Marvel: Apocalyptic Beginning, a High-Level Game!

Chapter 16 Let's make a happy escape!

"This prison was originally used by S.H.I.E.L.D. to hold high-risk criminals and prevent them from escaping. Now it has been transformed into a sea fortress, absolutely safe!"

Zemo acted like a tour guide, leading everyone forward, his pride and smugness almost overflowing.

In the long line behind, everyone looked up and exclaimed "Wow!" repeatedly, sparing no words of praise.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. has tried using this place to imprison some special superpowered villains. Rumor has it that even some members of the Avengers have been inside."

"It's not a rumor, it's the real deal."

Hanlu, who clearly knew some of the details, looked up and said, "This is an underwater fortress that can move into the sea. It is indeed safe, but have you thought about how to deal with the enemies in the sea?"

For example: Atlantis.

Upon hearing this, everyone paused. John and the Red Guards turned around with a hint of uncertainty: "Wait, Atlantis?"

Zemo, who was walking at the front, stopped, turned his head, and repeated the words Hanlu had said, his eyes full of surprise.

Everyone present had undoubtedly heard of this lost kingdom, which existed only in legends and online, but...

"I thought it was made up." Shang-Chi scratched his head, clearly not believing it.

"As far as I know, no."

After Hanlu finished speaking, she turned her gaze to Icarus and Moonblade.

These two are nominally the oldest "scholars" in the team.

Icarus turned his head away without saying a word.

Moonlight Blade seemed to be communicating with something. After a moment, he nodded solemnly: "He is right, Atlantis really exists."

They were originally a branch of the Maya, and like Wakanda, they worshipped unique, mystical powers.

"Wait a minute, if Atlantis is real, then they shouldn't be infected by the zombie virus underwater, right?"

Shang-Chi gestured with his hands, seemingly trying to find some psychological comfort for himself.

But under the suspicious gazes of everyone, he wisely kept quiet.

"So, Zemo, tell me, did you encounter anything strange while you were sailing on the seabed?" Hanlu pressed.

Zemo also stopped in his tracks.

He was never a fool. He built this shelter partly to protect himself and partly to drag more people down with him.

Moreover, the fortress was far less secure than he claimed; he had even been secretly "raising" some things, just to have more protection in times of crisis.

"This Atlantis you mentioned, are there any particularly terrifying characters?"

Zemo asked tentatively, shedding his previous flippancy and instantly transforming back into the wise baron.

"The Atlanteans were physically much stronger than ordinary people and could move freely underwater at depths of thousands of meters."

Their clan has a king named Namor, whose fighting power is at least comparable to the Hulk in his normal state.

He explained that he felt unwell during the Cold Dew season.

It's important to know that Namor is a character who can be invited by the Illuminati in multiple Marvel universes, and he is by no means an ordinary person.

His fighting prowess is comparable to that of Aquaman next door; in fact, it could be said that Aquaman's character design borrowed elements from him.

In the water, his normal strength is at least tens of tons, and if he manipulates the ocean currents, he could unleash hundreds or thousands of tons of force!

At least in underwater combat, apart from Icarus, even Hanlu herself wasn't confident of a guaranteed victory.

"So now, we're in the same boat, aren't we, Mr. Baron?"

Hanlu stretched out her hand and offered it to Zemo.

Zemo looked at the outstretched hand of friendship, and even though he was reluctant, he could only reach out and shake it, forcing a bright smile like a flower on his face: "Of course, I firmly believe that all of you superheroes will be able to protect the people."

"Oh, and tell everyone in town to stop worrying about all that nonsense and get on the ship!"

Hanlu added, "Recently, zombies have started to gather, and that 'Queen of the Dead' seems to be building an army that will raid all valuable targets."

Zemo's brow twitched.

Seriously? Does this guy really think he's the one giving orders?

Doesn't he want to bring more people?

But there's only so much food in the warehouse. It's hard to even keep living things alive underwater, let alone keep vegetables fresh. Every additional person means more food consumption.

But just as he was about to explain his difficulties, Hanlu conjured a banana in front of him, peeled it, and the sweet aroma instantly filled the corridor.

"I can create food out of thin air."

"please!"

Zemo instantly changed his demeanor, becoming as elegant as an old English butler, bowing respectfully, all the negative emotions on his face vanishing.

Now, even if Zemo is stupid, he should understand—

Everyone can die, but Hanlu cannot!

He can create food out of thin air, and that alone is enough to feed everyone. There's no need for such a large warehouse to store supplies; just ask him for whatever you need!

"I hate this guy's face."

The Red Guard muttered under his breath as he watched Zemon's expression change faster than flipping through a book.

He hated these two-faced, treacherous guys the most; Drekoff had tricked him in the same way back then.

He preferred John, a straightforward and bold brother.

"There's nothing we can do but bear with it."

John patted him on the shoulder. "He's the smartest one here, and he'll come in handy when it counts."

Zemo had already turned and headed towards the rooftop, seemingly preparing to mobilize everyone to evacuate.

Hanlu helplessly shrugged – he always did this, knowing his own limitations: those with leadership skills should be captains, those with brains should be strategists, and what he had to do was ensure that everyone's interests were aligned and to prevent anyone from stabbing him in the back.

Icarus needs to ensure the continuation of humanity, so he must stay with the group;

Zemo is a smart man; if he wants to hide in the sea, he needs the protection of superheroes, so he will definitely cooperate fully.

John, needless to say, after getting the shield, was practically Captain America material. He tossed and turned at night several times, clearly thinking about how to shoulder the responsibility.

As for Hanlu himself, he just wants to quietly be a "mascot" and provide some assistance to everyone.

Convenient, simple, how great!

The group continued forward, and after passing through a narrow passage, the view suddenly opened up before them.

The spacious hall was already filled with survivors, all wearing rare smiles—smiles that symbolized safety and peace.

"Alright, now we can finally relax a bit." Someone breathed a sigh of relief.

"I want the bed up there!" Without saying a word, Detective Wu rushed toward the nearest room, only to find that the Death Merchant was one step ahead of him.

As Detective Wu looked at the other person's expressionless face, for some reason, he felt that he could read a strong sense of mockery in those eyes.

Everyone was indeed exhausted.

Kamala, Yelena, and two other girls shared a room.

Red Guard originally wanted to share a room with his wife, but the Iron Lady kicked him out. Helpless, he had no choice but to squeeze into a room with John, Walker, Matt, and Hanlu.

The already "inhuman" Moonblade didn't need rest and volunteered to keep watch.

His extraordinary perception has always been something that people admire.

Icarus declined the suggestion to rest, and stood alone on the high ground, gazing at the warm crowd below, lost in thought.

This scene is strikingly similar to the one he witnessed thousands of years ago when he protected humanity and defended against the hunting of mutants.

It's okay, it's just another cycle of several thousand years.

He can complete the task just the same way, quietly waiting for the arrival of the great and supreme Lord of all things!

The hall gradually quieted down, with only sporadic conversations and footsteps.

Outside the window, the underwater fortress slowly submerged, isolating the zombies and dangers outside.

A temporary peace prevailed over the area, but everyone knew that this was merely the calm before the storm.

The Queen of the Dead's army, the potential threat of Atlantis, and the endless stream of zombies...

The real test has only just begun.