Chapter 55: Azoo Walking on Thin Ice

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Confronted with the chaotic scene before him and the guards aiming their weapons at him, David moved in a flash, closing the distance to the nearest guard. His palm struck the man’s face like lightning, lifting him off the ground. Under the watchful eyes of all present, the guard’s body instantly withered, aging rapidly into the likeness of an octogenarian.

Drawing vitality from the guard’s body, David casually tossed the lifeless form aside.

With a crash, the chandelier above the lavish hall shattered as the corpse struck it, glass scattering across the floor.

Now infused with alien parasites, David possessed superhuman strength and speed far beyond that of any ordinary man. He quickly subdued the surrounding gunmen.

Peter, stationed on the second floor, heard the commotion below and immediately hurried down to the first floor.

What he saw was a brutal scene of David mercilessly dispatching the guards.

Having efficiently eliminated the threat, David did not harm the terrified crowd but instead made his way directly toward Leno on the second floor.

Leno, stunned that his men had been taken out so swiftly, was momentarily speechless.

By the time he reacted, David stood before him.

“Mr. Leno, we can work together. Why fight each other?” David said.

“What?” Leno stared at him in shock, unsure of his intentions.

“This planet is being destroyed by humanity. Humans live only to drain Earth’s life force, like parasites. Only we can save this world,” David’s voice was hoarse. “If you submit to me and use your resources, Leno Luther, we can change this world.”

Leno recoiled at the mad words. “You parasite monster!”

Though he often considered himself no saint, he would never ally with such a creature.

No sooner had he spoken than a shadow suddenly appeared behind him!

With a thunderous crash, David was violently slammed through the wall, sending a cloud of dust and debris billowing.

The unexpected turn left everyone present stunned.

Peter, standing on the first floor, was likewise bewildered.

Someone had beaten him to the attack!

In that instant, Peter barely made out that the shadow was a black man.

A black man?

Could this be the Martian Hunter who had visited just days ago?

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The Martian Hunter—John Jones—grabbed David’s head, who was still reeling on the ground, and with a mighty roar, smashed through the ceiling, soaring into the sky!

As he flew, David’s skin began to transform, shedding his human guise to reveal his green alien form.

With a heavy thud, the Martian Hunter landed near a power station, casually tossing David onto an open patch of ground.

Watching David rise slowly, the Hunter’s expression turned grave. “This planet does not welcome parasites. You should never have come here.”

David’s eyes glowed purple. “Why not? This planet is in danger—we are chosen to save it!”

He struck out with a punch, a shockwave tearing through the air and stirring chaotic turbulence.

The Martian Hunter blocked the blow with his fist but was immediately thrown backward uncontrollably, spinning helplessly before coming to rest.

He hadn’t expected such immense strength.

Originally attending the party as John Jones, he had not anticipated facing the parasite itself.

Overjoyed at the chance, he had thought this would be an easy fight.

Now it seemed far more complicated.

Had the parasite consumed some potent energy source?

Exhaling sharply, the Martian Hunter surged forward, delivering a punishing punch.

With a thunderous boom, David crashed to the ground, gouging a long trench and losing consciousness.

“Though altered, it’s still within a manageable range.”

The Hunter muttered as he reached to grab the unconscious David.

But just as he moved, David suddenly turned, grasping the Hunter’s fist.

A wave of weakness swept over the Martian Hunter as his life force was rapidly drained.

“Ugh...!” he groaned, collapsing to his knees.

As his vitality ebbed, a sudden impact blasted David away, breaking his hold.

The Martian Hunter tumbled to the ground, gasping for breath, unable to rise.

After knocking David away, Peter approached the struggling Hunter, peering down. “Are you alright, Martian?”

Through telepathy, the Hunter learned Peter’s identity as the father of Clark and John. Suppressing his shock, he replied, “No... not really. He’s infected by parasites—don’t let him absorb you!”

Peter’s expression darkened. “What exactly is this parasite?”

“It’s from another planet. The host grows stronger by absorbing the life force of humans or animals,” the Hunter panted. “He just absorbed my power—he’s become even stronger.”

David’s form had already begun to distort, shedding his skin to reveal a body wrapped in purple folds, his face grotesque and blurred, mouth filled with jagged teeth.

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Peter gazed solemnly at the purple monster hovering in the sky.

“You’re right. After being ‘recharged’ by you, he’s become much harder to deal with.”

He immediately tagged the Martian Hunter as a “useless ally.”

Empowered by the Hunter’s abilities, David surged toward Peter with overwhelming force.

Peter stepped back, muscles bulging, swiftly grabbing a metal lamppost from the roadside and swinging it at David.

“Clang!”

The powerful strike was effortlessly blocked by David’s outstretched arm.

Seizing the lamppost, David swung it back, sending Peter flying.

...

“Did you hear that?” At the Patrick Farm, Azu looked up and asked Clark.

“Hear what?” Clark blinked, puzzled.

The two were playing a board game, Clark deep in thought after a string of losses.

“Dad...” Azu suddenly sensed something, an intense unease washing over him.

It was like walking on thin ice, the feeling that at any moment he might plunge into an abyss.

Though he didn’t understand why, the sensation was undeniable.

“Is Dad not back yet?” Azu stood anxiously, leaning against the window to peer outside.

Rain began to fall, mist drifting in as distant rumbles echoed—was it thunder, or an alarm sounding within his heart?

Clark replied, “Godfather said he was visiting Mr. Luther’s house.”

“I... I have to go check.” Without hesitation, Azu swiftly changed and prepared to go to the Luther residence.

Clark hurried after him. “John, what’s going on?”

“I can’t quite explain it... but...” Azu’s growing anxiety spilled out. “...My sense of security is gone. Only Dad could give me that feeling—he always caught me when I fell. Now it’s gone, and I don’t know why... I have to see him.”