Chapter 95: Chapter 78. Solutions
Hydra Base
The scene was tense as the group noticed Spider-Man arrive with an unfamiliar figure. The group's reactions were mixed, their gazes flickering between curiosity and suspicion.
"Isn't that the brat with the spider costume from New York? What's he doing in a place like this?" Yukio muttered, arms crossed.
Spider-Woman tilted her head, examining Peter's upgraded suit. "His costume's different from what I've seen on the news. Gotta say, it's an improvement. Did that explosion earlier have anything to do with him?"
Logan, never one for subtlety, growled, "What are you doing here, bub? Who called you in? This ain't the Avengers' business!"
Peter leapt down gracefully, carrying Baobhan Sith in his arms like a noble knight rescuing his princess. As they landed in front of Logan, Peter gently set her down, his every movement careful and precise.
"Thank you, my hero," Baobhan said, her voice regal and refined. She placed a light kiss on his cheek, her ethereal beauty and graceful demeanor leaving several of the men present visibly envious.
Peter grinned behind his mask. "It's my job to satisfy my lady. Relax, buddy-no one called me in. I'm here on my own to free the people trapped in this facility. How do I know about this place? Let's just say it's a secret for now. But hey, our goals align, so why not team up?"
Logan narrowed his eyes, suspicious but not entirely dismissive. "You're hiding something, kid. But... you don't feel like a threat."
Spider-Woman clapped Logan on the shoulder, grinning. "Lighten up, Logan. If the famous Spider-Man wants to help, let him. Besides, from what I've heard, the kid's good at what he does."
Yukio wasn't as forgiving. "Fine, but don't slow us down. If you're a liability, I won't hesitate to leave you behind," she said sharply.
Baobhan Sith bristled at Yukio's harsh words, but Peter gently touched her shoulder, shaking his head. His silent gesture calmed her, though her sharp gaze lingered on Yukio.
Kraken observed the scene, his expression cold. "Who is this new nuisance? What do we know about this 'insect' and his companion?"
Peter, overhearing through a hidden mic, muttered, "Rude. Spiders aren't insects; we're arachnids."
Viper stepped forward, giving Kraken a curt nod. "Spiderman is a hero from New York. While he often clashes with criminals, he's little more than a naive boy with no formal combat training. However, his super strength and spider-like abilities make him a formidable opponent. As for his companion... I have no information. Leave the insect to me."
A twisted laugh echoed through the room as Green Goblin stepped forward. "No need. He's mine. I've waited too long for this chance to crush him!"
Without warning, the Green Goblin charged on his glider, hurling a barrage of pumpkin bombs directly at Peter.
"BOMB!" Logan barked, immediately preparing to retreat with the group.
But Baobhan Sith stepped forward, her voice calm and unwavering. "Stay. My darling can handle this."
Yukio's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! Are you crazy?! He's just standing there, doing... weird hand movements!"
Spider-Woman hesitated, then smirked. "Well, if we die, I'm haunting you, princess. Let's see what your 'darling' can do."
Peter smiled beneath his mask as he began his chant, his voice steady and confident.
"I am the Bone of my Sword."
In an instant, a massive crimson flower-shaped barrier materialized before him, shimmering like a protective bloom.
"Rho Aias."
The pumpkin bombs collided with the barrier, their explosive force completely nullified. Not a single blast reached the group.
"What... the hell?" Yukio muttered, her tough demeanor cracking as awe flickered across her face.
On the other side, the Green Goblin stared in disbelief. "Impossible! My bombs-blocked?! He's never had this kind of power before! What is that flower-shaped shield?!"
Peter stood tall, his voice cutting through the smoke. "You underestimated me, Gobby. I'm not the same Spider-Man you've faced before. Let's settle this."
Baobhan Sith watched her fiancé with a proud smile, her confidence in him unwavering. "See? I told you he could handle it."
Spider-Woman tilted her head, her curiosity piqued as she studied the crimson shield that Peter summoned. "Huh? Since when do spider powers include barriers like that? Or... is this some new tech, like Stark's armor? But... I didn't see him activate any gadgets." Her analytical mind buzzed with questions, her interest in Spider-Man's true power growing with each passing moment.
Logan crossed his arms and grunted. "At least you're useful, kid. Not like some stupid brats I know." It was as close to a compliment as Wolverine ever gave.
