บท 24: Chapter 24: Cancer
"You were right. Reed really did betray us, and he even tried to turn the Fantastic Four into zombies. Fortunately, you warned us."
Fury fixed his single eye on Noah, speaking in a low, measured tone.
Reed had confirmed his insanity with his last few deranged statements, even calling zombies the "next stage of humanity." Deadpool wouldn't spout such nonsense even after downing ten bottles of fake booze.
Noah simply smiled without replying.
Among the many Reeds across the Marvel Universe, this one's madness was far from the worst. He wasn't truly insane—just foolish enough to appear so. While zombies could indeed live indefinitely, their infection stripped them of the regenerative abilities natural organisms possess.
For example, a regular person with a deep cut on their hand could recover in a few weeks, leaving only a small scar. But zombies? Their wounds remained perpetually open and could worsen with exposure to the elements. The only solution was rudimentary stitching to make it look passable.
"So, how did you predict it? Mutant abilities? Inhuman gifts? Or black magic?"
"I—"
"Just kidding. I have no intention of prying into your private matters. A simple 'thank you' is far from enough to repay your contribution to humanity. If you need anything, just ask. S.H.I.E.L.D. will do its best to accommodate."
After exhaling a cloud of smoke, Fury gave Noah a rare, genuine smile.
Noah nodded. "Can you cure cancer? Advanced-stage lung cancer, to be precise."
"Cancer?"
Fury paused, cigar halfway to his mouth, and studied the young man before him.
Noah looked vibrant and healthy, his face glowing with energy. According to Wanda's report from the medical bay, he had killed a significant number of zombies on the way here.
Late-stage cancer patients usually struggled with basic day-to-day activities, let alone fighting their way through half of New York City.
Was it someone in his family?
"Are you the one with cancer?"
"Yes."
Noah nodded without hesitation.
There was no reason to hide it. Being upfront with Fury might increase the chances of S.H.I.E.L.D. offering a solution.
Fury stared at Noah for a moment before stubbing out his cigar in the ashtray. "If you want, I can arrange for chemotherapy right now. We have state-of-the-art medical facilities here, and I promise you'll receive the best care available."
"You're saying S.H.I.E.L.D. can't cure cancer? Not even you?" Noah frowned deeply.
"…Sorry, we can't. Even S.H.I.E.L.D. has its limits."
After a brief silence, Noah's expression darkened slightly. He stood up and said, "I'm going to check on Wong and Wanda. Pietro should be waking up soon."
"Wait, take this."
Fury opened a drawer and pulled out a small vial of pale green liquid, no larger than a pinky finger. It was clear and not overly viscous.
Noah turned back, taking the vial from Fury. "What is this?"
"A prototype regenerative serum created using Logan's genetic material, with some nanotechnology mixed in. We only have one dose. It won't cure your cancer—healing factors aren't a panacea—but it should slow the progression of the disease."
"This might buy you a few extra months."
"Thanks."
"No, thank you. Consider this a token of gratitude."
Fury handed Noah a silver needleless injector from his desk.
Noah carefully loaded the pale green serum into the injector, watching as the liquid gently rippled, almost alive.
He pressed the device against his arm and injected the serum. A cool sensation spread from the injection site, wrapping his body in a faint, soothing warmth.
A faint green glow appeared under his skin, and the cuts on his face began healing rapidly, leaving no trace.
"Take a break if you need to," Fury suggested. "Thor's Quinjet was destroyed mid-flight, so he's on his way over. Tony's tied up for now, so the meeting will start later."
"Of course, feel free to explore the Helicarrier. Your personal data is now in the system, so you have full access. If you need gear, the armory's open to you. Take whatever you want."
As Noah left the office, Fury stroked his chin and muttered to the empty room:
"Hill, any progress on his background?"
A clear, feminine voice echoed in response.
"No data whatsoever, Director. It's as if he dropped out of the sky. He first appeared in an alley a few hours ago, but there were no cameras there. We only spotted him when he reached the main streets."
"Hmm…"
Fury sighed heavily. A pity.
This guy's predictions were spot-on, but cancer seemed to be the price he paid.
Thinking about the supposed "prophets" who had popped up in New York in the past—riddle-spewing lunatics who blamed others for their failed predictions or outright gibberish—Fury lamented the irony.
Finally, a real seer shows up, and he's dying of cancer?
What a joke.
Of course, Noah was oblivious to Fury's concerns over his fabricated prophetic abilities. He had other priorities.
The inability to cure cancer didn't bother him much. This was the Marvel Universe, where miracles were the norm.
If this universe couldn't fix it, maybe the next one could.
As he walked through the corridors, Noah stopped a random agent and asked, "Where's the medical bay? I need to head there."
The agent froze for a moment before his retinal implant flickered briefly. Recognizing Noah's identity, his expression turned to one of surprise and respect.
He quickly answered, "The medical bay is on the 20th floor. Take a right, then the elevator. Once you're out, it's just ahead. Mr. Noah."
"And the armory?"
"10th floor, right outside the elevator. Would you like me to escort you?"
"No need. Carry on."
Noah released the agent and thanked him with a nod. Watching the agent walk away, he turned and entered the elevator.
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