World Traveler Villain

{Chapter: 325 A Transaction}

Seeing William again, Pepper's emotions were a tangled storm—complex and fiercely contradictory. The moment her eyes met his form through the dying embers of the explosion, something unspoken stirred inside her. Despite everything, despite all the reasons she had to hate him, her heart still skipped a beat. That reaction alone terrified her.

"No," she whispered to herself, almost as if trying to convince her own mind. "He couldn't have died like that."

Killian shook his head slowly and placed a hand dramatically over his eyes. "Ah, what a tragic story. William—the notorious public enemy of mankind—reduced to ash by his own recklessness. It's honestly disappointing. I expected something more... theatrical."

A voice echoed through the smoke, cutting through Killian's mock lament like a blade.

"How could I disappoint you that easily?"

The flames parted like curtains unveiling a performance. William floated calmly in midair, the glow of the explosion painting his figure like a god of vengeance. His clothes were mostly scorched and tattered, but his body was untouched—no blood, no wounds, not even a scratch.

Pepper's eyes widened in relief, and before she could stop herself, the name slipped out of her lips.

"William…"

He turned toward her, offering a soft, familiar smile. "I'm fine. Did you really think I'd go down before saving you?"

Her heart gave a sudden, violent flutter. "Hmm," she answered reflexively, catching her breath—but then immediately looked away. 'What am I doing?' she thought. She shouldn't have acknowledged him. She wasn't supposed to feel anything. Not now. Not anymore.

Killian clapped slowly, almost mockingly. "Now that was impressive. Truly, Mr. William, you live up to your legend. The world calls you a monster, but I see a man full of surprises."

William rolled his neck, cracking it lazily. "You impress me too, Killian. Mainly with your ability to keep talking while I decide whether to break your neck or vaporize you."

Killian chuckled. "Ah, but before you do either… what if I kill Pepper first?" He tilted his head toward her, the threat hanging heavily in the air.

William's smile vanished. His expression hardened into something cold and dangerous. "Are you threatening me?"

"No, no, no," Killian said quickly, holding up his hands in a false show of innocence. "Just asking you to think clearly. Pepper is watching, after all. I'm sure she doesn't want you to act rashly. You never used to be the impulsive type."

Pepper broke her silence, her voice ringing out with a strength that surprised even herself. "William, don't let him control you. You don't have to worry about me. Even if I die… it's fine. Just kill him. Isn't that what you always do? Act on your instincts?"

William looked at her—really looked. And then he smiled faintly, but there was no mockery in it.

"You're right. I do act on instinct," he said. "But right now, my instincts are screaming at me to save you. Killing him? That can wait."

Pepper's lips parted slightly, a wave of emotion tightening her throat. 'Why… why would he say something like that? Why does he still care?' Her chest felt too tight to breathe, and yet she forced herself to remain still, unreadable, pretending his words meant nothing.

Killian laughed. "Touching. I feel… touched, really. That makes what I'm about to say much more meaningful." His expression darkened. "Mr. William, I want to propose a deal."

William snorted. "Let me guess—you want to work for me? Or is it the other way around? Hah! There's no shortage of delusionist living in their Illusion bubbles in the world."

"Don't be so quick to judge. Everyone's just doing business," Killian said, his tone easy. "You value Pepper, and I value living. Why not negotiate?"

"Don't flatter yourself," William said flatly. "If I wanted you dead, you'd already be a memory. The only thing stopping me right now is making sure she knows nothing could happen to her as long as I stand."

Killian's smirk returned. "Exactly. And that brings me to the point—Pepper isn't quite the same anymore."

William narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"There's a perfect little substance inside her now," Killian said, gesturing with exaggerated care toward Pepper. "Something you might be familiar with."

William's eyes darkened further. "Extremis," he said, voice low and dangerous.

Killian's grin widened. "Smart as ever."

Pepper stood still, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. She hadn't wanted William to know. Hadn't wanted him to look at her with worry—or worse, pity. And yet now, as his eyes flickered to her with concern, she hated how warm that concern made her feel.

She didn't want to want it.

