Chapter 25: Despaired World : New York Incident Part 2
Soldier Boy the Third—infamously known for his cowardice and an embarrassing habit of wetting himself under pressure—sat trembling within the stolen Tek Knight armor. Unlike the original Soldier Boy or the legendary Benjamin, this third iteration was a pale shadow, infamous among Supes for his naïveté and unheroic tendencies.
He had stolen the Tek Knight armor in a desperate attempt to cheat his way to glory, hoping it would grant him the strength and notoriety needed to join The Seven. His plan was simple: don the armor, make a grand entrance, and secure his place in history as a member of the world's most powerful superhero team. But his naïveté had backfired when he foolishly handed over parts of Tek Knight's advanced equipment to Mr. Marathon—a move that enabled the latter to break through speeds of Mach 2.
Now, the reality of his actions came crashing down around him. Mr. Marathon was dead—killed in brutal fashion by an Asian man standing mere meters away. Soldier Boy's breath came in panicked gasps as he stared at Kang Woo, who nonchalantly twirled his bloodied weapon, the glint of Playful Cloud catching the New York moonlight.
Lying nearby, The Deep groaned, his battered form still sprawled across the pavement. The haze of pain finally cleared his mind, dragging him out of the ridiculous fantasies that had occupied his thoughts. Blinking rapidly, he became fully aware of his surroundings for the first time since Kang Woo's assault.
He turned his head slightly and froze. His eyes fell on the mangled corpse of Mr. Marathon, the once-proud speedster reduced to a bloody mess. Nearby, Soldier Boy stood motionless in the Tek Knight armor, trembling visibly. The Deep whispered to himself, his voice hoarse and filled with desperation. "Tek Knight… do something! At least get me out of here before that lunatic turns his attention back to me!"
But then, The Deep's expression twisted into confusion as his gaze shifted downward. A yellow liquid was slowly seeping out of the Tek Knight armor, pooling on the ground. His eyes widened in disbelief as the realization hit him. "Did… did Tek Knight piss himself?"
And then it happened. The fear overwhelmed Soldier Boy entirely. From within the armor came a warm, yellow liquid that continued to drip through the joints and onto the pavement below. Soldier Boy had pissed himself. Again.
Kang Woo, seemingly unfazed, didn't even glance in Soldier Boy's direction. Makima, standing beside him, also ignored the spectacle entirely. Their focus was elsewhere—locked onto the distant clash between Kishibe and Stormfront. For them, the real battle wasn't in New York's streets but in the resolution of their bet.
Makima's expression remained cool and calculating, but there was a subtle edge of excitement in her eyes. She stole a glance at Kang Woo, her tone playful yet composed. "Think Kishibe's holding his ground?"
Before Kang Woo could answer, two buildings exploded in the distance, a crackling surge of blue lightning bursting through the rubble. The shockwave rippled through the streets, sending debris scattering and lighting up the night sky. The explosion was only about a hundred meters from where they stood.
Kang Woo let out a sarcastic laugh. "The Stormfront I know struggled to kill a single human without charging her electo based power to certain amount . Now she's matching Klaus' level? Or at least… her brother, in this world?"
Makima's expression remained resolute, her gaze fixed on the direction of the chaos. "He can still win. I believe in him," she said firmly, her voice carrying an air of certainty. She turned to Kang Woo, her tone growing serious. "And perhaps, Kang woo , you'll come to understand that the humans of this world—though boring by my standards, given my experience as the Control Devil working for the Japanese government for so long—can surprise you. They may look like dogs, but some of them have the potential to become assets in your army."
Kang Woo smirked, the crimson glow in his eyes flickering with interest. "That's the Makima I know," he said, his voice filled with amusement and approval.
At the crater formed by the obliteration of two buildings, Kishibe stood amidst the dust and rubble, breathing heavily. His left arm was nothing more than a bloodied stump, blown off by Stormfront's attack At the beginning . Despite the pain, his expression remained calm, almost indifferent. Inwardly, however, his thoughts churned with grim determination.
From the moment this started, she's been faster than me, stronger than me, he reflected, his gaze narrowing on the raging Stormfront before him. And now she can blow up entire buildings. What a goddamn pain in the ass. But I'm a veteran devil hunter. I've faced worse.
Stormfront, her eyes blazing with fury, descended with a thunderous impact, shaking the ground as she landed. Her bloodlust was palpable, crackling in the air around her. "Any last words," she sneered, "before I tear you apart and send your screams to my brother in Valhalla?"
