NOVEL NEXT Chapter 125: Chapter 123: Linkage
Blade Technology has now become a global powerhouse, rivaling even the influence of companies like Umbrella Corp. However, Zod has another asset—World Serpent—establishing bases worldwide.
Zod's research on symbiotes has led to a groundbreaking innovation. Unlike previous "animalized soldiers," World Serpent's mercenaries now receive symbiote battle suits, a significant upgrade. These symbiotic suits are advanced biological weapons, stripped of consciousness and modified to resemble colony armor. Though not as formidable as true colony armor, these suits boost a soldier's physical abilities to the point of surpassing Captain America in raw strength.
The symbiotes are durable and can even sustain the wearer after catastrophic injuries unless exposed to fire or sonic attacks. The complex biology required to develop symbiotes that resist such vulnerabilities, however, has proven challenging.
Roaring—the symbiote overseeing the integration—observes these new suits warily. It recognizes traits from various symbiote predecessors, an eerie mixture of abilities and enhancements now embedded in these suits.
Though unable to replicate Kryptonian biotechnology completely, Zod's research made strides. He integrated heat energy conversion, creating a head-mounted laser as an offensive feature in the symbiote suits, albeit at the cost of time and resources. However, more advanced technologies like particle cannons, gravity cannons, or high-frequency blades remain beyond reach.
As the Superhero Association expands, so does its connection to Blade Technology. Zod's powerful address at the press conference a month ago inspired a surge of heroes applying to join the Association. Zod remains active, stirring occasional crises across the U.S. by sending low-level villains—ensuring that the Association remains essential and keeps public attention spread beyond New York.
The Association's official website, hosted on Blade Technology's Spider Web platform, features rankings, resolved incidents, and battle footage. This gives the public insight into the challenges superheroes face, while also holding them accountable. Black Queen, Zod's digital ally, mobilizes satellite resources for comprehensive monitoring, which the fans enthusiastically support.
Each hero has a personal page on the platform where they can share insights and updates. For example, Ben Grimm, who initially felt isolated as "The Thing," gained a new appreciation and even rekindled his love life through fan interactions. Eddie Brock, too, willingly revealed his identity as Venom, attracting both support and fame.
U.S. government officials have approached Eddie with enticing offers, but his loyalty to the Association and its mission keeps him wary.
News articles like "Spider Silk Suit vs. K Gang!" and "Daily Life of Iron Man" flood the media, sparking worldwide discussions about heroes and their impact. Members of the Association find themselves thrust into a spotlight unlike any they've experienced. Superheroes have gone from faceless protectors to beloved icons, surpassing Hollywood's brightest stars.
Zod's tactical approach of creating villains reinforces the necessity of the Association, which remains a nonprofit organization. To ensure independence, the Association rejects all external funding, even declining Tony Stark's contributions. Blade Technology solely funds the Association, with Zod leveraging this arrangement for tax benefits and positive publicity.
The Association's new headquarters, completed just two weeks ago, is the tallest building in New York—a massive pyramid-shaped structure that stands as a symbol of its power and reach.
Meanwhile, in a nearby truck, a man pauses mid-cigarette as his phone rings. After a brief exchange, he hangs up, exhaling smoke as he mutters, "Let's get started."