chapter 58

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Forty years ago.

That day in New York City was sunny, with a high of 26 degrees and a gentle southwest breeze—perfect weather for sightseeing.

The Thunderbolts, a hand-picked team of super-powered criminals, vowed to use their abilities for the world's worst missions, much like DC's Suicide Squad.

Atlas: A giant with dubious morals.

Songbird: A master of sound-based combat who could create solid sound constructs.

Moonstone (Ms. Marvel): Capable of flight and energy projection.

X-Machine Soldier: A high-tech warrior previously known as the Beetle.

Citizen V: Donning a V-shaped mask, the mantle had been passed down through the Watkins family for three generations.

That day, the Thunderbolts joined the Avengers in Las Vegas to face off against a major villain threat. It was their chance to prove their worth and show they'd left their criminal pasts behind.

At the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, crowds gathered around Times Square's iconic screen. Citizens stood transfixed, watching live footage of Thor battling the Absorbing Man. The scene played out like an epic saga, pulling the onlookers into a moment of adventure.

However, life in New York continued as usual. People glanced up at the screen but hurriedly returned to their routines. After all, Thanos, Galactus, and alien invasions had all failed to destroy Earth's mightiest heroes. Why would today be any different?

Until dusk fell, and disaster struck.

The first sign of catastrophe was an aircraft carrier plummeting from the sky, tearing through the clouds at breakneck speed. It tumbled through the air, erupting in explosions and disintegrating into fiery debris. Its descent created a vacuum, pulling the surrounding air inward.

The massive vessel crashed directly into Times Square. The impact sent shockwaves through the city, collapsing nearby high-rises and engulfing half of New York in a dense cloud of smoke and dust.

As the setting sun cast its final glow over the wreckage, survivors emerged onto the streets in stunned silence.

What had happened? Where were the heroes? Why hadn't they stopped this?

The stillness was broken by the sound of roaring engines. Heads turned skyward as a squadron of fighter jets appeared on the horizon, silhouetted against the fading light.

At first, hope surged. Citizens cheered, believing salvation had arrived.

But as the jets drew closer, their cheers gave way to dread. The blood-red Hydra insignia emblazoned on the fuselages was unmistakable.

The city fell into a deathly silence.

The Red Skull had rallied every villain he could—Sinister Six, the Brotherhood, and the Wrecking Crew—uniting them through sheer numbers and cunning.

The Thunderbolts betrayed the Avengers, aiding Baron Zemo (disguised as Citizen V) in hacking their systems. It was a fatal betrayal; several Avengers were killed in the chaos.

War Machine was among the first casualties after the system hack.

Thor fell to the Absorbing Man.

Captain America was strangled by the Red Skull on the steps of Congress.

On that day, evil triumphed. The villains killed all the heroes and divided the world into their territories, turning Earth into a barren wasteland.

---

In the present day, Adrian pressed a gun against Jamie's forehead.

"Impressive history lesson," Adrian said. "But one last question—do you have the current map?"

"Yes! Yes! Jamie in the purple suspenders has it!" the clone stammered.

Frank Castle, the Punisher, had already dispatched the rest of the Madrox clones. He shot Jamie a cold look before rifling through Zitie's belongings to retrieve the map.

After inspecting it, Frank nodded at Adrian. "It's legit," he confirmed, though some areas—like Osborne City, Hammerfell, and Hulkland—gave him a bad feeling.

Jamie sat trembling. "I told you everything I know! But...where are you from? Don't you know any of this?"

Adrian ignored him, carefully studying the map. This world, Earth-807128, was an older timeline compared to the 2149 zombie universe they'd escaped. Life here was bleak, a desolate wasteland where survival was a daily battle.

Forty years ago, Jamie Madrox—the original Multiple Man—desperately cloned himself to fight Hydra. Over time, his clones splintered into factions. Most turned to evil, eventually becoming the notorious Madrox Gang.

Magneto, Doctor Doom, and even Dr. Lizard had all played key roles in toppling the heroes. Each villain claimed a slice of territory under the Red Skull's rule. The Hulk's rise to power, however, was unique.

As Adrian and Frank prepared for their next move, the wasteland stretched endlessly before them—a grim testament to a world where hope had been extinguished.

🛡️Ronin 🛡️

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