Chapter 108: The Blood Clan’s Path to Power, Domino’s Serum Injection

The Blood Ancestor looked at Count Dracula with a distant gaze. "Yes, we are undead beings, but that doesn't make us invincible."

Dracula's face was set in cold determination. "Tell me, how do I kill him?"

The Blood Ancestor raised an eyebrow. "Why would you want to kill him?"

Dracula's eyes darkened. "Because he's made me despise him. I need no other reason."

The Blood Ancestor pondered this, pouring a glass of dark red wine and handing it to Dracula. "I can't see his limits," he said slowly, "but drinking an angel's blood might bring you closer to his strength. Only then might you stand a chance against him."

Dracula took the glass and drank deeply, his face lighting up with an almost manic obsession. "This blood… it's incredible. It's stronger than anything I've tasted—it could bring me back to my peak."

"That's because it comes from a Mutant. Ordinary human blood can't compare," the Blood Ancestor replied. "Our power comes from blood—a magic curse, a divine damnation. You know what you must do."

Dracula clenched his fists, a crazed smile spreading across his face. "You've shown me hope once again, Your Majesty."

But the Blood Ancestor held up a warning hand. "Remember, we have time. Revenge doesn't need to be rushed. We are cursed with eternity—use it wisely."

With that, the Blood Ancestor faded back into the darkness, leaving Dracula alone. Dracula's fists tightened, his eyes filled with both pain and purpose. His only son had died at the hands of Ethan Hayes, and though their relationship had been complicated, it had connected him to this world. The ice demon would pay.

"Time may be our advantage," Dracula murmured, "but I will build my strength. I'll form an undead legion, drink the blood of the strongest, and become the Blood God of Night. Only then will I be able to snuff out even the sun's light, plunge the world into darkness, and erase him forever."

Meanwhile, Ethan Hayes awoke in his office, covered with a blanket. Agent Hill had left, returning to Washington, D.C., after their long night of conversations.

Checking his system status, Ethan noted his increasing resources:

• Wealth Value: 98.03675 billion points

• Desire Points: 33.5 billion points

• Abilities: Various powers at peak level, including Giant Strength, Dragon Vein, and Mind Mastery.

As he reviewed, he couldn't help but smile. His wealth was skyrocketing, with the company bringing in over 500 million every day. But wealth alone was empty without purpose—it needed to be used to improve his abilities and protect those he cared about.

His thoughts were interrupted as Raven entered the room with a gentle smile. "You look in good spirits this morning."

"Had a delightful dinner," Ethan replied with a grin. Raven chuckled, understanding the reference. She also knew about last night's events at the Empire State Building.

"I've taken care of the spy in the company," she reported. "HYDRA's influence was deeper than we thought, but he's now secured in Osborn's life lab for… examination."

Ethan nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I've scanned his mind; the information wasn't much. But these HYDRA agents carry special locators. Let's put them to good use and see where they lead."

Raven hesitated. "I should have caught them sooner, Ethan. I was too lenient."

He shook his head, pulling her into a hug. "You did fine. I found the conspiracy using my powers. Don't be so hard on yourself."

Raven smiled, the warmth of his reassurance lifting her spirits. "Sandy has been helping a lot recently. I plan to make her my assistant, and let Domino and Inez handle security."

"Perfect," Ethan said with a nod. "Our team should feel valued and use their talents to their fullest."

Raven rolled her eyes playfully. "You're such a ruthless boss. If Domino and Inez heard you, they'd make you regret it."

"Domino might accept it, but Inez? She'd have a gun pointed at me in a heartbeat." They both laughed, easing the morning tension.

As she was about to leave, Raven hesitated, her smile fading slightly. "By the way, Eric—Magneto—escaped prison last night."

Ethan chuckled. "It wouldn't be Magneto without a jailbreak. I'm sure he'll cause trouble soon."

Raven's expression softened. "He contacted me, you know. He wants me to return and work with him. But I've made my choice, Ethan. I'm here, with you."

Ethan kissed her deeply, a tender moment that spoke louder than words. "When all this is over, I'll give you a well-deserved break, Raven."

"As you command, my master," she replied with a smirk, leaving the office with a spring in her step.

Across town, Gwen rushed to her university class, her mind a mix of curiosity and worry. Last night's hero meeting had been a big deal, but she hadn't been there. She'd tried contacting a few heroes but received no reply. "I wonder what happened. Ethan probably stirred up some trouble." She shook her head with a sigh, focusing on her studies.

Later, in Osborn's lab, Ethan prepared Domino for her super-soldier serum injection. She looked nervous, clutching his hand. "Are you sure this will work?"

"Trust me," he reassured her. Under his guidance, the serum flowed slowly into her bloodstream, activating her latent potential. After a few minutes of intense pain, the transformation was complete. She stepped out of the stabilizer chamber, her skin glowing with strength.

"It worked!" She hugged Ethan, barely able to contain her excitement.

Sandy and Inez entered, clapping. "Congratulations, Domino!" Sandy teased. "Now you can be the new Captain America!"

Inez laughed. "You and the real Captain should have a cowboy showdown. Winner gets the shield!"

Domino grinned. "I think I'll stick to being Domino, the lucky girl."

Ethan smiled, watching the lively exchange. "Glad to see you three are ready for anything. Take my credit card and go celebrate."

The trio laughed, taking the card with gleeful thanks as they headed out to Fifth Avenue for a well-deserved shopping spree.

Deep in an ancient cave, Dracula returned to his homeland, filled with an unholy determination. In the shadows, he was greeted by a figure holding a glass of rich, red blood.

"Dracula," the figure murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Dracula bowed his head. "I failed to challenge the ice demon. But if you grant me the Blood Ancestor's power again, I will not falter."

The figure extended the glass. "Accept the gift, and we shall rise again."

As Dracula drank deeply, the shadows grew darker, a new darkness gathering as the ancient curse was reborn.

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