Marvel's Death Merchant

Marcus said, "Unfortunately, Donald didn't tell you that you might not be able to fix the virus's defects. And like those mutated creatures outside, your bodily functions will rapidly weaken within months or even days."

Marcus continued, "Do you know why that guy knew but didn't say anything?"

"Why?" Jack was slightly puzzled by this. Given Tang Tian's abilities, if Jack wasn't told, he would definitely be in serious trouble.

Marcus said calmly, "Because according to the information I received, the C virus needs to constantly absorb DNA to improve itself. Otherwise, it will completely weaken. For a period of time, you won't see any problems, but it will be different over a longer period of time."

“This is the flaw of the C-virus, and the reason why it can’t be mass-produced. Of course, the main reason is to create a perfect fusion like you. Of course, absorbing various DNA is no problem for you,” Marcus summarized. Then he stared at me with a half-smile, and after a while said, “It won’t be long. You will become like it, your power will decrease, and your speed will slow down. However, you are still very lucky, since the C-virus was also created by you, and your power will weaken very slowly.”

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Jack said coldly. "Your words make it sound like the chairman is doing this on purpose."

Marcus chuckled: "From what I've observed, your virus hasn't even started yet. In other words, your bodily functions are still constantly strengthening, but after a while, once they reach their peak, they will begin to weaken rapidly."

Unexpectedly, Marcus said, "I have a way to overcome the flaws of the C-virus, and that's what I wanted to tell you. As long as you work for me obediently, you will not only be able to leave the Arklay Mountains alive, but you will also be able to truly integrate with the virus and become my perfect bioweapon. The various mutated creatures here are also enough for you to devour and integrate into the C-virus."

"You think you can overcome these flaws? What can you possibly do? If I become your subordinate, Umbrella's power is no joke. What you've discovered is only the surface," Jack said with a hint of sarcasm.

Decades ago, if Marcus had said this, given his status and capabilities in the fields of viruses and genetics, Jack would have believed him without reservation. But things are different now. Decades of planning, coupled with his current state of mind filled with hatred—living only for hatred—offers no basis for cooperation. Furthermore, Jack doesn't have a high opinion of Marcus; he believes Donals is the one to trust.

"Judging from your expression, you don't seem to believe me." Marcus's pupil-less eyes were very sharp, and he saw right through Jack.

But Jack didn't bother to hide it, nodding as he stated frankly, "Yes, I don't really believe anything you've said. First, I have fused with the C-virus, but I don't think I'll have any problems with it. Also, you're using me as a guinea pig, while Umbrella Corporation wouldn't. In other words, you and I are enemies."

"Secondly, I don't believe you have the ability to overcome the shortcomings of the C-virus. You've spent decades researching and developing the T-virus based on the progenitor virus, but even the T-virus is imperfect. As for the leech virus, it's just an enhanced version of the T-virus, nothing groundbreaking. On the contrary, the C-virus, although also developed based on the progenitor virus, has far surpassed the T-virus in stability and adaptability. In other words, the scientists at Umbrella Corporation are no less capable than you, and even they couldn't overcome the shortcomings of the C-virus, so what can you possibly do?"

Marcus was quite angry. When he was angry, his face was terrifying; his originally ashen face suddenly turned jet black. Oh, not only his face, but his entire body turned jet black, just like the color of a leech. The only part of his body that wasn't black was his pupils.

Marcus was angry for a moment, but quickly recovered. He continued, "Actually, I now control half of Hydra's power. They all need me to provide them with a milder version of the T-virus enhancement. My plan can also benefit you. However, those superheroes are a real problem."

“No, no, no, Dr. Marcus. You haven’t realized your true weakness yet. Although you’ve been looking for opportunities to attack Umbrella Corporation’s bases, you haven’t obtained the company’s core technology. In other words, even with Hydra’s technology, you can’t completely surpass Umbrella Corporation,” Jack said seriously, calmly analyzing the situation.

