American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

69. The Butcher Who Hunts Superheroes.

In the southern part of Louisiana,New Orleans, numerous police cars surrounded a bar. Neon police lights flashed continuously, and despite the police having set up a cordon and dispatched several officers to maintain order, a large crowd still gathered outside the bar.

Curious onlookers clustered beyond the police line, craning their necks to peer inside, trying to see what had happened. Among them were many tabloid reporters. In a relatively peaceful city like New Orleans, a major case like this could significantly boost their newspaper sales.

From the outside, the bar looked completely wrecked. Not only was the door shattered to pieces, but the windows were also broken, with countless glass shards scattered everywhere, and spider-web cracks appeared on the walls. Clearly, if it wasn't a bomb that did this, it had to be related to those with superpowers.

Inside the bar, Cable's expression was grim. Although he had mentally prepared for the worst on his way here after receiving the intel, his face still darkened when he saw the scene inside the bar.

On the largest table in the bar lay a man, eyes wide open in death. Anyone could recognize him at a glance; it was Gambit from the X-Men.

Gambit, whose real name was Remy Etienne LeBeau, was a professional thief before his mutant genes awakened. He had worked for some villains, but after losing his memory and awakening the ability to charge objects with kinetic energy and cause them to explode, he reformed with the help of the X-Men.

It was unimaginable that such a superhero from the X-Men would be killed in public. His signature weapon, playing cards, were scattered all over the floor, with many cards stuffed into his mouth by the killer. His own staff pierced through his chest, embedding straight into his body.

This wasn't the first superhero to be killed. Although being a superhero often meant making countless enemies and facing the risk of sudden death, the deaths of several heroes in such a short period had drawn the attention of many.

The first victim discovered was Black Widow. She lost contact during a covert mission, and when found by her colleagues, she was hanging dead in the air, the killer seemingly flaunting their deed. Later, the bodies of the invulnerable Luke Cage and Iron Fist were also found.

Although these two weren't as famous as some top-tier superheroes, they weren't easy targets either. When their bodies were discovered, people were shocked by their gruesome deaths, as if the killer was a sadistic butcher. Moreover, this villain seemed to target superheroes specifically.

Former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury quickly responded. He used his influence to suppress the news of the heroes' deaths to prevent public panic and secretly formed a team to investigate the killer.

Cable, a superhero from the future, was the first ally Nick Fury sought. This was not only because of Cable's formidable combat skills but also due to his exceptional insight and mission experience.

Besides Cable, the team included other capable heroes: the Punisher, Moon Knight, the second-generation Hawkeye Kate Bishop, and relatives of the slain heroes Jessica Jones and Misty Knight.

These heroes might not possess earth-shattering superpowers, but they had a keen sense for crime, especially street-level heroes like Moon Knight and the Punisher, whose detective skills rivaled any famous investigator.

"I hope we can find some clues quickly. Strictly speaking, we shouldn't be here. Time is short, and we need to find something useful before the military takes over," Cable said solemnly as he looked at the grisly scene.

"I remember this guy should be an X-Man. Cable, do you recognize him?" Moon Knight asked. He had always operated alone, so he wasn't very familiar with other superheroes and their teams.

"Yes, I recognize him," Cable nodded, then added, "But we weren't close. This guy had a complicated background; he was even a criminal before."

"That's true. Criminals hate people like him who reform. He used to belong to the Thieves Guild, right? Could they be behind this?" the Punisher suggested.

"It's worth investigating, but I don't think so. The Thieves Guild is just a loose, small organization; they can't stir up much trouble. They also don't have the capability to carry out the other murders. After all, Luke Cage and Iron Fist aren't ordinary heroes."

Exhaling, Moon Knight picked up a blood-stained playing card. As the blood dripped down the Joker's face on the card, Moon Knight murmured, "Trust me, whoever did this... they enjoyed it immensely!"

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, New York, Alex and his companions had just finished arranging their rental.

Though all three of them were undocumented in this world, the saying "money makes the world go round" wasn't a joke. With the wealth left by old Bruce Wayne, Alex quickly persuaded the money-loving landlord and moved in on the spot.

Coming to a new world, especially one teeming with superheroes, was undeniably exciting. Even the usually aloof Kara began to develop a curiosity about this world.

After all, before coming to Earth, she was just a fifteen-year-old child, and the battles between good and evil were only stories to her. Now, seeing these superhero tales unfold before her eyes, she was instantly captivated by their exploits.

"Let me be clear from now on, you better not use your superpowers casually, especially you, Pietro. You're the one I trust the least," Alex began a meeting as he sat on the sofa.

"What? What did I do? I've always been obedient," Pietro immediately jumped up, looking incredulous at Alex's suspicion.

"We've been through a lot together; I know you well enough," Alex remained unfazed by Pietro's reaction. "Among the three of us, you're the most restless. Two universes ago, you couldn't stay still. The last universe, you even snuck out to steal while I was asleep."

"That wasn't stealing," Pietro protested weakly, his voice growing smaller.

"I'm warning you, Pietro, this world has superheroes. Your speed is nothing to them, and until we confirm this world's safety, we must not reveal our identities. I don't want to be targeted by this world's heroes and villains."

"I get it, I'll behave..." Pietro covered his face.

"Also, there's another point. This world has your counterpart, another Quicksilver. I don't know if you two look alike, but you'd better disguise yourself when you go out to avoid being recognized."

Pietro's head drooped lower. After a long pause, he finally groaned softly.

"Got it..."

.......

20 advanced chapters on p@treaon
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70. Alex's Speculation.
71. A Hard-Earned Vacation.
72. New World, New Atmosphere.
73. This Place is Very 'Safe'.
74. A Beautiful Morning.