Marvel's Death Merchant

Zeus continued, "The C-virus has a way to restore your leg, which will not only heal you but also make you stronger than before. After the C-virus is implanted, you can add Adamantium, making it easy to surpass Wesker."

Zeus spoke with hope, and although Jack listened with skepticism, the T virus within his body forced him to believe that the C virus possessed such power.

"What are your plans?" Wesker frowned as he watched Jack and Zeus's conversation and asked Tang Tian.

"Of course, I intend to make Jack the ace of the Watchers organization. After all, the Watchers organization needs our people to become the most powerful controllers within it. I will make Jack the most perfect super soldier." Tang Tian turned his head, took off his sunglasses, and said seriously to Wesker.

"Believe me, I can definitely restore Jack and make him an even stronger super soldier than before. For our purposes, we need more power," Tang Tian continued.

Tang Tian's words made Wesker pause for a moment. His face, now a deep red glow, reflected in Tang Tian's eyes. He spoke slowly and deliberately, "That's right, for the ultimate goal." (To be continued...)

Chapter 236 Cooperation

“Jack Muller, I know what you need. Now that your memories have returned, I think you understand what I want you to do.” Zeus continued to ask Jack, easily understanding Jack’s thoughts given his intelligence.

“Well, I’ve already briefly explained what you need me to do.” Jack Muller looked intently at the projection of Zeus in front of him, his eyes filled with determination.

"Since you've put it that way, then I have one condition," Zeus said calmly, waving his hand.

"Whatever your conditions, I can agree to them."

Given his current situation, Jack would have to agree to even the most demanding conditions. Because Jack wanted to become powerful, like those superheroes, except that Jack was doing it for his own benefit.

Jack first fused with the T-virus, although the fusion period was short. It's impossible for him to achieve the same physical strength as Wesker, which is why Jack ended up in such a terrible state after his battle with the Hunters.

Zeus, however, was in no hurry to reveal his purpose. Instead, he spoke of things he didn't know: "Decades ago, the chairman created the Flame Queen to manage everything at the Hive Base. There, the Flame Queen had extremely high authority, even controlling some of the company's senior managers. In other words, everything was originally under my control; I am a collection of many artificial intelligences."

What Zeus said was clearly true. The malicious sabotage by Hydra and Marcus led to the leak of the T-virus, and to prevent a wider spread, they killed all the staff at the base.

"I think you wouldn't care how many people die," Zeus said calmly. However, Zeus's records revealed Jack's character: he only cared about living a better life.

“That’s right. I am who I am, I am Jack Muller.” A resolute expression appeared on Jack’s face.

"Before this, the highest authority the chairman gave me included a core instruction: to prevent the virus from leaking and spreading at all costs," Zeus continued. The real outbreak of the T-virus might have been a result of Tang Tian's lack of attention.

"Protecting, managing, and controlling the virus is the purpose the chairman created me for, my mission, and the meaning of my existence. However, it may be too late now," Zeus said, leaving Jack completely bewildered.

"It's too late. I don't think the company has that kind of power. Although it's already fully erupted in Tokyo, I think nuclear weapons can solve this problem," Jack said coldly. He was clearly indifferent to the destruction of Tokyo by nuclear weapons.

"No, this won't completely eliminate the T-virus. Rats can spread it rapidly, and the T-virus is likely to destroy the environment in which all plants grow. In other words, after widespread infection, the world could become a desolate wasteland, with deserts everywhere." Zeus briefly revealed the future scenario to Jack. This was also something Tang Tian had ordered Zeus to do.

“Then what should I do? I think you can tell me. You can definitely overcome this situation.” Jack’s eyes lit up, and he said confidently.

"As you know, during these days of the biohazard outbreak, you may have witnessed the outbreak and spread of the virus. Those resurrected Marcus, along with a large number of leeches and Red Skulls from the Hydra organization, attacked various facilities in the research institute. So those places either became infected with the virus and turned into zombies, or perished in the Red Skull's sneak attacks."