"As expected of Mr. William. You're truly as sharp as they say," Killian said with a chuckle. "Yes, it's the Extremis virus—refined, perfected... and still dangerously volatile. While it grants immense regenerative capabilities, it's a delicate balance. If the host overheats, well... boom. I'm sure Mr. William saw that little fireworks display earlier."

William's expression turned grim, his gaze sharpening. "Are you telling me that Pepper is at risk of overheating? That she could literally explode?"

Killian's smirk didn't fade. "There's always that possibility. But it doesn't have to happen. As long as Mr. William is willing to engage in a... mutually beneficial trade, I promise you, Pepper will remain perfectly safe. No more unexpected detonations."

William suddenly clutched his stomach and began to laugh, the sound echoing across the wreckage like a crack of thunder. "Hahaha… Hahaha…"

Killian blinked. "Mr. William, what's so funny? Do you find this situation amusing?"

William gradually straightened, a dangerous smile tugging at his lips. "It's hilarious. People like you are the real ticking time bombs—so delusionist, so sure you've got it all figured out. You think you can dangle someone's life in front of me like bait. But you never stopped to wonder… what I really value."

Pepper remained silent, her hands clenched at her sides. Her eyes trembled with emotion, but she refused to look directly at William. She didn't understand what was happening inside her. The relief that he was alive, the fear that she still cared too much—so much that it terrified her. She couldn't afford to feel.

Killian gestured into the distance. "Mr. William, if you would direct your attention over there… do you see the two men hanging from those chains?"

William tilted his head. "I see them."

Killian raised a brow. "One of them is the President of the United States."

William's eyes narrowed as he floated higher to get a better look. "You've outdone yourself, Killian. Kidnapping the leader of the free world? That takes some nerve. I almost respect it."

Killian gave a pleased smile. "I knew Mr. William would appreciate the gesture. Consider it a gift. You may kill him—if that pleases you."

William frowned. "Let me guess. You want me to do your dirty work. Eliminate him, and let the whole world think I did it?"

Killian's smile widened. "Exactly. That way, I save myself a lot of trouble. Of course, you don't have to do it personally. Just make sure the world believes you pulled the trigger. It would do wonders for your reputation."

William floated over to the president, who looked up at him with panic in his eyes.

"You… You're William," the president stammered, suspended helplessly from the iron chains. "What do you want from me?"

William smiled coldly. "To kill you."

"You can't!" the president protested, his voice cracking. "If you do this, the U.S.—the entire world—will retaliate. They'll hunt you down."

William stared back, unblinking. "I don't care."

With a sudden motion, he grabbed the president by the throat. The older man struggled, gasping.

"No—Wait—!"

Snap.

The sharp, clean sound of a neck breaking echoed in the air. The president's eyes glazed over as his body went limp. The most powerful man in the world was dead—just like that. No ceremony. No honor. Just silence and smoke.

Pepper gasped, her voice tight and horrified. "How could you kill the president?!"

William turned to her, unfazed. "As long as you live, nothing else matters."

Her lips parted as if to argue, but no words came. She lowered her eyes, ashamed of the shiver that ran through her. What terrified her most wasn't the murder—it was the part of her that wanted to believe him. She didn't respond, couldn't respond. She was already falling—falling too far.

Killian clapped, slow and mocking. "Bravo, Mr. William. That was… bold. Now, back to our little deal. It's really quite simple. I want you to work for me—permanently. With your power and my vision, we can reshape the world."

William's smile turned cold and sharp. "You want me to be your dog?"

Killian opened his mouth, but William cut him off.

"I've already decided how you die. And yes... it will be like a dog."

A deep hum suddenly rose in the distance—mechanical, fast-moving, and heavy. Dozens of glowing lights appeared in the sky, descending in formation. Sleek and angular, their metal surfaces gleamed like stars. They were coming fast—brighter and louder with every second.

Pepper's eyes widened. "Is that…?"

William's grin widened as his eyes reflected the glow of the iron suits. "Looks like Tony Stark's finally decided to show up."

The night sky erupted in motion as the Iron Legion stormed the battlefield.

****

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