Player 10,000 Year Later (Chainsaw Man ,The Boys) Multiverse later

by xanderzone23

A powerful Gamer MC, the Demon King, descends upon the chaotic crossover world of Chainsaw Man and The Boys, a place where he doesn't belong. With unmatched strength and cunning, he seeks to reclaim his full power—and he fully intends to gather the most captivating women for his harem along the way. Gamer MC . Harem, lemons in the future.

17. Despaired World :New York Incidents

Ten minutes before Homelander was hurled into the sky by the thousand red spears bundled to building sizesummoned by Kang Woo, The Seven had arrived on the streets of Tokyo, positioned a safe distance from the Tokyo Public Devil Hunter HQ. Their ranks included Homelander, The Deep, Black Noir, A-Train, Queen Maeve, Lamplighter, and Translucent—each in their 2012 versions.

From a concealed vantage point, Madelyn Stillwell observed the unfolding scene through binoculars. Stormfront (Klara Risinger) stood beside her, smirking. "What a good job you've done convincing Homelander to invade Japan."

Madelyn gave a sly smile, lowering the binoculars. "I keep a tight leash on him. I know how to play my cards—just had to plant the idea that he'd been humiliated by a Japanese enemy. When he found out the one who summoned that 'White Devil' in Sage Grove Center was speaking Japanese, he was itching for revenge on any Japanese he could find. And if I manage to secure Japan—and, by extension, the secrets to devil contracts—it will make Edgar consider me as his successor."

Stormfront glanced sideways, intrigued. "And Homelander... he's got a thing for Makima?"

Madelyn chuckled. "Once he saw her picture, he became fixated. He actually seemed excited at the thought of forcing Makima to become Vought's property."

On the bustling streets of Tokyo, Homelander scanned the area with narrowed eyes, his expression brimming with impatience. "Where's Swatto? I ordered him to bring Makima once she was weakened," he muttered, his voice edged with irritation.

In a blur of motion and a loud VROOOOM—the distinct sound of high-speed impact—A-Train skidded to a stop in front of him. "He'll be here soon," A-Train reported, his voice strained and breathless.

Around Homelander, the other members of The Seven stood in a tense circle, each carefully maintaining their distance. Despite having heard whispers that Homelander had been humiliated by a mysterious "White Devil," none of them dared to address it. The terrifying unpredictability of his temper and Vought's relentless funding of their fame and fortunes kept them tightly bound to his authority.

Just then, Swatto landed in front of Homelander, his body battered and bruised. "Homelander… Makima… she's gone. She escaped by some… unknown means," he stammered, still catching his breath.

Without warning, Homelander's fist shot out, smashing into Swatto's face, sending him stumbling stammered, holding his nose, eyes wide with fear.

"Call me with sir you're not a member of The Seven, Swatto. You're just a washed-up relic from Team Payback. Only report back with good news," Homelander snapped, the fury in his voice unmistakable.

Swatto nodded shakily, wiping the blood from his face, terrified into silence.

Homelander threw back his head, letting out a scream of frustration. "Huuuarrrggggghhh ! I've been beaten by some nobody who summons Japanese devils, and now my target's slipped through my fingers!"

In a fit of rage, Homelander's eyes glowed crimson as he unleashed his laser vision, slicing through a nearby building. Civilians scattered in panic, screams filling the air as debris rained down onto the streets.

Maeve stepped forward, horror and anger mingling on her face. "What the hell are you doing?" she yelled .

Homelander gave her a cold, dismissive look. "Getting the attention of these Asians," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Suddenly, a news reporter's voice cut through the chaos. "Breaking News: The Seven from Vought have just arrived in Japan. Moments ago, Homelander attacked an abandoned building in downtown Tokyo." Homelander smirked at the mention, turning toward the camera that quickly shifted to him, ready for his twisted message.

"Citizens of Japan," he began, his tone oozing condescension and menace. "For far too long, you've kept the secrets of these devil contracts all to yourselves, hoarding them, hiding them, never sharing them with the rest of the world. And look where that's gotten you—a 'White Devil' tearing through Sage Grove Center in Pennsylvania, leaving untold numbers dead."

He let the silence linger, his smirk widening. "Oh, we did our homework. One of you—you know who you are—chanted something like 'Furube yura yura,' didn't you?" He paused, relishing the unease he was creating. "And I've been generous, haven't I? So far, I've only targeted an abandoned building. But let's be clear—the next target won't be so lucky. So come on out, Control Devil. Face me. Let's settle this once and for all. Justice awaits."

The Seven watched him in horror, unable to disguise their shock at his recklessness. Homelander only shrugged, dismissing their alarm. "What? With this, our target can come closer, right?"

While people ran around in panic, desperate to escape the carnage, one figure stood still amid the chaos, unbothered. He appeared to be examining his arm with a calm, almost detached interest. It was Kang Woo—though neither The Seven nor Homelander had any clue who he was. To them, he was just another face in the crowd, one with an oddly indifferent demeanor given the mayhem surrounding him.