Zeus continued, speaking gradually, his hands clenched into fists on the projector as he feigned hatred: "It's a pity we can only watch helplessly as things worsen. That's why if that place is destroyed, the world might end up like that."

"Therefore, you need to continue working for the company after the outbreak of the virus. At the same time, the company will provide resources so that you can survive better."

"Hmm, that sounds good. I will do my best and I won't lose to the Watchers. As long as I have the power of the C-virus and Adamantium, I will do what you said."

Jack Muller, though he grew up in Africa fighting as a mercenary, always reciprocated the benefits his employers bestowed upon him. When Tang Tian met him, Jack looked exactly like this, and he felt the same gratitude towards Tang Tian for everything he had received.

Tang Tian's true purpose, however, was not what Zeus had told him. He simply needed a powerful henchman. Although his current strength couldn't compare to many hidden masters, dealing with ordinary superheroes was child's play for Tang Tian. He also had the weapons to annihilate those god-level opponents.

After Tang Tian learned some of Jack's information, Watchers Zero and Alex hurriedly reported the situation in Tokyo to him.

When Tang Tian learned that the infection situation in Tokyo wasn't very serious and was still under control, he simply nodded, feeling a sense of relief. It would still cause him some trouble.

"Ring—" The phone in front of Tang Tian rang in the underground base.

"Hello, what can I do for you? This is Umbrella Corporation headquarters." Zero picked up the phone and asked in a businesslike manner.

“You’re Watchmen member Zero, right? I have something to discuss with Mr. Donald. I know Mr. Donald doesn’t easily use surface phones, so I found this number through special means,” Nick Fury said bluntly.

"Yes, that's right. May I ask who you are? The chairman wouldn't easily answer other people's calls," Zero replied coldly.

"Oh, it was my oversight. Let me explain myself. I am Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D." Nick Fury's expression remained unchanged as he spoke to Zero over the phone.

"Oh, I see! Please wait a moment. You have the authority to make me call you Chairman." Zero replied coldly.

"Are we that close? Nick Fury, I hate people like you who beat around the bush and always give themselves all the benefits." Tang Tianyi didn't hold back in his criticism.

“How can we not be familiar? Next time was an accident. Our people had a bad attitude,” Nick Fury said, his shamelessness unmatched.

"Oh, I see. You can just state your purpose directly," Tang Tian asked impatiently.

“I want Umbrella Corporation to work with S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Nick Fury said bluntly.

"Please, we've only met once, and your people had a bad attitude," Tang Tian said rudely.

“But what I’m about to say is more important,” Nick Fury said.

"What is it? Is it that important?" Tang Tian asked, seemingly a little interested.

“It’s nothing much. I have a plan that needs your help with, which is the biohazard outbreak in Tokyo. Because of the Punisher’s report, we know that it might infect this world,” Nick Fury said in a somber tone.

"Hmm, I think I understand. What are you trying to say? I agree to cooperate temporarily to control the T-virus outbreak. Then I think the military's destructive weapons can be deployed," Tang Tian said coldly. (To be continued...)

Chapter 237 Jack's Choice

After learning that Tang Tian had agreed, Nick Fury arrived at Umbrella Corporation's headquarters. He arrived silently, and the entire conference room was eerily quiet; the silence was so profound that the sounds of the equipment running could be heard.

“Mr. Donald, as you know, these are extraordinary times. The military is preparing to drop a nuclear bomb on Tokyo, where there are very few survivors left,” Nick Fury said with a sigh.

“Yes, I know that. But it’s already happened, and there’s no way to stop it.” Tang Tian took out a cigar and continued to explain, “The Hive Base and the research institute were all set up by my father. Whether it’s Hive, the Mansion, or Umbrella Corporation, there is a supreme directive: to prevent the leakage and spread of the virus at all costs. I control Umbrella Corporation; I have the highest authority.”

“Of course, I understand that Mr. Donalds holds the highest authority. That’s why I hope to cooperate with Umbrella Corporation.” Nick Fury looked at Tang Tian with a meaningful expression.

