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Chapter 182: I Can Still Play Basketball All Day

The heroes had only just arrived compared to Peter.

Upon receiving news of the carnage, Steve and Felicia rushed over immediately. En route, they encountered Jessica and Ice blue, who had sneaked out.

Steve, prioritizing the urgency of the situation, didn't reprimand Jessica for acting independently. If he strictly followed orders, he'd be a soldier, not a hero. Making quick decisions, Steve assigned Jessica to follow him.

Knowing Jessica frequently appeared on the streets dispensing justice, considered an amateur hero, Steve believed with proper guidance, she could play a significant role, especially with Ice blue by her side.

However, their speed paled in comparison to Tony in his armor. By the time they reached halfway, Tony and Carnage were already battling in the sky.

Forced to follow the battle's trajectory, they encountered Gwen and Devour, who were also in pursuit.

As symbiotes met, they exchanged greetings. Steve and Gwen swiftly received Tony's distress call about the skirmish. Though Tony wouldn't admit needing help, Steve empathized.

Despite their past clashes, the superheroes had developed a silent understanding over the past six months.

Steve pinpointed Tony's approximate location in the sky and led the group there, notifying police to evacuate civilians—an operation only a WWII veteran and current tactical leader could manage.

Returning to the present, Steve found himself surrounded by heroes. Despite being outnumbered, Peter showed no fear, appearing oddly relaxed—a familiar gesture to Steve, reminiscent of an opponent whose memory lingered faintly but indelibly: the Red Skull.

Not that Carnage and Red Skull were similar, but both exhibited a calm, controlled demeanor, exuding an unshakable confidence, an aura of superiority.

This sense of certainty weighed heavily on Steve. After all, Red Skull once led Hydra's vast armies across the globe—what grounds did Carnage have for such unwavering confidence?

A tense silence fell over the gathering, akin to the calm before a storm.

Focused and vigilant, they tightened the perimeter around Carnage and Peter.

Until Peter moved. Despite being the underdog, he sounded the battle cry, targeting Tony. When outnumbered, focus on one foe and pummel them.

Tony, unfortunate in his timing, barely reacted as Peter advanced, preempting with his laser.

Other heroes swiftly joined the fray, deploying spider webs, shields, and fists against Peter.

Ignoring the attacks, Peter pursued Tony relentlessly.

Having already sustained battle damage, Tony found himself in a precarious position. Facing Carnage on the ground, Tony struggled, his armor losing its luster.

Cursing under his breath, Tony realized Carnage was no easy adversary.

Peter continued his relentless assault on Tony, forcing him into the worst possible conditions. Meanwhile, other heroes attacked Carnage, complicating Peter's efforts.

Steve's shield, defying physics, made a notable impact on Carnage. Gwen, most familiar with Carnage, used her webbing effectively, creating openings for Tony to escape.

Despite Gwen's efforts, Peter managed to drag Tony underwater, resuming his assault.

"F*@#&!" Tony cursed, enduring the onslaught.

Felicia added her share of damage discreetly. The symbiotes posed the greatest challenge for Peter.

Devour, frontline and relentless, posed a tangible threat, disrupting Peter's rhythm. Jessica and Ice Blue proved formidable, leveraging flight and divine powers, boosted further by Ice Blue's enhancements.

Despite Peter's initial disregard, he begrudgingly acknowledged Carnage was at a disadvantage.

Tony, on the other hand, bore the brunt of Peter's aggression.

Anticipating this, Peter knew reality didn't afford him the luxury of uninterrupted combos.

His strategy remained straightforward: maintain relentless pressure on Tony, employing speed and cunning to avoid becoming a target.

"F*@#&!" Tony grimaced after another round of Carnage's bites.

He adjusted his defense, hoping to buy time rather than inflict significant damage, aware his role as a mobile shooter or mage was compromised.

Yet Tony's resilience bought crucial time, albeit at great personal cost.

Tony soon realized the tide was turning.

Struggling to maintain control, Carnage adopted a new tactic, treating Tony like a basketball, tossing him around with disorienting speed.

Breaking free from the heroes' encirclement, Carnage dodged and weaved, showcasing uncanny agility.

Steve, concerned for Tony's dwindling endurance, contacted him:

"Tony, Carnage is showing signs of weakening. Can you hold out?"

Steve's command was precise, his concern evident for Tony, caught in the eye of the storm.

Tony surveyed his malfunctioning armor, Carnage's relentless assault, and gritted his teeth:

"Of course, I can play basketball all day."

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