32 Chapter 32: Judgment

Chapter 32: Judgment

The Count Raptor emitted a piercing scream, its wounds stubbornly refusing to heal as the ominous black flames continued to consume them.

Andrew calmly extracted a cigar and placed it between his lips. With a subtle motion, he removed the cigar and exhaled a perfect smoke ring. Instantly, the black flames upon the Count Raptor's wounds ignited, enveloping the creature entirely.

"Wow, isn't he is so cool and powerful," exclaimed Spider-Man, who was engaged in combat with the Lizardmen. They had been struggling to overcome the Count Raptor, yet hel effortlessly resolved the dire situation.

The other superheroes were equally astonished.

Tony, in a slightly displeased tone, questioned, "Who is this person, and why is acting all high and mighty?"

The talkative Spider-Man inquired, "Mr. Stark, don't you do the same?"

Tony cast a disdainful glance at Spider-Man and replied, "Stay away from me, you will lower my style."

Spider-Man, glancing at his worn and patched Spider-Man suit, silently continued battling the Lizardmen. It was apparent that they were not on the same level.

Witnessing Spider-Man's destitute appearance, Tony felt a pang of guilt. However, apologies were not within Tony Stark's nature. Instead, he resolved to create a few high-tech suits for Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood hero of New York City, who was currently enduring hardships.

In that moment, the head of the Count Raptor detached from its incinerating body and attempted to flee into the distance. Andrew emitted a cold snort and employed his telekinetic chains to seize the lizard's head.

Andrew firmly grasped the head of the Count Raptor and commanded, "Look into my eyes."

Instinctively, the Count Raptor peered into Andrew's eyes, which was ablaze with flames. In the following instant, a torrent of memories flooded his consciousness, exposing the transgressions he had committed.

It is important to note that Deacon himself possessed no soul, while Dr. Lizard did. Upon their fusion, Deacon became implicated and subjected to the judgment of the Eye of Judgment.

"I…I did so many wrong things."

Before his demise, Dr. Connors regained his lucidity. Overwhelmed with remorse, he embraced liberation. Conversely, Deacon bellowed defiantly, "I am not guilty! I am the supreme god! Who dares to judge me?"

No matter how loudly Deacon protested, his cries fell on deaf ears. His sins transformed into hellfire, consuming his and Dr. Connors' consciousness into oblivion.

Deacon, deceased. Dr. Connors, deceased.

Andrew nodded in satisfaction. Just as he prepared to retract his powers, a figure cloaked in the strong scent of blood materialized within the lizard's head. This figure roared furiously, "How dare you disrupt my plans? Do you know who I am?"

The individual was none other than the progenitor of vampires, Dracula. He had meticulously orchestrated the scheme of giving birth to the Blood God, only to witness its premature demise. This enraged him, compelling him to personally teach his adversary a lesson.

"It matters not who you are; what matters is whether you are aware of who I am," Andrew sneered. Simultaneously, within Dracula's consciousness, Andrew's form expanded infinitely, transforming into a towering giant while Dracula shrank into a minuscule ant beneath his feet.

Dracula stood stupefied, cursing internally, "Demon King! This is the Demon King! How did that wretch manage to provoke a Demon King?"

"My Lord Demon King, forgive my intrusion. I offer my apologies and shall depart promptly," Dracula hastily dispelled his consciousness. Andrew snorted, acknowledging Dracula's decisive action. Otherwise, he could have traced back Dracula's consciousness and obliterated his true form.

Meanwhile, the body of the Count Raptor was entirely incinerated by the infernal flames. Andrew tossed the lizard's head to Blade, stating, "There is Dracula's blood essence on it. Decide for yourself if you desire it. Rest assured, I have eradicated his consciousness completely."

"Dracula's blood essence?" Blade's eyes gleamed with excitement as he accepted the lizard's head. This would greatly aid him in exterminating more vampires.

Andrew glanced at the onlookers without uttering a word, then mounted his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and departed. His intention was to take Susan for a ride and allow her to experience the exhilaration of traversing land and water.

As they observed Andrew's departure, the onlookers displayed a variety of expressions—awe, gratitude, and also trepidation.

"The Ghost Rider exceeds my initial expectations. If he were to suddenly turn evil, who would be capable of dealing with him?" Nick Fury, the seasoned skeptic, glanced around and proclaimed, "Alright, Deacon has died. Let us intensify our efforts to eradicate the remaining Lizardmen and vampires and put an end to this accursed night."

"Indeed, it is time to conclude this ordeal," Tony concurred. Just as he prepared to take action, he noticed the black-clad individuals and their robotic allies retreating. Unable to resist his curiosity, he inquired, "Who are you, and why do you know about my father?"

"When you are no longer so pitiful, I shall reveal my identity. Also, remember to have a check-up. You are nearly forty and still without an heir. Howard is quite displeased," resounded Howard's voice as he and the robots disappeared into the distance.

"What concern is it of yours whether I have a child or not? And I am perfectly fine!" Tony's anger flared, his nose contorting, particularly as the others regarded him skeptically. It appeared they had never heard any rumors about Tony having a child. Could it be...

Nick Fury grumbled disapprovingly, "Get to work."

The others shrugged and hastened to eliminate the Lizardmen and vampires. Suddenly, the sky erupted into a blue mist, swiftly enveloping the entire New York City.

Upon contact with the blue mist, the Lizardmen writhed in agony, collapsing to the ground. Gradually, their reptilian forms dissipated, revealing their true human identities.

Evidently, the blue mist served as an antidote. While the battle raged, Gwen had managed to recreate the antidote and deployed it using her equipment.

With the Lizardmen neutralized, the remaining vampires ceased to pose a threat. The group of heroes collectively released a sigh of relief. Tony remarked, "That girl is quite remarkable—calm and decisive. I will extend an invitation for her to work at Stark Industries."

Whistler sneered, "For once, have some virtue, & don't harm the little girl."

Tony retorted with frustration, "What are you insinuating? Am I truly that type of person?"

In unison, everyone responded, "Yes!"

Tony's nose contorted even further, thoroughly vexed. He stormed off to confront the remaining vampires.

Whistler and Blade also readied themselves to depart. At that moment, Barton approached them and stated, "Both of you, S.H.I.E.L.D. would like to extend an invitation for you to join our team."

"I have fought vampires for nearly half of my life. Do you know why I am still alive?" Whistler gazed at Barton and berated, "Because I never collaborate with imbeciles like you. S.H.I.E.L.D., you are the epitome of idiocy."

Barton felt somewhat embarrassed and attempted to explain, but Whistler, accompanied by Blade, departed swiftly, paying no heed to his words.

Nick Fury hesitated for a moment, opting not to send anyone to track Whistler and Blade. He shouted, "Before dawn, eliminate all vampires in New York City."

"Yes, Director!"

The agents responded in unison, and at that moment, the death knell for North American vampires was officially tolled.

On the rooftop of Osborne Tower, Gwen breathed a sigh of relief upon witnessing the successful launch of the antidote. However, in that instant, she felt a sharp sting on her neck. She swatted at it, but there was nothing there.

Gwen paid little attention to it, as her primary focus was to restore calm as swiftly as possible. After all, she bore some responsibility for the Lizard Serum incident.

____

STONES STONES STONES STONES STONES

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