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Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Successful Face Hug

Enzer never deluded himself into the role of a "good guy." The simple truth was, he couldn't be a superhero. It wasn't a deficit in moral compass, but the stark reality that his power, the alien, capable of parasitic implantation and a violent emergence that stole life force for its own evolution, was inherently terrifying. Once revealed, even the most virtuous hero would regard him with suspicion and unease. Thus, Enzer's participation in this operation, driven by a cold, personal animosity, was never about altruism.

Blade, or rather the S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives observing him, likely interpreted Enzer's involvement as an acceptance of their outstretched olive branch, a veiled attempt to demonstrate goodwill and foster a closer relationship. In their projected narrative, the ostensibly righteous Enzer would willingly risk himself for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s missions, leading to their evaluation and eventual integration into one of their specialized teams, perhaps even the nascent Avengers initiative. Enzer, with his unique "power," apparent wisdom, and clean slate, fit a certain profile of the ideal superhuman asset.

Unfortunately for them, their assessment was built on a foundation of ignorance, they had no inkling of the alarming rate at which Enzer's alien brood was multiplying, their potential for growth utterly immeasurable. Becoming a superhero is a convoluted path, and ultimately unnecessary. I have no desire to curry favor. A different approach is required… I may not earn their respect, but I can certainly command their fear. Enzer's strategy was clear: amass overwhelming power, and all other concerns would become secondary.

The was the immediate priority. Securing this host, this vessel for the first true warrior, caste alien, would represent a quantum leap in Enzer's power. Success, of course, carried the significant risk of global exposure, attracting the attention of numerous dangerous entities. But Enzer considered such concerns secondary, to be addressed after the was secured. As long as his power grew at a rate exceeding the emergence of threats, any risk was justifiable. The defining characteristic of his aliens was their exponential growth in power when bonded with a suitable host.

Swish! Enzer produced an egg. Its four petal, like segments unfurled, and a Facehugger silently emerged. The , consumed by his rage and the alien onslaught, remained oblivious. But Mr. Blue, huddled in a corner, desperately seeking divine intervention amidst the flying debris, watched the creature with a horrified fascination.

What in God's name is that? Its size was comparable to an ostrich egg, yet the shell appeared pliable. A bizarre, agile creature had emerged, its movements purposeful. Its target… the . Mr. Blue was aghast, his mind struggling to comprehend such audacity from what appeared to be a newborn organism. No matter what its intentions, it will fail. The is my masterpiece. Even if I perish amidst this acidic onslaught, this insignificant creature stands no chance.

Despite the 's ravaged state, his formidable physique torn and bleeding, he was far from defeated. The potent regenerative properties derived from the Hulk's blood were rapidly mending his wounds, fueled by his escalating rage, which also seemed to amplify his strength. Though the initial surge of power had plateaued, likely due to the serum's limitations, he still possessed the capacity to deliver blows with hundreds of tons of force, each strike capable of crushing or severely injuring the aliens.

The battle raged on, claiming an increasing number of alien lives, leaving behind only mangled remains. Yet, even in death, the aliens utilized their final reserves of strength to cling to the , their acidic blood further corroding his already damaged form, inflicting increasingly grievous injuries. This escalating attrition was beginning to tax even the 's formidable resilience.

"Impressive little pests, but ultimately insignificant! Is that the extent of your challenge?!" The roared, a hateful grin contorting his features. In a brutal flurry, he had annihilated five more aliens, the strongest of the remaining contingent, leaving only the smaller, less resilient ones. Even with one arm and shoulder reduced to bare bone by the corrosive blood, his tenacity remained unnerving.

Victory belongs to the strong, to the magnificent , he thought, a surge of triumph momentarily eclipsing his pain. I will crush these insects, then find Enzer and make him pay dearly. After that, a period of rest, and finally… the Hulk. I will prove my supremacy. The pursuit of power is the only true path! It was in this fleeting moment of exhaustion and anticipated victory that the Facehugger, having stealthily positioned itself on the back of a Messenger Xenomorph, seized its opportunity. As the 's massive hand reached out, the Facehugger displayed astonishing agility, scuttling along his finger bones with unnerving speed and launching itself onto his face.

"What in the—?!" The instinctively ripped the Messenger Xenomorph in half with contemptuous ease. Dealing with these creatures, which typically parasitized weaker life forms, had become routine. But his arrogance proved his undoing. Who would have anticipated that the true threat would be so… diminutive? Even with the Hulk's amplified physiology and his own raging fury, a wave of dizziness washed over him as the Facehugger clamped onto his face. The disorientation was fleeting, quickly overridden by a surge of anger. He tore the now, motionless Facehugger from his face, crushing it between two fingers and hurling the remains against the wall.

Sizzle! The Facehugger's remains burst, its acidic blood etching a deep scar into the wall. "Such a minuscule creature possesses such potent blood? That scientist is truly insane. But whatever power it offered is insignificant compared to my own." Only absolute power matters. That is the undeniable truth I've learned from observing the Hulk and experiencing a fraction of his strength firsthand.

He needed to redouble his efforts, eradicate these repulsive creatures, and then deal with the enigmatic young man who had inexplicably set himself against him. But as the turned to pursue the remaining aliens, a ferocious snarl contorting his features, he was met with an unexpected sight. The aliens were rapidly retreating, coalescing into a unified group, and the young man had inexplicably reappeared at a safer distance.

 Enzer called out, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "We shall meet again… in a new iteration." With the confirmation of the Facehugger's successful implantation, a wave of relief washed over him. The 's furious roars were almost endearing. The more immense and powerful the host, the greater Enzer's satisfaction, akin to a proud parent.

Enraged and bloodlusted, the 2, still reeling from the Facehugger's attack and his numerous injuries, ripped a chunk of reinforced concrete from the debris and hurled it with brutal force at Enzer. Enzer remained unmoving, his expression serene. The five remaining aliens reacted in perfect unison, interposing themselves between their master and the projectile, their claws extended and raised in a coordinated block. With a deafening crash, the concrete shattered into dust, revealing Enzer standing calmly amidst the swirling particles, an epitome of composure.

The bellowed, lumbering forward. Enzer, with a sudden burst of speed that belied any semblance of normalcy, leaped back, effortlessly covering over thirty feet. This display of enhanced agility momentarily stunned them. Enzer's subsequent, inexplicable retreat left the monstrous creature utterly bewildered.

"The next time I see that little freak, I'll tear him limb from limb!" The roared, taking a moment to allow his accelerated healing to work before slamming a fist into the wall in frustrated rage, causing a section of the ceiling to collapse onto his head.

"But… we don't even know who he is," Mr. Blue stammered, still shaken.

The lashed out with a kick, nearly pulverizing the hapless scientist, who, by sheer chance, or perhaps misfortune, collided with a carefully sealed vial of the remaining Hulk serum.

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