Kishibe, lying on the ground and seemingly defeated, offered nothing but a smug expression, the slight curve of his lips and the glint in his eyes wordlessly conveying: Nah. I'd win.
Stormfront raised her arms, charging her electrolute power. With a triumphant shout " hrrrraaahh" , she unleashed a torrent of blue lightning directly at Kishibe, determined to incinerate him where he lay.
But her attack was suddenly and shockingly blocked—by a small dagger. The blade, crafted from iron and optimized to absorb electricity temporarily, absorbed the brunt of the lightning, scattering the remaining energy harmlessly.
Kishibe, meanwhile, had vanished.
Stormfront's eyes darted around in confusion. "What the Fuck ?" she hissed, scanning the area for her prey. But Kishibe had already used his stealth and agility to close the gap between them, his movements as silent as a shadow.
In his hands, Kishibe held a blade forged from his contracts with the Knife Devil and Nail Devil, the edge enhanced to an almost supernatural sharpness. With ruthless precision, he stabbed Stormfront six times in rapid succession—each strike aimed at her spine and vital points on her back. The speed and ferocity of the attack left Stormfront staggering forward, her body struggling to respond.
Stormfront wavered, her body refusing to collapse despite the severe injuries. Blood dripped steadily from her wounds, her damaged spine preventing her from accessing her electro-speed. She staggered, gritting her teeth as her regeneration struggled to catch up, leaving her vulnerable.
Kishibe, silent and focused, circled her like a predator stalking its prey. His calculating eyes locked onto her every faltering move, looking for an opening. He made his decision swiftly, slicing his own remaining left arm to release a torrent of blood. With a precise throw, the blood splattered across Stormfront's face, temporarily blinding her and forcing her into a moment of disorientation.
Using the distraction to his advantage, Kishibe tightened his grip on his dagger and taunted her, his voice low and sharp, "Just like your brother… you're terrible at hand-to-hand combat."
Stormfront snarled, attempting to raise her hands to block the incoming attack. But blinded and slowed by her injuries, she was too late. Kishibe's blade struck true, stabbing her under the chin and slicing cleanly across her neck. Blood sprayed from the wound as she staggered back, choking on her own fury.
As Stormfront struggled to maintain her footing, Kishibe let out a weary sigh and collapsed backward, resting on the debris-strewn ground. His breathing was heavy, his movements slow, but his determination remained unwavering. Pulling out a lighter with his remaining hand, he flicked it open with practiced precision. Holding the flame to the bleeding stump of his severed arm, he cauterized the wound. The air was thick with the acrid stench of burning flesh. Despite the agony, Kishibe made no sound, his resolve as solid as steel.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, deep and tinged with irritation—the Hell Devil.
Kishibe, if you die here, The Noble One will be very pissed at me, the devil rumbled, its tone a mix of annoyance and begrudging concern.
Before Kishibe could respond, a glowing hologram materialized in front of him. Its ethereal light bathed his face as the message scrolled across the projection:
"Hell Devil Directive: For this event, you are strictly prohibited from intervening. This is Kishibe's fight, his problem, and his alone."
The message bore the unmistakable signature of Kang Woo . Kishibe chuckled, the sound dry and low as he shook his head. "This is my problem," he muttered, a faint smile curving his lips. "Outsiders are out of the way. Thanks, Kang Woo."
Beside him, a grotesque mouth materialized in the shadows—the embodiment of the Hell Devil itself. Its jagged teeth gleamed menacingly as it spoke, its tone laced with grudging admiration. Crazy fool, it growled.
Kishibe's claw grazed Stormfront's chest, drawing a thin line of blood. His face remained unreadable, his silence unnerving as he pushed harder. Stormfront, however, smirked despite the growing pressure, her confidence returning as she finally had enough time to generate the lightning she needed. Her left hand began crackling with the same destructive energy that had previously obliterated two buildings, the blue arcs dancing wildly as her power reached its peak.
But then, she noticed it—the faint curve of Kishibe's lips, the glimmer of a knowing smile that sent a chill down her spine. "That knife that block your attack earlier ," he said, his voice calm but cutting, "it wasn't just designed to absorb and redirect neutrons to the ground. It has another ability."
Stormfront's smirk faltered.
"It attracts clouds," Kishibe continued, his tone eerily nonchalant. "And creates the perfect storm for the biggest lightning strike imaginable. You just made yourself the perfect beacon."
