Chapter 14: chapter 14
"Is what you said true?"
"Of course, I've been through this myself," Adrian replied, turning his face slightly to reveal the bloodstains smeared across it.
"Just pick up that bottle of potion and drink it; it'll rid you of the zombie virus."
His tone was sincere, his eyes filled with hopeful encouragement for the Druid Master.
Master Druid hesitated, doubt clouding his gaze. Hunger's agony clashed with the dark allure of flesh, leaving him torn between belief and desperation.
Wanda stood silently nearby, observing the scene unfold.
The infected Druid took a shuddering breath and grasped the bottle with trembling hands. His gaze lingered on the liquid, its soft blue glow reflecting in his hollow eyes.
"If this works… there's no reason not to try," he murmured, his voice weak and hoarse.
Master Druid—Anthony Ludgate Druid—had once trained with Himalayan lamas, honing control over his mind. Perhaps this helped him stave off hunger longer than others. Adrian knew this from the comics and nodded in encouragement, his smile warm. "Believe me, Master Druid. This is your chance for freedom, to reclaim your humanity and become a hero once more. Strange would be proud."
Steeling himself, Master Druid raised the bottle to his lips. At that moment, Wanda noticed Adrian's subtle glance, his smile carrying a silent understanding. She knew what he was planning and readied herself.
With her focus sharpening, Wanda summoned her powers, twisting the air into a rotating wind blade that pulsed with red energy. Determined and unwavering, she directed the blade toward the Druid Master's neck.
Caught off guard, Master Druid dropped the bottle in shock and tried to cast a defensive spell, but he was too slow. The wind blade struck, severing his head from his body with a sickening slash.
Blood arced through the air, painting a gruesome scene as his hands remained mid-gesture. Wanda used her telekinesis to catch his head, skillfully avoiding the blood splatter.
"You lied to me!" Master Druid's severed head roared, filled with fury and betrayal. "You liar! I should have just devoured you!"
"Sure, call the cops," Adrian replied with a calm smile, giving a casual wave to Wanda.
It was a risky move, Adrian knew. Only "good zombies" like the hesitant Druid Master could be fooled by his "antidote" act. If it had been Mr. Fantastic in a similar state, he'd have gone straight for Adrian.
Wanda took the cue, flinging the Druid Master's head out the door. A sickening crunch echoed as the head met its end outside, and Adrian stepped over the fallen body, nudging the discarded bottle aside. Wanda glanced at the bottle with curiosity. "What was in that?"
Adrian shrugged, flashing an easy smile. "Just some herbal tonic I picked up yesterday. I took off the label."
Wanda rolled her eyes and followed Adrian.
Crossing the Druid Master's lifeless body, Adrian called out to Wong, who was tending to his own injuries, "Hey, Wong! How's the hand?"
Exhausted, Wong managed a weary smile. "I'll live, thanks to both of you."
Wanda introduced Adrian formally, "This is Adrian. We met on the road; he helped me save Pietro."
Wong nodded, acknowledging Adrian. "Thank you, Adrian. You arrived just in time; I'd have been a goner without your help."
Adrian asked, "How's the hand?"
Wong glanced at his wounded arm. "I'll manage. I don't necessarily need both hands to cast a spell."
Adrian appreciated Wong's resilience. It wasn't easy to maintain optimism in the face of such losses.
Curious, Wong inquired about Adrian's purpose at the Sanctum. Adrian's smile faded slightly. "I came for the Book of the Dead."
Wong's expression grew serious. "The Book of the Dead? That book holds dark magic and forbidden knowledge. Why seek it?"
Taking a steady breath, Adrian looked Wong in the eye. "The Book of the Dead has immense power, but it could be our best weapon against this zombie plague. I'm willing to bear the risks and responsibility, using it only to stop the spread of this virus."
Wong was silent, weighing Adrian's words. He knew the dark pull of such artifacts; few resisted its corruption. Yet, Adrian had saved his life, and Wanda clearly trusted him.
At last, Wong gave a resolute nod. "Alright, Adrian, I'll take you to it. But tread carefully. This is a dangerous path."
Adrian smiled in appreciation. "Thank you, Wong."
"Follow me. The Book of the Dead should be on the second floor," Wong said, leading the way as the Sanctum's heavy doors closed behind them with a resonant thud.
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