496. Suggestions.
In a safe house in New York, Butcher's team and Cindy's group of superpowered individuals gathered together.
The events of the past few days had felt like a surreal dream to them.
Before this, no one could have imagined things would unfold as they did, nor could they have believed that Alex, who seed so unassuming, possessed such terrifying power.
With a wave of his hand, he controlled the heavens. With just a word, he rewrote the very rules of the universe, even altering the fundantal laws of this world. It was enough to shatter anyone's perception of reality.
"So… there really won't be any more superpowered individuals in this world, right?"
Butcher, holding a beer, glanced dryly at Starlight (Annie) before turning to ask Alex.
"That's correct," Alex confird. "To be precise, the superpowers in this universe originated from physics and chemistry. By disrupting their foundation, superpowers naturally cease to exist."
Hearing Alex's explanation, Hughie, who had his arm around Starlight, couldn't help but ask, "Wait a minute. Won't this kind of change cause bigger problems? If the periodic table gets ssed up, wouldn't our world undergo massive changes, possibly even causing natural disasters?"
"You can rest easy on that," Alex replied with a faint smile. "The changes I made only affect certain elents within Compound V. Nothing more."
He continued, "Earlier, I had the Lamplighter help collect research materials from the Sage Grove Center. Initially, I was rely curious about the synthesis formula for Compound V and even considered replicating it in other worlds. However…"
Pausing briefly, Alex smiled again and continued, "The foundation of Compound V lies in a very unique elent—one I've never encountered in any other universe. It's akin to the arc reactor core developed by Iron Man, a newly discovered elent. Perhaps it's a phenonon unique to your universe."
"Under these circumstances, replicating the formula in other universes is incredibly difficult. But on the flip side, erasing this newly discovered elent won't disrupt the overall balance of your universe."
"I see…" While most of the group didn't fully understand the explanation, they still nodded in agreent.
After a mont, Starlight asked, "So… what's this arc reactor core you ntioned?"
"Uh, that's from another parallel universe. It's hard to explain," Alex said, simplifying his explanation. "You can think of it as a new type of energy, similar to nuclear power, that can independently supply energy to devices."
"If we had sothing like that here, the entire energy industry would be revolutionized," Hughie said seriously. "The world wouldn't need to fight wars over oil or other resources anymore."
But Butcher sneered, shaking his head. "Don't kid yourself. If sothing like that existed, its primary use would be as a highly destructive strategic weapon. Do you think the military is full of saints? No offense."
Mallory remained silent, taking a quiet sip of her drink.
The others exchanged glances but eventually lapsed into silence.
Initially, Starlight had struggled to accept the loss of her powers. While she had never truly wanted to be a "superhero," she couldn't deny that she had benefited imnsely from having superpowers. Without them, she wouldn't have been able to leave her small town, let alone beco one of the most famous individuals in the world.
Now, it was all gone. Stripped of her powers, reduced to being just an ordinary person, Starlight found herself plagued by anxiety and doubt.
But she didn't regret it. Nor did she think Alex's actions were wrong. Perhaps, as Alex had said, this world was never ant to have superpowers. The existence of such powers only brought destruction and pain.
Holander wasn't an exception. He wasn't the first, nor would he be the last.
As long as superpowers existed, conflict would persist—a fact no one could deny or ignore.
After a brief silence, Frenchie spoke up.
"What's the situation outside?"
Hearing this, Mallory replied, "Although the war triggered by superpowered individuals has ended, and the Crow has resurrected everyone, a bigger storm is brewing…"
Butcher picked up the thread of conversation. "Holander was trampled into mush by an enraged mob. Soldier Boy has been locked up in a ntal institution with hundreds of charges awaiting him. As for the forr supers who've lost their powers, they're being kept under control. I've heard so of them can't accept reality."
"It's not just the depowered supers. There's also a surge of activity online. People are rallying under banners like 'Why were our superpowers taken from us?' and 'Why is our freedom being restricted?' They're looking for answers."
"Heh, ignore them," Starlight said with a bitter smile. "Those people are just keyboard warriors. Over the past few days, I've co to see right through them."
"What they want isn't to be superheroes. They just want powers because they can't face their own diocrity and insecurity."
Alex picked up a bottle of beer, peering at the bubbles through the sunlight.