Homelander raised an eyebrow, amused. "Hey, you—Asian! Lead us to this calledPublic Safety Devil Hunter HQ!" he demanded, expecting instant compliance.

Kang Woo continued looking at his arm, ignoring Homelander completely, lost in his own thoughts. I've got a feeling about this, he mused to himself, even though I've killed that reporter and Swatto countless times, resurrected them just as many, and only managed to accumulate 300,000 points each for both Malevolent and Benevolent Points. This is getting tedious.

Irritated by the lack of response, Homelander's expression darkened. "Oyyy! Are you deaf, Asian?" he growled, his voice dripping with contempt.

In response, Kang Woo calmly reached down, gripping the skin of his arm. In one swift motion, he tore the flesh from his forearm, revealing a writhing, flesh-like parasite underneath that seemed to function as a scanner.

Kang Woo scowled, annoyed. Damn you, Gaia. I've broken free of your penalty , and yet you're still attempting to monitor how I use my mana? His irritation was clear as he flexed his now-exposed arm.

Homelander recoiled, shock twisting his features. "What the hell… are you insane?" he spat, taking a step back, momentarily thrown by the unexpected display.

But Kang Woo was unfazed by Homelander's reaction; his mind was piecing together the puzzle before him. This body… it wasn't originally mine. Even though my soul has altered it, it still retains traces of Peter January. He realized, Gaia's version of this world doesn't understand mana—it only knows negative energy. This twisted flesh… it's Gaia's attempt to replicate the way mana and magic work. But it can't touch my demonic energy, which exists beyond this world's grasp. It's as if Gaia is creating its own "hero" to counter me, a Demon King.

As Kang Woo processed this, Translucent, invisible and stealthy, crept forward to ambush him. But suddenly, the sky above Tokyo darkened, an unnatural shadow swallowing the light. The sun itself was eclipsed, casting an eerie gloom over the city. The air thickened, filled with a sense of dread, and then a chorus of tormented voices echoed from above:

"Please… help me… spare me…"

"Let me die, I'm sorry we lied! We don't want to interview Makima anymore!"

"The Americans—they lied! It's not Makima who's dangerous… it's the one standing beside her!"

And then, in a final, anguished shout, a single voice cried out, filled with despair and rage: "Homelander! Because of you, I was kicked out of The Seven! I curse you… curse you to suffer, to endure this cruel fate!"

Homelander's eyes widened in recognition, his fists clenching as he whispered, "Swatto… are you betraying me, you fucking fly?" His voice was filled with fury.

Suddenly, Swatto's eyes went lifeless, his gaze vacant and pale as he stood, looking like a dead man left standing. The sight was unnerving, his skin ashen and drained, as if his very soul had been snuffed out.

The Deep, a.k.a. Kevin Moskowitz, looked to Homelander, his voice trembling with fear. "Homelander, we need to get the fuck out of here now… I don't like this feeling."

Homelander was about to brush him off when the air grew impossibly dense, a stifling presence pressing down on everyone. The sky shifted, darkened, and from the depths of that oppressive blackness, a massive red eye opened, casting its ominous gaze across the land. Its presence was overwhelming, an unbearable weight on the soul of anyone who looked upon it. Then, a single command reverberated throughout Japan,

"Enchain."

Kang Woo's smile spread, his red pupils glowing with an eerie light as he turned his gaze directly onto Homelander. Homelander's instincts screamed danger, and without hesitation, he attempted to kill this man—this was the one behind it all, he thought. But before he could act, Kang Woo's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"100 grams of demonic energy, being use ."

In an instant, Swatto's body exploded, his form scattering into dark fragments, and from the remnants, thousands of blood-red demonic spears coalesced, forming into a structure that towered like a building before slamming into Homelander with brutal force, sending him hurtling skyward, battered and bruised.

The Seven could only watch in horror, the terror etched deeply in their faces. They stood frozen, unable to look away from Kang Woo, who calmly raised his right hand, brushing his hair back, while his left hand extended in a familiar, sinister gesture, reminiscent of Sukuna's triumph. His voice, calm yet dripping with menace, echoed around them. ( img here )

"In every world and level of hell… the insects come crawling... out of the woodwork."

Kang Woo's smile widened, and in an instant, he shot forward at Mach 3, a deafening BOOM splitting the air as he streaked through the thousand blood-red spears that towered like a building, his sheer speed and presence making the structure shudder as he passed. The Seven watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what they were seeing.

A-Train, visibly shaken, muttered, "I only max out at Mach 1.3… This guy…"

Translucent, dropping his invisibility, smirked bitterly. "He's better at running than you, buddy," he muttered, unable to tear his gaze away.

As Homelander scrambled to recover mid-air, Kang Woo extended his hand, fingers curling in a sinister, spider-like gesture. "Kyodaigumo," he intoned with chilling calm. Out of the shadows, a colossal black spider, twice the weight of a presidential plane, materialized above Homelander. With a swift, merciless descent, the spider crashed into him, sending him hurtling into the ground below, leaving a massive crater in his wake.

