Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

Three days ago~

Before Lorna was about to board the ship and set out, she went back to consult her father for his opinion.

However, his response was clear: he advised her not to get involved. In his view, the zombie virus was a disaster humanity had brought upon itself, and there was no reason for them to intervene.

At the time, she agreed and planned to return to S.H.I.E.L.D. to refuse Nick Fury's invitation.

But on her way to S.H.I.E.L.D., she encountered an unexpected person—someone she would never forget.

And this man changed her mind entirely.

"Lorna, it's an honor to meet you," he greeted her with a polite and refined demeanor, his elegant aura making her feel as though comparing anyone she knew to him would be a disservice.

"Hello, and you are?"

"You can call me Mr. Adam. I'm the chairman of Umbrella Corporation. I must apologize for the harm my subordinates caused your father a few days ago.

But please believe me, those actions were taken without my consent."

Though his explanation had some holes, Lorna found his sincerity strangely convincing.

"It's fine. Honestly, my father was also at fault. He stormed into your building without saying anything. If I were in your position, I would've reacted the same way."

"It's a relief that you understand. Could we take a moment to talk elsewhere?"

"Of course."

A short while later, they found themselves in a nearby park.

A soft breeze made her shiver slightly, and Adam, ever the gentleman, offered his coat. Her cheeks flushed lightly at the gesture.

"Tonight's moon is beautiful," Adam said suddenly.

Lorna glanced up at the sky. Indeed, the moon was unusually bright and mesmerizing, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Wait, what am I thinking? she scolded herself, quickly shaking her head.

After all, she had a boyfriend.

"We at Umbrella Corporation may have created Sentinels for the military, but please believe me when I say we sympathize with the plight of mutants."

"Thank you. Your company's recent establishment of the Mutant Care Foundation has been praised by many mutants."

"It's a small gesture. The Brotherhood, on the other hand, has truly fought for mutant rights."

Their conversation grew more relaxed as they continued talking. Eventually, Adam steered the topic toward the zombie crisis in Iraq.

"This zombie outbreak is humanity's mistake. It's not something mutants should have to deal with."

"Oh? You think so too? Humanity created this mess. Why should we clean it up?"

"Exactly. As a human myself, I feel deeply ashamed. But this crisis might actually be an opportunity for mutants."

"What kind of opportunity?"

"A chance to change the way the world views mutants."

Lorna frowned. "I've thought that before. My father and I joined the fight against Apocalypse, hoping it would show the world our worth. But afterward, they doubled down on their prejudice and passed the Mutant Registration Act."

"That's because you were too kind. You didn't leave yourself a trump card."

"A trump card?"

"Yes. If you hadn't killed Apocalypse but instead imprisoned him, would the Mutant Registration Act have passed so easily? They would've had to consider the consequences."

Lorna's eyes gleamed with realization. Right. If Apocalypse had been alive, humans would've thought twice before pushing through such a law.

"I heard that Iraq has mutant zombies?"

"Yes."

"Our analysis suggests that the mutated zombie might have evolved from a mutant who became infected."

"Is that possible?"

"The mutated zombie has the ability to manipulate light. Its original name was Jack. Here's his file."

Adam handed her a folder, and despite a moment's hesitation, Lorna took it.

She couldn't explain why, but she felt an innate trust in him. After reading the file, her belief in Adam's words deepened.

"How does this relate to the opportunity you mentioned?"

"I have a device capable of controlling life itself—the same device used to control Raven."

"You… really controlled Aunt Raven?!"

Lorna stepped back, disbelief etched on her face.

Adam turned to look at her, his gaze filled with an intensity that made her heart race.

"I did. At first, I intended to kill her. But I couldn't go through with it. At least this way, she's still alive."

"Why?"

"Why? If a random civilian discovered your plans for the World Summit, wouldn't you deal with them too?"

"…I understand now."

"I'm glad you do. Sometimes, I don't have a choice either."

Lorna found herself nodding, unexpectedly forgiving him, "But what does controlling life have to do with this crisis?"

"You've lost Apocalypse, but this is your chance to capture the mutated zombie. If you control it, the world will have no choice but to respect mutants. They wouldn't dare discriminate against you anymore."

"That… makes sense."

"You could even create more mutated zombies. With a dozen of them, who would dare to oppress mutants?"

"But… isn't that too cruel?"

"Cruel? You're securing the survival of your species. Sacrificing weaker mutants is a privilege for them.

If sacrificing yourself could save all mutants, would you refuse?"

"Of course not!"

Her eyes shone with determination. From a young age, Erik had taught her: mutants above all else. Sacrificing a few for the greater good was necessary.

"Exactly. What you're doing is for the future of mutants."

.......

"Father, please believe me. Everything I'm doing is for the sake of mutants."

Looking at his increasingly unfamiliar daughter, Erik couldn't shake the unease creeping into his heart.

"Umbrella Corporation is not to be trusted. They're deceiving you."

"I know that. That's why I've prepared a backup plan. Once we control Uncle Charles, we can even control that man.

Father, didn't you always teach me that any sacrifice is acceptable if it means mutants can rule the world?"

"What do you mean?"

"Father, please sacrifice yourself."

The next second, Erik tried to resist, but his consciousness faded in an instant.

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