If there was any place in the wasteland world where one could find the shadows of heroes, Osborne City would undoubtedly be a place worth mentioning. Ever since he declared war on the remaining superheroes across the wasteland, every month, there would be a few young people who dreamed of rekindling the glory of heroes arriving here to take on the challenge.
Most of these young people were ordinary folks who could no longer survive. They often had extremely tragic pasts—oppression by gangs, or their families being devoured by monsters—driving them to risk their lives in an attempt to change the world.
They wore various battle suits, some inherited from their ancestors, others designed by themselves. Before coming to Osborne City, they were somewhat famous in the wasteland. But once they arrived here, they never left.
These heroes were forever left behind, displayed like art pieces in a gallery, or mannequins in a showcase. No matter how glorious their pasts had been, now, they were nothing but skeletons, symbols of Osborne's mockery and ridicule of heroes.
Riding motorcycles, Alex and his group passed through the challenger's gate unimpeded and entered the square known as the Heroes' Cemetery.
"What the heck... Are these all..." Pietro muttered to himself as he passed between the wooden poles, staring at the remains hanging from them.
"Most of them are heroes from various regions. They often fought against local gangs or dark creatures. But when they aimed for something greater, something more noble, they were left here," Ashley whispered, clearly more knowledgeable about this place than Alex and the others.
"Are there others here besides heroes?" Pietro asked, curious.
"Of course. Initially, no one would come here to seek death, so Osborne found many 'actors.' They were mostly ordinary people who had offended Osborne or some lone mutants or Inhumans. Osborne dressed them in ridiculous battle suits and promised them freedom if they won."
Ashley's gaze turned cold as she continued. "It's similar to Kingpin's arena. Simply put, these are products of 'entertainment.' The arena entertains the masses, while this place... is merely Osborne's personal hobby."
"Wouldn't these heroes be targeted by other villains before they even get here?" Kara asked, also curious.
"No, and the reason is simple: there's no need. First, they are too weak, far from the level of the heroes of old. And their targets are gangs and monsters—things that already give Red Skull headaches. If someone voluntarily steps in to handle them, he'd be more than happy."
This time, it was Baron Blood who answered. Having wandered the wasteland for so many years, he had naturally dealt with these folks before.
"These people pose no threat to Red Skull's rule, and they even help solve some local problems. Red Skull would love to see more of them. But as you can see, in the eyes of the upper echelons, they are nothing more than a pathetic bunch of playthings."
Listening to Baron Blood's explanation, everyone fell silent. Only by truly entering this world could one experience the despair and darkness that permeated it.
"Alex, how much longer until we see Osborne and his Alliance of Villains? I can hardly wait," Pietro put on his goggles, his tightly clenched fists trembling slightly.
"Don't be in such a rush, Pietro," Alex said, his eyes fixed on the ever-approaching tower. "The moment we came in, they noticed us. I think those guys are already getting ready to 'welcome' us."
Sure enough, as if to prove Alex's words.
In the next moment, the gate of the surrounding wall slammed shut, sealing off all of Alex and his group's escape routes. Simultaneously, the electronic display on the tower suddenly lit up, showing an image of Alex and his team on their motorcycles.
"Zzzzz..."
"Welcome to Osborne City. After a long wait of four months, I'm delighted that such a great team like yours dares to challenge our authority..."
"Many people who think they can become heroes come here to take on a more advanced 'trial'..."
"But as you can see, they all become part of the Heroes' Cemetery. No matter how glorious their pasts were, now they can only serve as their own tombstones."
"All resistance will be—"
"Cut the crap! Osborne? If you've got the guts, come down here and fight!" Ashley leaped onto a collapsed wall, and Venom instantly transformed into a spider suit covering her body.
"..."
The broadcast on the tower fell silent, and shortly after, the gate at the base of the tower slowly opened. It seemed that not only were the outsiders eager, but the villains inside were also itching to fight. Before the gate could fully open, a green figure shot out.
"I thought there would be another impostor, but a descendant of Spider-Man—this is the most perfect gift from the heavens!"
The green monster, standing on a glider and wearing a purple coat, had a crazed grin on his face, his eyes fixed on Ashley with obvious excitement.
"You old bastard... I'll rip your guts out and bring them to my grandfather!" Ashley responded fearlessly.
"Goblin, don't hog all the fun!"
At that moment, several other figures appeared behind the Green Goblin Osborne. They included the hammer-wielding Absorbing Man, the mutant Wild Child, and another of Spider-Man's old foes, Shocker. In addition to these three, Alex's target, the Enchantress, was also present. However, apart from the Enchantress, the others were visibly aged, with even Wild Child's fur turning white.
"Tut-tut-tut, look at these cute little ones. Seeing them here, I do feel a bit nostalgic," the Enchantress slowly descended, casting a seductive glance at Alex and his team.
"Indeed, there are a few familiar faces among them. That white-haired brat—has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Quicksilver? Are you perhaps the offspring of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch? Hahaha...!" Absorbing Man sneered.
Faced with the barrage of insults from the villains, Pietro didn't lose his cool. He was no longer the hot-headed kid he once was.
"Give the order, Alex," Pietro said, his face dark as he stared at Absorbing Man.
"The witch is mine."
Alex dismounted from his motorcycle, glanced around at his companions, and then silently removed the black umbrella from his back.
"As for the rest... you can handle them however you like!"
...…..
📢20 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
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176. Battle of Ultimate Evil.
177. The Enchantress.
178. The Sorcery Showdown.
179. The Kraken of the North Sea.
180. Serving the Dish.