Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 981 Only Ashes (First Update)

The Zephyr One is S.H.I.E.L.D.'s next-generation airborne command and rapid response center, designed and built by Leopold Fitz to replace the previous Airbus. It was his graduation project at S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, when the Airbus was facing retirement, and the SkyCarrier was another product designed to meet this need.

The project began before the Hydra rebellion, but it wasn't completed at the time, as Coulson's team lacked the resources to perfect it. Now, the aircraft is operational and performing exceptionally well, capable of docking with Quinjet fighters like the Airbus. Thanks to its larger size, larger fuel tanks, and more powerful jet engines, the Wind One can remain airborne for several days and possesses extremely strong counter-surveillance capabilities, remaining invisible not only on radar but also visually. This is why Wanda Maximov and Robbie Reyes didn't see the giant aircraft landing near Southridge Prison, while Melinda May, Phil Coulson, Leopold Fitz, and Mike bumped right into it.

"You don't want to take action, Ms. Maximov," Coulson said, breaking the ice ahead of time as the negotiator. "Fitz and Mike have told me about your mission, and I think we can do this part together."

"I have no objection." Robbie Reyes frowned, nervously turning the rattling keychain in his hand.

To get to Southridge Prison, he ran at least five red lights, traversed impassable side streets, and nearly hit a dog. When Wanda told him that Lucy Ball might seek revenge on Uncle Morrow, Robbie Reyes floored the accelerator. Anyone who touched his engine now would be guaranteed a hospital stay with severe burns. Wanda constantly worried that he might transform into Ghost Rider or that the car would burst into flames—frankly, this anxiety was unbearable. By the time they got out, Wanda had donned several magical shields specifically designed to protect against fire, and even had a short-range instant teleportation spell ready to be cast. Now, if anyone stopped Robbie Reyes from visiting his Uncle Morrow, he really might catch fire. This time, Wanda has no intention of putting out the fire. The last time she did this, Robbie Reyes was in the hospital for a week, and now there's a whole host of troubles to deal with, including insurance claims, police warrants, and missing person notices.

"Shall we go in together?" Agent Coulson gestured, inviting Wanda to walk alongside him. Although there were only two of them, he was certain that even if everyone here attacked together, they wouldn't be a match for them. Leaving aside the new Ghost Rider—Agent Coulson had witnessed the previous Ghost Rider's fighting abilities—this witch, trained by Salomon, had played a significant role in the Sokovia incident; it was said she could easily tear apart Ultron robots.

Although Melinda May's nickname is Iron Rider, she is not a robot after all.

"I have some questions I'd like to discuss with you, Ms. Maximov," Coulson said softly as they walked through the prison gates. "About your mission, and about Salomon. I want to know some information about this mission; I'm sure he won't just send you out like this."

"If you run into Agent Coulson, warn him not to touch that book. If he doesn't listen, just kill him, unless he wants to repeat what happened with the Book of Ebony." Wanda made no attempt to lower her voice as she spoke, and the team behind her and Agent Coulson instantly tensed up. Melinda May even reached for her gun. This made Mike and Robbie, who had just exchanged blows, extremely embarrassed, especially Mike, who definitely didn't want to fight there.

“That’s the advice I got. He foresaw all of this before I even left.” She glanced back, then raised an eyebrow at Agent Coulson. “Never underestimate a prophet. I’ve seen John Gatler’s file; my mentor is far more astute than that idiot. We don’t have time to waste. You guys go in through the proper channels, Robbie Reyes and I—”

"Wait!" Agent Coulson raised his hands, seemingly to surrender. He had no idea what Salomon had taught Wanda Maximov, and for a fleeting moment, he even thought he was negotiating with the young, naive (cute, honest, and kind) Salomon from years ago. That stubborn, soft-hearted guy!

"If Lucy Bauer had been here, she might have left some lunatics behind to disrupt the prison staff's thinking, giving them the illusion that everyone is the enemy," he said. "Agent May was a victim not long ago. We got some of Fitz's 'drugs' on our way here; they can stabilize minds. I suggest you take one or two with you, just in case something happens."

As he spoke, he took out two skin test needles, the syringes of which were filled with a clear liquid.

"I'm sure you'll find a way to get through security," Coulson smiled. "If you don't mind, it would be best to wear a contact lens to coordinate our actions. The opponents we're facing are no ordinary people."

Lucy Ball did indeed visit Southridge Prison, so much so that the Immortal City had to send multiple agents to smooth over the aftermath of the mission. While Coulson had prepared for the worst, he certainly didn't want to be chased by all the guards at Southridge—once Lucy Ball discovered her abilities, she wouldn't hesitate to create trouble for her opponents. Not just the guards, but every prisoner she came into contact with was affected. After Agent Coulson and Agent Melinda May breathlessly subdued several guards, they saw another phantom in the surveillance footage—another researcher who had also died in the energy lab accident.

Wanda Maximoff and Robbie Reyes entered the prison from the east side, near Sector E, and together with SHIELD agents from the warden's office on the west side, they approached Elias Morrow's cell.

Although Robbie Reyes desperately didn't want his uncle to see him transformed into Ghost Rider, Lucy Ball wouldn't let any opportunity slip by. She opened the cell door, releasing every prisoner she touched in Southridge Prison. The hallucinating hardened criminals immediately rushed towards the witch and Ghost Rider in the corridor. At first, Wanda was reluctant to use lethal magic, but Robbie Reyes had no such reservations—he first used burning chains to ensnare Lucy Ball's companion, incinerating the spirit, and then spun the chains to repel the prisoners who tried to approach. However, neither Robbie Reyes's burning eyes nor the unfortunate souls burned to ashes could stop the mob's advance. Even as Wanda and Robbie Reyes approached Elias Morrow's cell, the prisoners still refused to back down.

"Robert, you..." Elias Morrow's cell door was also opened, but he couldn't believe his eyes. The crimson energy emanating from Wanda Maximoff's hands, Robbie's burning eyes and chains—it was all enough to shatter his worldview. "What on earth is going on?"

"I'll explain later, Uncle Morrow." These were Robbie Reyes' last words before transforming. He glanced at Wanda and Elias, the burning flames piercing through their skin and scorching their flesh, and the burning chain seemed to come alive, binding a prisoner who had crossed the blockade.

After that, only ashes remained in the prison, the ashes reaching above the ankles.

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(End of this chapter)