Villain Alliance

If there was anywhere in the wasteland where one could find traces of heroes, Osborn City was definitely a place that had to be mentioned.

Ever since he declared war on all the surviving superheroes across the wasteland, a few young people seeking to restore the glory of heroes came here every month to accept the challenge.

Most of these young people were ordinary people who could barely survive. They often had tragically miserable pasts—oppression by gangs, family members devoured by monsters—all reasons that drove them to risk their lives to change this world.

They wore all kinds of suits. Some had been passed down through their families, while others had been designed by themselves. Before coming to Osborn City, they had all been somewhat famous throughout the wasteland.

But after arriving here, none of them ever left.

These heroes were left here forever. Like exhibits in a gallery or mannequins behind display windows, no matter how glorious their pasts had been, they were now nothing more than corpse after corpse, symbols of Osborn’s mockery and ridicule toward heroes.

Riding motorcycles, Zhang Ye’s group passed through the Challenger Gate without obstruction and entered the square known as the Graveyard of Heroes.

"What the f… Are all these people…?" Pietro muttered as he rode between the wooden poles, staring at the remains hanging from them.

"Most of them were heroes from different places. They often fought local gangs or dark creatures, but when they tried to do something better, something greater, they were left here," Ashley said quietly. Clearly, she knew this place better than Zhang Ye and the others.

"Besides heroes, were there others here?" Pietro asked curiously.

"Of course. At first, no one came here to die, so Osborn found plenty of ‘actors.’ Most were ordinary people who had offended him, or lone mutants and Inhumans. Osborn dressed them in ridiculous costumes and promised to set them free if they won."

Ashley’s gaze turned cold as she continued. "It was the same principle as Kingpin’s arena. Simply put, these were all products of ‘entertainment.’ The arena entertained the public, while this place… was merely Osborn’s personal fetish."

"Wouldn’t other villains target these heroes before they came here?" Kara asked curiously as well.

"They wouldn’t. The reason was simple: there was no need. First of all, they were too weak, nowhere near the level of those heroes back then. And their targets were gangs and monsters—things that gave Red Skull headaches in the first place. Since someone was voluntarily dealing with them, he was more than happy to let them."

This time, it was Blood Baron who answered. Having wandered the wasteland for so many years, he had naturally dealt with people like them before.

"These people neither threatened Red Skull’s rule nor helped him deal with local problems. Red Skull wished there were more and more of them. But as you can see, in the eyes of those at the top, they were nothing but pitiful toys."

Listening to Blood Baron’s account, everyone fell silent. Only by truly entering this world could one experience the despair and darkness permeating it.

"Zhang Ye, how much longer until we see Osborn and his Villain Alliance? I can barely wait any longer." Pietro put on his goggles, his clenched fists trembling slightly.

"Don’t rush, Pietro." Zhang Ye stared at the tower drawing ever closer. "They spotted us the moment we came in. I think those people have already begun preparing to ‘welcome’ us."

Sure enough, as though to prove Zhang Ye’s words.

The next moment, the gates in the walls slammed shut, cutting off every route of retreat for Zhang Ye and the others. At the same time, the electronic screen atop the tower suddenly lit up, displaying Zhang Ye’s group of five on their motorcycles.

Bzzzt, bzzzt.

Welcome to Osborn City. After a wait of four long months, we are delighted that a great team such as yours has dared to come here and challenge our authority.

Many people who believe they can become heroes come here to undergo more advanced ‘training.’

But as you can see, they have all become part of the Hero Graveyard. No matter how glorious they once were outside, now they can only serve as their own tombstones.

All forces of resistance will be—

"Stop spouting that fucking nonsense! Osborn, you bastard! If you’ve got the guts, get down here and fight!" Ashley leaped onto a collapsed wall as Venom instantly transformed into a spider suit that covered her body.

.

The tower’s loudspeaker immediately fell silent. Then, the doors at the base of the tower slowly opened.

Apparently, it was not only those outside who could no longer wait. Even the Villain Alliance inside was eager to come out and fight.

Before the doors had fully opened, a green figure suddenly shot out.

"I thought some more impostors would show up, but the descendant of Spider-Man? This is simply the most perfect gift Heaven could have sent me!"

The green monster stood atop a glider, wearing a purple coat. A crazed grin spread across his hideous face as his eyes locked onto Ashley. He was clearly thrilled.

"Old bastard… I’ll rip your guts out, for my grandfather too!" Ashley shot back without the slightest fear.

"Green Goblin, you can’t keep all the fun to yourself!"

At that moment, several more figures emerged from behind Green Goblin Osborn. They were Absorbing Man wielding an iron hammer, the mutant Wild Child, and Shocker, another of Spider-Man’s old archenemies. Besides those three, Zhang Ye’s target on this trip, Enchantress, was among them as well.

But aside from Enchantress, the others were visibly aged. Even Wild Child’s fur had turned snow-white.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Look at them, look at these adorable little ones. Seeing them standing here really makes me nostalgic." Enchantress slowly descended to the ground and threw Zhang Ye’s group a seductive wink.

"Indeed, there are quite a few familiar faces among them. Hey, white-haired brat, has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Quicksilver? Are you some product of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch getting together? Hahaha…!" Absorbing Man sneered.

Faced with the Villain Alliance’s barrage of mockery the moment they met, Pietro did not fly into a rage. He was no longer the reckless idiot he had been back then.

"Give the order, Zhang Ye." Pietro stared grimly at Absorbing Man.

"Leave that witch to me."

Zhang Ye swung himself off his motorcycle, glanced around at everyone beside him, then silently removed the black umbrella from his back.

"The rest of you, handle it yourselves!"

An old classmate was getting married these past couple of days, so there would only be two updates for a few days.