Chapter 38 - The Gathering Storm

The Chitauri commander, now transformed by the Symbiote, moved with unnatural speed, darting across the ceiling and walls in a blur of motion.

His once-heavy frame moved like a shadow—fast, agile, unpredictable.

Then, with a final leap, he landed.

The moment his feet touched the ground, the white Symbiote receded, peeling away from his skin like mist.

He stood there, back in his original form—but something was different.

His posture. His aura.

He was changed.

The same body, but his presence was something else entirely.

Stronger. More confident. As if the hesitation and doubt that once clouded his mind had been erased.

Yet, despite this newfound power, one thing remained unchanged—

The fanatical devotion in his eyes as he stared at Lin Fan.

Lin Fan met his gaze, expression unreadable.

Unlike normal Symbiotes, which could corrupt and manipulate their hosts, this one had done something different.

It had made the Chitauri commander loyal beyond reason.

Not out of fear. Not out of self-interest.

But something deeper.

Lin Fan wasn't sure if he liked that.

He exhaled, pushing the thought aside. There were more important things to focus on.

"How do you feel?" Lin Fan asked casually.

The Chitauri commander clenched his fist, then grinned.

"Stronger than ever."

The energy in the command room shifted.

The warriors who had once stood in silent observation were now restless.

Watching the transformation firsthand had changed something in them.

Now, their gazes burned with something new—

Desire.

Even Ebony Maw, usually composed and calculating, took a slow step forward.

"Master," he said, his tone careful but eager. "What exactly is this creature?"

He wasn't the only one who wanted to know.

The others in the command room were waiting, holding their breath.

Lin Fan expected this reaction.

The pursuit of power was universal.

They had just seen a miracle unfold before them—one that defied logic, that shattered limits.

Lin Fan leaned back, fingers tapping against the armrest.

"This," he said, his voice calm, "is called a Symbiote."

A murmur rippled through the room.

"It must bond with a host to survive," Lin Fan continued, watching their reactions carefully. "But in return, it grants immense power. Strength, speed—those are just the basics. Even one's lifespan and Psionic energy can be enhanced."

He let the words sink in.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—

The hunger in their eyes intensified.

Lin Fan smirked. Greedy, just as expected.

He didn't need to convince them.

He didn't need to force anything.

They would beg for it.

And just as he had predicted—

Ebony Maw was the first to break the silence.

"Master… if we are to strengthen the Dark Quadrant, should we not collect more?"

There it was.

Lin Fan's smirk widened.

He had planned for this.

"Indeed," he said smoothly, rising from his throne. "Gather the Symbiotes from this planet. Distribute them accordingly."

The command room erupted in excitement.

The warriors—once cautious, now blinded by greed—could barely contain themselves.

Power was within their grasp.

And they wanted it.

At the base of Temple-One, the collection systems came alive.

Beams of energy descended onto the Symbiote planet, extracting countless more samples.

Within moments, thousands of Symbiotes were transported aboard the ship.

The project had begun.

But as the others celebrated—Lin Fan remained still.

He didn't celebrate.

Because while the others saw opportunity, he saw danger.

His fingers curled slightly.

Beneath the surface of that world, something ancient remained.

Something that should never wake.

Knull.

The God of the Abyss.

Lin Fan didn't believe in gods.

But Knull wasn't just a god—he was the creator of these creatures.

And right now, he was sleeping.

Lin Fan exhaled, his smirk fading slightly.

The more they took… the greater the risk.

For now, the Symbiotes obeyed.

But if Knull ever awakened?

This would no longer be his game.

And Lin Fan had no intention of becoming someone else's pawn.

He glanced at the warriors around him, blind to the true danger beneath their feet.

They had no idea.

And for now?

He'd keep it that way.

But deep down, a whisper of unease remained.

He was playing with fire.

And eventually… it would burn.

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