NOVEL NEXT Chapter 279: Eddie’s Solo Show
At the launch base, Drake strode to the console and demanded:
"How much longer until the rocket is ready?"
A technician explained nervously:
"We're still loading the probes, running performance tests. Even with automation, one man can't pilot the ship."
Drake's lips curled into a strange smile.
"I'm not alone."
Then coldly:
"Stop the checks. Begin the launch sequence."
"Sir?" the man faltered.
"You deaf? Start the program."
Shoving the staff aside, Drake typed in the override. The system blared to life.
"Automatic launch sequence initiated. Countdown: five minutes."
At the back, a senior scientist's eyes went wide. He rifled through the binder—looking for the abort codes. Before he could enter them, Riot's tendrils lashed out, seizing his wrist. Drake's body warped as Riot transformed him fully.
A blade arm punched the scientist through the chest, pinning him to the wall.
Panic swept the control room. Men and women bolted for the exits.
Riot laughed, his arms shifting into massive scythes. One swing, two swings—blood sprayed. Every worker in the chamber was cut down.
The monstrosity then leapt through the window, charging toward the rocket gantry.
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High above, Smith Dole's helicopter arrived.
"Riot's revealed himself," Smith said calmly. "Go."
Venom was first. Carrying his ever-present camera, Eddie leapt from the chopper. Selina and Alexei followed, Michael after them. Smith descended last.
At the same time, League agents stormed the Foundation's HQ and labs. Guards were subdued, documents seized.
Venom, camera balanced on his shoulder, panned the lens toward Riot.
"So that's him? Riot? He looks… intense. Venom, can we beat him?"
The alien's voice rumbled.
"His strength is beyond you. Alone, my odds are zero. With the others, maybe. If your boss steps in… it's over quickly. But beware—Riot could abandon Drake and latch onto one of them."
Eddie swallowed.
"He can just… switch? Ignore the host's will?"
"It depends," Venom admitted. "I could force you if I wanted. I don't. He might not be so kind."
Eddie steadied his camera, muttering:
"Let's hope the boss doesn't need to move."
The countdown echoed over the base: four minutes.
'Trajectory files loaded. Guidance active.'
Eddie planted his camera and sprinted at Riot.
The monster halted, glaring.
"Venom. Onto the rocket."
Venom snarled.
"No. I won't let you doom this world."
"Then die."
Riot's arm morphed into a massive flail. He swung—Venom barely dodged—then a sword arm came slicing in.
On the ridge, Selina, Alexei, and Michael looked to Smith.
"Boss, do we move?"
"Not yet," Smith said. "Watch Eddie. Learn the gap between hosts."
"Yes, sir."
······
Eddie hit the ground hard, Riot's blade arcing toward his face.
"Jesus!" he yelped.
Venom seized control.
"Told you he was strong."
Their body twisted, a shield forming on Venom's arm. The blade clanged against it again and again, each strike shoving them back.
Selina's scanner blinked.
"Riot's numbers are off the chart. Eddie can't win."
But then Venom lashed out, tendrils clamping Riot's skull. With a brutal slam, he drove the creature into the ground, then kneed him skyward.
Alexei barked a laugh.
"Not bad! Looks like the weakling might surprise you."
Selina shook her head.
"Data doesn't lie. Unless they hit his weaknesses, Venom can't prevail."
Riot rose, laughing.
"Your host is strong—but not strong enough. You're no match for me. Clearly your host isn't one of the three who took the others."
His arms plunged into the earth. Jagged blades erupted upward in waves.
Venom backflipped desperately, each leap barely clearing the spikes. Only when Riot's barrage slowed at the edge of his range did Venom land, chest heaving.
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(End of Chapter)
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