American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

159. “Like Before”.

"Hey, Count, you know dragging this out won't change the outcome," Pietro said, removing his hood. He didn't understand why the old man was fussing over his long-outgrown battle suit, nor why Alex wasn't doing anything when he could easily end this.

It seemed like a foolish play, a circus performance with no audience, yet Alex seemed intent on carrying on with this charade. Based on what Pietro knew, Alex wasn't that kind of person.

Alex didn't react to Pietro's words; he just kept drinking his wine, one sip at a time. The world had changed. Without heroes, even the supervillains lost their purpose. Heroes and villains were symbiotic. When one vanished, so did the other. In a way, this was a tragic end.

Count Nefaria's actions were both laughable and pitiful. He was like a clown, but watching this scene, it was hard to find it funny.

"Don't rush... don't rush, it's almost done," Count Nefaria said excitedly, his body trembling with anticipation. After tying his cloak for the seventh time, he checked his gloves and smoothed out the wrinkles on his clothes. Finally, he raised his head and asked Pietro, "How do I look?"

Pietro was taken aback. He knew this old man was once a formidable villain, perhaps a significant headache for the heroes. But now, he was old. No matter how straight he stood or how neatly he dressed, he couldn't return to his prime, just like his faded, patched battle suit.

Pietro glanced at Alex, who was still drinking, then shook his head and looked back at the Count. "Not bad, looks fine," he said casually.

Though Pietro's words were perfunctory, they made Count Nefaria even happier. He smiled like a child, despite the wrinkles piling up on his face.

"Good, good," Count Nefaria nodded continuously. He wanted to appear more imposing, but he had done his best. Thankfully, Quicksilver acknowledged him. Clenching and unclenching his fists, Count Nefaria steadied his breath, then let his gaze wander between Pietro and Kara, finally resting on Pietro's young face.

"We've waited long enough. We... can start now, like before."

"Like before?" Pietro didn't understand.

"Yes, yes, like before," Count Nefaria smiled, then slowly looked at the confused bartender.

The bartender, unsure of what expression to show, didn't know what was happening. These people seemed to know the Count, but he had never seen the Count like this before.

"Count, you've had too much. You should leave," the bartender said.

"Child, you're different from them," Count Nefaria said, ignoring the bartender's words, showing a mix of sadness and pity. Staring at the bartender's face, he continued in a voice only he could hear, "I'm very sorry."

The next moment, two laser beams shot out, hitting the bartender's head and blowing it up instantly. Blood splattered everywhere, and the bartender's dazed expression remained even as his head exploded like a watermelon.

"My God—"

Though most people in the bar were minding their own business, they weren't oblivious. Seeing Count Nefaria suddenly kill the bartender scared these small-time crooks out of their wits. They screamed and left their seats, some scrambling to the corners, fearing the next attack would target them. Most, however, rushed for the door.

"What are you doing?" Pietro was stunned. He had been ready to fight but didn't expect the laser to target the bartender.

"Like before! Hahaha! Cough, cough," Count Nefaria laughed hoarsely, his eyes brimming with destructive energy, blasting at the fleeing patrons.

"Let's start, Quicksilver! I'll handle killing them, and you... stop me!" Count Nefaria roared.

Pietro stared at the Count. In his stunned state, the laser beam ripped through the crowd, cutting through the door's beam. Those who hadn't escaped were torn apart by the laser and falling debris.

"Stop me, hahaha!"

Count Nefaria laughed wildly, seemingly regaining his former glory. Ordinary people could only flee, while the heroes would arrive at the crucial moment.

"It's time to act," Kara patted Pietro's shoulder and charged forward.

Her explosive punch reached Count Nefaria in an instant, but to her surprise, the old man blocked it. The impact created a deafening sound. Kara, who had almost destroyed half the Earth in the previous universe, thought she understood the power of this universe. But realizing her full-force punch was blocked left her stunned.

In that moment of hesitation, Count Nefaria struck with an uppercut, sending Kara flying. Count Nefaria had just retracted his punch when pain hit his abdomen. A silver flash passed before his eyes, and he staggered back several steps.

Steadying himself, Count Nefaria looked up through his blurry vision and saw Cyclops, the leader of the X-Men, standing before him.

"It's over, Nefaria. We'll stop you!"

Cyclops declared righteously, adjusting his special visor. A laser beam burst forth.

"Then try it!" Count Nefaria retorted arrogantly, his eyes emitting laser beams as well.

...…..

📢20 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
For advance chapters: /Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)
160. The Final Chapter of Count Nefaria.
161. Dying at the Hands of 'Heroes'.
162. Bullseye's Log - Part One.
163. Marks of Shame.
164. The Pym Cross.