243. The Heroes Appear!

The spectators at the scene, as well as the audience in front of their televisions, didn't have to wait long. Soon, there was movement on the execution platform.

As the Red Hood was escorted to the platform, two Hydra soldiers forced him to the ground, making him kneel. Above him, a noose hanging in the cold air swayed slightly in the wind.

Under everyone's gaze, Red Skull himself, draped in a large fur cloak, ascended the platform. His iconic red skull immediately drew all attention. At that moment, all of New Babylon seemed to freeze.

Everyone held their breath, their eyes unblinking, fixated on the man on the platform. Whether they admitted it or not, this man was the ruler of the world at this moment. Even the so-called Lord of East, the Mandarin, couldn't compete with him.

"That's the leader of Hydra, the ruler of the Amerika."

"I heard he hasn't shown himself for a long time. I never thought we'd actually see him. Red Skull is the one who defeated Captain America. I never imagined I'd witness his might again."

"Hmph, for Hydra to be so prepared, the rumors about the otherworldly visitors must be true. I just wonder if they're as powerful as the stories say."

"I doubt it. Red Skull must've brought out all of Hydra's resources. Look at those soldiers and equipment. They could crush any invaders. Not to mention Sandman and Taskmaster, those 'legendary' figures. No one can gain anything from this."

"Yeah, instead of pondering those heroes' combat abilities, I'd rather think about whether they'll even dare to show up after seeing this. Haha."

Red Skull's appearance caused quite a commotion at the scene. The spectators shared their opinions, all while glancing around, trying to spot any rumored heroes. However, none of this fazed Red Skull. He solemnly approached the Red Hood, who had his eyes tightly shut, unresponsive to everything around him, like a living corpse. Red Skull smiled coldly.

"Guess what? Do you think those so-called 'Justice League' superheroes are hiding among the rabble? Do you recognize any familiar faces? Hahaha."

Upon hearing this, the Red Hood slowly opened his eyes. His hands and feet were bound by specially made chains, leaving him unable to move, let alone resist. Yet he didn't seem to have any intention of resisting. He silently stared at Red Skull, his gaze filled with a murderous intent so strong it felt tangible.

"Still refusing to speak?"

Unbothered by the Red Hood's deadly stare, Red Skull simply smiled at him, as if he were admiring a piece of art about to be auctioned.

"No matter. Your usefulness ends here. I just want you to watch as your hope shatters. Soon, all your dear comrades will follow in your footsteps and become my captives—if they dare to come."

"I... will kill... you."

Jason Todd's lips trembled as he finally spoke his first words since being captured. Hearing his voice, Red Skull was initially taken aback. But the next moment, a dangerous grin appeared on his face, his smile growing even wider.

After a brief pause, Red Skull ignored Jason Todd and turned to face the Hydra soldiers below. His figure, captured by cameras, was broadcast across every corner of the world. Red Skull activated the microphone pinned to his collar, and his voice, amplified through the speakers, echoed in everyone's ears.

"Welcome to New Babylon, my dear citizens."

Just that one sentence ignited a frenzy among the onlookers.

These fearless spectators cheered loudly, trying to elevate the atmosphere of the execution. They were also using their roars to release their suppressed emotions, though many were simply hoping to catch Red Skull's attention.

Their cheers were so overwhelming that even from a distance, Red Skull could vaguely hear them. This pleased him, and with a smile, he continued speaking.

"There's still an hour left until the judgment. Before the execution, I have a few words for 'certain people.'"

With Red Skull's words, the crowd gradually quieted down. Now, they were all holding their breath, carefully listening to what he had to say.

Everyone knew who Red Skull was addressing, and at the same time, they were eagerly anticipating what was about to happen. Because at this moment, no one could predict what would come next.

Under the gloomy sky, the execution platform stood like a lonely tombstone in the center of the New Era Square. The bitter winter wind howled, filling the air with a dreary, oppressive atmosphere.

A jet-black crow flew overhead, adding a touch of eeriness to the solemn scene.

In this heavy atmosphere, Red Skull's voice echoed once again.

"Since that grand battle 45 years ago, I have had no more desires. The world has bowed to me, and no so-called hero dares to challenge me. Truly, the era of heroes is history."

"I once read an article in the Daily Bugle. It described the corpses of those superheroes left around the world and nostalgically reflected on the past."

"My dear citizens, those who know me understand that I'm not one to dwell on the past. But honestly, reminiscing about the final moments of those old enemies does bring me a certain thrill."

"And now! A group of self-proclaimed Justice League superheroes from another world has come to my domain. They're like rats hiding among you. And I just want to say—I know you're here."

The crowd erupted into chaos again, with many people looking around, searching for any signs of the otherworldly visitors. Every unfamiliar face was scrutinized.

"Knowing that you're here really gets my blood pumping because I've been lonely for so long. It's been too long since someone had the guts to challenge me."

"Forgive me for drawing you in this way. I just wanted to say…"

Red Skull patted Jason Todd's head, his face showing an innocent smile as his gaze swept through the distant crowd. Finally, at that moment, all Hydra soldiers' earpieces buzzed with a warning from Doctor Zola.

[Unauthorized magical energy detected.]

Red Skull spoke slowly.

"...Welcome."

In the next instant, a massive surge of ghostly green energy erupted in front of New Era Square. The terrifying magical force even disturbed the sky, causing the dark clouds to whirl rapidly, forming a giant vortex.

It was a portal, crackling with green lightning, drawing everyone's attention.

One by one, figures emerged from the mist of green energy, slowly becoming clearer.

...

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244. The Justice League Appears!

245. The Green Lantern Burns Bright!

246. What Makes a Hero.

247. Hawkeye Joins the Battle!

248. Batman's Combat Power!