Viper, meanwhile, kept a close eye on Peter, her mind racing as she analyzed the situation.
"A barrier like that... it doesn't match any technology I've encountered. There were no devices or visible triggers when he activated it. Could it be something else? Magic? No... that's absurd. Damn it, another unknown factor added to the equation. I'll have to keep tabs on him."
In another part of the base, Laura was seething as she eavesdropped on Logan's remarks.
"Grrrrrr!!! That shitty old man! How dare he call me a 'stupid brat'?!" she growled, pacing back and forth. Her claws twitched, betraying her irritation.
Kurumi, who had been quietly observing, let out a soft laugh, her crimson eyes glinting with amusement.
Laura snapped her head toward her. "And what's so funny?! You think I'm a joke too, huh?!"
Kurumi smirked. "No, no, I find it... adorable, that's all. Like watching a kitten bristle at its reflection."
Laura's face flushed with frustration. 'Damn it! Now he's laughing at me too! Great, now this guy probably thinks I'm some hotheaded problem child who can't handle herself. Curse that old man for embarrassing me like this!'
Her inner turmoil was interrupted as a booming voice echoed across the chamber.
"YOU WILL PAY!!! To dare put your dirty hands on one of pure blood like me!"
Bloodscream,, fuming with rage, charged forward, flanked by a group of Hydra soldiers. His pale skin seemed to glow under the dim lights, and his eyes burned with crimson fury.
Kurumi stepped forward, her confidence unwavering as she regarded Laura. "Hey, you. Can you fight?"
Laura's claws extended with a sharp SNIKT. She smirked. "Of course, I can. Who do you think I am? Let's go, assholes!" Without hesitation, she lunged toward the Hydra soldiers, moving like a whirlwind of rage and claws.
Kurumi chuckled softly. "Such spirit. A fiery kitten, indeed." Her focus shifted to Bloodscream, who now loomed before her. His twisted grin and bloodlust radiated malice, but Kurumi remained calm, her smirk matching his.
"So, you're the real vampire?" she taunted, tilting her head. "Honestly, you don't look half as scary as I imagined. Even my pet puppy is more intimidating than you."
Bloodscream snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "Talk all you like, half-breed! Your very existence sullies the purity of our kind. But before I end your miserable life, tell me your name. I want to know the identity of the one I'll destroy."
Kurumi's sinister smile widened, her crimson eyes glowing ominously. "Oh? You want my name? How quaint. Very well, I'll humor you... just this once."
She stepped forward, her presence suddenly oppressive, the air around her growing cold. Her voice dropped, laced with malice and delight.
"I am what they call a Nightmare. The one who will remind you of your mortality."
"You? The Infamous Nightmare?!" Bloodscream's confidence faltered for a split second, sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from her. He snarled to mask his unease and lunged at Kurumi.
Kurumi, still smiling, raised her musket and whispered. "Let's dance."
•
Hydra Base - Control Room
Satria reclined in his chair, casually munching on potato chips while sipping a glass of fine wine from Red Skull's exclusive collection. The control room was dimly lit, with screens displaying the ongoing battles outside. Satria swirled the glass elegantly, inhaling the wine's rich aroma before taking a sip.
"You've got quite the collection here, Skull-Face," he said, raising the glass appreciatively. "This wine... what year is it from?"
Before Red Skull could answer, Deadpool tried to snatch the bottle. In one swift motion, Satria landed a solid punch, sending the mercenary flying across the room.
"Oi, Deadpool! Hands off my wine! Aqua and Kazuma would be so jealous if they knew I had this."
Deadpool groaned, sitting up and rubbing his head. "Come on, just a sip, Mr. Fancy Pants! It's not every day I see wine this expensive. My poor heart is breaking over here! Have some pity on a guy who can't even taste luxury most of the time!"
Red Skull cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the conversation. "That's, my collection, Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck. Salvaged from a shipwreck during World War One. It's one of the rarest wines in the world."
Satria's eyes lit up with delight. "Oh, wow! Don't mind if I take a few bottles home, do you?"
Red Skull, his expression tense, hesitated before replying. "Take all you want... just as long as you spare me."
Satria laughed heartily. "Sure thing, Skull-Face, as long as you keep me entertained. Now..." He glanced at the screens. "Hey, what are those guys doing over there? Don't lie to me, Skull-Face, or there'll be consequences."
