Alien Blood

At dawn, the Lizardmen and gang members had either been killed or fled. The chaotic night had finally come to an end!

At the corpse-strewn entrance of police headquarters, Chief George sat weakly on the ground. Though they had held the headquarters, he felt no joy at all. More than two hundred officers had died on the headquarters side alone, not to mention the other precincts.

He had heard that City Hall had also suffered heavy casualties. Adding the civilians killed by the monsters, far too many people had died in New York that night.

"Chief!"

Damon walked over, sat down wearily, and reported, "The National Guard has entered the city. The city is basically secure now."

"They came too late!"

Chief George shook his head and asked with reddened eyes, "Is Kingpin dead?"

Damon said, "You could say he is. Bert plans to turn him into a War Lizard!"

"Serves him right!"

Chief George cursed with satisfaction, then let out a breath and said, "With Kingpin dead, I can step down in peace."

Damon said, "Chief, Bert asked you to see him. He should have a way to keep you in office!"

Chief George shook his head. "There’s no need. I brought this upon myself!"

"This isn’t your fault!"

"If I hadn’t been so greedy, none of this would have happened!"

Chief George stood up, his gaze resolute. "I have one last thing to do: sign the death notifications. It’s my responsibility! Damon, after I’m gone, the New York Police Department will be in your hands!"

Damon rose to his feet and promised with utmost seriousness, "Chief, I won’t let you down!"

Although the fighting had mostly died down, New York remained under lockdown for another day as a safety precaution. Terrified citizens kept asking the city government online what had happened, where those Lizardmen had come from, and what the New York Police Department had been doing. Why had there not been a single police officer in sight when disaster struck? Reporters around the world were also asking frantically, while all sorts of rumors flew everywhere!

City Hall had been completely wiped out by the Lizardmen and could not make any statement. The White House merely announced the lockdown without explaining the specifics.

At that moment, Trish stepped forward. On the program "Trish Talk," she laid out the full story in detail! The Green Goblin had stolen a formula from Osborn Corporation. His men sold that formula to Kingpin, who used it to create Enhanced Humans and Lizardmen. Kingpin then led the Lizardmen in an assault on New York, intending to build a Lizardmen Kingdom, only to be defeated by Osborn Corporation and the police working together! The citizens finally learned that everything had been caused by that bastard Kingpin. That day, Kingpin’s ancestors for eighteen generations were cursed countless times! Beyond cursing Kingpin, citizens also condemned City Hall and the police for their incompetence. Many demanded that Chief George and the surviving Mayor of New York resign! Some also cursed Osborn Corporation, though not many. After all, they had been the ones to deal with the Lizardmen. Following Wang Bert’s instructions, Trish also redirected the blame toward another group—the people who had funded Kingpin!

When the citizens heard that someone had supported Kingpin’s research, they were furious and demanded that the government investigate thoroughly and arrest every last one of those bastards. Seeing a way to redirect the public’s anger, the overwhelmed government immediately declared that it would bring those bastards to justice!

"Motherfucker!"

Director Fury wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and used an encrypted phone to contact his subordinates, telling them to clean up the loose ends as quickly as possible.

"That Vampire really knows how to redirect blame!"

Director Fury cursed, put away his phone, and turned to enter the room.

The awakened Captain America, Steve Rogers, was watching the news inside. Looking at the terrifying Lizardmen, he sighed. "Our era was better. Back then, I represented the highest level of technology in the world."

"Actually, there still aren’t that many people ahead of you now!"

Carter handed Steve an apple and said with a smile. Steve took it, looked at Carter affectionately, and said, "It’s a good thing you’re here too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to live in this era at all!"

Carter said gently, "I’ll always be with you. Once you recover, we’ll go dancing right away!"

Director Fury could not help coughing. Ever since Captain America had awakened, these two had been constantly showing off their love. Come on, you were both over ninety! And besides, he had been single for many years!

Director Fury said, "Captain, this world is full of danger. We need you!"

"The world has always needed me!"

Steve sighed and said, "But I’m really a little tired, Director Fury. Let me think about it some more!"

Director Fury tried to persuade him a few more times. Seeing Steve still shaking his head, he could only take his leave for now. After he left, Steve asked, "Is he Hydra?"

"I don’t know, but there must be a Hydra agent within S.H.I.E.L.D.’s core."

