Bang!
Linen kicked the cabin door open.
Inside, several robed figures were chanting around a glowing hexagram on the floor—but even after the door burst open, they didn't stop.
The strange green light radiating from the formation illuminated their faces in eerie patterns.
Tony Stark stepped up beside Linen, frowning.
"Well, this is new," he muttered. "I've seen some weird stuff before, but this takes the cake."
He raised his palm, preparing to fire his repulsor cannon—
But before he could, the young man standing at the center of the hexagram turned his head toward them and spoke.
"You're late."
He slowly walked out of the glowing circle, yet the green light continued to swirl around him, clinging to his body like a living aura.
Natasha instinctively aimed her pistol, but Linen gently brushed his fingers across the back of her hand, giving her a silent look.
Understanding the message, she lowered her weapon slightly.
The young man smiled.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kenneth Becky. You may not have heard of me before..."
His eyes shifted toward Tony. "But you, little Tony—you should know exactly who I am."
Tony froze. "What the hell did you just call me?"
Then, as he got a clearer look at the man's face, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Uncle Kenneth? That's impossible! You died when I was fifteen. My parents took me to your funeral—I saw your body buried with my own eyes!"
Kenneth chuckled softly, folding his arms.
"Yes, in your understanding, that would seem impossible. But this world has never lacked miracles."
Natasha glanced at Tony. "Who is he?"
Tony's tone turned serious.
"Kenneth Becky—my father's old friend and business rival. His company once overshadowed Stark Industries. But when I was fifteen, he died suddenly. The police never figured out the cause. After that, his company collapsed within a few years."
Tony frowned deeply. "I was there, Natasha. I saw the body. So how the hell are you standing here now?"
Kenneth's smile widened.
"Nothing is impossible, little Tony. Life seems long, but in truth, it's fleeting. I was fortunate enough to be... noticed by someone powerful—someone who granted me eternal life. What you see now is the result."
He spread his hands slowly. "All I had to give in return... was a bit of money."
Linen finally spoke, his calm voice cutting through the tension.
"The 'powerful one' you're talking about must be a vampire."
Kenneth's smile faltered slightly.
"You think you gained immortality," Linen continued, his golden eyes narrowing. "But in reality, you became a blood slave. Every ten years, your body undergoes a painful transformation—and without your master's help, you'll crumble into ashes."
"That's the price of a false eternity. You can walk in the sunlight, yes—but you're still chained by your creator's control."
Kenneth's expression darkened for a moment, then he laughed bitterly.
"I didn't expect you to know so much. But it's a pity—you're not on my side."
Natasha kept her gun ready, still waiting for Linen's signal.
"Derrick Elro, a New York senator, sent mercenaries to attack us," she said sharply. "The ones fighting SHIELD outside—are they working for you too?"
Kenneth grinned. "Of course. I've been in the shadows for years, building influence for my master. The wealthier and more powerful a person is, the more they fear death. So when I offer them a chance to extend their lives—they gladly pay the price. Some even beg to serve."
"No wonder," Natasha muttered. "Linen was right—you're just one of the many who've sold their souls."
Tony frowned. "If you already have eternal life, why bother with this ritual?"
Kenneth's grin twisted into rage. "Why? To kill my vampire master!"
His once-smooth face began to contort with fury. The green glow in his eyes burned brighter.
"Do you have any idea what that 'transformation' feels like? It's like a thousand blades cutting your flesh apart!"
"I served him faithfully for decades—brought him fortune, followers, power! And he never fulfilled his promise to make me a true vampire! He treated me like a dog!"
His voice grew louder, more distorted, and his body began to swell grotesquely. The green light enveloped him completely.
"Now, with the power of the demon Sarato, I'll break free from that cursed control! From this moment on—I will become the god of this world!"
He looked down at them with crazed eyes.
"Tony, I respected your father once. But you and your friends—will die here today!"
Tony raised an eyebrow. "What is this, a Hulk cosplay?"
Kenneth roared, his body doubling in size as the green energy pulsed violently around him.
Linen stepped forward calmly, golden light flickering in his eyes.
"Do you know why I let you keep talking?"
Kenneth hesitated.
Linen's expression turned cold.
"Because you were stalling for time... and so was I."
A golden glow erupted from his hand as he raised it—
and a sword of pure light materialized in his grasp.
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