Stormfront's eyes widened in horror as realization dawned on her. She had underestimated him. Just like her brother Klaus, who had fallen to this same man, she was about to lose to a mere human. She looked up, her heart sinking as the sky above them turned black and roared with fury. The storm Kishibe had set in motion was here.
Kishibe, seeing her panic, deactivated his claw, letting his arm return to its normal state. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a cigarette and a lighter, flicking it open with a practiced motion. He lit the cigarette, taking a slow drag as he leaned against the rubble, seemingly at peace. The smoke curled around him as he exhaled, the storm raging above them.
With a smirk, he joked like an old World War II veteran, his voice tinged with dark humor. "Well, if this is the end, guess I'll go out like a proper kamikaze. Banzai!"
The clouds roared in response to Kishibe's words, and with a deafening KRAKOOOOOM, a massive bolt of lightning tore through the sky, striking down with unimaginable force.
ZAAAAAAAAAAPPPPP! The sound of electricity crackling and exploding filled the air as the energy engulfed both Kishibe and Stormfront. The raw power of the lightning sent shockwaves rippling outward, shattering windows and knocking debris into the air.
The ground quaked violently, and when the light finally faded, a crater stretched 50 meters in radius, smoke and dust rising in thick plumes. The once-intact battlefield was now a smoldering ruin, a testament to the sheer destructive force unleashed in that moment.
From a hundred meters away, where Makima and Kang Woo observed the battle, the aftermath of the clash came into view. The massive crater and lingering smoke spoke volumes about the sheer devastation unleashed.
Makima turned her sharp gaze toward Kang Woo, a faint, victorious smile curling on her lips. "I win, Kang Woo."
Kang Woo smirked, tilting his head slightly as he replied sarcastically, "More like a draw. But sure, let's say you win—Stormfront will be out of commission for a while anyway. Though I must say, Makima, you did help Kishibe."
Makima's smile widened, her expression unreadable but brimming with amusement. "Oh? What makes you think that?" she asked, her tone deceptively light.
Kang Woo crossed his arms, crimson eyes narrowing with mock accusation. "I've theorized it from the start. That lightning strike? It wasn't the first time something like that happened. I wasn't there, but I've pieced together the aftermath. Years ago, during Kishibe's fight with Klaus—the first Stormfront—you were watching. You noticed the unique properties of the metal used back then to attract a massive lightning bolt and turn the tide of the battle. I bet you created a dagger with the same qualities and gave it to Kishibe, just in case he needed it."
He gestured toward the battlefield with a wave of his hand. "And then, minutes ago you helped Kishibe. You teleported him using your rats enough to give him the positioning he needed to ambush Stormfront, leading to those six stabs in her spine and back."
Makima's gaze remained steady, her smile unshaken. "I neither confirm nor deny," she replied smoothly. "So, does it still count as a win?"
Kang Woo chuckled, shrugging in amusement. "There were no rules to begin with, were there? Fine. You win. I'll whip up that S-ranked ability now."
With a flick of his wrist, Kang Woo summoned a glowing grimoire from his system inventory. The Lucius Grimoire floated before him, radiating a brilliant, otherworldly light. Its gilded cover shimmered with intricate designs, and as he flipped the pages, the air around them grew heavy with anticipation.
Makima stepped beside him, her curiosity piqued as she peered at the contents of the book. Her gaze scanned the pages, taking in the intricate descriptions. She had seen these pages before, carefully noting their secrets, yet unable to claim them. "Isn't this just body, blood, bone, and soul magic? There's no mention of power-granting here, Right ?"
Kang Woo smirked, his tone teasing. "Don't know. This is the first time I've used the grimoire for granting power.?"
Suddenly, the grimoire pulsed with life, releasing tendrils of glowing blood, bone fragments, and strands of sinew into the air. The components swirled around Makima in an elaborate dance, enveloping her in a majestic cocoon of vibrant energy. The blood gleamed like molten rubies, the bones radiated an ethereal glow, and the sinews seemed to hum with life. The elements intertwined in perfect harmony, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
As the process reached its Final result , the blood, bone, and tissues dispersed into radiant particles, fading into the ether.
When the light subsided, Makima stood there, transformed. She looked down at her left arm, now adorned with a mysterious Red book etched with intricate designs. It hovered slightly above her hand, bound by nothing but her will—a Skill Hunter, reminiscent of Chrollo Lucilfer's ability.