Without a moment's pause, Kang Woo formed his fingers into a hand-catapult gesture. Suddenly, a towering twenty-six-fingered hand emerged from the ground, forming a staircase of fingers leading down into the crater. With each measured step, Kang Woo descended, his gaze fixed on the battered Homelander below, a gleam of satisfaction flickering in his eyes as he closed in on his prey.

At the exposed wall of the Public Safety Devil Hunter HQ, Princi, the Spider Devil, looked on with astonishment. "That's… not how my ability works," she murmured in disbelief.

The Hell Devil nodded, equally perplexed. "Nor mine… It seems the noble one has his own… unique approach."

From their position, only fifty meters away from the battleground, Makima and her allies watched with wide eyes, witnessing how Kang Woo wielded their borrowed powers with unmatched creativity and deadly precision.

In the crater, Homelander coughed, "Cough, cough" as he struggled to rise, his eyes blazing with fury. "There's no way a devil could damage me! How could an Asian, an inferior nobody from Japan, have the audacity to challenge me—a Supe, an American?!"

Kang Woo looked down at him with calm disdain. His voice steady, he commanded, "Fox Devil… KON!" A surge of power coursed through the air. "With Angel Devil's life force absorption… demonic energy: one thousand grams ."

A colossal fox head emerged, glowing with a menacing aura, a red missile clamped in its jaws. With a sudden, vicious snap, the fox launched the missile straight at Homelander. Homelander barely dodged, moving just in time, but the shockwave sent him staggering.

Snarling, he fired his laser eyes at full force, screaming, "Huuuaaahhh!" His beams blazed toward Kang Woo, intent on obliteration.

Kang Woo merely smirked, raising his hand. "Demonic energy: one hundred grams." A shimmering red shield materialized, pushing forward against Homelander's lasers, deflecting the attack with ease.

Kang Woo then glanced at his exposed hand, noticing the flesh parasite writhing, looking sickly from the intense usage of demonic energy. From the opposite building, Makima and Angel Devil observed, a hint of concern crossing Makima's mind. Is that… some kind of curse or ill effect?

Kang Woo then pointed a single finger at Homelander. "Hell Devil, Fox Devil, Angel Devil, Spider Devil… combined demonic energy usage: Two Kilograms ," he announced, a dark smile playing on his lips.

As their names were called, the devils dropped to one knee, visibly weakened by the surge. Princi, the Spider Devil, was panting heavily. Angel Devil collapsed onto one knee, gasping, "I've… never felt so much negative energy flowing through me. It's… too much."

Makima's gaze grew more intense, her concern blending with silent admiration as she watched Kang Woo's display.

Above, the sky split open, revealing a thousand hellish doors, each holding a crimson spear aimed downward. Homelander's eyes widened, realizing the threat before him.

Kang Woo's voice cut through the chaos, cold and contemptuous. "Failed product. Still a failure, even now."

Homelander's instincts kicked in. He shot into the sky, desperate to escape.

With a single clap, Kang Woo declared, "Yosh!" Instantly, a thousand spears launched from the sky, each one honing in on Homelander's path. Homelander barely dodged, feeling one spear tear through his shoulder. Madelyn was right, he thought, anger and desperation flickering in his mind. Japan needs to be brought to submission.

But the assault was far from over. More hellish doors opened in the sky, each harboring a menacing red spear, ready to rain down with deadly intent. As Homelander twisted and turned to dodge, the unleashed barrage struck Tokyo relentlessly. Every missed spear slammed into buildings, tearing through steel and concrete with merciless precision.

Homelander darted below the towering structures of Tokyo at supersonic speeds, he quickly realized that the sky was not safe . Flying just a couple of meters above ground, he narrowly avoided the onslaught of colossal fox mouths that appeared from every building's surface, snapping and lunging to devour him as he zigzagged through the cityscape.

But before he could catch his breath, a thunderous snap echoed across Tokyo, shaking the entire city. In an instant, twenty-four massive spider legs, each extending in a 200-meter radius, burst from the ground, slamming together like a monstrous Venus flytrap. The force of the clash was immense, pushing aside buildings, snapping power lines, and flattening everything caught within their reach.

The devastation was staggering. Multiple blocks were left in ruins, buildings crumbling under the impact. Dust and debris filled the air, leaving the landscape a chaotic wasteland. Roads were shattered, vehicles lay crushed under fallen structures, and the surviving civilians scrambled to escape the fallout.

Homelander himself was caught in the aftermath, suffering deep gashes across his body. While his life wasn't yet in critical danger, his health had dropped by a considerable margin—down to roughly 30% of his full strength. Blood streaked down his suit, his breaths ragged as he hovered, barely keeping aloft amidst the destruction. For the first time, he looked truly shaken, realizing he was not facing a mere threat, but an unstoppable force.

From a safe distance, Madelyn watched the devastation unfold, her composure cracking as she yelled, "Klara, why the fuck is this happening again?" Panic tinged her voice as the chaos raged before her.

