Tony stopped and stared at the data on the screen. "So, what about Blade and Abraham Whistler? What role did they play in this war?"
"Blade, also known as Eric Brooks, is a half-human, half-vampire warrior. He witnessed his family being slaughtered by vampires as a child and has since embarked on a relentless quest for vengeance. With his extraordinary strength and exceptional swordsmanship, he has become a legend among vampire hunters. Abraham Whistler is his ally—a renowned vampire hunter who now handles logistics for Blade," Jarvis explained in his usual precise manner.
Tony, processing this information for the first time, felt his mind racing. He quickly refocused. "Have you checked the identity of the person Lin Mei brought in?"
"Karen Jenson," Jarvis replied. "She is a hematologist who was recently bitten by a vampire and rescued by Mr. Lin Mei."
"Bitten?" Tony's eyes narrowed. "Jarvis, will she turn into a vampire?"
Jarvis hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering, "Based on available data, being bitten by a vampire does not necessarily result in transformation. Several factors come into play—the severity of the bite, the victim's physiology, and whether the vampire intentionally infected them. However, the risk exists, especially if the vampire introduced its own blood or saliva during the bite."
Tony frowned at the thought. The idea of someone being trapped in a state between human and monster, condemned to hide from the sun for eternity, made him uneasy.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Stark Manor stood in stark contrast to the eerie stillness surrounding Lin Mei and Monica as they approached an abandoned factory. According to Jarvis's intel, this was where Blade and Abraham Whistler were hiding.
"This place is practically deserted," Lin Mei muttered, unimpressed by their surroundings.
"And it's not a place for you, kid," a deep voice interrupted.
Blade had appeared behind them without a sound. Despite his intimidating presence, he was slightly restrained. Had he not identified Lin Mei through surveillance earlier, Whistler—stationed in the watchroom—would have already put a few holes in her with his gun.
Lin Mei shrugged. "I wouldn't be here if I had a choice. But my family is being targeted by a vampire, and you were the first person I thought of."
"You're being hunted? Then we need to talk." Blade grinned, flashing sharp white teeth.
Lin Mei internally groaned. Great, he's going to use me as bait.
Blade then gestured toward the woman standing behind Lin Mei. "And her? Same situation as you?"
"Oh, she was bitten by a vampire just now—"
Before Lin Mei could finish, Blade unsheathed his katana, stepping forward with lethal intent.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don't be so hasty! She hasn't turned yet!" Lin Mei exclaimed, stepping in front of Karen protectively.
"It's only a matter of time," Blade stated coldly. "Better to end it now than let her suffer."
"Wait! I think she can still be saved. You can't just kill her without giving her a chance!"
Karen, who had been barely holding herself together, finally snapped. "No! I'm not a vampire, and I don't want to be one!" Her voice trembled with desperation.
It had been a horrifying night—first kidnapped, then bitten by a vampire who drained her blood. Lin Mei had saved her using some unknown method, but now she was being told she might transform at any moment. And just when she was promised help, the man meant to save her had drawn his sword against her instead. The stress was overwhelming.
Under Lin Mei's insistence, Blade hesitated. He stepped forward, gripping Karen's chin, and pried open her mouth to check her teeth. No elongated fangs. He exhaled and slowly sheathed his sword.
A clicking sound echoed through the factory as the distinct noise of a gun being loaded filled the space. From the second-floor balcony, a grizzled, lame old man—Abraham Whistler—stared down at them, his eyes sharp.
"Need some help, Eric?" he asked coolly.
"No need, Dad. I know these people—they're not enemies," Blade responded.
Turning back to Lin Mei and Karen, he nodded. "You two, come with me."
Blade walked toward the factory, and Lin Mei followed, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Dr. Karen, struggling to keep up, gritted her teeth and forced herself to move forward. Survival was her only priority now.
As they entered, the full scope of the factory unfolded before Lin Mei. The once-abandoned structure had been transformed into a weapons workshop under Blade and Whistler's management. Lethal anti-vampire weaponry lay scattered across the area, each tool designed to kill in seconds.
Blade led Lin Mei and Karen to an experimental recliner and gestured for Karen to lie down. Hesitant but without any real choice, she complied. With practiced efficiency, Blade secured her wrists and ankles using thick straps.
"Can you at least tell me what you're going to do?" Karen asked, her voice tense.
Lin Mei remained silent. She had no doubts about Blade's professionalism—this was his domain, and she was merely an observer.
Blade retrieved a syringe filled with a clear liquid. "In half an hour, if you don't turn into a vampire, you won't have to die at our hands."
Karen barely reacted. After everything she had endured tonight, there was little room left for fear. She glanced at the syringe, inhaled deeply, and clenched her fists. "Do it."
A flicker of approval crossed Blade's face before he drove the syringe into her vein. The garlic-infused serum entered her bloodstream immediately, triggering an intense chemical reaction with the lingering vampire virus. Pain erupted across her body, sharp and overwhelming.
Karen's back arched involuntarily, but Blade's firm hand pressed her back down against the chair.
"Tsk tsk tsk! Sir, you seem to be enjoying this a little too much," Lin Mei teased.
Whistler, who had just descended the stairs, overheard the remark and smirked. "She's got a point."
"Hey, Dad!" Blade's face tightened with mild embarrassment, and he quickly withdrew his hand.
Eager to change the subject, Blade turned to Lin Mei. "Alright, kid. Let's talk about you. Why are vampires after you?"
Lin Mei shrugged. "Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe I caused too much commotion earlier, and they took notice."
Whistler narrowed his eyes. "Earlier tonight? You wouldn't happen to have anything to do with that chaos at Stark Tower, would you?"
He had seen the news—tonight's events had practically turned the entire country upside down.
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