"In truth, I haven't completely locked your evolution. This is rely a safeguard—a kind of auxiliary directive for your civilization. When you truly reach the next stage of developnt, superpowers will return."
"Until then…"
Alex shifted his gaze toward Cindy and the others, a faint smile playing on his lips as he spoke.
"This world is yours to watch over."
Noticing Alex's eyes on them, Cindy and Jetstream imdiately stood up straight. They puffed out their chests, trying to appear more composed and resolute.
Facing the group, Alex's smile deepened.
"I've erased all superpowers, but acquiring powers isn't limited to Compound V. The energy from my fla can allow you to continue using your abilities and beco superheroes."
It was only at this mont that Cindy and the others truly understood what Alex ant when he said he would make them into a different kind of superhero.
"You were victims of Vought. No one understands that pain better than you, and no one will cherish this hard-earned peace more than you do. That's why you have to take up the responsibility of protecting this world."
"Understood!" Cindy and the others responded in unison.
This group was already strong, and with Alex's enhancent, their combat abilities now rivaled the Seven. While they were still a step behind Soldier Boy and Holander, in a world without other superpowered beings, nothing short of nuclear weapons could pose a threat to them.
"Butcher," Alex called, shifting his focus to him and Colonel Mallory.
"These folks are in your hands now. I trust you know what to do."
Butcher froze for a mont, exchanging a glance with Mallory. He felt a pang of anxiety—after everything he'd been through, he wasn't sure he could shoulder such a significant responsibility.
"We're not exactly saints, you know. Aren't you afraid we'll misuse their powers to do so shady stuff? If we fall, there'll be no one left who can stop us."
"Not at all," Alex replied, smiling.
"Why not?" Butcher frowned.
"Because…" Alex raised an eyebrow.
"Because you know how powerful I am."
"Pfft! Cough, cough…"
A few people in the room choked on their drinks, trying not to laugh.
"If you misuse those powers to do sothing wrong, I'll personally co and set you straight. And trust , I won't be as nice next ti." Alex's words were firm, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present.
After a brief silence, Starlight finally broke it by looking at Alex.
"So, you're leaving this place?"
While so had speculated about it earlier, most in the room were only now realizing that Alex wasn't from this universe.
It wasn't surprising, considering his overwhelming power. His abilities were godlike, far beyond what Compound V could ever produce.
"Yes. Originally, I ca here to investigate a few things. Now that I've found the answers I was seeking, it's ti for to leave and piece it all together," Alex replied.
"You an the thing about the IP addresses, right? I never thought Vought's movies would have such an impact, let alone draw you here," Butcher said, curling his lip.
"I didn't expect things to escalate this far, either. But in the end, it worked out for both sides. At least I've fulfilled my deal with you."
"Wait, my deal hasn't been fulfilled yet! You promised to take out of here," the Lamplighter interjected.
"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten."
Alex raised his hand, and suddenly, Lamplighter's entire body was engulfed in flas. The greenish flas danced and twisted until, to the astonishnt of everyone else, Lamplighter's form shrank rapidly, transforming into a tiny wisp of fire that hovered in Alex's palm.
Seeing the shocked expressions around him, Alex smiled lightly.
"Entering your universe wasn't easy—I had to possess a vessel to do so. Taking soone out is even harder, so I had to convert Lamplighter into elental energy first."
"Well, that's enough chatter. It's ti for to leave."
"Wait!"
Butcher stood up abruptly, putting his beer aside as he hurried to Alex.
"Do you really think we can protect the peace of this world? Just us?"
"You've got the best team already, don't you? If even you can't do it, I don't know who else could."
Alex's tone was serious.
"You may face setbacks and witness the darkness of humanity, but I believe you'll ultimately bring light to this world.
"Oh, and one more thing—there's an influencer nad Cricket. If she ever finds herself in trouble, do a favor and look after her."
"Wait!"
Butcher called out to Alex again.
"Can you give one last piece of advice?"
"Advice?"
Alex pursed his lips, scanning the group before finally settling his gaze on Butcher.
With a smile, he said,
"Wear an eyepatch. It'd suit you."
.....
30 advanced chapters on p@treaon
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497. The Mysterious Arrival!!!
498. Barbatos!
499. Arthur Arkham.
500. Return.
501. The One-Way Mirror of Reality!!
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