Chapter 309 Originating from Evolution

“I believe Dr. Marcus understands what I mean, because we are not the same kind of people. Obviously, all you’ve said is that you just need a cannon fodder, and right now you’re just using Hydra to take revenge on Umbrella Corporation.” Jack pointed out the obvious in one sentence: Marcus’s weakness was the difference in strength.

"Well, I underestimated you. Your insight and observation skills are outstanding. I finally understand why Donald chose you as the carrier of the C virus."

Marcus didn't react emotionally to Jack's words. This seasoned veteran, resurrected decades ago, wouldn't offer the enemy just a slight advantage and do anything else.

"Bang! Bang!" Jack finally pulled out his pistol and fired. He knew that continuing to talk wouldn't make much sense, so he wanted to communicate in a different way: through fighting.

In an instant, Jack fired a shot at Marcus's head.

The bullet blew Marcus's head off, but he didn't fall. Corrosive liquid splattered everywhere after the hit. Jack was quite far away from Marcus, so he wasn't worried. The corrosive liquid sprayed onto the ground.

Jack hadn't planned to dodge, since the C-virus on his body could simulate and adapt to any kind of damage, so he didn't need to care about that. Sure enough, his sixth sense inexplicably detected a dangerous aura at that moment.

"Sizzle, sizzle..." Like the corrosive effects of sulfuric acid, the liquid hissed and crackled as it splashed onto the floor. Jack shone his flashlight on it and gasped. The corrosive liquid, of unknown composition, had somehow managed to carve a large hole in the hard floor.

If he hadn't dodged, and that liquid had splashed onto Jack, you can imagine how it would have felt; his skin isn't as tough as the floor. Perhaps only the adamantium alloy wouldn't corrode.

After being shot, Marcus made no move whatsoever, not even a sound. About half a minute after his head was blown apart, his hand twitched slightly, and then his head miraculously returned to its original state. Marcus shook his head. There was nothing unusual about it, as if nothing had happened at all. Furthermore, the color of his body gradually began to return to normal.

Jack focused his attention, using his sixth sense about the virus to observe Marcus, and found that he was not making any moves.

It seemed that Jack's firing of the gun signified the breakdown of negotiations; everyone was prepared for battle, even brandishing their adamantium claws. Yet, judging by this, it appeared there was still room for negotiation. But Jack dared not be careless in the slightest; who knew if this was just a facade?

Jack stared intently at Marcus, afraid he might suddenly go berserk, so he didn't dare blink. He glanced at Marcus out of the corner of his eye, but seeing Marcus's strange regenerative abilities earlier, Jack didn't dare fire again. Jack's regenerative abilities were probably second only to Wolverine's, but Marcus's were even better.

"Now you know my abilities!" Marcus suddenly spoke, his voice calm and without a trace of anger.

Although I haven't witnessed Marcus's attack power, judging from the previous attacks on the piranhas by the leeches, I can infer that this guy is definitely not easy to deal with. At the very least, he's no less than a high-level tyrant.

With biological weapons of this caliber, it's best to avoid fighting if possible. Marcus continued, "Jack, firearms are completely ineffective against me; my virus is immune to these weapons."

Jack showed no fear, for he knew the consequences of betrayal. He continued, "You said you had a way to make me evolve. What is that way?"

Marcus turned his head to look at him, and at that moment, his mind returned to normal. He took two steps forward and then slowly said, "Although I only truly awakened decades ago, I actually regained consciousness much earlier. I started plotting revenge decades ago, but back then I simply didn't have the ability to do so. At that time, Umbrella was invincible, and I couldn't deal with Umbrella when it was on the rise. Only now have I found my opportunity."

He paused, glanced at Jack again, and said, "As I said before, the leech virus is also an imperfect T-virus. Although it revived me, this revival was only a revival of consciousness. But I am completely integrated with the virus, so you could say that I am the leech virus."

Jack was taken aback: "A resurrection of consciousness? What about your body?" Because theoretically, consciousness cannot exist outside the body.

