Marvel: Death Knight

The next morning, Skrull operative Koren, disguised as Wim, entered the Azeroth Technologies headquarters.

Wim's daily routine involved working in his laboratory, surrounded by an array of scientific instruments. Koren, unfamiliar with the environment, stared blankly at the equipment, unsure of what to do.

A research assistant noticed Koen's dazed expression and approached him cautiously. "Group Leader Wim? Group Leader Wim?" the assistant whispered.

"Hm? What is it?" Koren snapped out of his thoughts and responded.

"Are you feeling alright, sir?"

"I'm fine, just a little tired," Koren replied, feigning fatigue.

The assistant hesitated before continuing. "Sir, we're running low on elemental energy cores in the lab."

Koren froze momentarily, then asked, "We're out of energy cores? Fine, I'll get more. By the way, where do we retrieve these elemental energy cores?"

The assistant gave Koren a curious look, suspecting something was off but ultimately dismissing the thought as exhaustion. "The elemental energy cores are stored in the company's main vault, and only Mr. Wilson can unlock it."

"Alright, I'll take care of it," Koren said, heading toward the elevator.

Once at the top floor, Koren's phone buzzed. Seeing that it was General Kallruth calling, he moved to an unmonitored corner and whispered into the phone, "General, what's the update?"

"We're running out of time," Kallruth replied curtly. "We need the technology for manufacturing the unknown energy cores. Convince Wilson to accompany you to the company's weapons testing grounds. We'll intercept him en route."

"Understood, General," Koren said before ending the call.

The Skrulls' primary objective in targeting Azeroth Technologies was securing energy cores to power their stranded warships in the Arctic. Earth's technology was incompatible with their systems, and conventional fuels proved ineffective for their vessels. By chance, they discovered that the energy cores developed by Garus were uniquely suited for their needs. They conspired with MODOK of AIM to steal the proprietary technology.

Koren felt a surge of anxiety as he approached Wilson's office. As an ordinary Skrull soldier with limited combat skills, he found Wilson's presence unnerving. The man's icy gaze chilled him to the core, evoking a primal fear of death.

"Come in," came Wilson's voice from inside the office. Steeling himself, Koren entered, striving to appear natural.

"Mr. Wilson," he began.

"What is it?" Wilson's tone was sharp and impatient.

"The latest research has been completed. There's a new prototype ready. Would you like to accompany me to the testing grounds to observe the trial?"

Wilson rose from his chair, seemingly intrigued. "Alright, I have some free time. Let's take a look."

During the Hulk's recent rampage in New York City, Azeroth Technologies' weapons had demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, even though they were ultimately reduced to scrap. The display had drawn significant military interest, resulting in lucrative contracts for the company. Wilson, in a good mood from the successful deals, decided to join "Wim."

"The other researchers are occupied today," Koren said. "It'll just be the two of us."

Wilson, suspecting nothing, called for a few bodyguards and headed to the testing grounds on the outskirts of the city.

As they drove, Wilson noticed several vehicles trailing them. He considered instructing the driver to change routes but instead pulled out his phone to send a discreet message to his master, Garus.

At that moment, Garus was at X-Academy, observing mutant students practice their abilities. Reading Wilson's message, he reached out telepathically through the bond shared with his Death Knight underlings.

"Wilson, are you sure you're being followed? Any idea who they are?" Garus inquired.

"I can't confirm their identities yet," Wilson replied after some thought, then explained his purpose for heading to the testing grounds.

Garus suspected Wim had been compromised. "Monitor the situation closely. I trust you can handle it. Let me know if it escalates."

As Wilson's convoy reached the outskirts, they encountered a line of parked vehicles blocking the road. The driver stopped the car and approached one of the vehicles, knocking on the window.

"Hey! Move your car! We need to pass!" he shouted.

No response came from the vehicle. Instead, a gun barrel emerged from the window, firing a single shot that killed the driver instantly. Chaos erupted as Wilson's guards scrambled to react.

The bodyguards moved quickly to replace the driver, but they found the road behind them blocked as well. Gunmen emerged from the surrounding vehicles, shooting out their tires and pinning them down in a hail of bullets. Despite their efforts to retaliate, Wilson's guards were swiftly overwhelmed.

When only Wilson and "Wim" remained, the attackers ceased fire. A man stepped forward, introducing himself. "Mr. Wilson, I'm Willy Barnes from Advanced Idea Mechanics. Our Mr. MODOK would like to meet you to discuss a business proposition."

"A business proposition?" Wilson sneered. "By murdering my people? Is this how you extend invitations?" Anger simmered beneath his calm exterior, and his voice carried an ominous weight. "Do you think I'll let myself be captured so easily?"

Since becoming a Death Knight, Wilson had gained significant control over the necrotic energies within him, though his understanding of their full potential remained limited. Calling upon his powers, he unleashed a wave of death energy.

Rise, my servants!

The slain bodyguards stirred, reanimating under Wilson's command. With lifeless eyes and staggering movements, they surged toward the attackers.

"Shoot them! Kill those things!" Barnes screamed, panic evident in his voice.

Meanwhile, Koren scrambled to the side, desperate to avoid the chaos. His betrayal was now clear to Wilson, who regarded him with cold contempt.

The undead soldiers, immune to conventional damage, pressed on relentlessly. Even as their bodies were torn apart, they continued their advance, striking terror into their foes.

"Destroy these monsters!" Barnes shouted, but the attackers were disorganized and overwhelmed.

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