Carter said, "Steve, I know you don’t want to deal with this anymore, and neither do I. But Hydra is our responsibility!"

"Yes, it’s our responsibility!"

Steve nodded. "I’ll do as you say. In this era, you are everything to me!"

Carter gazed at him tenderly. "And you are everything to me!"

Fortunately, no one else was in the room, or they would have been sickened to death by the sweetness. This couple, separated for more than sixty years, practically wanted to stick together forever and never part again!

On the third day, New York reopened. The first thing the citizens did was not celebrate, but march in protest. As expected, the mayor made Chief George the scapegoat, but the citizens were still dissatisfied. They continued protesting and demanded that City Hall guarantee such a thing would never happen again!

The mayor gave them that guarantee, though in truth, even he did not believe it himself. But that did not matter. His term was almost over anyway. That wrecked City Hall and that cursed chair could go to whoever wanted them—he certainly would not run for office again! First Abomination, then Ghost Rider, and now Lizardmen. Would aliens be next? The mayor was not the only one who wanted out. Many police officers did too. Countless officers had been killed or injured in the Lizardmen incident, only to be blamed by citizens afterward. Many could not bear the pressure and chose to resign!

Being a police officer in New York was undoubtedly the most dangerous job! The shortage of officers caused public safety in New York to plummet. Although City Hall actively recruited, no one was willing to come. It was simply too dangerous, and City Hall had not even raised police salaries!

It was not that City Hall did not want to raise them—they truly had no money left! At Osborn Tower, Wang Bert saw off several council members, then sat down unhappily and said, "The mayor, the council members, every one of them came here asking me for money. Do they think I run a charity?"

"Who told City Hall to be broke?"

Lilith said, "I heard they can’t even pay the police pensions. The families of officers are protesting at City Hall now."

Wang Bert said irritably, "Then I’m in trouble. Chief George will definitely come ask me for money soon!"

"You’re the richest person in New York. Who else would he ask?"

Lilith said, "Oh, right. The military is very interested in the War Lizards and has decided to accept our offer of two billion dollars. They also want to order another five suits of armor!"

"That works for me. Military money is still the easiest to make!"

Wang Bert nodded in satisfaction. "Heh, I accidentally made several more billion dollars!"

"Does this count as the rich feasting while corpses freeze by the roadside?"

Lilith said that in chinese. She was proficient in every language in the world, even African tribal languages! "You used that poem quite… accurately!"

Wang Bert burst out laughing. "How are things on the Super Heroes’ side? Are the citizens dissatisfied?"

"Not only are they not dissatisfied, their approval ratings have risen sharply!"

Lilith said, "According to surveys, compared to City Hall and the police, citizens trust Super Heroes more. After all, this time, only the Super Heroes kept saving civilians. Merchandise sales for the Hell Sisters and Power Man have also increased greatly."

"Very good. The age of Super Heroes has truly arrived!"

Wang Bert nodded and instructed, "Have Watchmen Company develop more Super Heroes, but their character must be beyond question. Also, have the Super Heroes patrol more over the next few days to increase their prestige."

"Alright!"

Lilith nodded. At that moment, Felicia called. "Mr. Stacy is here!"

"Mr. Wang, I came to ask for your help!"

The much older George Stacy entered and immediately pleaded with Wang Bert, "Those police families are too pitiful. They can’t even receive their pensions. I hope you can help them."

"If it were anyone else, I would say this is City Hall’s responsibility. But since you’ve asked, Mr. Stacy, I’ll donate several tens of millions to City Hall!"

Wang Bert smiled. "Also, Osborn Corporation is researching mechanical prosthetics. I can provide the police with ten slots!"

"Thank you, Mr. Wang. Thank you so much!"

George was overcome with gratitude. At last, he could face those police families. These past few days had tormented him—not because of the families, but because of his conscience.

"You’re welcome!"

Wang Bert invited George to sit, then asked, "Mr. Stacy, would you be interested in running for the next mayor?"

George nearly sprayed out his coffee. He asked in astonishment, "Run for mayor? Mr. Wang, are you joking? What qualifications do I have?"

After a pause, George smiled bitterly. "In fact, my reputation is terrible right now. Some people have even called my house to curse at me!"

"If I say you’re qualified, then you’re qualified!"

Wang Bert said, "As for your reputation, I can clean it up for you. It’s a small matter!"