The screens showed Hydra scientists performing a gruesome procedure. An unconscious man was being dissected, his brain carefully removed and placed into a robotic capsule.
Red Skull shifted nervously but forced a proud smirk. "Ah, you've noticed one of our masterpieces. This is the Machine Man project-a culmination of German scientific brilliance! By merging human intelligence with mechanical obedience, we create the ultimate soldier. And by using mutant brains..." He gestured dramatically toward the screen. "We gain their abilities, empowering our creations beyond imagination!"
Satria leaned back, unimpressed. "You guys are crazy and brilliant at the same time. Seriously, who even thinks of this stuff? Is it working, though? Or are these just the ramblings of a madman?"
"Of course it works!" Red Skull snapped, puffing out his chest. "German science is unmatched! This is but a glimpse of our intellect and ingenuity! Join us, and we shall prosper together!" He raised his arm in a salute, his face glowing with misplaced pride.
Deadpool leaned closer to Satria and whispered, "Uncle Deadpool says no. Don't be associated with the lunatic cult, Mr. White."
Satria chuckled, shaking his head. "You remind me of someone I know, Skull-Face." He turned back to the screen, opening the chat app on his phone to broadcast the Hydra secret to his group chat.
__
Group Chat
BangSat: "Hey, everyone! Hear all that? What do you think?"
Esdeath: "Stylish would probably get along with that lunatic."
King of Knights: "Such a vile man doesn't deserve a quick death."
God of Hope: "On my way. Don't screw this up, brat."
Robin: "You're probably right. Some people are beyond saving."
Cookies Maniac: "That's wrong! You're supposed to be a hero, Robin! Killing isn't the answer! We're no better than them if we stoop to their level."
BangSat: "Ara~ Ara~ Our little rose is so wise. But don't stress yourselves over this stuff. Leave it to us. Kids your age should be enjoying your youth!"
Kazuma-sama: "Excuse me? Ara-Ara is exclusively for hot older women, not you. And what's with that stupid new nickname?"
BangSat: "My nickname literally means 'the coolest guy in the world.' Ask Fran if you don't believe me. 😏"
Kazuma-sama: "Sure, it totally doesn't mean something inappropriate in your language. Narcissist."
Black Cat: "No, no, he's not the coolest guy. He's more like... the cutest. 🐱"
Kazuma-sama: "Ha! Even Fran doesn't agree with you!"
BangSat: "I thought we had something special, Fran. 😢"
Robin: "Wait, isn't that nickname a slur? Seriously, change it. Bad influence much?"
BangSat: "It's part of my real name! Anyway, anyone want rare wine? This baby is over a hundred years old and tastes amazing. Only a few people in the world can get it."
(BangSat uploaded a picture of the wine)
Kazuma-sama: "I NEED IT. Please, Satria-sama! 😭"
Esdeath: "Send me one. I need a good drink after this stupid paperwork."
Pervert Sage: "It looks exquisite. Maybe I can use it to charm Tsunade-hime..."
[BangSat gifted bottles to Kazuma-sama, Esdeath, and Pervert Sage]
Kazuma-sama: "You're the best, BangSat-sama. I always knew it!"
Esdeath: "Hmm... smells good. You weren't exaggerating."
Pervert Sage: "Perfect! This might just work with Tsunade-hime. Cheers, Satria-kun!"
___
Red Skull seized the moment as Satria's focus wandered. With trembling hands, he discreetly drew a Luger pistol from his jacket, aiming it at the back of Satria's neck.
'This is it. Die, you monster!'
He pulled the trigger.
The bullet was halted mid-air by a radiant golden barrier, dissipating harmlessly.
Without turning, Satria spoke, his tone calm yet chilling. "Do you think I'd leave my back unguarded? How naive. The nape of one's neck-any creature's greatest blind spot. Still..." He slowly stood, brushing nonexistent dust from his jacket. "I applaud your bravery, Skull-Face. Even after everything, you've endured, you still find the nerve to defy me."
The air grew heavy as Satria approached.
"What... What are you? Stay back!" Red Skull, a man who feared nothing, felt a dread claw at his chest.
"Mes."
Satria's hand shot forward in a precise grasping motion, striking Red Skull's chest. Moments later, the Hydra leader's heart was wrenched from his body, still beating.
