120. Those Under Surveillance.

Technology, after all, has its limitations.

The Zeus Scepter, despite its name, isn't the divine artifact wielded by Zeus himself; it's a creation forged from the pinnacle of human technology. With the addition of magic, the capacitor core of the scepter had clearly reached its limit. Feeling the destructive power in his hands, Pietro experienced for the first time what it felt like to wield such immense power.

"I believe Doctor Strange and the Punisher will appreciate this signal flare," Pietro murmured softly before, in the next moment, he hurled the Zeus Scepter with a javelin throw.

"Die!!!"

With his super speed combined with the immense strength of his vibranium arm, no one present could clearly see the path of the scepter. It vanished in the air like a flash of lightning.

The next second.

Boom—

Crack! Crack! Crack!

The astonishing energy burst forth instantly, like an explosion laced with thunder. The terrifying power shredded all the abominations around, with lightning bolts indiscriminately striking everything conductive and tearing the abominations to pieces.

The blinding light became the only hue in the space. Moon Knight even speculated that this light might penetrate the barriers of reality and affect the outside world. Soon, there were no more abominations standing around Pietro and his team, and they were only left with the nauseating scent of scorched flesh.

"Doctor Strange and the Punisher should have noticed us by now," Moon Knight said quietly as he gazed at the battlefield, now reduced to ruins.

"I fucking noticed, alright! You almost blinded me with that!"

A roar suddenly echoed, and Moon Knight turned around in surprise to see a manhole cover being lifted, with the Punisher glaring angrily at him. Moon Knight was momentarily at a loss for words. He had so much he wanted to say to the Punisher before, but now, seeing him in person, he found himself speechless. Perhaps it was for the best, given he wasn't the best communicator.

Though the Punisher appeared furious, anyone could see that he wasn't genuinely angry. Known for his tough exterior and warm heart, the Punisher was recognized as such even by the ordinary citizens of New York.

"You finally made it." The Punisher scanned the group and finally focused on John. "You look familiar."

"Ah..." John nearly choked.

Living in the same city, John, as Blood Baron, had encountered many superheroes in the past, often resulting in conflicts.

"Never mind that, we need to leave here immediately. Where's Doctor Strange?" Moon Knight interrupted, asking urgently.

"I'm here," Doctor Strange struggled to climb out of the sewer, visibly exhausted from prolonged combat.

Seeing this, Karolina immediately stepped forward to support him, carefully observing this Doctor Strange. He didn't seem as formidable as the one she had encountered in her visions.

"Thank you. If not for you, Frank and I would be in serious trouble," Doctor Strange said, panting. Most of his magical artifacts were gone, lost over a month of fighting and hiding.

"If you're going to give thanks, do it after we're out. If not for him, you might have been erased from my memory," Moon Knight sighed, looking at the Punisher and Doctor Strange.

"What do you mean?" The Punisher was shocked, not realizing how dire things had become. "What's happening outside? What's the situation with Deadpool? How many heroes are still alive?"

Moon Knight understood the Punisher's urgency. Frank became the Punisher because of his strong family values, and anyone threatening that would be his target. Being trapped in this reality gap for so long, he was naturally curious about the outside world. Moon Knight decided to answer. "Don't worry, things are better than we expected. Deadpool is—"

"Don't say it!"

Doctor Strange suddenly shouted, cutting Moon Knight off. Seeing the confused looks around him, Doctor Strange explained, "Don't mention anything about the outside or Deadpool. One of us is a spy."

Everyone froze at his words.

Doctor Strange wasn't exaggerating. They had feared the possibility of being watched even before coming here. Such surveillance could completely ruin their plans. Everyone exchanged glances, trying to identify and be wary of the spy. They didn't know who the enemy was or when they had infiltrated, but Doctor Strange's words stirred unease in everyone's hearts.

Gradually, they started moving into small groups. Pietro and John stood together, Doctor Strange was alone, and Moon Knight, the Punisher, and Karolina formed another group. Pietro and John didn't need much explanation. Being Alex's people, they were under an odd protection from the beginning, seemingly immune to the corruption and pollution.

Doctor Strange, being one of the greatest sorcerers, had previously fallen under the influence but had enough mental fortitude to resist for now. This left Moon Knight, the Punisher, and Karolina as the ones to consider.

"If there really is a spy among us, it has to be one of you," Doctor Strange stated.

"What's your mission?" Doctor Strange asked.

Moon Knight, still shaken by the spy revelation, forced himself to regain composure. After a moment, he replied, "We're here to 'bring you back.'"

"That simple?" Doctor Strange frowned.

"And this," Moon Knight said, producing a playing card seemingly out of nowhere, holding it between two fingers.

"What is this?" The Punisher asked, confused.

Moon Knight took several deep breaths, carefully observing everyone around him. He clutched the card tightly, stepping back to put some distance between them. Finally, he spoke, "This will help us at the critical moment. It's the key to our success."

With that, Moon Knight, without any further warning, tore the card in half.

...…..

📢20 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢

For advance chapters: p@treon.com/Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)

121. Collision of Realities!

122. The End of 'Reality'.

123. The Coffin for the World!

124. A New World.

125. On the Wasteland.