Stormfront remained silent, her expression hardening as she took in the scene. Then, with a surge of electrokinesis, she flew toward Homelander's location at high speed, her eyes fixed on homelander .

Homelander hovered shakily above the ground, his vision spinning as he struggled to regain control. Suddenly, his knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground, coughing and retching, his body unable to process the immense shock and blood loss he'd endured. Gurgling sounds punctuated the scene as he vomited onto the ground, his breaths labored and unsteady.

In the midst of the wreckage, a massive hellish door materialized with a deep, menacing creak, and from it, Kang Woo stepped forward, his form calm and composed. In his left hand, he wielded a sword infused with Angel Devil's life-absorption ability, its aura crackling with demonic energy as if charged by the very essence of hell.

Stormfront landed squarely between Kang Woo and Homelander, eyeing Kang Woo with defiance. "Wait a minute," she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "You think it's fair to use four devils at once? That's cheating, isn't it… Asian?"

Kang Woo placed his hand on his chin, eyes narrowed with an air of quiet contemplation. "Alright, let's not waste time," he replied calmly. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

Stormfront's eyes lit up with smug satisfaction. "Simple," she sneered. "We'll make this a Tournament of Heroes. A real test of strength. After all, Japan lost to America in World War II, didn't it? Let's keep it fair—you bring seven of your people, no devil contracts allowed. We'll choose the terrain."

( NOTE : world war 2 devils is not devour yet by chainsaw devil )

Her smile grew wider. "And the stakes? Anything goes. The winner decides what the loser has to give up. Let's say… if Japan wins, they can erase every war penalty and debt that's weighed you down since WWII. But that's just one idea," she added, voice thick with superiority. "Anything is possible for the victor; the loser, meanwhile, has no right to refuse."

Inwardly, she thought, There's no way this man isn't loyal to Japan. After making those devil contracts, he's clearly willing to do whatever it takes to fight Homelander. He'll take the bait.

Kang Woo's gaze was inscrutable as he weighed her words. As I expected, he mused. This world has its own twisted version of wargames like Danmachi's or DXD's Rating Games. And, of course, Stormfront is manipulating the situation, pulling everyone along into her own mess.

Kang Woo's smile grew, a twisted, dangerous grin that sent a shiver through Stormfront's spine. "Alright," he said, his eyes glinting with madness. In that moment, the sword in his left hand, infused with Angel Devil's power, suddenly shattered into dust. Twenty minutes are up, huh? he thought. They severed their contracts as ordered. Good. And it seems this parasite is reacting poorly to demonic energy—probably tied to Peter January's body itself. Something about it is unsettling.

Seeing the momentary shift in his demeanor, Stormfront sensed an opportunity. She didn't hesitate; charging her electrokinesis, she split Kang Woo's body in half with a single, deadly strike. For a brief moment, she believed she'd won.

Homelander sneered, hovering over Kang Woo's lifeless form. "Serves you right, Asian," he scoffed, glancing at Stormfront. "Good work , Stormfront."

Stormfront, beaming with satisfaction, pulled out her phone, flipping open her camera to record her supposed victory. "Hi, guys!" she chirped into her phone, her voice brimming with arrogance. "I'm here with The Seven's very own Homelander, and hey—maybe I'll be the next member if one of them ever… retires."

She aimed the camera at Kang Woo's body, zooming in on the bloodied remains. "Look at this," she sneered. "This war criminal's the reason for all the chaos here, but don't worry! I'm bringing Japan to justice, with Homelander by my side, of course. And there's more—there's going to be a Tournament of Heroes between The Seven and Japan's champions! This match will finally reveal all the twisted secrets Japan's been hiding. Imagine that!"

Homelander smirked, clearly entertained by the prospect of humiliating the entire country. But his smile faltered as he noticed something strange about the body before him. One of Kang Woo's arms looked untouched.

"It's a fake!" he shouted, the realization dawning in his eyes.

Suddenly, a resounding BANG echoed as Stormfront staggered back, clutching her hip in shock, nearly dropping her phone. Her smirk vanished, replaced by confusion and pain as she looked down at the bleeding wound that had appeared without warning. The camera in her hand wobbled, catching the surprise on her face.

A portal opened nearby, swirling with dark energy, and from it stepped Kang Woowith Makima by his side. Both stood with an eerie calmness, their expressions unreadable yet deeply unsettling.

Kang Woo looked at Stormfront, a smirk dancing on his lips as he addressed her directly. "Shall I play my defense cards?" he asked.

Makima observed quietly, her eyes narrowing in realization. Now I understand, she thought. The reason he made those four contracts with the devils from this world—it was all part of a setup, carefully constructed through false information to make others believe he's reliant on multiple contracts. His true abilities remain hidden, unrevealed.

Though, knowing him, she mused, it's likely just an option he prepared, rather than a necessity.

Her gaze drifted to Kang Woo's exposed arm, where a strange parasite wriggled within the torn flesh. She could sense his irritation radiating more intensely at the sight of the parasite than at thefarcical "tournament" Stormfront had proposed.

