Marvel's King Godzilla

"A dense nuclear radiation zone!"

Luo Chen's eyes glimmered with anticipation as he surfaced briefly, determining the direction. Without hesitation, he plunged back into the water, swimming purposefully toward the South Pacific.

Since the destination was diagonally southward from his current location, Luo Chen knew the journey would be arduous and lengthy. When fatigue set in, he found refuge in underwater caves to rest. Hunger was easily managed—sharks and large fish became his prey. Thirst, fortunately, wasn't a concern in his aquatic environment.

While traveling, Luo Chen continued honing his skills and adapting to a semi-amphibious existence. Though he couldn't fly, the possibility of boarding a large cruise ship heading south lingered in his thoughts. However, navigating by instinct and sonar seemed his best option, as identifying precise locations remained challenging. At his current pace, reaching the South Pacific would take at least half a month.

The nuclear tests conducted by the United States might have been a nightmare for human residents, but for Luo Chen, the intense radiation promised unparalleled nourishment—an irresistible, almost delectable source of energy. The prospect of hunting mutated creatures born from this radioactive environment thrilled him further. Each victory and absorbed radiation would accelerate his transformation into a terrifyingly powerful beast.

As Luo Chen journeyed through the vast ocean, he encountered countless fishing boats and cargo ships. Most avoided him, oblivious to his presence. Eventually, a peculiar, pungent scent pervaded the water—a harbinger of his destination.

In the South Pacific, the aftermath of nuclear testing had turned the archipelago into a dead zone. The surrounding waters teemed with radioactive contamination. Many marine organisms had perished, while others suffered severe genetic mutations. The food chain perpetuated the spread of radioactive material, creating grotesque and unstable creatures. The region was a wasteland, devoid of life's vibrancy—a desolate testament to humanity's destructive experimentation.

Luo Chen surfaced near the archipelago, scanning the horizon. Just as he prepared to approach an island, a blinding flash erupted several kilometers away. The explosion obliterated his vision, followed by a deafening roar that rippled through the sea.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

A column of fire spiraled into the sky, its heat waves igniting the heavens. The sheer force of the atomic blast distorted the air, creating a terrifying vortex of destruction. Smoke and flame mingled with the sea, evaporating the water near the detonation site. Marine creatures fled in every direction—starfish with dozens of legs, fish with grotesquely oversized heads, and eels twisted into unrecognizable forms. The mutants were as horrifying as they were fascinating.

Despite the chaos, Luo Chen was unfazed. Instead, he felt exhilaration coursing through him as the radiation levels surged. The voice in his mind returned:

『High concentrations of radiation detected... Being absorbed!』

『Radiation value: 55...67...103...189!』

『Activate new ability: Radiant Flow!』

His body reacted to the influx of radiation. The unstable gases within him began to interact with the surrounding environment, producing a high-heat mist-like flame. His dorsal fins glowed, pulsing with energy.

『Activate new talent: Super Vision!』

Newly developed abilities granted Luo Chen enhanced sight—night vision, heat sensing, eagle-like precision, and predatory focus. His eyes evolved, forming protective films to shield against environmental extremes.

『It is detected that the host has absorbed excessive radiation. Forced evolution is imminent...』

As Luo Chen observed the scene, he noticed warships stationed nearby, bearing the American flag. Soldiers moved methodically, unloading crates of equipment. It was clear they were preparing another nuclear test. Without hesitation, Luo Chen submerged, diving deep into the ocean.

He crept closer, navigating the irradiated seabed. Finding a spot rich in nuclear residue, he settled under a rocky outcrop. The initial shockwaves and heat from the tests caused discomfort, but the energy soon became a soothing warmth. His body began absorbing radiation at an unprecedented rate, triggering a cascade of internal changes.

The influx of energy brought about profound transformations. Luo Chen's dorsal fins grew larger, emitting a steady glow. His back developed a ridge of coral-like structures extending to his tail. His skin darkened, becoming mottled with sand-like textures that camouflaged him in the ocean depths. The once-smooth surface now radiated an aura of primal power.

As days turned into weeks, Luo Chen alternated between feeding on the irradiated marine life and resting to conserve energy. His evolution accelerated, his body adapting to the harsh environment. The glowing energy along his dorsal fins became a rare source of light in the desolate sea.

Meanwhile, nuclear tests increased in frequency and intensity. A few months later, whispers in the military laboratory spoke of an unprecedented weapon—the hydrogen bomb. Researchers, eager to test its devastating potential, finalized preparations for a monumental detonation.

Unbeknownst to them, beneath the irradiated waters, a creature was awakening—a creature no bomb could contain. The age of monsters was about to begin.