I'M IN MARVEL

C13 : Explode Your Energy, Blood God

The Blood God's energy transmission rate multiplied by time equaled the total energy projected into the physical plane. However, this energy wasn't unlimited. The cap wasn't defined by the Blood God's power but by the 700 vampires' collective absorption limit.

The best strategy wasn't to wait for the Blood God to empower these 700 vampires and then harvest them en masse. That would be too risky. Instead, Russell devised a countermeasure: attack Deacon Frost directly, force the Blood God to pour energy into healing him, and slow the empowerment process.

"I need to get Tony and the others to cooperate with me," Russell thought, his plan crystallizing.

After straightening out his thoughts, he spoke firmly, "I've found a way to block the Blood God's infectious power, but I can't sustain this indefinitely."

With his gaze locked on the corrupted Deacon Frost, Russell declared, "We need to cut off the head of the snake. The Blood God's energy flows through Frost as a conduit. I'll do everything I can to take him out—you two cover me."

Tony Stark, piloting the latest iteration of his Iron Man armor, nodded. "Got it. We'll clear the path. Gwen, let's give him some breathing room."

"Fire!"

A barrage of micro-missiles launched from Iron Man's shoulder cannons, raining down on the horde of vampires. The group—gathered tightly around Deacon Frost—had become an ideal target.

Enraged, the Blood God's essence within Frost burned brightly, a swirling mass of crimson energy. His voice carried across the battlefield, low and menacing.

"Fools. You think brute force will suffice? You mortals never learn."

He issued a command: "Half of you spread out; the rest, shield me as we retreat toward the city."

The vampires obeyed with supernatural precision. Despite their coordination, something strange happened: when struck, their injuries refused to heal properly. Energy poured out of their wounds instead of mending them.

"What's happening?" Deacon Frost snarled, glaring at his injured followers.

Sensing the anomaly, Nick Fury shouted over the S.H.I.E.L.D. comms, "Don't let them reach the city! Stop them at all costs!"

Iron Man soared overhead, blasting apart stragglers with his repulsor beams. "They're healing too fast. I can't put them down for good."

On the ground, Gwen Stacy—her Spider-Woman suit glinting under the moonlight—fought valiantly. Her spider silk bound vampire after vampire, but she couldn't keep up. "There are too many of them!"

Blade, the Daywalker, cut through several vampires with his silver-edged sword. His strength and skill allowed him to dominate in one-on-one combat, but his attacks couldn't stop the Blood God's empowered thralls entirely. "You need anticoagulants to kill them permanently," Blade growled, slashing another foe. "Where are those damn vials?"

"They're being prepped," Coulson's voice replied over comms. "ETA is five minutes!"

Frustrated, Russell decided to unleash his trump card. Turning to Gwen, he commanded, "Step back. I'm going in."

Before she could protest, Russell grabbed her wrist and gently but firmly tossed her out of the immediate combat zone.

"Ugh!"

Russell stood still for a moment, focusing all his mental energy. The air around him changed, charged with invisible but oppressive power. What was once colorless spiritual energy became visible—a gale-like force sweeping through the battlefield.

Wherever the mental shockwave reached, vampires froze in place, their movements halted as though time itself had stopped.

"Crack."

"Crack."

"Crack."

One by one, the vampires fell. Their eyes turned white, and they collapsed, unconscious. Even the Blood God's influence seemed to waver momentarily under the psychic onslaught.

Blade planted his sword in the ground, struggling to remain standing. Though he wasn't within the attack's direct range, his willpower alone had kept him from succumbing to its effects. "What… the hell… was that?" he gasped.

Even Gwen—safe from the attack—felt her Spider-Sense screaming in warning. She stared at Russell, awe and confusion mingling on her face.

Russell didn't respond. His mind was singularly focused on one goal: the Blood God.

"Bang!"

With a powerful leap, Russell shot toward Deacon Frost, his body covered in a shimmering energy field. Vampires tried to intercept him, but he plowed through them like a freight train.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Each blow tore through his opponents, leaving them crumpled in his wake.

Finally, he reached Frost. Encircling his fist with spiritual energy, Russell delivered a devastating punch to Frost's chest.

"Ahhh!"

Deacon Frost screamed in pain as the blow ravaged both his body and his soul. For a split second, Russell noticed a shift—the voice wasn't the Blood God's. Had his consciousness fled Frost's body?

"No way," Russell thought. "A dimensional demon retreating just because of a beating?"

Yet as Frost's body began regenerating at an astonishing rate, Russell realized the Blood God was still transmitting energy to keep his vessel alive. Shaking his head, he refocused his attack.

In the Blood Dimension, a massive figure wreathed in crimson light stirred. This was the true Blood God—his form pulsating with thick, viscous blood.

"Enough!" the Blood God roared, his voice echoing across dimensions. "You insignificant insect—I will crush you myself!"

The Blood God rarely left his domain, but the sheer energy expenditure required to keep Frost alive had forced his hand. If he squandered more energy, even the Blood Dimension's other demons might rebel against him.

Back on the battlefield, Russell noticed the change immediately. Deacon Frost's regeneration slowed to a crawl.

"The energy supply stopped," he murmured, a hint of regret in his voice. "Looks like my sponsor's run dry."

Taking advantage of the moment, Russell landed a final punch, obliterating half of Frost's head. The vampire fell lifeless to the ground.

Checking his internal stats, Russell saw the rewards of the battle:

- [Name: Russell]

- [Attributes: Constitution II: 100, Perception II: 100, Spirit II: 100]

- [Energy Surplus: Massive]

"Damn, the Blood God was generous," Russell muttered, impressed by the energy gain.

As he prepared to finish the remaining vampires, Gu Yi's voice echoed in his ears. "Close the net, Russell. It's time to end this."

Her tone was layered with satisfaction and something more—regret, perhaps? Russell couldn't help but wonder: what role had she played in orchestrating this entire event?

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