American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

153. Watching from the Shadows.

"This is terrible, Ashley! Are you really planning to leave us to find that magic-using lunatic?"

Outside of Hammerfall City, in an abandoned warehouse, two barely adult boys stared at Ashley in disbelief. They still hadn't recovered from her earlier words.

"He's not a lunatic," Ashley replied calmly. "He's my prey. I can feel his power, stronger than anyone else. If I can kill him or obtain his abilities, I can overthrow the second Kingpin's rule and make life better for everyone."

Ever since encountering Alex, Ashley had been restless. She couldn't sleep at night, and even when fighting with her companions against other gangs, she would get distracted. No matter what she did, she couldn't get the image of the guy in the bird-beaked mask out of her head. No one could hurt her so easily, not even her 'father.'

Growing up, those who hurt her always ended up being defeated by her. It was indisputable and something Ashley had always believed. She knew her potential was vast, given the powerful bloodline flowing in her veins. But things changed after that man appeared. She wanted to make him pay.

Ashley didn't understand why, but every time she thought of the way that man looked at her, she would become furious. It was an inexplicable rage that made her want to destroy everything around her to vent. Those eyes were unforgettable. They were so indifferent, so detestable, as if he never considered her an equal.

Even if she hadn't spoken up, he might have just ignored her existence entirely.

Even Ultron Mark VIII received his recognition and courtesy, but only her, only she...

Ashley felt immensely insulted. The most infuriating thing in the world was not being cursed or beaten, but being ignored. From the beginning, he never took her seriously. No one could look at her like that, as if she were just a weed, just a nobody. The most crucial thing was, he knew her secret. He knew who she was, he knew how powerful she was!

Yet despite this, he ignored her, he didn't care, he treated her like a stray dog on the roadside!

Thinking of this, Ashley couldn't control her trembling hands.

"I'll make him acknowledge me before he dies," Ashley said through gritted teeth, then forced down her anger and continued. "But before that, Harry, Ryan, you two stay here. Wait for me to come back."

"Honestly, Ashley, if that guy is as powerful as you say, making your father powerless to resist, then I don't think you can beat him either," the guy named Harry shrugged.

Although the two boys were older than Ashley, she was clearly stronger and more ambitious.

"That's not my 'father'!" Ashley retorted.

"But you said he was an Avenger when he was young, didn't you? If even he couldn't match that guy, challenging him would be suicide," Ryan chimed in.

Listening to her two best companions, Ashley didn't respond immediately. She just jumped up, did a somersault in the air, and landed on the beam.

"I'm different from that old man, understand? My grandfather was Spider-Man. He once defeated six super villains on his own, and it was these six super villains who wiped out the X-Men. Do you understand what that means?"

Ryan and Harry exchanged a glance, then looked back at Ashley.

"Honestly, Ashley, I don't know what happened in that battle, but your comparison is wrong. I admit your grandfather was amazing, he could fight six super villains, but I don't think he could wipe out the X-Men."

"He was kind-hearted, understand? He had that ability!" Ashley leaped down, landing lightly in front of Harry and Ryan, arguing her point.

"You can't imagine this kind of power. I haven't fully awakened this superpower, but I can still hear mosquitoes buzzing from a hundred meters away, and I can dodge bullets at close range!"

Saying this, Ashley pointed to the huge skull on Ryan's shirt and asked, "Tell me, Ryan, what does this symbol mean? Who does it come from?"

Ryan paused, then carefully chose his words before speaking slowly.

"This is the Punisher's outfit, or rather, it's not even an outfit, just a 60-cent T-shirt. It's the Punisher's legacy, representing the courage of ordinary people to challenge the extraordinary, representing vengeance against evil. If you're guilty, you die."

"Very good," Ashley nodded, then turned to Harry. "Your turn. Those horns on your head aren't Halloween decorations, are they? Tell me, Harry."

"Ashley, this is ridiculous—"

"I want you to say it," Ashley stared at Harry, speaking each word slowly.

"Sigh," Harry sighed, then said, "This is Daredevil's outfit. It represents the law, using rules and regulations to constrain people's behavior, to help people live better lives."

"Exactly!"

Ashley exclaimed. "Not everyone is worthy of following me. Do you know why I chose you? Because of your qualities. The Punisher, Daredevil, and my grandfather were the best of friends back in the day, the perfect team. I need you to trust me."

Ryan and Harry fell silent. They wanted to say something, but they knew Ashley wouldn't listen.

"I will kill that man. Wait for my return."

Ashley spoke softly but decisively. However, what the three teenagers didn't know was that at that very moment, outside the warehouse, a pair of bloodless, pale eyes were staring at them intently.

"Ugh..."

Ink-black, living liquid surged wildly.

"I can feel a familiar presence..."

Sharp teeth slowly opened.

"...It's the spider... I still remember him... I still remember his scent."

A rustling sound spread out.

"...She has potential. That's who I'm looking for."

...…..

20 advanced chapters on p@treaon
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154. Long-term Plans.
155. The Ghost Rider Gang.
156. How Should a Mage Allocate Points?
157. Count Nefaria.
158. Drunken Life and Dreams.