In her right palm, a writhing mass of biomass danced like a living flame, awaiting her command. It pulsed with potential, an extension of her will ready to take shape at her slightest thought.
Makima flexed her fingers, her expression unreadable, as she absorbed the weight of her new power. Kang Woo smirked, clearly pleased with the result. "So," he said, leaning slightly toward her, "does that meet your expectations?"
Makima's smile returned, calm and assured. "It exceeds them."
Although my power as the Control Devil allows me to use the abilities of those I control, she thought, it requires them to be enslaved. The Skill Hunter fills that gap. It lets me steal abilities even in the heat of battle, without conditions. And as for this… She glanced at the biomass writhing in her palm. Is this what Kang Woo feels? The more he consumes, the stronger he becomes. It doesn't give me direct access to abilities like Skill Hunter, but it evolves me, makes me stronger with each use. It's more than enough to elevate my strength further.
Kang Woo, noticing her silent contemplation, pointed casually at her hands. "The book in your left hand is called Bandit's Secret, part of the Skill Hunter ability. And that biomass in your right palm? That's Blacklight. However, for Skill Hunter, there are some conditions. If the target is absurdly strong, additional requirements will arise to make the theft successful."
Makima raised an eyebrow, her smile turning playful. "Heh … I can rob your powers now? That's very kind of you, Kang Woo."
Kang Woo smirked, his tone unbothered yet teasing. "Hmm, unfortunately, no. Someone like Gaia, the so-called system of this world, failed to account for that possibility when trying to create a counter to me. The only thing Gaia can do is prevent my powers from fully rejoining me—and even that desperate action is slowly killing that lump of shit from the inside out." He leaned closer, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "Better devour your opponents wisely, Makima. You'll need it."
Makima chuckled softly, her tone laced with subtle intrigue. "Wise advice. I'll make sure to use these rewards… effectively." Her gaze shifted to Mr. Marathon's lifeless corpse. She stepped closer, her expression calm yet predatory. Extending her hand, a writhing red tendril emerged, enveloping the corpse entirely. In mere moments, the body was absorbed, vanishing into her being.
Makima straightened, a faint smile on her lips. "Refreshing. I feel… full. Perhaps even on the verge of leveling up," she mused, flexing her fingers as the newfound strength coursed through her.
Kang Woo, leaning casually against a ruined wall, observed her with amusement. "More consuming, more results," he remarked. "Unlike your usual method of control, this one feeds directly on your target's DNA and body . The more you kill and consume, the stronger you get. Though, if the target's alive when you absorb them… the benefits are even greater." He shrugged, his tone tinged with playful curiosity. "Still trying to figure out the mechanics of that. Pale in comparison to my Authority of Predation, but it's… interesting."
Makima straightened, her smile deepening as she turned her gaze to the trembling Soldier Boy the Third, still paralyzed with fear inside the stolen Tek Knight armor. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, placing her palm against the cold metal. Her Skill Hunter ability activated, and the armor began to dissolve into tendrils of red energy, flowing into the Red book on her left hand. Soldier Boy let out a whimper as the armor disappeared entirely, leaving him exposed, trembling in his undersuit.
Makima flipped through the pages of her book, a faint smirk gracing her lips as she read the words Tek Knight Armor now inscribed on one of the pages. Kang Woo, leaning against a nearby wall, tilted his head with curiosity. "That's new," he commented, his tone intrigued. "I didn't know it could absorb physical constructs like armor. I thought it was limited to abilities of this world. Very interesting indeed."
Makima turned her attention to Soldier Boy and The Deep, her calm gaze unnerving them even further. With a fluid motion, chains materialized from her hands, wrapping around their heads. Their eyes glazed over as Makima erased their memories of Kang Woo's power-granting abilities and the disappearance of the Tek Knight armor. Moments later, they both slumped to the ground, fainting.
Kang Woo's attention shifted to Queen Maeve, who remained in her dogeza position nearby, her body tense with conflict. He grinned, his crimson eyes flashing with mischief. "Should you brainwash her too, Makima? Seems only fair."
Makima unfurled her single dark wing, the faint glow of her halo casting a haunting light over the scene. She shook her head. "No need. Let her make her choice on her own. Whether she pledges herself to you or stays with Vought… I'm curious to see how her resolve holds. Will she remain the Queen Maeve everyone speaks of, or will she crumble under the weight of her world?"
