บท 28: Chapter 27
Cassandra's escape via spiritual power, abandoning her physical body, didn't surprise Russell much.
After all, someone like Professor X could do the same.
However, Russell's focus wasn't on Cassandra anymore. His gaze shifted to Khonsu, the enigmatic "god" who had just intervened in the battle.
Russell couldn't shake the feeling that Khonsu's abilities were far more powerful than what had been displayed. And more importantly, he wasn't sure whether he was truly safe.
Khonsu's intentions weren't clear. Did he step in because of some unbreakable black market rules? Or was there another reason?
Russell outwardly maintained his composure, but internally, his guard was up. His spider sense was on overdrive, ready to react at the slightest hint of danger. If needed, he could activate his Venom suit and use the siren's power to escape.
But deep down, Russell knew such an escape would likely be futile. The power gap between him and Khonsu was just too vast.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. It was frustrating—no, infuriating—to have his fate in someone else's hands.
This entire ordeal had been a wake-up call.
Killing the Snake Team and Mordo had been easy. Overpowering the Siren and the Fireman felt effortless. It had all made him arrogant, too confident in his newfound strength.
But this? Facing someone like Cassandra—or worse, Khonsu—was a stark reminder of his limits.
He needed to be more prepared.
The Time Tablet had to be repaired as soon as possible. The Void, while a relatively safe base for now, wasn't a place where he could grow stronger indefinitely. If he truly wanted to unlock his potential, he'd have to leave and seek opportunities in the timeline.
Russell's thoughts were interrupted by the scorching sensation of Khonsu's gaze falling on him.
Then the ancient, weathered voice spoke again:
"Relax, human. Your debt has already been paid."
Russell froze. Debt? He had no idea what Khonsu meant but managed a polite smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Khonsu, for your help."
Khonsu's empty, bandaged eyes seemed to glimmer with amusement.
"There's no need to thank me. I value fairness above all else. And Cassandra needed to be reminded of the rules. She's grown far too bold."
Russell wisely refrained from asking why Khonsu didn't just finish Cassandra off. He didn't want to know what layers of divine politics or cosmic rules were at play.
The sunlight brightened for a moment as Khonsu's form began to dissolve into light.
"No need to linger," Khonsu said, his voice echoing with finality. "This matter is settled."
And with that, Khonsu vanished, leaving no trace behind.
Russell exhaled in relief, finally allowing himself to relax.
He'd been worried that the god might turn back around and involve him in some grand, cosmic scheme. That was a trope he'd read about in countless third-rate novels—ordinary people getting dragged into the machinations of powerful beings, usually with disastrous results.
"Glad I'm off his radar," Russell muttered.
The crisis, it seemed, was truly over.
Russell turned to where Torch was sprawled on the ground, still dazed from the battle. Picking up Cassandra's lifeless body, he strode toward the flamboyant mutant and gave his face a few firm pats.
"Hey, Flame Boy!" Russell said. "Still in there, or did your brain take a vacation?"
Torch flinched, snapping out of his trance.
"Damn it, that crazy woman!" he blurted. "Did you see that giant? It almost flattened me when it fell! What the hell does she usually use that thing for, huh?!"
Russell smirked. "Careful what you say. Her mental power's still lingering—she might hear you."
"What?!" Torch's eyes widened in terror, his face draining of color. "She's still here?! Oh, this is it. I'm done for. It's over."
Russell couldn't help but laugh. Seeing his companion's panic made him feel oddly better. Misery, after all, loves company.
Torch quickly realized he'd been duped. "You're messing with me, aren't you?"
"Maybe," Russell said, grinning.
Torch sighed, shaking his head. "Man, I just came here to trade for some supplies, and I almost got killed. Now I've got Cassandra's attention, too. Great."
Russell patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. If she comes for you, I'll help you take her down."
Torch rolled his eyes. "You? Protect me? You can't even handle yourself! If that day ever comes, I'll kneel and call you daddy."
Russell laughed. "Deal."
"But before that," he added, "I need a favor."
Torch immediately stepped back, covering his backside with a wary look.
"What do you want?"
Russell sighed, annoyed. "Relax. I just need you to trade this adamantium alloy for me. Get me a couple of steel armor parts with computing components."
Adamantium alloy was valuable—he estimated it could fetch at least two armor pieces.
Torch's expression softened. "That's it? You had me worried there for a second."
Without asking why Russell couldn't go himself, Torch grabbed the alloy and headed for the black market.
More than ten minutes later, Torch returned, handing over three steel armor parts.
Russell tossed the components into his Honda Odyssey and drove home, finally safe.
Now, all that remained was repairing the Time Tablet. Once that was done, his next journey would begin.
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