The grotesque sight froze Red Skull in place. He gasped, clutching his chest. "How... am I still alive? Give it back! My heart-return it!"
Satria smirked, holding the pulsing organ aloft like a toy. "What should I do with this, hmm?"
"No... please..."
With a dismissive chuckle, Satria clenched his fist, crushing the heart. Red Skull collapsed, unconscious.
Deadpool clapped enthusiastically. "Bravo! You just handled him like he was some random street thug! I'm impressed, buddy. So, what do you say? You, me, and Wolverine-The Three Musketeers!"
"Shut it, Idiot." Satria turned, exuding authority. "Make yourself useful and carry him. We've got places to be."
Deadpool mock-saluted. "Aye-aye, Captain Heartbreaker!"
Satria deactivated the Hydra base's security systems with a flick of his wrist, preparing for the next destination.
•
The battlefield echoed with chaos and gunfire. Kurumi stood amidst the carnage, her sinister smile illuminated by the muzzle flashes of her flintlock pistol and musket.
"Hahaha! More... Give me more fun!" she cackled, reloading with unnatural speed as her bullets rained down on the Hydra soldiers.
"GWAHH!"
"What the hell?! He's not going down!"
"His regeneration... it's insane! Call for backup!"
"Fools." Blood Scream cut down his own men without hesitation, their lifeless bodies crumpling at his feet. He leaned over their corpses, drinking deeply of their blood. His wounds began to close, his body regenerating with terrifying efficiency.
Kurumi watched, unfazed, and mocked him with a sarcastic tone. "Ara~ Ara~. How cruel. Sacrificing your own comrades for such selfish gain."
"They were dead weight," Blood Scream growled. "Unlike me, they were useless. And you..." He raised his blade, pointing it at her. "You'll be dead soon enough!"
"Pathetic," Kurumi muttered, her tone dripping with disdain.
Blood Scream lunged, slashing with supernatural speed. Kurumi danced away, firing round after round at him, her movements fluid and precise. Their battle raged on, bullets against blade. But as the minutes dragged on, Blood Scream finally landed a deep slash across Kurumi's torso.
Blood dripped from her wound, staining her suit.
"Is that all you've got?" Blood Scream sneered, licking the blood from his blade. "Pathetic."
"Oi! Are you okay?!" Laura's voice crackled through Kurumi's earpiece. She was busy fending off Hydra soldiers but couldn't hide her worry. "Hold on, I'm coming to help!"
Kurumi glanced at her wound and smirked. "Don't bother, darling. This is just getting fun."
She raised her hands, creating a series of intricate gestures. Dozens of crimson eyes opened across the battlefield, glowing with malice. A palpable fear spread among the remaining Hydra soldiers as Kurumi's presence darkened.
"Let me show you," she purred, her voice dripping with menace, "how a real vampire handles things."
From her shadow emerged a monstrous black hound, its glowing red eyes and jagged teeth oozing malevolence.
"Black Hound."
The creature lunged, its speed unmatched, tearing into Blood Scream with savage ferocity.
"ARGHHH! My legs! WHAT ARE YOU?!" Blood Scream screamed as the hound severed both his legs in one brutal bite.
Kurumi's smile widened, her head tilting eerily. "Oh? Where's all that bravado now? Come on-heal yourself, summon your familiars, transform! Show me more!" Her voice rose in excitement. "The fun has just begun!"
Blood Scream, his face pale with terror, could only stammer. "M-MONSTER! YOU'RE A MONSTER!"
Kurumi let out a soft, sinister laugh. "Monster? No, no. You're just dog food."
She snapped her fingers, and the Black Hound pounced again, devouring Blood Scream until nothing remained.
Kurumi wiped a stray drop of blood from her cheek, her grin never faltering. "How boring. I expected more."
•
Spider-Woman stood frozen, her eyes wide with terror as she watched Kurumi coldly dispatch Blood Scream. The brutal efficiency, the sadistic smile-Kurumi's actions were far removed from what Jessica associated with heroism.
"Who is he?" she whispered, trembling. "Such cruelty..."
Logan, ever the pragmatist, growled as he stepped up beside her. "Oi, bub. Is he your friend? Where the fuck do you find someone like him?"
Peter Parker scratched the back of his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond. "Ehm... How do I explain this?" His voice trailed off as he muttered under his breath, 'You're overdoing it, sis Kurumi. Someone please help me.'