Stormfront gritted her teeth, struggling to maintain her composure. "The battle is over, Asian. We won. We'll settle this at the Tournament of Heroes."

Just then, Kang Woo's supposed corpse, lying nearby, suddenly morphed, the body dissolving into a silver , symbiote-like liquid. The liquid mass coalesced into an arm piece from Superior Iron Man's armor, wrist blade extended, which flew toward Stormfront, slicing cleanly through her ring and little fingers, making her drop her phone in shock. The severed fingers hit the ground as she gasped, clutching her bleeding hand.

The armor component then flew through the air, attaching seamlessly to Kang Woo's exposed right arm, partially encasing it in sleek, gleaming metal. He flexed his fingers, admiring the transformation. "Just like in the comics," he remarked with a sly grin. "The Endo-Sym Armor Mark 50 is… quite something."

As Kang Woo flexed his newly armored arm with a satisfied grin, the rest of The Seven finally converged on the scene. They stared in shock at Homelander's bruised, battered form and Stormfront, clutching her bleeding hand where two fingers had just been sliced off.

Stormfront, her voice shaking, shouted in a dazed fury, "What are you waiting for?! F-Fuck them… kiss them!"

A-Train, utterly baffled, muttered, "What the fuck did she just say?"

Makima chuckled, her voice lilting with amusement. "She's in shock, boys. She meant to say, kill Them ."

Just then, a massive, six-fingered hand materialized in the sky, casting a shadow over them. Before they could react, the hand descended, grasping them with a firm grip, and in an instant, they were teleported away, the scenery shifting abruptly around them.

When they blinked, they found themselves standing in the bustling, familiar streets of New York, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. Kang Woo watched in silence, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked to Makima, who seemed quietly pleased.

"Makima, is this part of your grand event?" Kang Woo asked, his tone laced with amusement.

Makima responded telepathically, through the connection forged by the Commandment Given by kang woo . Nope, not me, she replied calmly, though her gaze shifted to an open hellish door that had appeared beside kang woo and makima . Emerging from it was none other than Kishibe, the veteran devil hunter himself, his rugged presence exuding both experience and menace.

Makima's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Ah, the bad blood between our esteemed devil hunter and your dear Stormfront. This should be quite the spectacle."

Kang Woo's smile darkened, a glint of satisfaction . "The Control Devil wasn't enough I causetrouble in Tokyo," he murmured, his voice dripping with irony. "Now she's brought it to New York City… turning it into the New York Incident."

Then, Makima's voice slipped telepathically into Kang Woo's mind again, her curiosity laced with concern. "Why is there a parasite embedded in your right arm? I saw the results of you tear off your flesh just to examine it."

Kang Woo's thoughts turned sharp and calculated. "It's Gaia's doing. The world itself is trying to craft a hero who can wield mana-based abilities someone who could eventually use magic as I do and, by extension, you through the Commandment. Gaia's attempts to counter me are only becoming more… creative."

Makima thought over his response, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place. Now I fullyunderstand his action although a bit strange , she mused to herself. The reason he borrowed power from the devils in my world—Fox Devil, Angel Devil, Princi, and Hell Devil—and then severed the contracts immediately, wasn't just for the tournament the Supes proposed. It was part of a larger strategy, a plan designed to create this situation, hitting two birds with one stone, causing both Gaia and Vought to suffer.

The parasite embedded in his arm was an unfortunate revelation, though, something he'd only recently noticed and something that clearly irritated him.

Her gaze shifted to his right arm, where a sleek layer of liquid silver armor had formed, covering the parasite embedded in his flesh

Makima's thoughts continued, processing the implications of the parasite's response to Kang Woo's power. Using demonic energy so recklessly as he did before must have sickened the parasite. Gaia seems to have no real understanding of demonic energy—it's only focused on understanding and countering mana-based power. The malice and sheer malevolence of Kang Woo's demonic energy is seems to slow or decline gaia progress to craft a hero in this world .

The parasite, designed to analyze and potentially disrupt mana usage, faltered when faced with Kang Woo's dark and uniquely malevolent energy, causing it to lose its hold and struggle within him.

As Kishibe emerged from the hellish door, his gaze immediately locked onto Stormfront, a sharp, deadly gleam in his eyes.

Stormfront's face twisted with rage, and she screamed, "KISHIBEEEEEEE!"

Her reaction took The Seven by surprise—even Homelander raised an eyebrow, wondering what history existed between the devil hunter and Stormfront. In their minds, they asked themselves, Did these two know each other?

Kang Woo stood silently beside Makima, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he observed.

Makima glanced at Kishibe with a playful expression. "Need any help, Kishibe?" she teased.

Kishibe, in his typical unflinching manner, merely shook his head, exuding confidence without a word. He was sure That he would win. ( nah id win )

Without hesitation, Stormfront charged forward, her body a blur as she flew straight at Kishibe, fist drawn back. In a split-second decision, Kishibe braced himself, sacrificing his left arm to absorb the full force of her punch. The impact was devastating, the brutal strength behind her blow on par with what he remembered of her brother, Klaus Risinger.