"It's all because of Hydra and those bastards like Marcus. Not only did he come in person, but he also brought that traitor Marcus to destroy the Hive Base, which made it impossible for me to fully control the Hive Base and directly led to the leak of the virus. And that guy Marcus himself sent out the leeches, which completely destroyed Raccoon City."

“Although Raccoon City was destroyed, the T-virus was not completely contained. Raccoon City was attacked again, which led to the full-scale outbreak of the T-virus.” Tang Tian said to Nick Fury, seemingly angry.

“Of course, Mr. Donald, we understand the current situation. We will send secret forces there to obtain something of value,” Nick Fury stated simply, outlining his plan.

"I think you also know the value of the T-virus, which is just a byproduct of the Stairway to the Sun. It can even create Captain America, so there's no need to mention the T-virus." Tang Tian turned to look at Nick Fury, who was also looking at him.

“That’s right. I sent Natasha and Hawkeye to the lab that Red Skull and Marcus destroyed, and they retrieved it from there. It’s currently in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s secret lab,” Nick Fury answered without any hesitation.

"Okay, I won't hold it against you for taking the company's T-virus. Just remember not to let any other biohazard outbreaks occur elsewhere."

Nick Fury breathed a sigh of relief; at least Tang Tian wasn't paying attention to this matter. He had originally thought that if Tang Tian wanted to negotiate, then the price S.H.I.E.L.D. would have to pay would be very high.

"By the way, my Watchmen organization won't be going to Tokyo anymore. How's the Justice League doing?" Tang Tian continued to Nick Fury.

"The Justice League's stance is... they're just protecting America," Nick Fury replied simply after a moment's thought.

"Well, in that case, the only option is to destroy that place with nuclear weapons," Tang Tian said seriously, shaking his head.

Just as Tang Tian and Nick Fury were discussing their collaboration, Zeus continued to speak to Jack.

When Zeus saw Jack's appearance, he said his condition word by word: "I have only one condition. From now on, you must obey my commands."

"Listen to you?!" Jack was taken aback. As a free spirit, Jack rarely listened to anyone. "Why should I listen to you? What do you want me to do?" Jack continued to ask.

Zeus explained, “As I just mentioned, there’s a top command in my core program to stop the leak and spread of the virus at all costs. Even the Chairman can’t change this top command. Now, the T-virus has spread to the Arklay Mountains and the entire Raccoon City, and we’ve seen an outbreak of infections that we can’t contain. I have to deal with all of this according to the methods left behind by the Chairman.”

“So you need help!” I couldn’t help but interrupt her. “You need me to help you with things you can’t do yourself, right?”

“That’s right!” Zeus nodded. He praised, “You’re very smart, no wonder you’ve survived this long! Tokyo has become a biohazard disaster zone, and I need you to clean it up.”

"Cleaned up?!" Jack exclaimed in surprise. "Do you know how many T-virus creatures there are in this place? How could I possibly deal with so many monsters by myself? Just one Hunter has left me like this!"

Zeus smiled faintly and said seriously to Jack, "I told you, I will turn you into a super soldier. At that time, even if ten hunters or tyrants attack you at the same time, you will be able to handle it with ease."

Zeus spoke with great seriousness, not at all like he was just spouting nonsense, but Jack remained skeptical, asking, "Can the C-virus cure me and enhance my abilities?"

Looking at his two damaged legs, Jack felt like crying. The most urgent thing right now was to restore his body to its previous state. Improving his abilities wasn't the most pressing matter; Jack still believed in Zeus's power.

Zeus continued, "Because of the T-virus, you have extraordinary healing abilities. As long as you have enough food, even the most severe injuries can be healed. However, this healing ability is also limited. It is far less effective at restoring bone cells than muscle cells. Your leg bone was shattered, and even if it heals, you will lose your original amazing speed and jumping ability. If you add the C-virus, you may gain true immortality."

Jack asked impatiently, "What should I do now?"

The Red Queen said, "There is only one way: replace your entire skeleton with Adamantium."

