Chapter 5: A Taste of Blood

Ethan continues his routine of blending in at Empire State University. His enhanced intelligence and memory make classes a breeze, allowing him to eavesdrop on conversations and gather information. He uses his vampire charm subtly, ensuring professors and students see him as just another quiet, studious guy. His frequent trips to the library earn him a reputation as a bit of a bookworm, which helps deflect suspicion.

The Crimson Code issues a quest: [Quest: Predatory Instincts] [Objective: Hunt a supernatural creature without drawing attention.] [Reward: Skill: Minor Immunity to Fire.] [Failure: Hunger Frenzy and Potential Exposure.]

Ethan's Blood Sense pings during a walk through a park near the university. He senses a supernatural creature—perhaps a low-level vampire or a street-level occultist dabbling in dark magic. The figure is preying on a homeless person, their actions masked by the city's shadows. A woman lies on the ground, her breaths shallow, clearly the intended victim.

Ethan follows, his senses sharpening as his predatory instincts kick in. His inner struggle is palpable—part of him recoils at the thought of hunting a sentient being, while another part revels in the thrill. The Crimson Code's cold, mechanical voice offers clinical advice, almost like a tutorial in a game.

The alleyway transforms into a battleground. Ethan's strength and speed are overwhelming, and he can't help but throw out quips, his humor a mask for the predator within. "You know, I was really hoping for a coffee break, not a bloodbath," he jests, dodging a swipe of claws. His opponent—a gaunt, shadowy vampire—snarls, launching forward with supernatural speed.

"Wow, did you not get the memo that we vampires are supposed to be handsome?" Ethan smirks, sidestepping an attack. "Seriously, you look like Nosferatu had a lovechild with a trash can."

Ethan counters with a brutal efficiency. His punches land with bone-crushing force, his movements fluid and practiced. His Emmett Cullen template grants him centuries of combat experience, and he dances through the fight, every strike precise. He allows the creature to land a hit, testing his durability, feeling the sting of its claws rake across his chest. His wounds begin to close almost immediately, the adrenaline mixing with his vampiric regeneration.

"Is that all you've got? I've had hangovers that hit harder," Ethan taunts, his voice a mix of amusement and disdain. His confidence only grows as the fight progresses.

The woman stirs, her eyes fluttering open. "H-help..." she whispers, and Ethan spares her a quick glance. "Stay down, I've got this," he calls, his tone light despite the viciousness of the battle.

With a final blow, Ethan pins the creature to the ground. The hunger gnaws at him, and this time he doesn't resist. His fangs sink into the vampire's neck, drawing in its blood. Power floods his senses—a heady mix of life force and dark essence. He glimpses fragmented memories, a shattered life of violence and desperation, but he pushes them aside. When he pulls away, the creature crumbles to ash, and Ethan wipes his lips, a dark satisfaction settling in his chest.

[Quest Completed: Predatory Instincts] [Reward Granted: Skill: Minor Immunity to Fire]

Ethan disposes of the ashes carefully, his mind processing the act. He had saved a life by taking another—a balancing act that felt as much necessity as choice. He crouches next to the woman, his crimson eyes softening. "You're safe now," he murmurs, his charm working to soothe her frayed nerves. She nods, too dazed to question why her savior's eyes glowed red in the dim light.

As he returns to campus, Ethan reflects on his role in this world. He is neither hero nor villain—something in between, a hunter among hunters. And tomorrow, with the trip to Oscorp looming, he knows he must be ready. The spider was just the beginning of his plans, and the Marvel Universe was ripe with possibilities.