American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

195. The Death of Moonstone.

Hearing Alex casually say something so terrifying, Moonstone became increasingly uneasy. She shifted her gaze to Melissa, seemingly confused as to why this old friend would betray her and even bring such terrifying people to trouble her.

"Melissa, I thought we were friends," Moonstone said coldly.

But Songbird Melissa only shook her head slightly and replied calmly, "We were never friends. After that incident, we were all sinners."

"Don't sugarcoat it! You were involved in that incident too; you can't escape it!" Moonstone was stung by Melissa's words, and she furiously retorted. At the same time, she shifted her gaze to Barton. It didn't take much time; with just a glance, Moonstone recognized Hawkeye's identity. Now she knew why these people had come to trouble her.

"What's wrong, Clint? Not happy to see your old flame?" Moonstone's words hung in the air, and the scene fell silent.

If Moonstone were as beautiful and charming as she once was, perhaps these words would have made the people present let their imaginations run wild.

But at this moment, Moonstone resembled a mummy. Her dried-up body was indistinguishable from a skeleton, and the pus on her skin could only be covered with bandages, making her entire appearance utterly disgusting.

Everyone's gaze turned towards Barton, seeming somewhat gleeful at his expense.

Even Ashley couldn't help but look at her father, her eyes filled with contempt and disdain. She couldn't accept that the father who brought her into this world had once had a relationship with such a creature.

"Oh, heavens…" Old Barton noticed the others' gazes, which was fine, but the key was that his daughter was present. He couldn't even imagine Ashley's expression at that moment. All he could do was awkwardly explain, "I swear, Karla Sofen now looks nothing like she did before."

"So, this is your goal? To avenge the Avengers? Ha, Clint, tell me, why didn't you kill Melissa first? She's no different from me." Moonstone tried to shift the blame onto Nightingale.

"She's very different from you. At least she didn't personally get involved. But you, you power-hungry, disgusting creature, how dare you stab your friends in the back? Sam and the others trusted you deeply!" Barton said angrily.

"See, that's the key to your defeat—pathetic trust. Don't you get it, Clint? The most important thing in this world is power. Only by rising above others can you get what you want. As for friendship and family, they're just bargaining chips."

"Say one more word, and I'll shoot!"

Before Moonstone could finish, Barton raised his bow, aiming the arrow directly at her head. But Moonstone seemed completely unafraid. She turned her gaze to Pietro.

"Look at him, young Quicksilver. I'm quite certain Pietro didn't leave behind any offspring. Where did you find a clone? So, are you planning to reassemble the Avengers?"

"I think your last words are getting a bit too long," Pietro replied.

"Do you think I'll just sit here and wait to die?"

Moonstone sneered, and a sudden surge of energy sparked from her arms.

"You're not the first to try and kill me. Baron Zemo spent years without even scratching me. You think you can end me? I admit, you killing all my followers was a bit unexpected, but killing some ordinary people proves nothing. I am a god!"

Seeing Moonstone release her power, the few remaining followers around her knelt, their faces full of devotion.

Perhaps these people had been completely brainwashed by Moonstone, who was skilled in hypnotism and mind control. They had abandoned all independent thought, fully believing Moonstone to be their one true god.

In their twisted minds, Moonstone was invincible. Her immense, supernatural power could destroy any enemy who angered her and cast them into the abyss.

"I do recall a moon goddess who founded a cult, but I'm certain she wasn't a monster like you," Alex said calmly, stepping forward. He continued, "Karla, since you won't live much longer, hand over the Moonstone within you, and I'll give you a swift end, sparing you from prolonged suffering."

"In your dreams!"

Moonstone roared, and the Moonstone in her chest erupted with blazing light. Sensing her about to launch a devastating attack, Alex's eyes narrowed as his fingers danced lightly in the air as if playing a piano.

In the next moment, Alex's shadow began to writhe rapidly, like eerie tentacles, rushing towards Moonstone at a terrifying speed. The fierce energy waves unleashed by Moonstone struck the shadows, but to everyone's surprise, the shadowy tendrils were unaffected. The energy waves couldn't even slow them down.

Soon, Moonstone was engulfed by the shadows. Her emaciated body was covered with dark, magical markings, and even the Moonstone, glowing with cosmic energy, was gradually enveloped in the shadow's darkness.

"What have you done to me!?"

The moment the shadows touched her, Moonstone's mind was overwhelmed. It felt as if she had been struck by a heavy blow, leaving her brain in turmoil. Barely breaking free from the brief dizziness, Moonstone was shocked to find she had lost control of her body.

Without wasting words, Alex directly linked the shadow tendrils to the timepad. Through Ms. Minutes's control, he continuously extracted the cosmic energy carried by the Moonstone.

"Stop! S-stop…"

The dizziness returned, and Moonstone felt a buzzing in her ears and her vision fade. Her voice grew weaker and weaker. No one else made a move. They all quietly observed the scene. Especially Hawkeye Barton and Songbird Melissa, who felt deeply conflicted as they watched their old friend gradually approach death.

No one wanted it to come to this, but they all agreed that some people in this world are beyond redemption. Their minds are fundamentally different from those of normal people, and keeping them alive is just a lingering danger.

Clint Barton stared blankly at Karla Sofen as she stopped breathing. His gaze was distant, as if he was recalling his past with Moonstone. But finally, Old Hawkeye's eyes grew resolute. The last member of the Thunderbolts had paid the price. Now, it's time to avenge the one who started all this.

Zemo.

...…..

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196. Red Skull.
197. Heroes from Another Universe.
198. Visitors from Another World.
199. Images of the Justice League.
200. Red Skull's Plan.