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Malrick finally agreed to Tony's request to go with him.

After all, the Resident Evil world posed no real threat to the two brothers.

Even if they were accidentally infected with a virus, there were already developed vaccines and serums available.

It was just another adventure—almost like a vacation for Tony.

Malrick remembered the last family trip had been right after he graduated middle school.

Tony, Pepper, and a few others had gone to Dubai.

It was supposed to be relaxing, but it turned into a three-day party in a luxury villa.

He had barely graduated and almost lost his mind in that villa.

This trip to the Resident Evil world felt like a make-up graduation trip for high school.

Malrick called Natasha from his bedroom.

Tony was still busy installing recording equipment on his armor to document the crossing process, so there was time to spare.

While waiting, Malrick remembered something from Iron Man 3—the Extremis virus.

It granted super-regeneration, enhanced strength and speed, and in some cases, the ability to generate fire or electricity.

It could be valuable as a reference for developing the S-virus.

He called Natasha.

"What's the mission?" she asked the moment the call connected.

"Why so blunt? Can't I check on my dear subordinates now and then?" Malrick teased.

"It's not even 8 a.m. I can't imagine what else the man who refused to pay me four days ago could want besides a mission."

"Oof… Alright, fine. There is a mission."

"Talk. I'm in a secured building in New York—no one's listening," she said.

"Do we have a Widow undercover at A.I.M.? I need data on a virus they've been developing. Extremis."

There was a pause, then Natasha responded.

"Tracy. Mid-level researcher. She can get you what you need. You can pick it up in Tennessee in three hours, or I can drop it off in L.A. by 2 p.m."

"I'll go to Tennessee—faster that way," Malrick said. "I have to say, the sisters really are impressive."

"Then maybe spend less time running from them. They miss you. That's it. Hanging up."

She ended the call before Malrick could reply.

He sighed, dropped the phone on the table, and muttered, "Subordinates these days. No respect."

---

Three hours later.

Natasha led Malrick into the now-abandoned Red Room safe house in Tennessee.

From outside, it looked like a small two-story cabin in the woods.

Inside, however, was a four-story underground facility, complete with high-tech labs.

A few Widows who'd partied with Malrick in the past greeted him casually before returning to their tasks.

Natasha led him into the command room and opened a secure vault.

She retrieved a small vial and a USB flash drive.

"Tracy helped us get this. We stole it during a shift change," Natasha explained. "From what I skimmed, it's unstable."

"Thanks, Nata." Malrick inspected the vial. "I know it's not perfect, but I think it'll help me develop a regenerative virus."

"Regenerative…" Natasha's eyes flickered. "You mean, fixing physical damage?"

"Exactly. But the side effects are nasty. It's not ready for human use."

Malrick gently tapped her arm. "Don't worry. I'll fix it."

Natasha leaned into him, her fingers trailing his chest. "Then maybe you can finally pay me."

"Here?" Malrick glanced at the desk.

Natasha grinned, climbed onto it, and crossed her legs. "Right here. Now."

---

An hour and a half later.

Malrick helped Natasha straighten her clothes. She was collapsed in the chair, catching her breath.

"My advice? If you can't handle it, don't challenge it," he teased, pinching her cheek.

"You could've been gentler."

"Hey, I met your every request," Malrick said, adjusting her posture.

"Now that payroll's handled, I'll take off. Keep freeing those Widows. Stay safe. Call me if anything goes wrong."

"Malrick," she called just before he reached the door. "Did you know A.I.M. is kidnapping vagrants for testing?"

He turned. "They've started already? What do you want to do?"

"If you agree, Stark can own them by tomorrow."

"Perfect. Just be careful. And—"

"I'll call if anything happens. Got it," she smiled.

"Good." Malrick grabbed the virus and flash drive, and left.

---

1:00 PM - Stark Mansion Basement

"Where the hell were you? I couldn't find you, and even Jarvis lost you!" Tony shouted, armor partially deployed.

Malrick raised a metal case. "Went to pick this up. Extremis virus. It'll help in the next world."

"Extremis what?"

"Virus developed by that guy Killian. Enhances physical capabilities. Bio-weapon grade stuff."

"Cool. Not stable though, right?"

"Nope. But useful."

"Forget Killian. Let's get moving!" Tony said, excited.

"Right." Malrick placed a hand on Tony's shoulder, surrounding him with a bio-energy field.

He closed his eyes, and their surroundings began to fade as he reached into the void—searching for the world of resident evil.

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