The Trips Arc Begins

BEEP.

At first, Alex thought it was Deadpool playing with some obnoxious gadget again. Maybe a soundboard labeled "Annoying Sh*t Vol. 3."

But no.

This sound came from inside his head.

Alex frowned, stepping outside the chaotic apartment for a second. His Status Window had just forcefully appeared in front of him, glowing with ominous blue text.

[New Quest Received] "The Five Keys to the Unknown"

Travel to five locations across the world. Each holds a lost artifact of immeasurable power. Unite them before it's too late.

The Locations:

First Stop: Mumbai, India

Hint: "Where the past lingers, and the golden thread of fate weaves through shadows."

Second Stop: Tokyo, Japan

Hint: "Where steel and spirit clash, and an ancient oath remains unbroken."

Third Stop: Los Angeles, USA

Hint: "Among the stars and dreams, an echo of power lies hidden in the city of illusions."

Fourth Stop: Melbourne, Australia

Hint: "In the land of fire and storm, where the old gods whisper in the wind."

Final Stop: San Diego, USA

Hint: "The final piece waits where sea meets sky, and legends fade into myth."

Alex ran a hand down his face.

"...Seriously?"

He barely had time to process what the hell this meant.

Five locations. Five artifacts. One mission.

And the first stop? Mumbai, India.

"Oh, you've GOT to be kidding me."

But of course, he couldn't just waltz back inside and tell everyone:

"Hey guys! My mysterious RPG system just gave me a magical scavenger hunt across the world, and if I don't do it, something really bad might happen!"

Yeah. That would go over well.

Alex stormed back into the apartment, only to find Deadpool draped dramatically over the couch like a dying opera singer.

"CURSE THIS UNJUST WORLD!" Wade shouted to the ceiling. "MY ROOMMATE LEFT ME FOR DEAD, AND NOW HE RETURNS—A CHAD SUPREME!"

Hughie, meanwhile, was still visibly shaken by Alex's growth spurt.

"Mate… you were not that tall yesterday," he muttered, blinking up at him.

Frenchie gave Alex another once-over. "Mon dieu… he looks like he's been sculpted by the gods."

Kimiko just stared. And then poked Alex's bicep.

It didn't budge.

She narrowed her eyes.

Butcher, sitting on the couch, sighed deeply. "Alright, sunshine. You wanna tell us what the hell is goin' on with you?"

Alex froze.

…Crap.

He had to think fast.

"Uh… okay, so…" Alex rubbed the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully. "I, uh… got some information. About something important."

Butcher raised a brow. "Vague as f***. Go on."

Alex exhaled. "I need to go to India."

Silence.

Then—

Deadpool sat up immediately. "I beg your f***ing pardon?"

Frenchie blinked. "…What?"

Hughie choked on his coffee. "Dude, India?! Why?!"

Alex shrugged. "It's complicated."

Butcher narrowed his eyes. "Yeah? Try explainin' it."

Alex crossed his arms. "I can't."

Butcher scoffed. "Bullsh*t."

Alex sighed. "Look, it's a lead. It might be connected to… everything."

Hughie frowned. "Connected to what?"

Alex internally panicked.

Sht. Should've thought this through more.*

"Just… trust me. I need to check something out."

Butcher rubbed his face. "Let me get this straight. You wake up this morning, magically bulked up, and now you suddenly wanna drag us across the f***ing planet?"

"Yup."

Butcher groaned. "Jesus Christ."

Hughie still looked confused. "Wait, so are we all… going?"

Alex nodded. "Yeah. Pack your bags."

Deadpool shot up.

"ROAD TRIP?!"

Frenchie grinned. "An international one, no less."

Hughie sighed. "Oh my God. I was supposed to have a normal week."

Deadpool slung an arm around his shoulders. "Sorry, kid. Normal's dead."

Kimiko just smirked.

Butcher shook his head. "F***ing hell. Fine. But if we're doin' this, we better not be wastin' our time."

Alex nodded. "We won't."

Deadpool dramatically flipped over the couch.

"HERE WE COME, BABY!"