Kishibe was hurled back with tremendous force, crashing through two buildings in New York City as Stormfront pursued him.

Meanwhile, Kang Woo calmly activated the full-body Superior Iron Man armor, except for the helmet, but he used it to restrict, rather than amplify, his power. He knew that even a single unrestrained punch could obliterate any one of The Seven.

In the shadows, a familiar weapon appeared—the playful cloud staff, the very three-section weapon Toji had once wielded. With it in hand, Kang Woo walked slowly toward The Seven, each step radiating an air of terrifying calm. The sight was enough to chill their confidence; they had seen of how this man had reduced Homelander to 30% of his prime condition with ease, slashed Stormfront's fingers, and crushed any illusions of their invincibility. ( img here )

Attempting to muster some courage, The Deep stepped forward, puffing himself up with a mask of fake confidence. "Listen up!" he declared, his voice shaky but trying to sound authoritative. "How about you both just surrender? After all," he continued, glancing from Kang Woo to Makima, "you're both out of contracts, right? So… you're powerless against us, the heroes of justice!"

Kang Woo tilted his head, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Very poor choice of words," he murmured.

In a flash, Kang Woo struck with blinding speed, using Playful Cloud to send The Deep flying with a single, powerful smack. The blow launched The Deep out of Manhattan and straight into the ocean, where he disappeared beneath the waves. The remaining members of The Seven watched in horror as their comrade vanished, completely overwhelmed—and when they turned back, Kang Woo was gone as well.

A sudden, chilling voice echoed, "BANG!" followed by a scream of agony. "AAAAAAHHHH! My arm!" Translucent dropped his invisibility, clutching his remaining left arm, which had been severed . His eyes wide with terror, he spotted Makima calmly holding a finger in a gun-like gesture, aimed precisely at where he stood.

The Seven turned their attention to her, and realization dawned—they'd found their target. But doubts crept into their minds as they remembered what they'd been told: Wasn't Makima supposed to be weakened?

A-Train swallowed, thoughts racing. Didn't Madelyn say she was defenseless? Then how can she harm a us The Seventhis easily? He shot a quick, nervous glance at his teammates.

Lamplighter tightened his grip on his staff, building up an enormous fireball as a bead of sweat rolled down his brow. I'll need a full blast to even have a chance, he thought, feeling the weight of desperation.

Queen Maeve, brandishing her sword with a fierce resolve, rallied the others. "To arms, heroes!" she shouted. "We'll vanquish this evil!"

Black Noir remained silent, his eyes narrowing, poised to strike.

Makima stood perfectly still, her calm gaze fixed on the Seven as they remained frozen in place, their fear paralyzing them. Her amusement grew, and after a few prolonged moments, she lifted her hand in a taunting gesture, her fingers curling in a silent dare. Come and get me already. Her stance radiated contempt, the unspoken challenge clear. Aren't you supposed to be heroes? And we're the 'evil' you're here to vanquish, right?

Unable to resist, A-Train broke the silence, adrenaline overriding caution as he sped forward. Maeve shouted, "Wait, A-Train! She's provoking you!" But A-Train ignored her, pushing his speed beyond its usual limit to Mach 1.5, his intent fixed on taking Makima down in one decisive strike.

Just as he reached her, Makima's smile deepened. In a swift, fluid motion, she conjured her Sword of Darkness and drove it into his stomach, piercing him cleanly. A-Train's momentum faltered as he crumpled, falling unconscious at her feet.

Lamplighter saw his opportunity and summoned all his power, his hands igniting in a massive fireball. He prepared to launch it, hoping to turn the tide. But just as he released it, an excruciating pain exploded in his spine. He fell to his knees, paralyzed. Through blurred vision, he turned and saw Black Noir standing behind him, the blade lodged deep in his back.

"Why… Noir?" Lamplighter gasped.

As he looked closer, he noticed a faint, ethereal chain extending from Black Noir's back, connecting him to Makima. The horrifying realization struck him: Makima had been controlling Noir all along, using him as her silent weapon, even before she provoked them into attacking.

Queen Maeve's voice rang out, strong and resolute, her eyes blazing with defiance as she tightened her grip on her sword. "You villains… always hiding behind twisted, underhanded tactics, using manipulation instead of honor! We may be outmatched, but we'll stand for justice, no matter the cost!" Her stance was unwavering, a symbol of resilience and courage that had inspired countless others.

Makima regarded her with a chilling smirk, her Sword of Darkness glinting ominously. With one swift motion, she shattered Maeve's sword, splintering it into pieces. Maeve stumbled back, shock flickering in her eyes, but Makima's cold gaze held her firmly in place.

"Speeches are cheap," Makima murmured, her tone dripping with contempt. She glanced dismissively at the fallen members of the Seven, sprawled and broken around her. "Yourcomrades? They're little more than corpses waiting to fall."

