Heroes from Another Universe

"Tell me in detail, Tobias. I want to know exactly what happened on my land."

Red Skull looked at the words in the document, his heartbeat quickening. This was one of the rare moments in recent years when he felt excited.

"Yes, Fuhrer."

Tobias took out a data transmission device. Once it connected to the mainframe, a video immediately began playing on the large screen in the conference room.

At the same time, over a dozen auxiliary screens activated, displaying screenshots of notable moments from the video so Red Skull could see its contents more clearly.

"This video suddenly appeared on our network the day before yesterday. The original came from Osborn City. It showed three heroes calling themselves the ‘Justice League.’ They seemed to appear out of nowhere and killed Osborn and the superhumans he had recruited head-on, including Enchantress."

"…Osborn City isn’t far from here." Red Skull stared fixedly at the screen.

"That’s right. However, Osborn City has now been occupied by Blood Baron. He renamed it ‘Blood Nest’ and has offered the original video and all the city’s wealth in exchange for your recognition."

"Blood Baron? Remind me, Tobias. Is this Blood Baron the vampire who caused trouble by drinking blood at the bar I opened?" Red Skull asked doubtfully.

"That’s him. After we drove him out, he and his clan wandered the wilderness. This time, he must have picked up an easy win, seizing Osborn City before anyone else after Osborn and the others were killed. Fuhrer, should we…"

As he spoke, Tobias drew a finger across his throat. His meaning could not have been clearer.

Red Skull merely snorted, then said with a faintly amused smile, "He took Osborn City and immediately offered his loyalty. At least he has some brains. Forget it, let him be. He’s just a stray dog."

Tobias silently nodded, then chose his words and continued.

"…Regarding these three superheroes, our technicians have conducted preliminary assessments based on the video. The strongest is the man with the S on his chest. He possesses Superman’s strength, speed, and durability, and he can fire lasers from his eyes. The source of his abilities remains unknown."

"The woman dressed like an ancient soldier is similar to him, but she mainly fights with a one-handed sword and shield. She also has a glowing golden lasso. We still cannot determine the power of those items."

"Finally, the one dressed entirely in black and resembling a bat… our technicians believe he is most likely an ordinary human. He seems similar to Daredevil, with combat ability at most on Moon Knight’s level."

"Mm."

Red Skull gave a slight nod.

"What else? Why do you say they came from another universe? Where is the evidence?"

Having expected Red Skull to ask that question, Tobias answered seriously.

"The witness is Blood Baron. He was hiding at the scene when the battle took place. He overheard the three of them talking. They seemed to be discussing the situation in ‘this universe,’ as well as some kind of plan."

"Wait." Red Skull suddenly spoke. "They have Superman’s strength, so don’t they have Superman’s hearing? How could Blood Baron get that close to them?"

"Well… I can’t say for sure, Fuhrer. Perhaps those people do not have Superman’s hearing. We still don’t understand the heroes from the other universe, after all…"

"Enough. Continue." Red Skull interrupted him again.

"…Uh, yes. As for physical evidence, it was provided by Doctor Doom. When a massive magical fluctuation erupted in Osborn City, Doom was the first to sense it. He also arrived at the scene before we did."

"Doom found Blood Baron first and obtained several fragments of battle suits left behind after the fight. According to Doom’s analysis, the material of those suits is indeed vastly different from anything in our universe."

"Perhaps the periodic tables of the two worlds are identical, but once one examines the more minute molecular level, the differences become easy to spot. In other words, those items definitely did not originate in our universe."

"Could they be visitors from another timeline?" Red Skull asked again.

Tobias frowned at that, then shook his head.

"I don’t think that is very likely. The timeline being fixed is a universally accepted fact. Even Kang left this timeline because of it. I don’t believe time travelers exist, and differences in molecular composition can only occur between different universes, because they reflect differences in the rules governing those universes."

"So it’s true. Visitors from another universe have appeared in this world once again, and they’re a group of otherworldly ‘superheroes.’"

This time, Red Skull’s expression finally changed visibly. A smile slowly appeared on his face, but then, as though he had thought of something, he asked again.

"By the way, where are those battle suit fragments? I want to see them myself."

"They’re ready, Fuhrer." Tobias turned and picked up a case from the counter behind him. After decoding it, he slowly opened it and presented its contents to Red Skull.

"This is one of the better-preserved fragments. It was reportedly left behind during that brutal battle. Blood Baron found an opportunity to steal it from the battlefield."

As Tobias explained, Red Skull examined the item in the case.

It was a belt with a highly conspicuous bat emblem on it. There were also several specially made pouches attached to it, which appeared to have held various weapons and tools.

Red Skull curiously handled the belt, but suddenly discovered that the pouches were empty. A trace of displeasure appeared on his face.

"Where are the other fragments? And the contents of this belt? I refuse to believe there was nothing inside it."

"Actually…" Tobias said with difficulty. "We obtained this belt from Doom. He took all the other evidence with him. I suspect the items from the belt are in his possession as well."

"Doom."

Red Skull’s gaze turned cold.

"That man has been getting increasingly restless lately."

"Fuhrer, Doctor Doom’s reach has indeed become a little too extensive lately. According to intelligence, Doom seems to be privately searching for magical artifacts. Should we take this opportunity to send someone to have a talk with him under some pretext?" Tobias suggested.

Red Skull’s gaze paused, and he seemed tempted.

But when he looked at the large screen and fixed his eyes on the three figures in the video, Red Skull ultimately waved a hand.

"Leave him alone for now. There are no magical artifacts left in this world. We should focus on these superheroes from another universe."

"I don’t care what schemes Doom has, and I don’t care what Bullseye wants to do. The most urgent issue now is how to deal with these people as quickly as possible."

His eyes fell on the bat emblem on the belt. Red Skull fell silent for a moment, then revealed a meaningful smile.

"Looks like I’ll need to have a talk with The Consultant."