Chapter 128: Annihilating the Vampires

Back in the real world, on the second floor of the ancient castle, Michael retrieved a crystal ball as Dracula had described.

Inside the transparent sphere lay a miniature castle—the very same spatial realm Michael had just exited. Below the crystal ball were various dials representing the four seasons and diverse weather patterns. With a slight adjustment from Michael, the castle inside was instantly blanketed in deep snow.

"What a magnificent toy," Michael remarked with a hint of admiration.

This, however, spelled misery for the ordinary people trapped within, who began shivering violently from the sudden chill. After finishing off the vampires in the castle, Michael handed the survivors over to George and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment, Michael. I need a word with you."

His father-in-law, George, approached him.

Michael smiled. "What is it?"

"It's about the Avengers," George said, his expression solemn as he looked at Michael. "Gwen’s situation isn't even resolved yet, so why have you gone and become a hero, too?"

Michael felt a twinge of awkwardness. His pragmatic father-in-law had tasked him with keeping Gwen in check, yet here he was, flying off on adventures with her.

"Uh... I have other business to attend to. Let's talk later."

Hastily, Michael drew a dimensional portal and stepped through, returning to his room.

Felicia, startled by his sudden appearance, guiltily closed her book. "Michael, you're back."

She looked him over. Michael’s clothes were in tatters, revealing his muscular chest, which made her face flush. Unlike other men, Michael’s chest was smooth and hairless, giving him a clean, youthful appearance. While many considered chest hair a sign of masculinity, Felicia had never felt that way; she preferred a man who was refined yet tall and imposing. Michael satisfied all her fantasies.

Realizing his clothes were ruined, Michael pulled off his shirt to change. Felicia watched his toned back, wanting to turn away but finding herself unable to move.

"I’m sorry, Michael. I know I shouldn’t have gone, but..."

"But they threatened you with your father, right?"

"You knew?" Felicia lowered her head, then whispered, "You can do whatever you want now. I'm ready, as long as you can forgive me."

"What?"

Michael pretended not to hear, wanting her to reflect on her actions. Thinking she had been too quiet, Felicia repeated herself, louder this time. Michael looked at her with a bewildered expression, at a loss for words.

The Red Queen appeared in the room and interjected, "The umbrellas are in the bottom drawer. The ultra-thin kind—they won't interfere with the authentic experience."

"Get lost," Michael snapped, his face darkening.

"Oh." The Red Queen vanished. Watching the scene unfold, she couldn't help but mutter, "Humans are so strange. They want something, yet they won't say it."

Felicia stared at the nightstand, unable to curb her shyness.

Michael suppressed the awkwardness and said, "If something happens, you should come to me first instead of making decisions on your own. I’ll take care of your father’s situation."

"Mm." Felicia nodded, her fingers twisting together, revealing her inner tension.

"You can go now. I’ll handle your father’s case tomorrow."

"Ah..." Felicia was surprised, but seeing Michael’s calm profile, she realized he wasn't lying. Disappointed, she agreed and prepared to leave.

"Forget it. Just stay here and rest for tonight."

Had he changed his mind? Indeed, no one could resist a girl who offered herself up—unless she were hideous. Felicia, heart racing, walked back and sat on the edge of the bed. She was caught in a torturous dilemma: should she take the initiative to undress, or wait for Michael to explore?

After a moment of hesitation, seeing that Michael made no move to approach, she began to undress herself. Noticing her strange behavior, Michael quickly walked out of the room. He had told her she could stay, but he hadn't said *he* would be staying there too. It was past one in the morning; the streets were empty, taxis were scarce, and it wasn't safe. He couldn't just let her leave and risk something happening to her.

Watching Michael leave, Felicia felt a wave of distress. Was I too slow in undressing? Did I upset him? Will he be angry and think I’m not sincere, and will this end up hurting my father? The Black Cat had indeed broken the law, but to Felicia, he was her only father—the man who loved her most. She stepped out of the room, saw Michael working on something in his lab, and decided not to disturb him, sitting on the bed instead to think.

Soon, fatigue took over, and she fell asleep. It had been an exhausting day, and her sleep was restless. Perhaps because of the book she had been reading, her dreams were filled with strange, occult symbols, bizarre cat totems, and a massive black cat.

It was night—the perfect time for hunting vampires. Michael sent a message to the Avengers, telling Tony to assemble the team and purge all the vampire nests.

According to Dracula’s confession, they operated three blood-processing plants in New York and had numerous gathering spots. In many ways, nighttime New York was a vampire's paradise. They kept a low profile, enjoyed manipulating people, and had the protection of the upper class. Since their gatherings were held in private, they were rarely discovered by outsiders.

Unless they exposed themselves, they were safe. Michael ordered Dracula to congregate them so they could be wiped out in one go. The blood factories had to be destroyed, and the vampires had to be eliminated. He was utterly disgusted by them after tonight.

Upon receiving Michael's message, Tony immediately rallied the Avengers. Captain America, Spider-Man, Gwen, Electro, Hawkeye, and Black Widow went to destroy the blood plants. Tony, Thor, and Rhodey headed to the vampire gathering spots to exterminate them.

At the gathering site, some vampires were chatting. "I don't know why the Metropolitan leader called us all together."

"Yeah, I wonder."

"Maybe something big is happening."

As they spoke, four metal pylons descended from the sky, encircling their villa. Next, thunder and lightning erupted in the sky. The vampires were puzzled—no rain had been forecast.

A bolt of lightning struck from above, instantly reducing the villa to ash. Amidst the ruins, some vampires stood up, realizing who had arrived.

"Enemy attack! Prepare for battle!"

Despite their bravado, they all unfurled their bat wings, desperate to escape. Suddenly, the four pylons unleashed an electric net, forming a sealed cage. The vampires slammed into the barrier and were instantly charred to charcoal.

Three figures descended: Tony, Rhodey, and Thor. They began a ruthless hunt. As the saying goes, even a rabbit will bite when cornered. The vampires launched a counterattack, but their limited strength proved futile against the trio.