Kang Woo chuckled, his wings of darkness extending from his back. "Interesting thought. Let's see what fate has in store for her." With that, he spread his wings wide, Makima following suit as they both took to the sky. Together, they soared through the night like a dark comet streaked with red Shooting Star , heading toward Kishibe's location.
At the center of the ruined battlefield, Kishibe lay still, his body charred and broken. Half of him was missing, obliterated by the lightning that had struck with unparalleled fury. His breath came in shallow gasps, and his vision blurred as he felt death closing in.
It's been fun, hasn't it, Kang Woo, Makima? he thought, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he closed his eyes, resigning himself to the end.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, calm and unyielding: "Chrono Anastasis."
In an instant, time rewound for Kishibe. His wounds vanished, his missing limbs reappeared, and his charred clothing restored itself to its usual rugged state. He blinked in shock, gazing at his fully healed body, then looked up to see Kang Woo and Makima descending in front of him.
Kishibe's lips twisted into a wry grin. "You just couldn't let this old dog die in peace, huh?"
Makima chuckled, her tone teasing. "Don't be so dramatic. You still want to see Quanxi again, don't you?"
Kishibe chuckled in return but turned serious as his gaze shifted to Kang Woo. His demeanor changed, a dangerous aura emanating from him. "Kang Woo," he said sharply, "I still don't understand why you and Homelander caused so much destruction. Civilians were caught in the crossfire."
Kang Woo shrugged nonchalantly, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "Don't worry about Tokyo. The damage? It'll disappear like it never happened. Everything will return to normal soon enough. And there will even be a show where I demonstrate exactly how I fix things."
Kishibe narrowed his eyes, his suspicion unyielding. "And the reason for all this chaos? You call it a demonstration?"
Kang Woo's smirk widened as he crossed his arms. "Exactly. Homelander started it by pushing the destruction to new heights. I just… amplified the chaos a little. Besides, what's the point of being the strongest if you can't shake the world every now and then?"
Makima, standing beside Kang Woo, added with a sly grin, "Consider it a lesson. Even chaos has its uses."
Kishibe shook his head with a sigh, though his grin didn't fade. "I see it now. Makima's starting to become more like you, Kang Woo. The old her? She'd have been all about tight control, order, and calculated steps. But now? She's dancing with you, following your chaos." His grin widened. "Guess I'll just have to stick around and see how far this madness goes."
Suddenly, a loud THUD echoed across the crater, and Homelander landed, fury radiating from him like a storm. His rage-filled voice boomed as he pointed at Kang Woo. "You've humiliated me too much, you fucking Asians!"
Without hesitation, Homelander unleashed his laser beams with all his might, the red energy streaking toward Kang Woo like a destructive tide. But Kang Woo, ever the troll, simply pulled out a silver medallion bearing the Quincy mark.
As the beams struck the medallion, a strange reaction occurred. A shimmering blue liquid began to seep from Homelander's body, drawn toward the medallion like water into a vacuum. Homelander's confident expression faltered as the energy drained from him, leaving him trembling and powerless.
He staggered, his breath ragged. "What did you do to me?!" he demanded, his voice cracking with desperation as he attempted to use his laser vision again. Nothing happened. He tried to fly, to move at super-speed, but it was as though his body refused to obey.
Kang Woo smirked, spinning the medallion lazily in his hand. "Robbing your Compound V abilities, of course. You've still got your raw strength—but without your powers? You're just a glorified gym rat now."
Homelander stood frozen, disbelief and fear washing over him. For the first time, he felt what it was like to be truly vulnerable, truly powerless. It was a sensation he never thought he'd experience—a nightmare he couldn't wake from.
Suddenly, the sound of engines roared through the air as a massive military force arrived. Tanks rolled in, and helicopters hovered overhead. A booming voice called out through a loudspeaker. "That's enough! You terrorists, put your hands in the air and surrender immediately!"
Makima grinned, her expression twisted with bloodlust as she prepared to annihilate them all. Her hand twitched as if commanding unseen chains, but Kang Woo raised his arm, placing his hand gently on her chest to stop her. "Kobeni-chan," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "You've done a great job. Extraordinary progress."
Suddenly, a whisper echoed through the misty streets. "Ice Formation: Frost Calm." The air grew colder, and a freezing mist spread across the battlefield. The mist hardened into thick layers of ice, immobilizing homelander , tanks and soldiers alike. The once-noisy chaos was replaced by eerie silence as the frost claimed its victims.