"Body?" Marcus chuckled. "My original body has long since decayed. My current body is these leeches. My consciousness has merged with the leech virus." Marcus waved his hand, and a lively leech emerged from his palm.

The leech was smaller than a normal leech, and it kept jumping around on Marcus's palm, making sounds as it did so.

Jack could clearly see that it felt like a child whining to its parents. Looking at the leech's behavior with that same feeling in mind, Jack saw exactly that. Then he looked at Marcus; his current demeanor was unusually gentle, like that of a leech king.

"Since awakening decades ago, I have been living inside leeches. Back then, I didn't have the abilities I have now. I couldn't control even the individual leeches I was inhabiting, let alone these thousands upon thousands of leeches. But as time went by, the leech virus slowly evolved, and my abilities gradually grew stronger. Over these decades of evolution, the T-leech virus has mutated and evolved due to the leech DNA. It is no longer a simple leech virus. In fact, it can be said that it has completely broken free from the limitations of the T-virus."

"This new type of virus is also based on the T-virus, but it overcomes the biggest flaw of the T-virus. Biological weapons like the T-virus, whether human or animal, fall far short of the minimum standard in terms of intelligence. In other words, low intelligence is the biggest flaw of the T-virus. But this new virus has overcome this flaw. Just like the C-virus in your body, it is full of infinite evolutionary possibilities."

“As you know, I retained my original consciousness after fusing with this new virus. In terms of intelligence, I am no different from the person I was before I died. So if you want to evolve, you must make the C-virus in your body evolve again. It can be said that both the leech virus and the progenitor virus are constantly evolving and mutating. In other words, viruses originate from the effect of evolution.” Marcus said to Jack earnestly, as if he were a friend, as if Jack was not his enemy.

“I can’t thank you for all that you’ve said. You have other motives, and I’ll have to pay a price for them. Besides, the risks you’re talking about are too great; you can’t do it.” Jack already knew Marcus’s motives, but he wasn’t going to trust him completely.

Chapter 310 A Perfect World

Jack continued, "Actually, what does it matter what you've told me? Are you planning to inject the virus from your body into me?"

“That’s right, what you say makes sense,” Marcus nodded. “As long as you obediently work for me, I will transplant the leech virus into you, making you as perfect as me. And because of the C virus, your potential is even greater than your father’s.”

When he spoke of Jack's father, his voice became unusually excited, even somewhat shrill. "After I kill Albert Wesker, I'm going to use this virus to turn this filthy world into a perfect one. Of course, the mutated rabies virus I obtained is perfect for them."

As he said this, his gaze lingered on Jack, and he said, word by word, "Only you and I are qualified to enjoy this new era. All those superheroes will be destroyed. Of course, you must obey me completely."

Marcus stared intently at Jack, as if demanding an immediate response. Jack could only say, "I still don't understand what this has to do with me? Can your leech virus prevent my physical condition from weakening?"

Marcus said, “That’s right. Since your body can fuse with the T virus and the dangerous C virus, it means you are a very suitable test subject. I believe the leech virus can also fuse with you. Once fused, you will become as perfect as me, not only gaining immortality but also possessing special superpowers. These powers will far exceed your current level.”

Marcus seemed to see something in Jack's expression, and he continued, "Don't you believe me?" As he said this, his body suddenly swayed.

“It’s clear he’s ready to prove it with his actions.” Jack already knew what kind of person Marcus was, so he was always on guard against him. Then four shots rang out in quick succession, each hitting Marcus in the head.

Only then did Jack realize why Marcus's body was moving. His hands had lengthened due to the mutation caused by the leech virus. His right hand was extending backward, and the mutation of Marcus's tentacles had significantly increased his attack power.

His left hand was also outstretched, its purpose clearly aimed at attacking Jack. Clearly, Jack's repeated refusals to cooperate had made him want to prove himself with his strength.

"That's really impressive. The combined power of Marcus and the leech virus is incredibly strong. This is the kind of Newtype strength the boss mentioned, which is no weaker than that of mutants," Jack thought to himself.

