Kara's Kryptonian heat vision clashed fiercely with Count Nefaria's laser beams in mid-air.
The air was torn apart at that moment, and the energy from the collision of the two scarlet beams blasted everything around them, sending tables and chairs flying and crashing violently against the walls. The floor of the bar began to crack, with deep fissures spreading out like spider webs, stopping only at the rubble near the entrance.
The intertwining energies distorted the space slightly, and waves of red energy rippled through the air like water, creating a dazzlingly brilliant display.
"Supergirl, I'll help you," Pietro said, clenching his vibranium arm.
Although the bar's confined space limited Pietro's ability to fully unleash his combat prowess, his speed was now formidable. With both arms restored, his full-speed burst was almost as fast as Quicksilver from other parallel universes. Scarlet energy beams filled Count Nefaria's vision, leaving him with only a blurred scene.
Swirling air currents rampaged through the bar, and all Count Nefaria could hear was the howling wind, the kind that only accompanied the release of immense power. He hadn't used his superpowers in a long time, and the once agile ionic energy now felt thick and sluggish like honey, making it difficult to control.
Bathed in brilliant light, Count Nefaria let out a low growl, trying to unleash even greater power. Suddenly, a sense of danger arose from within him. He clenched his fists, ready to defend himself, but he was too slow. He felt a searing pain on his face, and the scene before him started to spin.
Crashing heavily to the ground, Count Nefaria propped himself up, struggling not to collapse. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his bleary eyes catching a glimpse of his attacker. The metal glinted in the bar's shattered lights. Count Nefaria's mind was foggy, his once sharp thoughts now sluggish.
Who is he? How did he attack me?
Is this my blood?
Count Nefaria opened his mouth, blood dripping onto the floor, clearing his mind slightly.
That's right, it's Colossus!
The X-Men superheroes.
They're here to trouble me, just like before, just like they always have.
Kara stopped her heat vision in time; otherwise, Pietro would have been hurt by her attack during his close-range assault. After some time working together, they had developed a bit of synergy.
"It's over, Count," Pietro said, grabbing Count Nefaria's shoulder with his vibranium arm.
"Not yet!" Count Nefaria roared, and a surge of strength erupted from his arm. Pietro was astonished to find that Count Nefaria had somehow unleashed immense power, and the next moment, Pietro felt a sense of weightlessness as he was thrown aside.
The suddenly invigorated Count Nefaria looked dazed. He stood unsteadily, his body trembling from the pain and his muddled mind struggling to think. He wobbled as he turned, his hunched body shaking.
"You... you won't stop me... I... I will..."
Count Nefaria panted heavily, his dull eyes fixed on Kara. In his hazy vision, he vaguely saw a familiar woman, someone he recognized, someone he remembered—Carol Danvers. With a beast-like roar, Count Nefaria charged at Kara.
Seeing this, Kara didn't dodge. She clenched her fists and met him head-on, their punches filled with immense power aimed straight at each other's faces.
This was not an evenly matched battle. If Count Nefaria were in his prime, he could use his full combat skills to suppress the girl in front of him, but now he couldn't. His sluggish mind couldn't keep up with Kara's rapid strikes. At first, Count Nefaria could dodge Kara's punches and counterattack, but gradually, his arms became stiff.
When Kara landed a punch squarely on Count Nefaria's eye socket, he lost all ability to resist. However, Kara didn't intend to stop. She knew too well how powerful these supervillains were in their youth. She exchanged a glance with Pietro, and in the next moment, Pietro acted swiftly, sending Count Nefaria into the air.
Kara leaped up, catching up to Count Nefaria mid-air. Just as he was about to hit the ceiling, she clasped her hands together and, with all her might, smashed him down.
Smash!
Splinters flew as Count Nefaria crashed heavily onto the bar floor, creating a deep pit. He couldn't get up again. Count Nefaria's vision blurred, the broken lamp above casting multiple shadows, its yellowish light becoming the only color in his sight.
Lying in the pit, blood continuously flowed from Count Nefaria's mouth. He found it hard to breathe, only able to make incoherent sounds with each breath.
"It's time for the curtain to fall."
At the bar, Alex drank the last drop of wine and gently placed the glass on the counter. Only then did Alex stand up. Casting his gaze towards Count Nefaria, Alex's expression turned serious. He began walking towards him, step by step.
Alex's steps were slow, each one echoing like the weakening heartbeat of Count Nefaria.
In his final moments, Count Nefaria's vision blurred. Then, the sound of footsteps brought some clarity to his muddled thoughts. Sensing someone approaching, Count Nefaria mustered his strength, trying to stay conscious. He turned his head slightly, trying to see the person coming. Through the yellowish blur, a dark figure took shape.
In Count Nefaria's final sight, he saw Doctor Strange approaching him, making a mystical gesture. The red cloak swayed with his movements, green magical energy flickered at his fingertips, and with each step, Stephen Strange delivered his final verdict.
Count Nefaria's lips moved.
"I'm... sorry..."
Tears streamed from his eyes to his ears, and with that, Count Nefaria was no more.
...…..
📢20 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
For advance chapters: p@treon.com/Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)
161. Dying at the Hands of 'Heroes'.
162. Bullseye's Log - Part One.
163. Marks of Shame.
164. The Pym Cross.
165. Osborn City.