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Ch. 240 I Want Your Apples of Eden
🕑 Added 2023-12-30 16:05:01 +0000 UTCAfter the press conference ended, Russell had Gwen take Peter outside to build their reputation.
Being a superhero wasn't something that people would simply accept based on self-claim.
Without real examples, even if you bought news headlines every day to promote yourself as a superhero, people wouldn't acknowledge it.
Once Gwen and Peter left, Russell returned to his office.
Since he had already decided to start with Callum's Apples of Eden yesterday, he didn't want to waste any more time.
Whether it was a Apples of Eden or any other Piece of Eden, they were just small things to enhance life for him.
As the head of the Justice League, he couldn't keep wasting time on these minor matters.
Of course, for the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order, these were not trivial matters.
"No. 3, is Callum's current location confirmed?"
Back in his office, Russell asked No. 3.
"It's confirmed. He's currently in a motel in Queens."
No. 3 quickly responded.
"Contact him directly and tell him I want to meet him. Ask him to come to the Octopus Monster Lab Headquarters."
Russell continued.
"Of course, sir!"
While No. 3 contacted Callum, Russell took out his phone and dialed Bakshi's number.
Soon, the call was connected.
"Did you find out if there are any available seats at the High Table at the High Tower? If not, you can hold off on investigating for now."
"Bring Bucky to my office; I have something new for you to handle."
Russell told Bakshi.
Originally, he had planned to use a simpler method to ensure that Winston obtained a seat at the High Table. However, after discussing it with Diana last night, he realized that simplicity and complexity didn't make much of a difference to him.
He didn't need to personally handle these matters; he just needed to ensure that Winston had the strength to pull down one of the High Table members.
As for the rest, he didn't need to consider it too much.
After hanging up the phone, he had no intention of playing games or being idle, nor did he plan to handle the daily work of the chairman. Instead, he lay down on the couch in the guest area to soak up some sun.
Time passed slowly.
An hour later.
Callum, dressed in casual black, and Bakshi, dressed in an expensive custom-made suit, arrived at Russell's office at the same time.
Of course, Bakshi was accompanied by someone who didn't look like a normal person, Bucky, who had a mechanical left arm.
Seeing that Russell wasn't meeting him alone, Callum and Bakshi both wore puzzled expressions.
However, they didn't say anything and went straight to Russell.
"Please have a seat!"
Russell said to Callum and Bakshi.
After they both sat down, he had them introduce each other first and then said to Callum, "I've called you here today to talk about the Apples of Eden you possess."
Apples of Eden?
Bakshi's face once again showed a puzzled and confused expression.
However, Russell and Callum had no intention of explaining what the Apples of Eden was to him.
After hearing Russell's words, Callum's expression instantly became gloomy, and his whole demeanor changed, ready to strike at any moment.
Callum's change in demeanor immediately caught Bucky's attention.
Bucky might not be an assassin, but as a battle-hardened super soldier and assassin himself, he was extremely sensitive to killing intent.
"You don't have to be so vigilant. If I wanted to snatch it from you, you wouldn't have the opportunity to sit here and talk to me, would you?"
Russell didn't pay attention to the killing intent emanating from Callum and spoke calmly.
"What do you want with the Apples of Eden?"
Callum asked with a cold tone.
"What I want to do is none of your concern. You just need to know that I want the Apples of Eden in your possession."
"Give me the Apples of Eden, and I can not only help you rebuild the Brotherhood but also assist you in dealing with the Templar Order."
"This transaction won't be unfavorable for you."
Although Russell sometimes acted a bit overbearing, he wasn't a pure villain.
He wouldn't hesitate to use peaceful means to resolve matters that could be resolved peacefully.
In most cases, violence wasn't the best option.
"Do you trust me?"
Callum asked, still skeptical.
"Trust is something that can be built over time."
"Here's the deal. Since this is our first collaboration, I can advance some of my power to you to help you fight against the Templar Order and rebuild the Brotherhood. What do you think?"
Russell smiled.
"Advance some of your power?"
Callum wasn't quite sure what Russell meant.
"Yes, advance some of my power to you."
"You're an assassin with rich combat experience, and you should be able to see that Bakshi isn't a qualified warrior."
"I can let Bakshi demonstrate what it means to advance some of my power to you."