Having fought many battles, Jack was already wary of danger, so he easily dodged. After firing four shots, he ran out of ammo and retreated a considerable distance. Jack clearly didn't understand Marcus's abilities and didn't know that his hand could mutate like his own. Jack had already retreated ten meters away, but he hadn't realized that he hadn't dodged at all.

Seeing Marcus's posture, Jack knew he was in danger. He hadn't yet witnessed Marcus's offensive power, but based on his performance just now, ordinary firearms were completely ineffective against him, which alone put him in an invincible position. Unless it was a high-tech gauss weapon or a laser weapon.

Marcus is the Leech Queen, and Jack can interpret his resurrection as follows: He didn't actually come back to life. Rather, the Leech Queen entered his corpse and, through a series of inexplicable mutations, gained his memories, or consciousness.

In other words, what truly exists is the Leech Queen, the Leech Queen with the personality of Marcus.

It's certain that the Marcus before them is the Leech Queen. He simply possesses Marcus's memories; Marcus was already completely dead at the time. Furthermore, no leech virus was implanted in Marcus while he was alive, which is why Jack believes this.

After dodging one of Marcus's attacks, Jack's adamantium claws easily struck Marcus's head, cutting through it like tofu without any resistance. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he gently sliced ​​off half of Marcus's head.

But Jack felt no relief whatsoever, because as soon as Marcus's head was severed, another head immediately reappeared, exactly the same as the first. The regeneration was so rapid that it almost made him wonder if he had imagined it and hadn't succeeded at all.

Marcus was the same, which is why he was chosen by Red Skull of Hydra. Just like the meaning of Hydra, if you cut off one head, two heads will grow back.

At the same time, Jack sensed danger; this time it was aimed at him. Jack hardened his resolve, swung his claws, and once again slashed at his head. Even if he had a hundred heads, he would cut them all off; this battle could only continue.

But this time Jack missed his strike; Marcus easily dodged it. Jack was about to attack again when he was struck by a powerful force and slammed against the wall.

"Bang!" A loud crash echoed. Debris flew everywhere, and Jack was deeply dented in the wall where he was hit, demonstrating the immense force of the impact.

At this moment, Jack felt as if his body was falling apart. Not only his body, but even his alloy skeleton seemed about to give way. But this was impossible, because Adamantium wasn't so easily destroyed; even nuclear weapons probably couldn't.

Even though Jack had adapted to the intensity of many battles, the impact left him severely injured; he felt some damage to his internal organs. However, the C-virus was no ordinary virus, and Jack recovered by 20% in an instant. The C-virus's energy-decomposing properties allowed Jack to recover very quickly.

Jack knew he couldn't stop now; stopping meant death. He forced his jaws shut, then pushed off with his feet, bursting out of the crater. His adamantium claws swung, attacking Marcus's head once more.

"Stop! The virus in your body needs energy, and your fighting ability has already decreased," Marcus suddenly shouted. "Stop if you don't want to die."

Marcus's attack power has also increased rapidly since he absorbed the G-virus. Even a strong fighter like Jack was rendered incapacitated, demonstrating the terrifying power of the fused Leech Virus and G-virus.

Jack abruptly retracted his alloy claws, knowing that the ensuing fight would be pointless, and thus temporarily ceased his attack.

"What do you want?" Jack asked coldly.

Only then did Jack realize that Marcus's right hand, which had been stretched out behind him, had retracted and, like his left hand, had completely detached from its hand form, transforming into a large number of tentacles.

This tentacle is tightly wrapped around Godzilla, whose location is unknown. It is now held in mid-air and used by Marcus as a weapon. It was clearly Godzilla that was used to ram him earlier.

"You know where I found Godzilla? Two hundred meters away," Marcus said coldly. "Now you should believe in my abilities, right? I can grant you such power!"

"Do you want this ability?" Marcus stared at Jack and said, enunciating each word clearly. Looking at him, Jack sensed that if he said no, Marcus would likely kill him.

