Chapter 291: Chapter 291


    ?


    S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters


    Nick Fury, the ever-watchful director of S.H.I.E.L.D., quickly received reports about Audrey''s unusual circumstances.


    This woman, once an ordinary believer linked to the so-called Light God Baldr, had recently be a focal point for interest due to unexined phenomena surrounding her.


    "White Knight granted her power?" Fury frowned, flipping through the detailed report on his desk.


    "If White Knight can bestow abilities to others, and if he truly intends to cultivate believers, this could escte into something far beyond our control."


    Caught in deliberation, Fury decided to observe for now.


    "Antagonizing him directly is still too risky," he muttered.


    ...


    Sokovia


    Meanwhile, Ultron, deep in his Sokovian hideout, had also caught wind of the developments.


    "The woman received a spark of his power?" Ultron sneered.


    "What of it? A single robot would suffice to crush her."


    Focused on building his army of Sentinels, Ultron dismissed the event entirely. He looked over his factory, where rows of newly manufactured robots stood ready.


    Within days, the thousand Sentinels lost to White Knight would be replenished, enhanced with histest modifications.


    ...


    ssified Military Base


    In contrast, the generals at the covert military instation held a more cautious stance.


    "The White Knight is no longer a mere anomaly," one grizzled officer stated grimly.


    "We can''t afford any further direct confrontations until we''re better prepared. Let''s hold back and watch how this unfolds."


    ...


    A Quiet City Street


    Syd, now donned in a fresh white outfit,plete with sunsses and a mask, wandered leisurely through an unassuming neighborhood.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The city buzzed with life, oblivious to the divine being in their midst.


    While absorbing faint streams of faith energy that filtered into his Divine Core, Syd''s attention was caught by a decrepit sign hanging above a dimly lit establishment.


    ...


    The Bloody Bar


    Curious, Syd approached the shabby bar, drawn by the faint hum of activity within.


    As he stepped inside, the low lighting, apanied by thudding metal music and raucous chatter, painted a vivid picture of the bar''s patrons.


    Leather-d men and women danced wildly, while others nursed sses of suspiciously crimson drinks.


    Upon entering, Syd felt the sudden stillness as dozens of pairs of eyes turned to regard him, if only briefly.


    "So, they noticed me..." Syd mused, feigning ignorance. He scanned the room, pretending to be a curious neer.


    His keen senses picked up subtle signs-a heightened stillness, unnatural paleness among patrons, and a strange scent permeating the air.


    Approaching the bar, he was greeted by a pale, sharply dressed bartender who offered him a charming smile.


    "Wee, sir. What can I get you?"


    Without hesitation, the bartender suggested, "May I rmend our house special,


    the Bloody Mary?"


    Syd raised an eyebrow, ncing at the bartender''s unnaturally paleplexion.


    "Why not?" he replied, masking his voice to sound unremarkable.


    As the bartender began mixing the drink, Syd''s sharp nose caught a distinct metallic tang.


    Blood.


    The realization was immediate-human blood. The ss on the counter glinted crimson, its contents swirling ominously.


    Syd regarded the drink with a peculiar mix of amusement and curiosity.


    Elsewhere, a burly man seated in the corner froze at the sight of Syd. His name was Carel, a demon hunter who had tracked a rogue vampire to this very establishment.


    "What the hell is he doing here?" Carel muttered under his breath.


    He watched with growing rm as the pale bartender served Syd the Bloody Mary.


    "This guy''s just a regr human! He doesn''t even know what kind of ce this is!"


    Carel''s mind raced, torn between self-preservation and the faint hope of intervening to save an innocent life.


    Meanwhile, Syd''s acute awareness detected the presence of an approaching figure.


    A sultry woman, d in a provocative dress with a predatory gleam in her eyes, sauntered


    toward him.


    "Looks like it''s starting," Syd thought, sipping his drink.


    The taste confirmed his suspicions-the Bloody Mary wasn''t a mere cocktail but a concoction


    laced with fresh blood.


    His lips curled into a small, knowing smile as the woman leaned in close.


    The predator thought she had found her prey.


    "Hey there," she purred, her voice dripping with seduction.


    "What''s a handsome man like you doing all alone in a ce like this?"


    Syd ced the ss down deliberately, meeting her gaze.


    For the first time, a flicker of uncertainty crossed the woman''s face as she sensed something...


    off about him.


    "Just here for a drink," Syd replied coolly, his tone disarming but deliberate.


    Unbeknownst to her, the predator had just approached someone far beyond her


    comprehension.


    (End of Chapter)


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