Marvel: Death Knight

The battle unfolded abruptly. After defeating all the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Garus carried the now-human Johnny and left the scene.

The roar of jet engines echoed above the city as three Harrier jets and a transport plane finally arrived, landing in the square. Agent Coulson disembarked with his team, hastily surveying the situation.

Frowning at the agents sprawled on the ground, Coulson shouted to the medics emerging from the transport plane, "Quick, check their conditions!"

After an examination, the S.H.I.E.L.D. medics determined that most of the agents were unharmed, though two had been reduced to ash by the Ghost Rider's Hellfire.

Coulson reported via phone, "Director Fury, the agents are mostly fine, though it seems they've been afflicted by some illness. There's no immediate danger to their lives. Should I contact Garus to clarify the situation?"

"No. I'll contact him myself," Fury replied, his voice tinged with anger.

Having just set Johnny down, Garus' phone rang. The number was unfamiliar.

"Garus."

A furious male voice came through the line, one that sounded familiar.

"This is Nick Fury."

Realizing who it was, Garus guessed Fury wanted answers about what had just transpired. With S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources, tracking his number wouldn't have been difficult.

"I always thought we could coexist peacefully," Fury began. "I've overlooked certain actions of yours in the past, but attacking our agents and abducting a dangerous individual? Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

"Relax, Director Fury. I can assure you Johnny isn't a threat. Besides, your agents are fine, aren't they? Oh, except for those two—that was... an accident."

Garus' unyielding tone left Fury at a loss. Their ongoing collaboration on weapons development, particularly Azerothian technologies like the weather control weapon nearing completion, complicated matters. S.H.I.E.L.D. hoped to equip their Helicarrier with it first.

Garus, sensing Fury's frustration, softened slightly. "I'm not trying to antagonize you. Mephisto is currently on Earth, and we need Johnny to locate him."

Without waiting for a response, Garus ended the call, confident Fury wouldn't retaliate.

In a desolate countryside, a middle-aged man and a pale, gray-skinned figure walked down an empty road. Wherever they passed, life withered and decayed. These two were none other than Mephisto, now inhabiting a new body, and his servant Carrigan.

"My lord, you said the Tesseract is here?" Carrigan asked, glancing around the barren landscape. "Could it be buried underground? Should I get some excavators?"

Mephisto shot him a glare, silencing him. Carrigan quickly fell in step, muttering apologies.

They soon arrived at a canyon. Before them stood a sentry post, guarding a wide cave with a concrete road extending into the distance. This was a secret S.H.I.E.L.D. research facility, home to the Tesseract.

The guards at the post spotted the approaching duo and raised their weapons. "Halt! Identify yourselves! This is a restricted military zone. Turn back immediately!"

Mephisto gestured to Carrigan, who advanced toward the post.

The guards opened fire, bullets riddling Carrigan's body but drawing no blood. Undeterred, Carrigan continued forward, summoning a gray mist that enveloped a guard, draining his life force until only dust remained.

Eliminating the guards, the pair proceeded into the facility. Electronic devices sparked and malfunctioned as they neared, overwhelmed by the demonic energy radiating from Mephisto.

S.H.I.E.L.D. agents quickly detected the breach.

"Director Fury, our facility housing the Tesseract is under attack. All surveillance systems are down, and the situation remains unclear," Coulson reported urgently.

Fury's frustration mounted. Since Garus' arrival, trouble seemed to follow.

The Tesseract's existence was a high-level secret. Fury wondered who had leaked the information. "Coulson, secure the Tesseract at all costs. I'll dispatch Agent Barton and his team for backup."

The Tesseract was vital to both the Avengers Initiative and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s development projects.

Carrigan reveled in his newfound power, gleefully turning every agent in his path to dust. He remained oblivious to the toll on his body, which was rapidly deteriorating. Soon, he too would become nothing more than ash.

"Idiot, this way," Mephisto snapped, irritated by Carrigan's erratic behavior. He regretted granting him a portion of his power, believing he should have chosen a more competent servant.

"Closer, closer!" Mephisto murmured, sensing the Tesseract's immense energy growing nearer. Odin had hidden the artifact long ago after a great war, and now it was within his grasp.

In the underground garage, Coulson prepared to transfer the Tesseract but found himself face-to-face with the intruders. Without hesitation, he drew his pistol, firing as he leaped into a vehicle.

Carrigan sneered, grabbing the car and corroding it with his touch. The vehicle disintegrated as Coulson barely escaped. The Tesseract's container tumbled to the ground, where Mephisto swiftly retrieved it.

"We're leaving," Mephisto ordered, uninterested in further conflict.

As the duo drove away, Coulson wiped blood from his forehead, troubled by how the intruders had pinpointed the facility's location. He suspected a traitor within their ranks.

-----------------------

SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!!!

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON

There are more than 40 advance chapters available for you!