George knew Wang Bert was not boasting. With his wealth, it truly was a small matter. After hesitating for a moment, he shook his head. "Mr. Wang, I really have no such intention!"

"New York is only going to become more chaotic. It needs a strong, responsible person in charge, and you are the most suitable candidate."

Wang Bert said, "Mr. Stacy, with great power comes great responsibility. New York needs you, and so does the police department."

George smiled bitterly. "Mr. Wang, I know my own limits. I don’t have that ability!"

Wang Bert asked, "Do you think you’re worse than the one currently in office?"

"That man is useless!"

George cursed disdainfully. Wang Bert said, "If he can do it, why can’t you? Do you want to hand New York over to another useless man?"

George hesitated. Wang Bert said, "Mr. Stacy, go back and think it over carefully! If you agree, I’ll do everything I can to put you in that position!"

George fell silent for a moment, then nodded and left. It was obvious he was tempted! Lilith said, "With his personality, even if he becomes mayor, he won’t become our puppet!"

"I don’t need a puppet. I need an upright and capable mayor!"

Wang Bert said. At that moment, his private phone rang. He took it out and saw that it was Dr. Sterns!

Dr. Sterns said excitedly, "Mr. Wang, I’ve developed a special type of blood. It can become a new food source for the Blood Clan!"

Wang Bert abruptly stood up and asked in delight, "You solved Artificial Blood?"

Dr. Sterns shook his head. "No, Mr. Wang, I haven’t solved Artificial Blood. I’ve only developed a new kind of blood the Blood Clan can drink!"

Wang Bert was confused. "Isn’t that the same thing?"

"The special blood I developed is not Artificial Blood. Whether it’s artificially synthesized hemoglobin or artificial red blood cells made from natural hemoglobin, Artificial Blood isn’t something that can be researched in a short time."

Dr. Sterns said, "Uh, it’s hard to explain over the phone. Mr. Wang, could you come to the laboratory? I’ll explain it to you in person!"

Wang Bert immediately said, "Alright, I’ll head over right away. Lilith, cancel all appointments and come to the laboratory with me!"

"Alright!"

Lilith nodded. She was also very interested in Dr. Sterns’ research. In fact, any member of the Blood Clan would be interested.

Inside the laboratory, Dr. Sterns held a test tube of blood and introduced it to Wang Bert. "Mr. Wang, using that potion you brought back before, I developed a new kind of blood.

The Blood Clan can drink this blood, but humans cannot use it. So it isn’t Artificial Blood—it’s merely a new food source!"

"The potion I brought back? Which one?"

Wang Bert looked bewildered. Then he thought of something and asked, "Blood of Thor? But that wasn’t a potion!"

"Blood of Thor is still being researched. There are many locks on it, and we haven’t been able to undo them!"

Dr. Sterns shook his head. "I mean the Raza Potion!"

"The Raza Potion? Oh, I remember now. Is there anything special about it?"

Wang Bert recalled it. He had obtained the Raza Potion from Raza, one of Mandarin’s subordinates, and had Mercury deliver it to the blood research department for study.

Because the blood research department had not produced results for so long, Wang Bert had gradually forgotten about it. He had not expected Dr. Sterns to give him such a surprise! "It’s very special!"

Dr. Sterns said, "The potion contains very little technology. The reason it can make people stronger is that it contains a special kind of blood."

Wang Bert asked, "What’s so special about it?"

Dr. Sterns said, "This blood does not belong to Earth. Simply put, it’s Alien Blood!"

"Alien Blood?"

Wang Bert was stunned. Mandarin had actually used Alien Blood to create potions? "Yes, Alien Blood. Its owner was an extremely powerful creature. Even after its blood was made into a potion, it retained a certain degree of activity. Of course, that also had to do with the low skill level of whoever made the potion."

Dr. Sterns nodded and said, "After the blood research department received the potion, they froze it in time, which preserved that activity!

"Some time ago, I found a way to separate the Alien Blood from the potion, then used Hulk’s blood to restore its activity!"

"Hulk’s blood? Aren’t you afraid Dr. Banner will beat you up if he finds out?"

Wang Bert was speechless. Scientists really were bold—they dared to mess with anything!

Dr. Sterns smiled somewhat awkwardly, then continued, "After that, I fed the Alien Blood animal blood and discovered that it had an extremely strong devouring ability. Moreover, after devouring it, it regenerated new blood. If I’m not mistaken, its original body possesses regenerative abilities!"