The Perfect Candidate: A Surgeon's Destiny

As Levi and Yaz entered, Kuroto Dan's composed expression faltered.

He lifted his head, eyes fixed on Levi and Yaz, then stood up.

Quickly, he hurried over to Levi, presenting a new game, Gashat.

Levi accepted it and sat down.

"Kuroto Dan, you haven't disappointed me."

"Now, there's one more thing. Since you've developed the game Gashat…"

Levi's voice trailed off intentionally.

Kuroto Dan, eager to please, rushed to his desk and placed a hand on it.

"Mr. President, rest assured! I haven't just developed a few game Gashats. Before you arrived, the new Bugster Virus had already been released!"

Kuroto Dan boasted about his recent achievements, exaggerating his efforts.

Even Yaz seemed almost convinced.

Levi raised his head, a slight smile forming, but he nearly lost it seeing Kuroto Dan's animated face.

"Ahem… You've done well. Our plan is proceeding smoothly."

"Now, regarding the selection of a suitable candidate for the Rider Gashat, do you have any good suggestions?"

Kuroto Dan immediately picked up a file from the desk, respectfully handing it to Levi.

"Mr. President, this is the candidate I've selected. Of course, the final decision is yours."

Levi took the file and scanned the details. The doctor's face seemed familiar.

The more he looked, the more he recognized him.

Levi paused, closing the file and returning it to Kuroto Dan.

Kuroto Dan, thinking Levi had rejected the candidate, hesitated.

Only Yaz understood Levi's reaction, seeing a trace of sadness in his eyes.

The candidate hadn't been rejected; Levi was delighted.

As Kuroto Dan prepared to discard the page, Levi spoke.

"Wait."

Kuroto Dan froze.

"What are you doing? Trying to erase such an excellent candidate from the list?"

Levi's words struck Kuroto Dan, awakening him from his momentary sadness.

"Kuroto Dan, this candidate is perfect. We'll go with him."

Levi recalled the doctor's face from the list—an essential figure in the Avengers.

Once a brilliant surgeon, an accident rendered his hands useless. Depressed, he found a new path in Kamar-Taj, learning magic.

In this timeline, he was still a top surgeon, his hands uninjured.

He was the ideal candidate for the Rider Gashat.

Kuroto Dan's effort in selecting the candidate was evident, and Levi appreciated it.

"Continue using your 'divine talent' to serve me. This will not only prove your talent but also grant you true power. Working with me is a good deal."

Levi stood to leave, giving Kuroto Dan a few final words.

Reassured by the promise of rewards, Kuroto Dan wouldn't defy Levi shortly.

Levi's plan could now proceed.

First target: Stark Industries.

Chapter Title: "Target Acquired: Stark Industries"

During the lunch break at Stark Industries, the break room was lively.

Some played games; others chatted loudly.

"Hey, check out my game. Almost at the final boss!"

"This game is awesome, definitely worth the hype from Genm Corp!"

Unbeknownst to them, playing this game sealed their fate.

As the workday resumed, a man put away his console, donned his work uniform, and prepared to return to his tasks.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit him.

Ignoring it, he steadied himself against the wall and exited the break room.

Moments later, he collapsed, his colleagues rushing to his aid.

"Are you okay? Where does it hurt?"

But their concern turned to horror as they noticed his strange symptoms.

His body appeared to be… disappearing.

Lying on the ground, he stopped convulsing, his pain seemingly over.

But then, orange, life-like matter emerged from his body, engulfing him.

His colleagues watched in terror as he was consumed.

The once-human figure now resembled a monstrous being.

The realization hit his friends too late. One fainted from the shock, while another stumbled back, speechless.

The transformed creature's eyes opened, no longer human.

The horror had just begun.