From a distance, Baobhan Sith, Kurumi's ally, observed the carnage with an amused smile. 'Fufu... What a beautiful show. As expected of someone I consider a friend.'
Viper, seeing Baobhan distracted, seized her chance and rushed forward, twin poisoned daggers aimed for a lethal strike.
"What are you looking at?" Viper snarled.
But Baobhan moved like a shadow. Before Viper's blades could reach her, Baobhan delivered a devastating kick to her stomach. The force sent Viper staggering back, gasping for air.
The situation worsened for Viper as a hidden blade extended from Baobhan's shoe, its serrated edge piercing her abdomen.
"Shit!" Viper hissed, clutching her wound. "You're trying to kill me for real? I thought a hero associated with Spider-Man wouldn't stoop to this level!"
Baobhan regarded her coldly, her eyes glinting with disdain.
"Dear..." Peter's nervous voice interrupted. "How about we not take things too far? Maybe hand her over to the authorities instead?"
Baobhan turned her gaze to Peter, her stare sharp and commanding. Peter sighed, understanding the futility of his suggestion. "Well, I tried..."
Before anyone could react further, a booming voice filled the air.
"What a pitiful display, Viper. To think you're one of Hydra's elite."
A towering figure stepped forward, his metallic armor gleaming under the dim light. It resembled a hornet, menacing and intricate, the mechanical hum of his suit audible.
"I'll introduce this little princess to the world of pain," he sneered, addressing Baobhan.
Logan's eyes narrowed as recognition set in. "You... How the hell are you still alive, Silas Burr?!"
The man, now calling himself Hornet, smirked. "Still holding a grudge, Logan?"
Before Logan could respond, a sudden sharp pain pierced his chest. He looked down to see an adamantium claw jutting from his torso.
"Don't turn your back on your enemy, old man." A younger figure sneered as he withdrew the claw, blood dripping from it. "Are you getting senile after living so long? Tell me, how does it feel to be stabbed by your own blood?"
Logan staggered back, glaring at the younger man. "You're not my son. You're my failure!"
With a roar, Logan kicked his attacker away, his wounds beginning to heal.
Hornet laughed, enjoying the chaos. "Ah, my favorite feral cat. Still nursing that grudge after all these years? To answer your question, let's just say hell favors me."
Baobhan, unimpressed, stepped forward, her voice cold and regal. "Enough. Who are you? I don't waste time on peasants like you."
Hornet let out a bark of laughter. "Peasant? That's a new one!" He mockingly bowed. "To make it short, I was once known as Cyber. Now, you can call me Hornet. I used to train bad guys to be worse guys. Not many liked me-especially the ones I trained. One in particular took it very personally." His gaze flicked to Logan. "He never understood I was just doing my job. Not that I didn't enjoy it, of course. I loved it."
Baobhan smirked. "Ara~ I should've known you were nothing but trash. My apologies for not realizing sooner."
Hornet's grin faltered, his pride wounded. "You damn woman. I've changed my mind. After I break every bone in your doll-like body, I'll make sure you regret crossing me. Maybe we'll start with-"
Before he could finish, a blinding flash of light erupted.
Peter stepped forward, his voice colder than anyone had ever heard.
"Did you just threaten her?"
Hornet barely had time to react before his arm was severed by a searing laser beam from Peter's device.
"What...?" Hornet looked down, horrified at the jagged stump where his arm had been.
Peter adjusted his device, his voice sharp and analytical. "As I suspected, your body's been enhanced with adamantium, making you impervious to physical damage. But after scanning you, I found something worse..." His gaze flicked briefly to the Green Goblin. "You're no better than him-a pitiful man driven insane by drugs and desperation."
Hornet's eyes burned with fury. "You-"
Peter interrupted, his tone unwavering. "At first, I considered saving you. But after seeing what you've done here, I've changed my mind. And one last thing..." His voice dropped, icy and foreboding. "I never let anyone who could harm my family escape from my eyes."
With that, a surge of mana erupted around Peter, glowing and crackling with raw power.
He began to chant, his voice carrying across the battlefield like a hymn of destruction.
"I am the bone of my sword.
Unknown to Death, nor known to Life.
Unlimited... Blade Works!"
The air shimmered as a radiant, surreal landscape began to unfold around them-a world of infinite swords, their edges gleaming with deadly intent.
To be continued...