Execution Draws Near

The wasteland climate had entered the depths of winter. Ever since the world had fallen into chaos, the climate across the entire world had become unpredictable.

The original cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter had long since collapsed. Even scholars most familiar with Eastern history could no longer find corresponding seasonal markers anywhere on this planet.

For those living in the remote wilderness, this undoubtedly made life incredibly difficult. At this time, two-thirds of American territory was covered in snow, and in some severely affected places, entire houses had even been buried beneath it.

These days were undoubtedly harsh and hopeless. Other than huddling together inside warm shelters for warmth, people had almost no social activities. In these days of hunger and cold, every action consumed precious heat.

People had long since had enough of this life, yet amid this inescapable oppression, few chose to end themselves. For most people here believed that the suffering they endured now would bring them salvation after death.

Humans were social creatures, and this was even more apparent in extreme environments.

On days of heavy snowfall, countless people gathered together, seeking hope of survival. They piled all the firewood and food they had prepared inside their homes, and entire families huddled neatly before their televisions, watching old films they had long since lost count of seeing.

Once a year, as always. It was depressing, but that was life.

However, this year’s bitter winter held a slight change from previous years.

Less than two days remained until the execution date proclaimed by Red Skull. For people around the world living in misery, it would be a grand spectacle, as well as one of the few entertainments available to those at the bottom.

They did not know who Red Skull was. They only knew that there was an untouchable existence who controlled the entire nation like a god. Hydra’s agents were spread across the world, and anyone who resisted them would be hanged at the highway exits outside the cities.

They did not know who the condemned man was, either. The Justice League, a traveler from another universe—they could not understand any of that. They only knew, oh, another fellow calling himself a "superhero" was about to have a bad time.

In the wasteland world, superhero was the lowest kind of occupation. No, it did not even seem to count as an occupation. Anyone who called themselves a superhero ought to be considered a mentally unstable lunatic.

And now, one reckless lunatic had angered Red Skull, and he would pay the appropriate price for his actions.

The execution would take place in New Babylon, formerly New York City.

It was a prosperous new city, and likewise a place countless ordinary people dreamed of. Those born in rural wilderness knew little; they only knew one thing: if they were bold enough, they could go to the big city and make a fortune.

But in truth, after countless pioneers had set foot on the road to the big city in pursuit of their dreams, very few ever returned alive. Everyone knew New Babylon was a place that devoured people without spitting out their bones, yet there were always people willing to gamble with their lives.

New Babylon had been the first city Red Skull had vigorously developed after taking control of America. Although it had failed to meet Red Skull’s expectations for certain reasons, it remained the most prosperous trading city in the entire wasteland.

To welcome the Fuhrer’s arrival and better carry out this execution, large numbers of Hydra soldiers gathered in the city streets. They would patrol all of New Babylon and make every necessary defensive preparation.

Red Skull attached great importance to this execution, because to him, it would be his closest opportunity yet to touch another dimension.

If he could truly lure out the so-called Justice League, everything would change drastically. And he, Red Skull, would not merely become the king of this world—he would also leave a bold mark upon another unknown world!

"Fuhrer, the men below have reported that another batch of cross-border merchants has entered New Babylon’s territory. We cannot verify everyone’s identities. To prevent some rats from slipping in, should we close the transport hubs and block all highways?"

Tobias, fat-bellied and deferential, stood beside Red Skull and earnestly offered his suggestion. "After all, winter is approaching. Even if we suspend shipping and trade, we will not lose much money."

"Suspend trade?"

Red Skull slowly turned his head, his eyes calm and unruffled as he looked at Tobias.

"Why would I do that? What do you think I have been planning for so long? I wanted those rats to break in from the start. Otherwise, would not this grand stage I built have been wasted?"

"But…" Tobias found it somewhat difficult to speak. "But there are simply too many people who have slipped in. Not only are there gang members from all over the city now, there is even a large group of mercenaries. Most importantly, our people have found traces of mutants."

"Mutants?" Hearing the word, Red Skull could not help narrowing his eyes. "People from the mutant sanctuary? White Queen Emma Frost has always been a restless woman, even after her political marriage to Doom."

"Doctor Doom seized the clues about the other world before we could. There is a good chance he is involved behind this mutant infiltration as well," Tobias quietly added.

"Now that is interesting."

Red Skull smiled faintly. He stroked the Captain America uniform he wore, his palm passing over one crease after another, over every mark of battle damage, and his expression grew increasingly sinister.

"Wearing this while handling state affairs is quite a special feeling. The relics of old enemies inspire thought better than anything else. Doom, oh Doom.

I had not even gone looking for trouble with him, yet that old bastard had already set his sights on me. It seems the news about the other world has truly made him unable to restrain himself. Fine. The livelier, the better. This is the perfect chance to tell them who the true master of this world is!"

"Of course it is you, Fuhrer. There is no doubt about that." Tobias deeply lowered his head.

"Thank you, Tobias. I have noticed that you possess remarkably sharp observation skills and quick reflexes." Red Skull was quite pleased by Tobias’s words. He revealed a satisfied smile and continued asking.

"So, how are my finest soldiers, as well as the executioner for the sentencing, prepared?"

"They are ready, Fuhrer. Shall I summon them in now so you may address them?" Tobias asked.

Red Skull turned his back and said,

"Send them in."