Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 20: Shifting Tides

Spring 1983 – New York City

The world had not yet recovered from the fall of Apocalypse. While most of humanity remained unaware of the true scale of what had transpired in Cairo, the undercurrents of power had shifted. Edward Lin stood at the heart of it all, his influence more potent than ever—but so were the forces arrayed against him.

The Hellfire Club had extended an invitation, the Hand had begun mobilizing, and S.H.I.E.L.D., now under the leadership of Director Alexander Pierce, had taken an interest. But none of these concerned Edward as much as the whispers of new players entering the board—those who lurked in the shadows of the supernatural world.

The Watchful Eye of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Inside a private Golden Enterprise office in New York, Edward sat across from a man he had expected but not welcomed—Nick Fury, a rising operative within S.H.I.E.L.D. Even without his future status as director, Fury was already a formidable strategist.

"You made quite a mess in Cairo," Fury remarked, his one good eye scanning Edward.

Edward remained impassive. "Cairo was a battlefield long before I arrived."

Fury leaned back, fingers tapping on the armrest. "S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't like power vacuums. And we like even less when someone fills them too quickly."

Edward smirked. "Then you should worry about others before worrying about me. The Hand is making moves, and the Hellfire Club is far more dangerous than they appear."

Fury's gaze sharpened. "And what about you?"

"I clean up my own messes."

The two men exchanged measured looks before Fury stood. "S.H.I.E.L.D. will be watching."

Edward didn't doubt it.

The Supernatural Stirring

Elsewhere in New York, a lone figure moved through the underbelly of the city. Blade, the infamous Daywalker, had caught wind of something unsettling—rumors that vampires had begun to grow bold once more, emboldened by Apocalypse's fall and the disturbances in supernatural energy.

In a dimly lit alley, he confronted a group of low-level bloodsuckers, his sword gleaming under the city lights.

"You leeches always come crawling out when things get chaotic," Blade muttered before slicing through them with brutal efficiency.

As the last vampire turned to dust, Blade narrowed his eyes. Someone, or something, was stoking the fires of the supernatural world. And at the center of it all was Edward Lin.

William's Trial

Back at a Golden Enterprise facility, William Lin stood inside a reinforced training chamber. His father watched from behind reinforced glass as his son tested the limits of his growing powers.

William took a deep breath, focusing on a contained energy source before him. With a slow movement, he absorbed it, his body glowing faintly as he channeled the energy into his limbs.

Edward activated his Inspect ability, ensuring everything remained stable.

[Status Window – William Lin]

Name: William Lin

Age: 24/85+500

Mutant Ability: Energy Absorption and Reinforcement (Omega-Level)

Alchemy Proficiency: 80% (Level: Master)

Health: Perfect

Mood: Confident, Determined

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $50 Million

Property: A luxury estate, multiple investment properties

Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (500 years)

Physical Condition: Superhuman (Continuously evolving)

Strength Level: Half-step God-King (Potential: Unlimited)

Affiliation: Golden Enterprise (Heir)

Edward's gaze darkened. His son was powerful, but the world they lived in would test that power again and again.

William turned, sensing his father's scrutiny. "What do you see?"

Edward exhaled. "Potential."

An Invitation from the Hellfire Club

That evening, Evelyn Lin approached Edward with a message in hand. The seal was unmistakable—an invitation from the Hellfire Club.

"They're not going to stop," Evelyn said. "They want William."

Edward burned the letter with a flick of alchemic energy. "Then they'll learn, like everyone else, that my family is not to be touched."

The world was shifting, and Edward Lin had no intention of being caught off guard. His war was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning.