Investigation

Several hours later, on a hill outside New York City, Andrew covered the sleeping Susan with a blanket while he gazed up at the stars.

"Over three thousand Soul Pacts—quite a bit more than last time. My strength has increased again. Heh, considering New York's terrible luck, in just a few years, every citizen's soul will belong to me."

Andrew was in a good mood. "Also, when things were nearly over, two new worlds merged into this one. World Fusion itself is no big deal, but isn't the timing a little too perfect?"

Every time, the worlds merged after an incident ended. Could there be some connection?

"The first four worlds weren't like this. Huh, wait, Ancient One said World Fusion began a year ago."

Andrew thought of something and frowned slightly. A year ago was exactly when he had descended into Rebirth Hell.

"That is to say, World Fusion is related to me? Interesting. Very interesting."

After a chaotic night, all of New York was discussing the previous night's events the next morning. The headlines of many newspapers and news broadcasts read: "Vampires Are Real!"

One newspaper was an exception: the Daily Bugle. Its headline was divided into two sections. On the left was a photo of Spider-Man being sent flying, titled: "The Completely Unreliable Spider-Man."

On the right was a photo of Ghost Rider smoking a cigar amid blazing flames, titled: "An Angel Descends to Save New York City."

"They're both superheroes, so why is the difference so huge?"

Peter Parker looked at the two headlines and could not help complaining. At that moment, a press conference appeared on the giant screen above.

The spokesperson said into the microphone, "There are no vampires in this world. Several years ago, an evil Doctor developed a Virus. Those infected with it fear sunlight, silver, and garlic, and survive by feeding on blood...

"The military will Clean Up Virus carriers throughout America. Please do not worry too much. Also, if you encounter a Virus carrier, please take note of the following points..."

"Is this what they call spouting nonsense with a straight face?"

Peter complained. The reporters were also dissatisfied and questioned the spokesperson one after another, but the spokesperson remained unmoved, looking like, Believe it or not, I believe it anyway.

How the authorities defined the matter was unimportant. What mattered was that America had decided to completely Clean Up the Vampires. The Vampires suffered a devastating blow and had no choice but to flee to other countries or return to Europe.

Although the operation organized by S.H.I.E.L.D. had been a complete mess, it had basically achieved its objective. From then on, Americans would no longer be threatened by Vampires.

"The Vampires' nest is in Europe. Blade, we'll Clean Up the Vampires in North America first, then kill our way into Europe."

Whistler, whose arm had already been repaired, said, "Boss will provide us with enough money and weapons."

The cool-looking Blade adjusted his sunglasses and said, "Good. With Boss's support, we'll definitely be able to wipe out the Vampires completely."

The master and disciple set out once more. They would stop only on the day the Vampires were extinct.

Amid the turmoil, more than a month passed. One morning, Black Widow Natasha, who had returned to work at S.H.I.E.L.D., knocked and entered Nick Fury's office.

"Fair warning: don't mention my eye, and don't mention my eyepatch, or don't blame me for throwing you out."

Nick Fury spoke with an unhappy expression. Over the past month, his colleagues and even his superior, Pierce, had mocked and sarcastically commented on his eye every day, thoroughly irritating him.

"I have no interest in your eye."

Natasha impatiently asked, "Fury, did you find what I asked you to investigate?"

Hearing that it was business, Nick Fury became serious. He said, "I don't know how Ghost Rider knew that Match Girl wasn't dead. Over the past month, S.H.I.E.L.D. searched for Drakov around the world, but we found nothing.

"I believe you blew Drakov and his daughter to death. What Ghost Rider said isn't true."

"No, he was telling the truth. I can feel it."

Natasha stubbornly said, "They've hidden themselves somewhere. Even S.H.I.E.L.D. can't find them."

"Unless they're dead, there's no one S.H.I.E.L.D. can't find."

Nick Fury said proudly, "Natasha, I think you're feeling too guilty. I suggest you take a vacation, or go talk to a psychologist."

"Someone like me can feel too guilty?"

Natasha gave a Bitter Smile. She shook her head and said, "I'm applying for a month of leave. I want to investigate this myself. I hope you can have all departments cooperate with me."

Nick Fury sighed and said, "Fine, but I hope that in a month, you'll return to normal and become the Black Widow whose mission completion rate is practically one hundred percent.

"Your performance over the past month has been very unprofessional. You even beat up your colleagues."

Natasha shrugged. "I'm not as professional as you are, fooling everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D."

Nick Fury angrily said, "I told you not to mention that!"

Natasha shook her head and turned to leave headquarters. No matter what, she would find Drakov and Antonia and settle everything from the past once and for all.

That evening, Andrew—the one who had kept Natasha in turmoil for an entire month—took Gwen to Manhattan Park for a picnic.

Seeing Gwen looking somewhat worried, Andrew asked, "Gwen, what's wrong? Was the dinner I ordered not to your taste?"

"It was fine. Aside from the spicy parts making me want to cry, there was nothing wrong with it."

Gwen complained. "I'm worried about my Dad. The people at City Hall keep placing the blame on him. He might get fired."

The Lizardman and Vampires' rampage through New York had caused massive damage and some casualties. Someone had to take the blame. Since S.H.I.E.L.D. was a spy agency under the United Nations and was not suited to appearing before the public, Director George unfortunately became the scapegoat.

"It's a small matter."

Andrew smiled. "The main reason Director George became the scapegoat is that he has no one backing him. In Fact, even without this incident, his political career wouldn't have lasted much longer."

Gwen said, "My Dad just refuses to suck up to the powerful."

"Your father is a tough guy, but New York citizens don't know that."

Andrew said, "I'll write an article praising your father, build momentum for him, and rally public support behind him. I've even thought of the headline: 'Do You Want a Tough Director, or a Bureaucratic Director?'"

Gwen asked, "Will that really work?"

"Of course it will. I looked into your father's background. His record is outstanding; it's just that no one knows about it."

Andrew said. Without connections, could he have become police commissioner with anything less than an impressive record?

Of course, reporting alone would not be enough. Rebirth Group would also need to come forward and support Director George. America was a capitalist society; capital could accomplish anything. However, there was no need to tell Gwen that.