Kobeni landed beside Kang Woo, her breath visible in the icy air. Her expression was one of nervous pride. "Am I useful? I'm so glad I can be useful to you, Kang Woo."
Kang Woo gave her a rare, approving smile. "Looks like your belly's back to normal, huh? You absorbed the ability I gave you perfectly. Welcome back, my best cook."
Kobeni bowed deeply, her voice trembling with pride. "I tried my best, but… I couldn't freeze the man in the cape as thickly."
Kang Woo waved off her concern with a casual flick of his hand. "Even if you did kill him, it wouldn't matter. But leaving Homelander alive—crippled and powerless—makes the game far more interesting. You did exceptionally well, Kobeni. Your ice immobilized the military, and many of them have already succumbed to the cold."
Kobeni's eyes welled up with tears, her hands trembling as she bowed even lower. "Thank you, Kang Woo," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Thank you for your praise… it means so much to me."
Makima, raised her hand in a mock pistol gesture and aimed it at the hovering helicopters. With a sly smile, she whispered, "Bang." In an instant, all the helicopters exploded in fiery chaos, falling from the sky .
Kang Woo observed the destruction with growing interest. "If we're making an exit, let's make it a memorable one. But leaving without parting gifts? That wouldn't be my style."
With a slight smirk, he manipulated some liquid from his Endo-Sym Armor Mark 50 and infused it with mana. The liquid expanded rapidly, growing into a massive mass that began to take shape. Within moments, Kang Woo crafted 500 units of T-800 terminators, their glowing red eyes and sleek metallic forms exuding menace. He gestured toward the ruined battlefield.
"The order is simple: Don't kill any members of The Seven… but cause as much mayhem as possible."
Kang Woo's hand shifted again, this time summoning Nue, the massive lightning-wielding Shikigami once used by Sukuna. The beast emerged from his shadow, its form towering as tall as a skyscraper, its presence casting a menacing shadow over the scene.
Kishibe and Kobeni managed to grab onto one of Nue's massive leg claws as it let out a low, rumbling growl that shook the ground beneath them.
Kang Woo gave Homelander a mocking glance, his smirk widening as he watched the so-called leader of The Seven struggle to break free from the ice.
Homelander finally managed to shatter the icy restraints with sheer brute strength, his body trembling from rage and humiliation. "Give me back my powers, you Asians!" he roared, his voice cracking with frustration as he stumbled, incapable of taking flight.
Hovering above him, Kang Woo and Makima exchanged amused looks. Makima, her dark wing unfurled and halo glowing faintly, tilted her head mockingly. "Oh, more parting gifts? Don't mind if I do." Her lips curled into a devilish smile as she gazed down at the furious Homelander.
But Kang Woo raised a hand, stopping her. "Wait. Hold on," he said with exaggerated calmness, his voice dripping with amusement. "Just look at him. Let's enjoy the moment."
Makima, catching the teasing tone, burst into laughter—sharp and sardonic. "Kukukuku… ahahaha! This is priceless. He looks like one of those goofy statues, mouth wide open, screaming into the void, grounded like a pigeon who forgot how to fly!"
Kang Woo chuckled heartily, his laugh echoing across the battlefield. "What a pathetic excuse for the captain of The Seven. Look at him, shouting empty threats while we soar above him like gods."
Nue let out a thunderous growl as it ascended into the sky, its massive wings creating gusts of wind that kicked up debris. Makima and Kang Woo stood atop the beast, exuding effortless dominance. Behind them, the army of T-800 terminators spread out, their glowing red eyes marching toward the chaos, ensuring destruction in their wake.
As they soared higher, Makima glanced back at Homelander one last time, her smile cold and cutting. "Remember this feeling," she said softly, though her voice carried to him below. "The King and I will always be out of your reach."
Kobeni, clutching tightly to Nue's massive leg as it prepared to leave, couldn't help but let her thoughts run wild. "We're the evil alignment here, aren't we?" she say , a faint mixture of fear and awe tingling through her.
Beside her, Kishibe, equally gripping Nue's leg with grim resolve, scoffed lightly. "Don't know. They attacked us first. It's just… Kang Woo went a little maniacal." His voice carried a sense of begrudging acceptance as though the chaos was par for the course.
With that, Kang Woo and Makima disappeared into the sky atop Nue, a dark comet followed by a glowing red army, leaving behind a city and a man utterly broken.
( preview for next chapter Title , Despaired World : Demon King vs Hero )