She stepped closer, her expression turning slightly curious as she looked Maeve up and down. "But you, Goody two shoes … you're different. Interesting, even." Makima's gaze flicked briefly to Homelander, who knelt a short distance away, his breath labored, still reeling from the beating Kang Woo had dealt him earlier. "And yet," she continued, her tone almost mocking, "even you, the mighty Queen Maeve, tolerate this… abuse at his hands. How noble… and how pitiful."

Makima slipped her hands into the pockets of her black trench coat, her voice cool and almost inviting. "Come on, Goody two shoes . Let's talk. The more we chat… the less likely innocent civilians get caught up in all this, right?"

Queen Maeve hesitated, her resolve flickering. She could feel the weight of Makima's power—an unsettling presence far beyond anything she had anticipated. Inwardly, Maeve grappled with her decision, knowing that Makima was at the peak of her strength. And this power, the dark sword she could summon effortlessly from her palm… it was something that went beyond what she'd been told.

As Maeve reluctantly resigned herself to follow, Homelander, still bruised and battered in the distance, shouted in protest, "Maeve! If you go with her, I swear, I'll make Elena—" His words cut off abruptly, his voice vanishing as he clutched his throat, panic and fury twisting his face.

Makima's cold, silent glare kept him rooted in place, her unspoken command rendering him speechless. Without another word, she turned and continued walking, her calm steps exuding a terrifying, unassailable authority. Left with no choice, Maeve followed, her mind spinning with questions and dread as she trailed behind the enigmatic woman.

Once they were far enough from the helpless Homelander, Makima broke the silence. Her tone was direct,. "Since you hate boring speeches, I'll keep it simple. I need you to be my eyes and ears within Vought. In exchange, Elena—the woman you love—will be protected absolutely. Anywhere she walks, any country she lives in, she'll be untouchable. You'll also gain more freedom in your daily life. A fair trade, don't you think?"

Maeve's expression hardened. "You know Homelander, right? He can fly. He has absurd charisma. Just a few words from him are enough to sway the public. What makes you think a devil like you, someone who's only just regained her lost power, can stand against him?"

Makima's lips curled into a faint, amused smile. "Your Seven, including Homelander—the one you fear—are nothing but talking corpses waiting for their turn. You saw it yourself. The King has already beaten him to within an inch of his life."

Maeve blinked. "The King?" she echoed in confusion.

Makima's gaze softened for a moment, a rare and reverent look crossing her face. "Yes. Kang Woo, my husband—the one I worship and love. He's the one who crushed Homelander. And now, he's chasing that so-called strongest Supe after Homelander, The Deep. I'd wager he's regretting every moment of his life right about now."

Maeve frowned, processing the gravity of Makima's words before steeling herself. "And what if I refuse your offer?"

Makima's smile didn't falter, but her tone turned sharp and cutting. "Nothing happens. Maybe I'll indulge you with one of those boring speeches you seem to despise. Here's one: you're the only goody two-shoes in a group of corporate slave drivers, led by the worst kind of leader—a man who can't even speak to his own team without breaking them. Keep that resolve for another dozen years, Maeve . Eventually, you'll leave The Seven on your own, but by then… you'll be nothing more than a discarded trashcan, forgotten and irrelevant."

Maeve flinched slightly at the venom in Makima's words but kept her composure. "I'll think about your offer," she said cautiously. "I can't just give you my answer now."

Makima's smile grew darker, her tone still calm but carrying a menacing edge. "Hmm," she hummed in response, seemingly indifferent.

Maeve, summoning her courage and pride, squared her shoulders, speaking with defiance. "Before I even consider answering, tell me this: how are you going to protect Elena? You're powerful in Japan, sure, but you don't know the lengths Vought will go to weaken you or capture you. You've only just realized their plans, haven't you? And that husband of yours—why trust him so completely? From my point of view, you should surrender to Vought, keep the peace for your country."

Makima froze at Maeve's words, and then a laugh broke the silence.

"Heh… heh… heh…" The sound was low at first, but it grew louder, carrying a cold, unrelenting malice. "Ha… ha… ha… HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"You want to know how I'll protect Elena?" Makima's voice turned mocking, almost pitying. "That only happens after you, Queen Maeve, the goody two-shoes, accept my offer."

Makima's smile vanished in an instant, her face darkening as her tone dropped to something far more sinister. "But your insult… questioning my trust in my king…" Her words hung in the air, the weight of her rage building. "That's an insult I will not tolerate. Never speak of my king like that again."

Behind her, a single black wing unfurled, stretching wide and ominous. A blood-red halo glowed above her head, casting an otherworldly light. Around them, crows began to circle, their cries echoing like an omen of death.

Makima stepped closer, her presence suffocating. "As for your question about his power… You have no idea who you're dealing with. The King is playing right now. He's toying with this world because it amuses him. But if his mood sours? If he decides to stop playing? That America you're so proud of…" Her eyes gleamed with cruel certainty. "It will be reduced to ashes. Your continent will sink, and your people will vanish into nothingness."