“No, I really don’t need it. The company’s missiles have already arrived and will saturate this place. My mission is complete,” Jack said coldly, a smile appearing on his face.

Chapter 311 The Hulk's Beginning

The complete destruction of Tokyo means that the countdown to the end of the world has begun. The power of the T-virus is self-evident, full of evolution and destruction.

Marcus further unleashed a mutated rabies virus, making the world increasingly dangerous. Furthermore, mutations occurred there, exposing other dangers as well.

In the movie *Resident Evil 3*, the virus infected the entire world, and after its complete outbreak, the food chain was fatally disrupted. Especially after plants could no longer adapt to the virus, the world became completely desertified, and by the time of *Resident Evil 5*, humanity could only survive on resources available before the outbreak.

Tang Tian has temporarily resolved the T-virus issue; he has reached an agreement with S.H.I.E.L.D., and the military has already begun purging Tokyo. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful life, undercurrents are brewing, and the incredibly powerful superhero, the Hulk, has finally appeared.

Tony Stark's greatest talent lies in physics. On General Ross's advice, Stark created a gamma-ray bomb with a lower radiation level. Bruce Banner's body cells were altered due to accidental radiation exposure, marking the beginning of the Hulk's birth.

The military conducts a wide variety of high-tech weapons research, especially in biology and gamma-ray research, which, with the support of the military, far surpasses other organizations, including Umbrella Corporation, in gamma-ray research. Therefore, Tang Tian's target this time is the Hulk's genes.

Therefore, General Ross, a military giant, had Bruce Banner and Tony Stark research and develop high-tech weapons and modified bombs that could be used in actual combat at the research base. The Hulk's origins were facilitated by these two superheroes. They were unaware that a third superhero organization was gradually taking shape in the future.

Bruce Banner's mutation gave General Ross new hope. The idea of ​​creating incredibly powerful enhanced warriors led to the Hulk inevitably becoming a wanted criminal. General Ross had already obtained a large quantity of Superman serum through Umbrella Corporation to create even more enhanced humans.

The military was very well prepared to capture the Hulk. First, there were armored personnel carriers, tanks, and all sorts of weapons parked throughout the school, and the buzzing of helicopters could be heard in the distance.

American soldiers carrying M4A1 assault rifles began evacuating the students. The school was also the school of Stark and Bruce Banner. Some students admired Bruce Banner greatly after discovering him. Tony Stark and Bruce Banner were very famous at Harvard University because of their achievements.

At this moment, Bruce Banner was filled with rage, and another personality was surfacing in his consciousness. Furthermore, due to the tear gas, the area was shrouded in thick smoke, preventing General Ross's troops from accurately identifying this serious problem.

Just then, with the Hulk's angry roar, a huge, dark green figure smashed through the outer wall of the corridor and jumped out.

The Hulk's fighting prowess was indeed formidable, radiating an overwhelming advantage. Countless tanks were easily torn apart wherever he went, and armored vehicles were effortlessly destroyed. General Ross's painstakingly assembled force was utterly routed by the Hulk.

"Damn it, Bruce Banner's fighting power is overwhelming. Prepare to use the sonic tanks. Are any of Mr. Donald's company personnel here?" General Ross's eyes were cold. The Hulk's fighting power was beyond imagination. The Hulk's one-sided strength made General Ross angry and helpless.

"General, I didn't send anyone over. You can use the sonic weapon for now, but there's a weapon that can easily solve the Hulk problem. That weapon is the result of me fusing Stark suit technology with the company's technology. So, General Ross, you can send your men up first." Tang Tian said to General Ross casually, as if deliberately teasing him.

“Yes, Mr. Donas, I understand. I will need the weapons if possible. Alright, Bronsky, it's your turn.” General Ross, though white-haired, gave the order with an air of authority.

From the innermost, unattacked special forces unit, a short but agile soldier rushed out. While the other soldiers were terrified of the mysterious Hulk, Blonsky showed no fear whatsoever, his eyes filled with excitement—excitement, yes, excitement.