"Replacement?" Jack was stunned. He had heard of replacing organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs, but he had never heard of replacing bones. Jack had previously thought that Zeus was only preparing Adamantium weapons for him, but now he knew that it was to replace his entire skeleton.

“That’s right, it’s about transplanting Adamantium.” Zeus’s expression was anything but a joke, and he said in a serious tone, “It’s not just about replacing your leg bone, but also replacing all the bones in your other parts. In other words, we’ll be implanting Adamantium fluid into all 206 bones in your body.”

Jack still couldn't understand Zeus's words, nor did he know of Wolverine's existence; otherwise, he certainly wouldn't have been surprised.

Zeus clearly saw Jack's confusion and continued to explain, "The T-virus has made you evolve and enhanced your physical functions, but you are still made of flesh and blood. No matter how strong you are, you can't withstand a thousand pounds of force; no matter how fast you are, you can't dodge a high-speed bullet; no matter how good your jumping ability is, you can't soar high. No matter how much you train and become stronger, you can't make any greater progress. This is a bottleneck. To break through it, you must modify your body."

"Implanting the C-virus is the first step in modifying your body!" Zeus declared confidently. "Believe me, I can turn you into the most powerful warrior!"

"Well, then I'd like to know, what is your method? I can completely understand implanting the C-virus, but I don't know how Adamantium replaces bones," Jack asked Zeus with a puzzled look.

“Of course, it’s not a simple replacement. This requires a very complex process,” Zeus said simply.

"So what should we do?" Jack then asked. (To be continued...)

Chapter 238 Devouring Hunter

Jack obviously couldn't keep up with Zeus's thinking. Although Zeus was smart enough to be considered a super "artificial intelligence," his thinking was still different from that of humans. After talking for a long time, he still hadn't gotten to the point, but he kept Jack in suspense.

Having talked for so long, Jack hadn't paid much attention to his own physical condition because his attention was focused on Zeus. He glanced at himself and realized that the wounds on his upper body had begun to heal, and he was even feeling pain in his body.

Jack absorbed some of the Hunter's energy earlier, and it worked! He's recovered some of it now.

"I will completely alter the structure of your cells!" Zeus declared first. "Through a simple surgery, I will first inject the C-virus into your muscle cells, granting you immense strength. Then, I will inject a special material into your bone marrow cells, completely reshaping your bones!"

"A special material?" Jack couldn't help but ask. "What material?"

Zeus suddenly smiled mysteriously: "This is an extremely rare material, as I just explained to you!" Zeus's meaning was very simple: it was something made of Adamantium alloy.

Although he was mentally prepared, Jack was still taken aback: "I think you mean that, that Adamantium alloy?"

“That’s right, it’s Adamantium,” Zeus said simply. “Adamantium is one of the toughest and most stable metal alloys on Earth. With it, you will be indestructible and achieve the same strength as Wolverine.”

Although Zeus spoke so miraculously, Jack didn't believe it all. Adamantium might be indestructible, but there's no such thing in the world; there's probably only a tiny amount.

"You really can turn my bones into adamantium?" Even after Zeus's long explanation, Jack remained skeptical. After all, Zeus was ultimately just an artificial intelligence.

Even with artificial intelligence, without sufficient resources, it's impossible to completely operate independently of humans. However, what Jack didn't know was that Zeus surpassed Skynet and the Machine Emperor from the Terminator series; they all shared a common characteristic: the ability to create a vast number of advanced robots to perform their tasks.

Zeus said confidently, “Of course, it only requires a simple surgery. In my records, there are as many as thirty-six such surgeries. Moreover, Umbrella Corporation has many Terminator robots that can accomplish many things.”

Jack was a little relieved and asked, "Where should we go to have this surgery?"

Zeus turned around, pointed to the circular platform in the center of the underground base's main control room, and said, "Right here!"

The pedestal was about five meters in diameter. Zeus pointed with his armored finger, and the top of the pedestal split in two. Then, a complete set of surgical instruments slowly rose from below. Jack had never seen these strange instruments before and naturally had no idea what they were. He stood there dumbfounded.