American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

132. Hammer Falls.

With just a simple touch, Alex discovered that with his current energy, he couldn't even control the eyeball, let alone turn it into an artifact. It seemed that only when his timepad had recorded this universe, allowing him to draw energy from it, would he have enough magic power to 'refine' this thing.

With a wave, Alex stored the Observer's Eye in his magical space and turned his attention back to Orb's 'unresting' corpse.

"Alex, what do we do next?" Pietro asked, looking around at the bodies scattered everywhere.

Alex thought for a moment before responding, "This should be Red Skull's territory. If someone discovers that this nightclub was taken down, Red Skull will definitely send people to investigate. We should leave here first."

"Why? Red Skull is just a guy a bit stronger than an ordinary person, right? Even though I'm not as strong as I used to be, we're not afraid of him. Why are we avoiding him?" Kara asked in confusion. After all, when she had caused chaos at Hydra's base, Red Skull hadn't dared to do anything. How was everything reversed in this new world?

Alex chuckled softly at Kara's words. "Kara, we may not be afraid of him, but some things can't be solved by fighting alone. Do you know why I don't want to expose our identities?"

Kara shook her head.

"The reason is simple. From small things, you can see the big picture. From this small nightclub, we can understand how bad the overall situation is in this world. If we expose our identities, we'll be facing endless attacks from all the villains."

Seeing Kara still somewhat puzzled, Alex continued, "Maybe those guys are old, maybe they're not as strong as us, but you have to understand, there are still many beings in this world that can pose a threat to us. Have you heard of the saying 'a thousand days a thief, but not a thousand days guarding against a thief'? Hiding in the shadows gives us an advantage."

Alex hadn't forgotten that Galactus would soon arrive on Earth. Such a being would be an overwhelming opponent, even for Kara at her peak.

"I get it. It's just like what you did before, right? Staying hidden from everyone's sight to devise the perfect plan," Pietro said.

Seeing Alex nod in acknowledgment, Pietro turned to Kara and raised his eyebrows.

"Alright, I understand now," Kara nodded thoughtfully. She had let her anger get the best of her. Once she calmed down, she quickly understood.

"Good. If I remember correctly, this place should be on the outskirts of Hammer Falls. I'm not sure of the exact direction, but there should be a map here. Please look for it," Alex instructed after thinking for a moment.

As soon as Alex finished speaking, Pietro's figure blurred, and the next moment, he appeared with an old map in one hand and a lamb leg in the other.

"Good job," Alex said as he took the map. "Pietro, it seems your speed is getting faster."

"Now that both my hands are healed, I can run at full speed without worrying about balance," Pietro said confidently.

Alex focused on the map, confirming their surroundings. Without looking up, he added meaningfully, "Be careful and watch your heart."

"I got it," Pietro replied, a bit startled.

Pietro's growing abilities and experiences had made him forget his unfortunate origins and the dangers in his body. He wasn't the real Quicksilver; he was just a convict imprisoned in a mutant prison. Compared to other world's exceptional mutants, his abilities were more of a curse than a blessing.

Having left his despair-filled universe and experienced so much, Pietro had started to think of himself as a 'superhero,' building a new identity as a beloved Quicksilver with new abilities. But Alex's words brought him back to reality like a cold shower. He wasn't a superhero; he wasn't Quicksilver. He was just a 'patient.'

Seeing Pietro's face turn grim, Alex immediately understood his thoughts. He put away the map and patted Pietro's shoulder.

"Don't overthink it. You're not anyone else; you're you. Never avoid that fact. As for your heart, I'll find a way to help."

"Okay," Pietro nodded seriously.

After giving Pietro and Kara a firm look, Alex said, "Next, we head to Hammer Falls. It's not far from here. With luck, we'll get there before dark."

The three of them left the chaotic nightclub, and Pietro curiously asked, "Alex, why is that city called Hammer Falls?"

Alex didn't explain, only sighed softly. "I'll tell you when we get there."

Nevada, Hammer Falls.

They didn't have to wait long. By sunset, before the sun dipped below the horizon, the three arrived within the city's limits.

"The first to be targeted were the well-known superheroes—Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man. They were the first to fall. Then, heroes from various places were attacked by criminals, and... Magneto crushed the last hope of the heroes," Alex narrated to Pietro and Kara about how this world's Earth became a wasteland.

"The Avengers team on the west coast of England, a branch of the Avengers, were the last remaining superheroes. And the place where they were wiped out was here."

The three stopped at a 'famous spot' in Hammer Falls.

In the center of a simple square stood an old, broken one-handed hammer.

"See? That's why it's called Hammer Falls."

...…..

20 advanced chapters on p@treaon
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133. Galactus.
134. Tonya's Auto Repair Shop.
135. Ashley Barton.
136. Old Hawkeye Barton.
137. Conversation with Hawkeye.