NOVEL NEXT Chapter 262: Eddie Brock
Smith Dole stood in the high-rise, looking through the glass window at Coulson as he left.
No matter what S.H.I.E.L.D. requested, he had not agreed.
Even when Coulson suggested taking only a small fragment for research, Smith refused.
The Destroyer Armor's fragments — if even one piece went missing, he feared Bulma might not be able to fully restore it. No matter what Coulson offered, he would not give in.
Thinking of Mjolnir, once crushed by Hela and later repaired by Jane Foster, Smith felt there was still hope for restoring the Destroyer Armor as well.
Outside, Coulson exited the League of Assassins headquarters, got into his car, and sent a message to Nick Fury:
Smith Dole refused to hand over any fragments.
After sending the message, Coulson drove off without delay, paying no mind to the news van parked nearby.
Just then, Fox walked in and saw Smith standing at the window.
"Eddie Brock from the Daily Globe wants to do an exclusive interview with you. This is already his ninth visit."
Hearing that Eddie Brock had come nine times in a row, Smith was surprised.
He hadn't expected the man to be so persistent — but then, every truly successful person in their field had such determination.
As for Eddie Brock, Smith wasn't concerned. Even knowing the man would one day become the host of Venom — an antihero — he had repeatedly declined the interview requests.
Venom itself didn't impress Smith much. The boost in power was undeniable, but the weaknesses were obvious — vulnerable to fire and sonic attacks, and not every person was compatible. Some could coexist with a symbiote, while others died upon contact.
Of course, the benefits were substantial: even an ordinary human could become a powerful superhuman with Venom's help, with survival abilities surpassing those granted by the Super Soldier Serum — at least in Smith's opinion.
As for the symbiote homeworld, it had long been stripped barren by its own kind. Even if someone planted a Spirit Tree seedling there, Smith doubted it would make a good growing place — and it might even be the prison of the Symbiote God. Whether All-Black the Necrosword was there remained unknown.
Reflecting on Eddie's existence, Smith was reminded again that his universe was not the Marvel Cinematic Universe — after all, Venom's Eddie didn't belong to it.
In a flash, these thoughts passed through Smith's mind. Then he spoke:
"Let him know — I'll accept the interview."
Fox was taken aback. She had thought he would refuse again.
"Eddie Brock is at the base gate right now. I'll have someone bring him in."
Smith wasn't surprised Brock had come straight to the door.
"Use the reception room. It's a good spot for an interview."
…
Outside the base.
Eddie Brock stood waiting with his assistant, cameraman, and others.
As a well-known TV journalist, he had many fans and a loving girlfriend. He was, at the moment, at the peak of his career.
This interview meant a great deal to him. He had come nine times, always with his entire team ready — so that if Smith agreed, they could start immediately without rescheduling.
Smith Dole was not like other interview subjects. He wasn't just a Superman-level hero; he was also a billionaire, and he showed genuine goodwill toward civilians. His introduction of the "Superhero Property Damage Insurance" had been widely praised. Unlike shady businessmen, his public image was clean.
Yet his life remained steeped in mystery. While much was known about his current activities, information from before his rise to fame was scarce. Even Bulma, the Capsule Corporation's chief scientist, was a mystery — no one knew what school she attended or anything about her family background.
It was as if there existed some hidden elite academy that occasionally produced geniuses. And the question of Smith Dole's immense power was a constant topic of speculation.
The base guards soon received word and approached Eddie.
"Mr. Eddie Brock, our boss will grant your interview. Please bring your team."
Eddie's face lit up in excitement. He pumped his fist.
"Yes!"
He hurried to the van, calling his assistant and having the cameraman grab the gear. Inwardly, he felt relief — his persistence had paid off.
For nearly three months, he had been visiting once or twice a week.
Back at the gate, the guards gestured to his equipment.
"We need to inspect your belongings."
"No problem," Eddie said, handing everything over.
After a thorough check of the bags and a security scan of each person, the guards confirmed there was nothing dangerous — only cameras, microphones, and other tools of the trade.
"You may enter."
Eddie and his team took their bags back. One guard operated the mechanism, and the gate opened slowly.
Inside, more guards were stationed, and several electric shuttles waited. Beyond stretched a massive lawn, seemingly endless, with a stone tower under construction in the distance.
"Please take the shuttle. It will take you to the building."
Eddie looked around, impressed.
"Thanks. By the way — what's that stone tower for?"
The staff ignored the question, starting the shuttle and driving them toward the base interior.
(End of Chapter)
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