I'M IN MARVEL

C8 : Panel Upgrade, The War is Coming

"SHIELD has confirmed, via the Council of Vampire Elders, that Deacon Frost has violated their ancient treaty by attacking several elders and holding an unauthorized gathering in New York. Vampires from across the globe have been summoned to his side," Coulson explained, his tone tense.

"According to the Council's initial reports, the gathering includes approximately 5,000 vampires."

Coulson paused, gauging the room's reaction.

Tony Stark leaned back in his chair, smirking. "It seems I've got better intel than you." He proceeded to outline Frost's true plan: the summoning of the Blood God and his intention to weaponize Blade's unique bloodline.

"And," Tony added, glancing pointedly at Gwen, "the actual numbers aren't 5,000. They're closer to tens of thousands."

"Tens of thousands?" Coulson's face paled. If true, SHIELD's intelligence had failed catastrophically.

Nick Fury's one good eye narrowed. "Prep the strike teams. Assume the higher estimate is accurate. Assemble enough special weapons to ensure we're prepared for the worst."

Coulson nodded, quickly typing commands into his tablet. Fury continued, "Inform the Council to put pressure on the military. We need their support on this, no delays. By tomorrow, we're deploying a full-scale operation to wipe out Frost's forces."

Tony crossed his arms. "I'll be joining the fight. Stark Industries will also supply ultraviolet grenades, silver-coated ammunition, and anti-vampire gas—consider it a favor to humanity."

"Your help is appreciated, Mr. Stark," Coulson said earnestly. "See you tomorrow."

As SHIELD agents left, Gwen spoke up, her voice firm. "Russell and I are joining the battle as well."

Tony raised an eyebrow at Gwen, recalling how her Spider-Woman strength had obliterated Iron Monger like it was child's play. Then his gaze shifted to Russell.

"Can you keep up?" Tony asked skeptically.

Russell met his eyes with an unimpressed look. "Ask Gwen if you're unsure."

Tony shrugged. "Fine. You two can stay the night. I'll have Pepper prep guest rooms for you. We'll regroup with SHIELD in the morning."

Tony turned to leave. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some armor to upgrade."

---

Tony Stark's lab buzzed with activity as he built a specialized anti-vampire suit. Compact UV projectors mounted to his forearms, silver-infused plating, and garlic gas emitters would provide him with the upper hand. Stark worked tirelessly, confident that his innovations would turn the tide.

Meanwhile, Russell lay in his guest room, staring at the glowing, deep-blue panel that hovered in his vision:

[Name: Russell (Super)]

[Lifespan: 25/7850]

[Physique II: 5]

[Perception II: 5]

[Spirit II: 5]

Talent 1: [Energy Absorption] – Absorb any energy and convert it into attribute points.

Talent 2: [Attribute Transfer] – Convert [Lifespan] into [Physique], [Perception], or [Spirit].

The system upgrade had been monumental. His attributes surged in value, and his lifespan extended to nearly 8,000 years. Experimenting further, Russell redistributed his stats:

[Name: Russell (Super)]

[Lifespan: 25/150]

[Physique: 31]

[Perception: 31]

[Spirit: 30]

The results were astonishing. His physical strength was now equivalent to lifting 31 tons, and his speed exceeded 100 meters per second. Enhanced perception gave him a sixth sense, allowing him to predict enemy actions in battle, while his mental powers became lethal, capable of inducing psychic shockwaves and attacking both mind and body.

As Russell marveled at his newfound abilities, a growing sense of urgency gnawed at him. What would the next system upgrade bring?

---

The Palace of Eternal Night

Deacon Frost stood at the altar, his arms outstretched, bathed in crimson light. The blood of Blade, the Daywalker, flowed through intricate carvings in the stone, feeding a grotesque ritual. Dark clouds gathered overhead, shrouding the moon as lightning danced across the sky.

Twelve pureblood vampires, chained to pillars, writhed as their life force was drained. Frost's voice echoed through the chamber:

"We are the rightful rulers of this world! The Blood God shall rise, and humanity will kneel!"

As the ritual reached its climax, Blade's blood formed glowing runes on Frost's chest. Bolts of red lightning struck the twelve vampires in succession, reducing their bodies to ash. Their souls, now transformed into bone bats, flew toward Frost, merging with his essence.

Frost's body convulsed as the infusion of pureblood energy erased the genetic flaws of his race. His strength doubled, his healing factor accelerated, and his senses sharpened to an inhuman degree.

From beyond the cosmos, a malevolent gaze fell upon the altar—a fragment of the Blood God's consciousness. Frost trembled as the dark deity's voice boomed in his mind.

"My apostle, this world belongs to me. Conquer it in my name."

Divine energy surged through the chamber, bathing every vampire present in the Blood God's corrupted grace. Frost, now the vessel of an eldritch power, grinned wickedly. The war for New York—and perhaps the world—had begun.

---