Chapter 45: The Death of Ash

"Doom, come out!"

Noah led the group confidently, followed closely by Susan, Thor, and the Punisher, with the Thing yawning as he brought up the rear.

As they walked, Noah silently reviewed information about Amora, the Enchantress.

She was an Asgardian sorceress, physically three times stronger than an average human. Besides possessing Marvel-standard combat skills and magical abilities, her specialty lay in beguiling men.

Of course, that wasn't the primary concern. Noah knew her nature well—if they encountered her, he'd just have Susan crush her skull. Besides, Doom, a true man of logic, wouldn't fall for her tricks.

The real issue was Ash Williams. Back on the streets of New York, Noah had only thrown him aside rather than finishing him off.

Adding to the complication, at one point, there were two Ash Williams in New York City. This doubled his chances of survival.

If the ripple effects Noah had caused hadn't altered the fates of other heroes, would Ash still meet Dazzler, use her vehicle, and arrive in Latveria, as in the original timeline?

Doom wouldn't let an unknown man enter Castle Doom without good reason. Yet Doom, being somewhat of a gentleman, might relent if Shatter insisted.

After arriving, Ash, blinded by lust, recklessly released Amora. While Ash himself remained unharmed, Dazzler, who had tried to save him, paid the ultimate price.

And really, why would Doom keep Amora around anyway? Was he planning to learn English from her?

Suddenly, a green mist exploded ahead, and Doom's iconic metal mask emerged from the dissipating cloud, gradually revealing his full form.

"You seek Doom? What urgent matter compels such rudeness?"

Before Noah could speak, Susan stepped forward, shouting, "Did you imprison Amora?"

The iron-faced figure hesitated briefly, then responded calmly, "It's not what you think, Sue. Let me explain."

"Oh really? Then why don't you tell me what I think?"

"Stop, stop!" Noah interrupted before the situation could spiral further. He pulled the agitated Susan behind him and signaled the Thing to keep her restrained. Only after ensuring she was calm did he turn back to Doom.

"We already know that you've locked Amora away," Noah stated.

"Hah!" Doom scoffed. "What now? Playing heroes even at the end of the world? So noble that you'd save a villain?"

You're a villain too, Noah thought, though he didn't voice it. Instead, he added, "And we also know she's been infected."

"What?!"

Doom's shock was evident. This secret was known only to him within Castle Doom. How had these newcomers figured it out so quickly?

Doom's mind raced. This one cannot be left alive. He's already seeking death.

"Did you, by any chance, take in Dazzler and a male companion recently?" Noah pressed.

Doom froze in place, speechless.

Seizing the moment, Noah took a deep breath and continued, "I forgot to tell you before, but now you should know: I'm a prophet. That's why Fury trusted me and sent me to negotiate with you."

Doom stared at Noah, his silence more unnerving than any words. Finally, he spoke. "So you withheld the full truth from Doom earlier?"

A sudden gust of wind caused Doom's cape to billow dramatically.

Noah raised his hands in a gesture of respect, his tone calm. "Esteemed ruler of Latveria, I mean no offense. Quite the opposite—I'm here out of respect to warn you. A certain fool is attempting to release your prisoner."

"Are you referring to the coward with Dazzler?"

"Exactly."

Doom fell silent before turning towards the depths of the corridor. His footsteps were resolute as he walked forward. Noah followed without hesitation, confident Doom had made his decision.

The others exchanged uncertain glances before trailing behind. They trusted Noah's judgment.

"Don't you have surveillance here?" Noah asked casually. "Can't you track Ash's location directly?"

"All available power is being routed to the portal, including the magical circuits," Doom replied after a moment. "I only overheard your conversation because I left a mark here."

"What about Amora's cell?"

"I've marked it too," Doom admitted. "If there's no disturbance there yet, either your claim is false, or the intruder hasn't reached it."

Feigning surprise, Noah teased, "Wait, are you spying on us?"

Doom said nothing, neither denying nor confirming the accusation, as he continued forward.

After navigating the castle's labyrinthine corridors, they arrived at a long hallway. At its end, glowing pink energy beams formed a cage, within which a blonde figure struggled futilely.

The group halted, their eyes fixed on the cage. The pink energy glowed ominously, radiating a powerful aura.

At the far end of the corridor, a hunched figure vaguely resembling Doom loomed. But upon closer inspection, it was clear the figure was shorter and far less imposing than Latveria's ruler.

Doom's expression turned cold as he raised his hand. Blue energy crackled to life in his palm, sizzling ominously. It wasn't magic but a modified repulsor blast akin to Iron Man's technology—efficient, deadly, and versatile.

Noah cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the corridor. "Ash Williams, are you looking for the Necronomicon?"

The figure flinched and turned, revealing a panicked face. "Huh? Who are y—"

Before he could finish, a blue beam shot forth, expanding in his eyes until it struck both him and the blonde prisoner behind him.

The searing blast incinerated their heads almost instantly, leaving only smoldering remains.

Noah clapped his hands, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Congratulations, Doom. Two less problems for you to worry about."

He approached the pile of ashes with feigned delight. "Truly a joyous occasion."