Chapter 325. Transformation (Part2)

The consequences of failure were clear without needing to be explained.

Fortunately, the worst-case scenario didn't happen. After a brief moment of silence, Kingpin's huge body began to move again. The [Stone Mask] on his face fell to the ground, revealing the fierce, sharp-toothed face behind it.

"So this is the power of a vampire?"

Kingpin swung his arm, creating a burst of sound as he moved like a blur. Even the tall, thin man in front of him couldn't help but show a look of fear in the face of the power Kingpin was displaying.

The [stone mask]'s role was to unleash the wearer's potential and transform them into an immortal vampire. However, it shouldn't be forgotten that Kingpin was already a powerful monster before wearing the mask, with strength that wasn't much weaker than that of a vampire. With the power of the [Stone Mask] unleashing his potential, the strength he gained was obviously far superior to that of an ordinary vampire, turning him into a terrifying monster that was truly unmatched.

Boom—

Raising his hand, Kingpin easily split a pillar in front of him. He looked down at the rapidly healing wound on his hand, revealing his sharp teeth with a grin.

"Daredevil... Defenders!"

...

"Is this all of it?"

Stark Industries, New Energy Building, top floor.

Tony raised an eyebrow as he looked at the information Jarvis had collected regarding the [Stone Mask].

"Yes, Sir. As per your request, I've collected all information related to the stone mask, including secret files within SHIELD, which were also decrypted and searched."

While listening to Jarvis's report, Tony scrolled through the files in front of him. Soon, his gaze settled on a photo of a mural, and he stopped his hand's movement to zoom in on the image. He looked at the blurry content of the mural and asked, "What's this?"

"According to the data, the mural in the picture shows one of the spoils of war obtained during a 197... raid on a Hydra's base by the U.S. military. It includes the Stone Mask that you are looking for, Sir."

"So, the Stone Mask existed during World War II?"

"Not only that, Sir."

Jarvis dutifully presented the information he had found to Tony, "According to SHIELD's data, Captain America was a key figure in that raid."

"It seems like the Captain is even more mysterious than I thought."

Tony raised an eyebrow at Jarvis's words.

"So, the military had possession of the Stone Mask for a period of time?"

"Not exactly. According to the research conducted by the Strategic Scientific Reserve, they had a brief encounter with the Stone Mask, but they didn't recognize its special properties. It was actually a soldier named Dio Brando who discovered the power of the Stone Mask."

"Dio Brando?!"

In response to Tony's surprise, Jarvis pulled out a service record with a photo attached. The photo showed a strikingly handsome man with blonde hair and fair skin who appeared to be around twenty years old.

"This guy doesn't look like a soldier, he looks like a celebrity."

Tony commented, unable to resist rolling his eyes at the handsome appearance.

"What did he do?"

"He turned himself into a vampire."

[Reputation points from Tony Stark...]

.....

"Reed, you really should have listened to me and joined us outside."

Baxter Building, in the laboratory.

Johnny transformed into the Human Torch, descended from the sky, and looked at Mr. Fantastic, who was still studying the meteorite. Shaking his head with an expression that said, 'You missed out'.

"This time, I'm on the kid's side, Reed."

As they rode the slow elevator to the top floor, even Thing, who was usually at odds with Johnny, nodded in rare approval when he heard Johnny's words.

"If I had known that you would end up like this, I wouldn't have brought this meteorite from Victor's company for you."

Originally, Ben had the best intentions when he brought this meteorite home, which they all had brought back from space, to Reed. Who would have thought that after receiving the meteorite, Reed would return to his past research-crazy self, experimenting on the meteorite all day long? Even his relationship with Sue, which was finally improving, became cold again because of it.

"You don't understand, Ben. This meteorite is really unique."

Hearing his friend's words, Reed finally lifted his head and looked at Ben's rocky face. "According to the results of the experiments conducted inside Victor's company, this meteorite contains very mysterious energy. It may have been carried by the meteorite itself or perhaps produced after coming into contact with the cosmic storm. Anyway, I have a feeling that if I can study the essence of the energy within the meteorite, it may lead to a huge breakthrough in my research."

"I don't know if your research will make any breakthroughs."

Johnny wasn't too fond of Reed's headache-inducing experiments, "All I know is that because you've been ignoring my sister lately, her anger is about to hit the roof. So, if you don't do something to show her you care, your barely-rekindled relationship might go up in smoke."

"Although, personally, I wouldn't mind that."

Johnny added, casually creating some flames to cook a sausage, showing off his cooking abilities.

"Reed, you should listen to flame-kid's words."

In contrast to Johnny's nonchalance, Ben was still very concerned. Their friendship was quite strong, especially since Sue was also a member of the Fantastic Four. If their relationship soured, it wouldn't bode well for their future activities.

"How long has it been since you talked to Sue?"

"How long?" Reed scratched his head when Ben asked, trying to remember. "I'm not sure, it's been 3 days, no, 4 days, maybe a week?" Although Reed was undoubtedly a genius in his research work, he clearly lagged behind in matters of the heart.

"You're done for."

Johnny sentenced, sending a slightly burnt sausage into his mouth.

"Maybe we should prepare ourselves for the fact that from today on, the Fantastic Four might become the Fantastic Three."

"Kid, shut up," Ben spoke up, putting a stop to Johnny's sarcastic taunts. He turned to Reed and sighed, "Reed, even though flame-boy's words are harsh, they do have some truth to them. You've been a bit extreme in research, and you should apologize to Sue as soon as possible."

Turning his head, Reed glanced at the meteorite beside him.

Although he really wanted to say something like, 'Who needs a girlfriend? Studying meteorites is more interesting,' the image of Sue flashed through his mind, and the words stuck in his mouth. He decisively followed Ben's advice and took off his lab coat, saying, "You're right, Ben. I'll go find Sue right now."

"Is this meteorite really that fascinating?"

Prompted by Ben's persuasion, Reed hurried to find his girlfriend, Sue.

Inside the lab, Johnny put down the completely charred sausage in his hand and looked at the meteorite in front of him, asking curiously.

"Who knows?"

Ben shrugged. Although he was friends with Reed, it didn't mean that he liked research like Reed did.

"Don't you feel anything at all?"

Rubbing his chin, Johnny turned to Ben and asked, "As fellow rocks, don't you have any special feelings?"

"Hey!"

However, in the midst of their argument, neither Johnny nor Ben noticed the small, fragmented crack gradually appearing at the bottom of the meteorite.

...

-:BingeFics:-

Receive privilege access of next 40 chapters

Visit: -patreon.com/bingefanfics

…