mention of seven billion lives, Tony's head shot up, determination glinting in his eyes.

"Pepper, this time…"

Pepper sighed deeply, recognizing the look on Tony's face.

"I understand. I won't stop you. I love you, but the world needs you more."

With Pepper's approval, Tony grasped her hands tightly.

"Thank you. Your support means everything to me."

"Just… can you leave tomorrow instead?" Pepper asked, blushing as she looked down.

"Why tomorrow?" Tony asked, puzzled.

'So the Stark family won't lack an heir…', Realizing her implication, Maria immediately stood.

"I'll return tomorrow. You can meet the other heroes before we depart."

.......

After some time alone with Pepper, Tony headed to his underground laboratory.

"Jarvis, what's the status of Mark VII?"

"Sir, due to insufficient supplies of adamantium and vibranium, the Mark VII is only halfway completed."

"Contact S.H.I.E.L.D. for the necessary materials."

"As you wish, sir."

After resolving the material issue, Tony approached the Mark VII model.

Mark VII was his most ambitious design yet. It featured remote summoning, automatic donning capabilities, holographic laser cannons, and multi-dimensional tracking mini-missiles.

To enhance flight performance, it was equipped with four propulsion units and dual-shoulder boosters for improved maneuverability.

The suit's defense was bolstered with precision-engineered layers of adamantium and vibranium, making it far more formidable than any of its predecessors.

After making the final adjustments, Tony realized it was already nighttime.

Returning to the living room, he found Bruce Banner waiting for him.

"You're back! Didn't you go to see Elizabeth?"

Scratching the back of his head, Bruce gave a sheepish grin.

"I'm not going to see her anymore. I promised Natasha I'd head to the Middle East to save the world."

Mentioning Natasha brought a satisfied smile to his face, leaving little doubt that he had been thoroughly "persuaded."

Tony chuckled, immediately understanding that Natasha had used her charms to convince Bruce. He remembered how she had once infiltrated his company as an assistant, attempting to seduce him.

Had it not been for Obadiah's betrayal and Pepper's confession, he might have ended up in the same predicament as Bruce.

After some small talk, Bruce retired for the night. Pepper, however, mysteriously dragged Tony back to their room.

That night, Tony discovered just how much he had underestimated Pepper's passion.

..........

The next morning, Tony and Bruce arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, where a diverse group of individuals awaited them.

Among the crowd were Erik Lehnsherr, Maximoff siblings, and a team clad in metallic armor—recently produced by Hammer Industries.

Boarding a transport plane, the group departed for the Middle East.

........

Meanwhile, in an underground facility beneath a luxurious New York mansion, Ophelia dressed in a green leather bodysuit and high heels, her footsteps echoing through a metallic corridor.

She stopped at the end of the passage, entered a series of codes, and opened a door.

Inside, as the lights flickered on, holographic projections of human figures appeared around a conference table.

Ophelia took her place among them, her expression one of quiet determination.

________________

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