After speaking, Russell signaled for Bakshi to stand up.
Then, bypassing Bakshi, he used the "Absolute Command" of the King's Serum to directly issue an order to White Zetsu No. 20, which was attached to Bakshi's body.
White Zetsu No. 20 had originally been attached to the North American Gray Wolf. However, to better protect Bakshi, White Zetsu No. 20 had changed hosts and attached itself to Bakshi.
After receiving the order issued by Russell using the "Absolute Command," White Zetsu No. 20 took direct control of Bakshi's body.
Various-sized white tentacles emerged from Bakshi's body.
A few seconds later, Bakshi, who had been dressed in a sharp suit and looked like a successful businessman—and indeed, he was a successful entrepreneur himself—transformed into White Zetsu's form.
White Zetsu's form was the same as Serum form that Russell had used before, resembling a white monster.
Seeing that Bakshi had entered White Zetsu's form, Callum instinctively became very cautious and carefully observed Bakshi.
"Bakshi is just an ordinary person, without any combat training."
"In his current form, he's in White Zetsu's form, which is a transformation after being possessed by the extraterrestrial symbiote White Zetsu."
"In this form, he has the strength equal to or even surpassing a superhuman."
"If you don't believe it, you can try it for yourself."
Russell said to Callum.
His plan was simple—to let Callum see White Zetsu's power. Once Callum witnessed White Zetsu's power, he would understand that members of the Brotherhood or the highest masters of the Templar Order were no match for it.
"Are you sure?"
Callum asked slowly.
"Of course!"
"If I'm not mistaken, your collaboration with the High Table is just to use those famous assassins as cannon fodder against the Templar Order."
"Since you need the power to resist the Templar Order, I have a better choice for you."
Russell answered with a smile.
Callum didn't say anything but fell into silence, deep in thought.
Russell was right; the reason he collaborated with the High Table was simply to use those famous assassins as cannon fodder against the Templar Order.
According to the Brotherhood's rules, these famous assassins were also on their assassination list.
These famous assassins had the lives of many innocents in their hands. For the Brotherhood's assassins, these killers were not worth mourning.
If it weren't for the fact that there was really no other way, he wouldn't have chosen to collaborate with the High Table.
After thinking for several tens of seconds, Callum said slowly, "Since you have so much confidence in this so-called White Zetsu, I'd like to see what kind of power it has."
After saying that, Callum stood up and walked over to Bakshi, who was already in White Zetsu's form.
Russell's office might not be a dedicated training ground, but it was spacious enough to have a fight.
"Be careful not to use too much force; I don't want my future cooperating client to be killed."
Russell instructed White Zetsu No. 20 with a casual tone.
After hearing Russell's words, Callum showed a displeased expression.
Russell had already assumed he would lose before they even officially fought, which was somewhat irritating.
However, soon, Callum understood why Russell had said so.
The battle between White Zetsu No. 20 and Callum lasted less than two minutes and ended.
In the face of White Zetsu, who had the upper hand in terms of strength, speed, reaction, and recovery, Callum's assassin skills were meaningless.
If Russell hadn't instructed White Zetsu No. 20 to be mindful of the force, Callum wouldn't have lasted even a minute.
It wasn't a battle but a one-sided suppression.
Callum, who only knew how to use cold weapons, was no threat to White Zetsu.
He couldn't even compare to a New York police officer armed with a Glock pistol, let alone pose a threat to White Zetsu No. 20's life.
Although a Glock pistol wouldn't pose a threat to White Zetsu No. 20's life, getting hit would still produce some sensation.
If it hit the mouth or the eyes, the sensation would be more pronounced.
After a battle that wasn't really a battle, White Zetsu No. 20 helped Callum, who had fallen, and brought him to the couch opposite Russell.
"You should have experienced White Zetsu's power by now. Do you want to accept my cooperation proposal? You can give me the answer now."
Russell said to Callum.
Callum didn't answer Russell immediately but took a few seconds to take a deep breath and suppress the pain in his body.
Then, with a serious expression, he looked at Russell and said slowly, "If I hand over the Apples of Eden to you, how many White Zetsu can I get?"
"In terms of ownership, you won't get any."
"But in terms of usage rights, I can allow four White Zetsu to assist you in fighting the Templar Order."
