Chapter 120 R: Big Bat Incident (Part 2) _1

Inside Stark Building, Stark tinkered with a strange machine that resembled a flower bud, while Shiller, Coulson, and Hill stood by, watching. Finally, Stark pressed a button and said, "Remember, this ultraviolet generator's maximum kill range is only 20 meters. You'd better lure all the vampires together before turning it on."

Just as he finished speaking, Jarvis relayed some intelligence: "There's a large number of vampires appearing on 3rd Street of Queens District."

Coulson said, a hint of exasperation in his voice, "As expected, they start a full-scale attack as soon as it gets dark."

"What about the Bat Monster?" Shiller asked.

Coulson seemed even more distressed. He said, "It's like seeing a ghost. The blasted creature has disappeared!"

Stark straightened and poked his head out from behind the machine. "Vanished? It's such a big monster, didn't you assign someone to keep an eye on it?"

"The Captain fought it for a while. According to the intelligence relayed by the Captain, that creature isn't highly aggressive. It seems to be merely a signal. He didn't get a clear view of what happened, but then the Bat Monster just vanished."

"Don't let your guard down," Shiller warned. "The so-called arrival of the Bat God's power; that monster might have been just the appetizer. After all, if you were planning an invasion, you wouldn't put your biggest weapon in the vanguard."

"That's correct," Hill confirmed, her tone serious. "Director Nick also believes that the creature was simply a marker for the onset of the attack. Indeed, it sounded the charge, and now, as darkness falls, the vampires hidden throughout New York are starting to move. By the time total darkness descends, we have a tough fight ahead."

Coulson glanced at his watch then addressed Stark. "How many of these ultraviolet generators can be produced within three hours?"

"Maximum of 20," Jarvis replied.

"Stark Industries' production line is operating at full capacity, with less than 10% remaining. But due to speed limits, only 20 can be produced before sundown."

"That's not enough," Coulson declared.

"Doesn't S.H.I.E.L.D. have any weapons for dealing with vampires?"

"Of course, we do," Hill stepped forward, resting her hand on the machine. "But it's all individual gear, like ultraviolet flashlights, silver bullets and such. But with the number of vampires in New York, I don't know where they all came from…"

"So, you're saying you lack group firepower?" Shiller asked.

"That's precisely the problem," Coulson slumped into a chair. He placed one hand on the table and rubbed his forehead. "A well-trained agent, fully armed with all weapons that counter vampires, can withstand 1 to 3 vampires, irrespective of their physical and magical prowess."

"But the problem is, compared to the number of vampires, we have far fewer agents."

"And as for the police, they can barely handle one. As for ordinary people, even ten of them wouldn't stand a chance against one vampire. Once the vampires launch a group attack, the numerical disadvantage will multiply tenfold."

"They have two forms, human and bat, each with different functionalities and emphasis. Once they start a strategic, organized attack, human defenses won't last an hour."

"What about heavy firepower?"

Hill also held her head and said, "Actually, this is the bigger problem. You know, plenty of moderate vampires have good relationships with high-ranking Congress officials. The moderates claim they have no idea what's going on. They insist that moderate vampires haven't participated in this invasion and strongly protest indiscriminate attacks on vampires."

"I can understand some of the decisions made by lawmakers. After all, if humans resort to using weapons like missiles, it will corner moderate vampires. These vampires will then join the invasion, triggering an all-out war between the races."

"Many moderate vampires live among humans, playing critical roles. Some have even married humans. If a war broke out between races, it will cause tremendous social instability, a result no one wants."

Stark sounded somewhat irritated. "So we're just going to take hits without fighting back? Why can't they handle their internal affairs? All we need is an answer. Do we fight or not?"

"I guess those moderates have told you they're actively negotiating to defuse the conflict. But let me be clear: most of them are waiting for the so-called Bat God's arrival. If the vampires gain the upper hand, they'll immediately switch sides, proclaiming their faith in the Bat God, insisting it's their destiny to rule the human race."

"Ambition will always inflate with power. The so-called moderates are only waiting for one side to gain the upper hand. They're fickle-minded fence-sitters. If humans gain dominance and the Bat God doesn't make a move, they'll immediately claim to be peaceful advocates for both races. But if the Bat God truly arrives, signaling the end for humans, they will submit to the Bat God, pledging their unwavering loyalty." Shiller remarked.

Coulson sighed and spread out his hands. "Everyone knows that. It's the plight we're in."