Purple Shadows

Vroom—

Hands on the wheel, Max tried to focus on the road ahead, though his thoughts churned with memories of Jessica, whom he had met just a few moments ago.

As a Marvel fan, he already knew her backstory: her personality, her strengths, and far more. 

He knew the tragedy that later shaped her, that stole her hopes and optimism, leaving behind a once-hopeful hero turned into a broken, drunken mess.

He knew it all.

And maybe that was what made him even more disgusted with the villain behind it. His grip tightened on the wheel.

"Killgrave, what a bastard!" He cursed aloud.

Another purple villain but a disgusting one. Nothing like Thanos, who, while cruel, at least followed some twisted form of principle. 

His goals however horrifying were meant to "save" the universe.

It's hard to judge across multiverse, of course. Thanos' motivations vary by his variants. 

However, Killgrave? This is a bastard in every single one.

Max believed that to his core and it had nothing to do with bias.

He ground his teeth. The atrocities committed by that man left a bitter taste in his mouth. A deep, seething rage stirred inside him, threatening to erupt in a fury that might overwhelm his better judgment.

However, he pushed it down. He couldn't let himself be consumed by such emotions. Not now. Not when the future was still uncertain, when everything remained in flux.

He thought again of Jessica. 

She seemed fine for now somewhat gothic, still carrying that introverted, sarcastic personality but nothing close to what she would become after the hell she'd go through under Killgrave's control.

"There's still time. How much? I have no idea. But I'll try to save her."

Max didn't go out of his way to play the hero. But some crimes… he simply couldn't abide. What Jessica would suffer if no one intervened was one of those things.

Controlled, violated, broken, and discarded.

The more he thought about it, the darker his expression grew.

"I'll have to find him soon. And find some way to counter his mind-controlling abilities."

A long sigh escaped him. Just planning a contingency against Killgrave gave him a headache. Mind control was no joke.

For now, though, he still had time. He could only hope the future him would be ready when it mattered.

That was one of the reasons he asked Jessica for her contact; to stay in touch, provide aid when needed, and keep track of her in case he missed the villain's arrival. 

The other reason was personal… well, he had some suspicions about something. But it was better not to dwell on that possibility just yet.

Her beauty had nothing to do with exchanging contact. He just wanted to stay in touch with a schoolmate, of course.

A small smirk crept onto the corner of his lips.

Gradually, he reached his destination. His gaze settled on the approaching building housing Cell Labs.

He parked in the same place as last time, stepped out, and made his way toward the entrance. As soon as he crossed through the doors, the receptionist approached him.

"Good morning, sir. Mr. Alex informed me you would be arriving today and instructed me to prepare a personal lab for your use."

Max nodded and gestured for her to lead the way.

The two of them made a beeline toward the research wing. As with his previous visit, most of the researchers were buried in their work, moving about silently, minds wholly focused on their tasks.

As a company rooted in R&D, Cell Labs ensured that each researcher had their own private lab and office. 

Even when working on the same project, the team leader would divide tasks to allow each researcher to work independently and efficiently.

Some researchers were even assigned to entirely different projects.

And when collaboration was needed, Cell Labs also provided larger labs for joint work.

As they passed, some researchers glanced up and nodded politely, though still hesitant to approach this seemingly new, soon-to-be boss.

Max returned each nod with a polite, corporate smile, an essential skill mastered long ago in his past life as a seasoned corporate slave.

He would've liked to strike up a conversation, maybe break the ice. But not today. 

Today, his head was still heavy with thoughts of Killgrave, Jessica, and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Just like the others, Max was here to start something important, to lay the foundation for his new biotech company.

What research direction to take, what technologies to develop, what markets to tap, and what products to design for maximum profit and relevance.

Unlike many startups fumbling for purpose, he had a clear starting point—the T-virus. And he held significant insight into how to approach it.

Not to mention Umbrella Corporation's many commercial products, which they used to fund their operations and maintain public image. All of that was etched into his mind.

Some of it came from system-rewarded memories. The rest came from his knowledge as a veteran fan of the Resident Evil games and movies. 

He knew the kind of empire that company built and what lay beneath its surface.

Musing on these thoughts, Max realized he hadn't seen Alex anywhere in the office.

He turned to the woman guiding him. "Where's Alex? Already off on paid leave?" he asked with a chuckle.

"He's currently busy with the law firm and coordinating with your team about the transfer, documentation, and everything else," she replied in a professional tone.

She continued, letting her words settle. "He informed us of your visit and left detailed instructions regarding your lab and any requirements. He also formally submitted his leave."

Max raised a brow, then gave a hum of understanding and nodded.

He then recalled Anna, the person he'd left a mountain of work with. A chuckle escaped him as he imagined her frustrated expression, drowning in paperwork with a looming deadline. 

But at the same time, he knew her well. Her ambition would have kicked into overdrive with such a massive investment hanging in the balance.

And the promise of more funding and a bright future? That was more than enough fuel for someone passionate about her job and the firm.

Soon, the receptionist showed him to his assigned office and personal lab. It was a fully equipped, clean space where he could begin his work.

He nodded in appreciation. "Thanks," he said, and the lady returned to her duties.

Max took a deep breath and rubbed his hands together.

"Let's see what this zombie virus really holds."

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