The number of four White Zetsu was not something Russell had casually mentioned; it was the number he had decided on after reviewing the information collected by No. 3.
Although Russell had only instructed No. 3 to track Callum's whereabouts, while investigating Callum's whereabouts, No. 3 had discovered the trail of Nathan and his companions.
It was actually quite hard not to discover them, as they had all come out of the same residential building at the same time, and they all looked very different from ordinary people.
Just a slight investigation into the false identities used by Nathan's trio to book their plane tickets and a bit of follow-up had confirmed that Nathan's trio was working with Callum.
While investigating this information, No. 3's efficiency was higher than that of the New York police and the FBI combined.
After all, No. 3 didn't have to follow the so-called legal procedures.
He could forcibly infiltrate the databases of the New York branch of S.H.I.E.L.D., and for other official organizations' databases, it was as if there were no defenses at all for No. 3.
"Only four?"
Callum began bargaining.
"Your Roman Assassin Brotherhood currently has only four members in total. You can't expect me to give you too many White Zetsu."
"Four White Zetsu are already quite a few. You experienced White Zetsu's power just now."
"With White Zetsu's help, the four of you shouldn't have much trouble breaking into the Templar Order's headquarters."
Russell wouldn't give Callum a chance to increase the price.
"Just four then. But I can't hand over the Apples of Eden to you right now."
Since there was no way to increase the number of White Zetsu, Callum began to look for other ways, such as delaying the delivery of the Apples of Eden.
"Agreed!"
"The Apples of Eden can wait until you've resolved the current crisis and rebuilt the Roman Assassin Brotherhood. I'm not in a hurry."
Russell didn't expect Callum to hand over the Apples of Eden right away.
"Do you not fear that I won't fulfill the agreement and forcibly take White Zetsu away?"
Callum asked, puzzled.
"You won't do something so foolish. I believe you're not that reckless."
Russell replied with indifference.
Seeing Russell's indifferent expression, Callum fell silent once again.
"Happy cooperation!"
After thinking for over a dozen seconds, Callum said to Russell.
"Happy cooperation!"
Russell extended his right hand, smiling, and shook hands with Callum.
After discussing the follow-up issues of the transaction, Callum left the office.
Once he left, Russell signaled White Zetsu No. 20 to revert to its original form and return control of the body to Bakshi.
"Let's put the matter of Hydra aside for now. I have something I need you to do."
"I promised Winston that I would help him secure a seat at the High Table."
"Right now, he doesn't have the strength to deal with any member of the High Table. Go over and assist him in obtaining a seat at the High Table."
"When you ascend, swallow the entire High Table."
Russell said to Bakshi.
"Although the High Table is just an assassin organization, their influence spans the world, and their members are the big shots of the underworld. It's not an easy task to take them down."
Bakshi furrowed his brow as he spoke.
While the High Table might not have elite combat forces, it didn't mean they were easy to deal with. An organization that could spread the Continental Hotel's gold coin system throughout the entire assassin world wouldn't be weak compared to some of the other branches of Hydra, even if they couldn't compare to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Hydra.
"It would be a bit challenging to do it using conventional methods."
"But if we can forcefully subdue them with a power far beyond theirs, it won't be that difficult."
"I'll provide you with all the resources you need – the Zaku Battle Armor, enhanced serums, and White Zetsu. Whatever you need, I can provide it."
"My only requirement is that you help Winston ascend to power in the shortest time possible, and then we'll swallow the High Table."
Russell said calmly.
"This might cause unnecessary trouble and even draw the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D. and other official organizations," Bakshi, who was accustomed to 'low profile' style, was initially taken aback by Russell's overbearing approach.
"It doesn't matter. Let it draw attention. That's the effect I want."
Upon hearing Russell's response, Bakshi immediately understood.
"Are you trying to make an example?"
"Yes, your progress in taking over Pierce and Whitewall's leadership positions has been too slow, and there are still many who don't accept you. It's time to show your strength."
"While the High Table might not have extraordinary combat power, compared to some of the other branches of Hydra, they're not too weak. They are the perfect target."
If Bakshi had been more efficient, he would have already replaced Pierce and Whitewall in the leadership positions, and Russell wouldn't have needed to resort to such drastic measures.
But unfortunately, Bakshi's work efficiency wasn't as high as Russell had hoped.
"Alright, I understand what you mean!"
