NOVEL NEXT 236. Execution Approaches.
The climate of the wasteland had already entered deep winter. Since the chaos erupted across the world, the weather had become unpredictable.
The traditional cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter had long since collapsed. Even the scholars most familiar with Eastern history could no longer identify corresponding seasons on this planet.
For those living in the remote wilderness, life was unimaginably harsh. In this period, two-thirds of the USA was covered in snow, and in some areas, entire houses were buried. These were undoubtedly hard and desperate times. People, apart from huddling together in the warmth of shelters, had almost no social activities. Every action in this cold and starving environment would drain precious energy.
People had long grown tired of such a life, but in the face of this inescapable oppression, few chose to end their lives. Most believed that the suffering they endured in life would bring them redemption after death.
Human beings are, after all, social creatures, and this was even more evident in such extreme environments.
On snowy days, countless people gathered together, searching for a way to survive. They piled up all the firewood and food they had prepared inside their homes. Families gathered neatly around their televisions, watching old movies they had likely seen countless times. Year after year, it was the same routine. While depressing, it was simply life.
However, this winter brought a slight change compared to previous years.
It was less than two days until the execution date announced by Red Skull. For the people worldwide, suffering in dire conditions, this event would be a grand spectacle and one of the few entertainments for the oppressed masses.
They didn't know who Red Skull was. All they knew was that there was an untouchable being who controlled the nation like a god. Hydra's agents were spread across the globe, and anyone who resisted them would be hanged at the city's highways.
They didn't know who the condemned were either. What was the Justice League? Who were these travelers from another universe? They couldn't comprehend any of it. All they understood was that yet another person who claimed to be a "superhero" was about to meet a miserable fate.
In the wasteland, being a superhero was the lowest occupation—no, it wasn't even considered a job. Anyone who called themselves a superhero was seen as mentally unstable And now, one such madman had angered Red Skull and was about to pay the price for his actions.
The execution site was New Babylon, formerly New York City.
This was the wealthiest of the new cities and the dream destination for many commoners. The rural and uneducated people believed that if they were bold enough, they could go to the big city and make a fortune.
But in reality, few of the early dreamers who made their way to the city ever returned alive. Everyone knew that New Babylon was a place that devoured people whole, but still, there were always those willing to gamble their lives for a chance.
New Babylon was the first city that Red Skull developed after taking control of the Eagle Nation. Although it hadn't lived up to Red Skull's expectations due to various reasons, it remained the most prosperous trade hub in the wasteland.
To welcome the leader and ensure the execution went smoothly, Hydra soldiers were patrolling the streets of New Babylon en masse, preparing for any situation.
Red Skull placed great importance on this execution because, for him, it was the closest he had ever come to touching another dimension. If he could indeed lure out the so-called "Justice League," everything would change dramatically. Red Skull wouldn't just be the king of this world—he would leave his mark on another unknown world as well!
"Mein Führer, the reports have come in. Another group of cross-border traders has entered New Babylon's territory. We cannot verify all their identities. To prevent any rats from slipping in, should we close the transport hubs and seal off the highways?"
Tobias, his bloated figure standing respectfully beside Red Skull, carefully suggested, "Given that winter is coming, we won't lose much by halting shipping and trade."
"Pause trade?"
Red Skull slowly turned his head, his calm eyes locking onto Tobias.
"Why would I do that? Do you think I've spent all this time planning just for this moment? I set up this grand stage to lure those rats in. Otherwise, wouldn't all my effort be wasted?"
"But..." Tobias struggled to speak, "But too many people have slipped in. The entire city is now filled with gang members from various places, a whole bunch of mercenaries, and most worryingly, we've detected traces of mutants."
"Mutants?" Red Skull squinted at the word. "From the mutant sanctuary? White Queen Emma Frost... she's always been a restless woman, even after marrying Doom."
"Doctor Doom previously beat us to the clues about the otherworld. This time, with mutants sneaking in, there's a good chance Doom is behind it as well," Tobias quietly added.
"Now that is interesting."
Red Skull smiled slightly. He ran his hand over the battle-worn Captain America uniform he wore, fingers brushing over its folds and scars. His expression grew more sinister.
"To ponder state affairs while wearing this... It stirs up thoughts in a special way. Doom... Doom...I haven't even gone to trouble him yet, and now the old man has already set his sights on me. It seems the news of the otherworld has made him impatient. Good, the livelier, the better. It's the perfect chance to show them all who the true master of this world is!"
"Of course, mein Führer. There is no doubt about that," Tobias bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Tobias. I've noticed your keen observation skills and quick reactions," Red Skull replied, smiling with satisfaction before continuing,
"So, how are my best warriors and the executioner? Are they ready?"
"Everything is prepared, Mein Führer. Should I call them in now for you to give a speech?" Tobias asked.
Red Skull turned his back and responded, "Let them in."
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237. Red Skull's Aces.
238. The Origin of Black Canary.
239. The Transmission Ray.
240. Apokolips War.
241. Before the War.