I'M IN MARVEL

C9 : Assemble

"Sir, we're detecting abnormal magnetic field fluctuations in the outskirts of New York, and nearby satellite signals are being severely disrupted," an agent reported urgently to Nick Fury.

The words "New York" and "abnormal magnetic fields" together sent a shiver down Fury's spine. This wasn't a coincidence.

"The energy levels in the area are spiking," another agent added.

"Connect me to Agent Hill and Tony Stark. They're leading operations in New York," Fury commanded.

He turned sharply. "And deploy the helicarrier. We're going in hot."

---

In Stark Tower, Tony Stark paused his armor diagnostics when J.A.R.V.I.S. interrupted.

"Sir, Director Fury is requesting a secure connection. Also, Gwen and Russell are already awake and in the living room."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Efficient as ever," he muttered, walking toward the living room.

There, Russell and Gwen stood by the window, gazing toward the distant Palace of Eternal Night. The moon was obscured by swirling dark clouds, and lightning danced across the sky, illuminating the structure with an eerie glow.

"Such intense energy fluctuations…" Gwen muttered, her Spider-Sense tingling with alarming ferocity.

Russell frowned, studying the distant scene. "This is way more intense than anything in the Blade films," he murmured to himself.

From his enhanced perception, Russell saw endless streams of energy funneling into the palace. The sheer scale was staggering—an interdimensional force breaching reality, feeding into Deacon Frost's ritual.

He grabbed his phone, preparing to call The Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme. Before he could dial, a text appeared:

"Proceed boldly. Everything is under control. If anything goes wrong, I'll handle it."

Russell sighed, realizing the Ancient One was already aware of the situation.

---

Moments later, Tony Stark joined them. His face hardened as he took in the scene. "That… doesn't look good."

Behind him, a large holographic display showed a live feed from SHIELD, with Nick Fury and Maria Hill connected.

"The Blood God is coming," Hill stated grimly.

Fury nodded. "Frost has initiated a summoning ritual. He's using the blood of the Daywalker to establish a link with an extra-dimensional entity."

Russell turned toward the group. "He's not just summoning. This is a full exchange of power—sacrifices in exchange for domination."

Fury's eyes narrowed. "And you are?"

"Kamar-Taj. Call me Russell." He adjusted his posture confidently. "I assist the Ancient One in handling supernatural threats."

Fury, Maria Hill, Gwen Stacy, and Tony Stark quickly introduced themselves.

"Master Russell," Fury began, "what's the play here?"

Russell didn't hesitate. "You handle the vampires. The Blood God? That's a job for the Sorcerer Supreme."

Hill interjected, "We've set up blockades around the area. Any vampire attempting to escape will be monitored, but our manpower is stretched thin."

Fury added, "The helicarrier will arrive over New York in ten minutes. It's equipped with specialized weapons to target the palace."

Gwen frowned. "What about the NYPD? They've got the numbers to help contain this."

Fury shook his head. "Deacon Frost's network runs deep in New York. Involving local forces risks a catastrophic leak. And SHIELD's priority is to keep civilians unaware of supernatural threats. Public panic isn't an option."

Tony Stark sighed, muttering under his breath. "That's SHIELD for you."

"Enough talk," Russell said firmly. "Let's move."

Hill nodded. "The helicarrier will fire on the palace. Agents on the ground will intercept fleeing vampires. Stark, Gwen, and Russell, you'll support ground operations."

---

Tony tossed two earpieces to Gwen and Russell. "Comms are set. Test them, and we'll head out."

Both tested the connection. "All good."

Tony smirked. "Need me to arrange transport?"

"No need," Russell replied, stepping forward. "I'll get there on my own."

Tony donned his armor, his trademark HUD lighting up. "Suit yourself." With a burst of repulsor energy, he soared through the open window, Gwen swinging after him with her web-shooters.

Russell followed, sprinting across rooftops. With his heightened perception, he mapped the terrain within a several-kilometer radius. Each leap sent him soaring over city blocks, landing with precision.

Testing his newfound strength, he attempted to step on air mid-jump. A brief, sharp crackle confirmed his suspicions—he could generate bursts of force to gain momentum. Though slower than ground movement, it was a viable option.

As he moved, a thought crossed his mind: Why walk when I can teleport?

Russell grinned. Once this was over, he'd request a portal tutorial from the Ancient One.

---

Meanwhile, within the Palace of Eternal Night, Blade fought desperately against Frost's vampiric horde. Having reached the altar's center, he'd hoped to disrupt the ritual. But Frost's power, amplified by the Blood God's energy, was overwhelming.

The twelve pureblood vampires chained to the altar writhed in agony as the ritual continued. Thunder roared, and Frost's laughter echoed through the chamber.

Blade's instincts screamed at him to retreat. For once, he considered it.

---