Even though this didn't align with his usual approach, Russell had already made up his mind, and Bakshi could only follow his orders.
"The matter with Winston and the High Table is in your hands. No. 3 will assist you. If you need anything, just tell No. 3."
"I hope the next time you report to me, it's with good news."
After saying this, Russell let Bakshi and Bucky leave the office.
Once they were gone, he had No. 3 contact Winston to let him know that Bakshi and Bucky would be coming to assist him.
After handling these matters, he suddenly realized that the plan had changed, and Perkins had become idle.
According to the original plan, Perkins would have been sent to assist Winston in securing a seat at the High Table.
But with Bakshi and Bucky's assistance, Perkins was no longer needed to help Winston.
Uh...
He contemplated for a moment and decided to assign Perkins a new task.
"No. 3, when you infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York branch's database yesterday, did you find any information about a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent named Mockingbird?"
Although No. 3 had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York branch's database yesterday, he had gone there specifically for information on the Piece of Eden.
"No, information on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s senior agents is stored in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Triskelion headquarters' database."
No. 3 immediately replied.
Upon hearing No. 3's response, Russell abandoned the idea that had just crossed his mind.
If No. 3 had found information about S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Mockingbird, he wouldn't have minded having Perkins replace her, creating a situation where Hydra infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. with another spy.
But since there wasn't any information, he let it go.
After some consideration, he decided not to assign any new tasks to Perkins for the time being.
Idle hands could be good!
Anyway, there were plenty of people in the Justice League who were currently idle, including Kara, who was so idle she had even taken up acting in movies.
As for the Hulk, Godzilla, and Grendel, they were practically turning into homebodies at this point.
For the next week, Russell went back to his routine.
He continued to learn the magic of Kamar-Taj and slowly mastered how to utilize his divine powers.
He fulfilled his duties as the CEO of Octopus Monster Industries, signing various documents and occasionally playing board games with his blonde female secretary.
Although his days seemed ordinary, Russell quite enjoyed this state of affairs.
No world-conquering supervillains, no major crises threatening the world, and no uninvited alien invaders...
Though he hadn't done anything particularly eye-catching this week, plenty had been happening in the outside world.
First and foremost, with the help of Bakshi and Bucky, Winston had finally advanced from being just a manager at the New York Continental Hotel to a true member of the management, becoming part of the High Table.
On the day after Winston secured his seat at the High Table, Bakshi and Bucky, armed with various equipment provided by No. 3, began their attacks on other members of the High Table.
In just a short span of two or three days, four out of twelve members of the High Table had fallen at their hands.
The astonishing efficiency could be attributed to Winston, who had recently become a member of the High Table.
Russell had kept his promise to help Winston obtain a seat at the High Table.
With Winston securing a seat, he had also made a reciprocal offer.
For instance, he had sent the profiles of the other High Table members to Bakshi and Bucky.
These details had been communicated between Winston and Bakshi, and Russell was unaware of them.
He only knew that Winston had gained a seat at the High Table, and Bakshi and Bucky were executing his plan to intimidate the other branches of Hydra.
Aside from the High Table's developments, things were also progressing well on Callum's side.
With the assistance of White Zetsu, Callum's group had gained tremendous power they had never possessed before.
Not only did they resist the Templar Order's pursuit, but they also infiltrated the Templar Order's London headquarters and rescued several other Assassin descendants like them.
Although these Assassin descendants weren't exactly the same as the Roman Assassin descendants, they were still part of the Brotherhood.
Not long after their successful infiltration of the Templar Order's London headquarters, Callum's group received messages from other branches of the Brotherhood, subtly expressing their desire to join forces against the Templar Order, just as their ancestors had done.
Callum didn't turn down these branches' goodwill and began coordinating with various Brotherhood branches worldwide, as if he intended to reunite the Brotherhood.
Callum didn't report these developments to Russell; instead, White Zetsu discreetly notified Russell.
Neither Callum nor his group had any idea that White Zetsu, attached to them, had an inexplicable spiritual connection with Russell.
This unexpected revelation even startled Russell when he received a message from White Zetsu in London.
Although he had used the "Absolute Command" of the King's Serum to remotely issue orders before, he had never tried establishing a spiritual connection with White Zetsu from a distance of 6,000 kilometers.
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