Queen Maeve, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of Makima's words and the oppressive aura surrounding her, lowered her head. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice subdued. "I won't speak like that again."

Makima's sharp gaze softened, and then she laughed—a stark contrast to her earlier menace. "Pftttt… ahahahaha!" It was almost mocking, yet somehow lighter. "Good. We'll get along just fine, Goody Two Shoes."

She stepped back, her tone now casual but still carrying that edge of dominance. "Don't worry," she added, her words almost teasing. "The King is fair. He rewards everyone equally—based on their performance. Just do your part, and you'll see what I mean."

Meanwhile, on the vast sea surrounding Manhattan, Kang Woo chased The Deep with unrestrained glee, sprinting across the water's surface and creating massive waves with each step.

The Deep's mind raced, panic edging his thoughts. I'm supposed to be the one who rules the sea… yet I'm being hunted by this lunatic!

Desperately, he commanded the nearby fish to swarm Kang Woo, hoping to slow him down. But Kang Woo, wielding Playful Cloud, spun the staff in an effortless blur, striking and scattering the sea creatures with each powerful sweep. The relentless barrage unnerved The Deep further, and in a last-ditch attempt, he signaled for two massive whales to intercept and submerge Kang Woo.

As Kang Woo disappeared beneath the surface, the whales began descending, believing their powerful, coordinated strike had subdued their target. But in the eerie quiet of the deep sea, they had gravely underestimated their opponent.

Meanwhile, back on the sea surface, The Deep surfaced for air, gasping desperately. Hah… hah… (heavy breathing) filled the air as he clutched his chest, his mind still reeling from the impossible sight he'd just witnessed. "How the hell… does that guy run on water?" he muttered to himself, trying to regain his composure. "No one's supposed to have strength like ours… not like this."

Suddenly, the sea split in two with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves that rippled through Manhattan, shaking buildings and startling the island's inhabitants. A violent tremor pulsed through the water as Kang Woo's Playful Cloud sliced through the depths, shredding the two whales that had dared to challenge him.

The Deep's face contorted in horror as he saw the mangled remains of the creatures he'd called to aid him. "D-Dora… Darry… NOOOO!" he wailed, grief and shock twisting his features.

But Kang Woo only grinned, his expression twisted with a manic glee. "No time to mourn, eh, fishman?" With a swift, brutal swing of Playful Cloud, he struck The Deep once more, sending him hurtling through the air like a rag doll. He crashed through building after building, finally skidding to a halt on the streets, a crumpled figure lying just twenty meters in front of Makima.

Makima looked down at The Deep's battered form, her expression cold and unreadable as he lay defeated before her. She cast a glance back at Queen Maeve, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Aren't you going to save him… or not?" she taunted, her voice dripping with mock concern.

Maeve stood motionless, her eyes filled with conflicted emotions. She said nothing, her silence betraying the corruption within Vought and The Seven. Despite everything, she found herself unable to act.

In a sudden blur of motion, Kang Woo appeared next to The Deep. His speed was so immense it gave the illusion of teleportation. The Deep struggled to breathe, looking up in terror as Kang Woo leaned in closer, his grin manic and unrestrained. With almost gleeful malice, Kang Woo began sharpening Playful Cloud, the weapon screeching with each movement, filling the air with an ominous criiieeenkkkk criiiieeenkkkk. Sparks flew in a brilliant display, the edge of the weapon shining brighter and deadlier with each stroke.

Makima's eyes narrowed, observing him carefully. That weapon… it caused tremors throughout Manhattan, she mused. And now Kang Woo intends to sharpen it even further.

Meanwhile, Maeve's thoughts raced as she stood frozen in horror. Is he seriously going to kill a member of The Seven… right here, in New York City, with Vought Tower looming nearby? The consequences of such an act spiraled in her mind: Vought's collapse, the Seven's disbandment, and the inevitable chaos.

Kang Woo shifted his stance, preparing for a barrage of strikes with the now razor-sharp Playful Cloud. His eyes locked on The Deep, who was trembling violently.

The Deep stammered desperately, "H-have mercy! Oh great Asian… from Tokyo…"

Kang Woo's grin widened as he replied, his voice dripping with mockery. "Sorry… all out of mercy."

Before he could strike, Maeve fell to her knees in a sudden dogeza pose, bowing low before Kang Woo, her face inches from the ground. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "This is the pose to beg for forgiveness, right? This humiliating form…" She clenched her fists. "Please… spare his life. If he dies here, in New York, right under Vought Tower, it'll all fall apart. The Seven will be disbanded. Vought's ads, their commercials… everything will collapse. And me? I'll be stuck in an impossible situation."

Kang Woo paused, lowering Playful Cloud slightly as his crimson eyes flickered with amusement. Slowly, he turned his gaze toward Makima, who stood nearby, her dark wing unfurled and her glowing halo casting an eerie light over the scene.

In her mind, she heard Kang Woo's telepathic voice, laced with sardonic humor. Are you advertising me now?

Makima's lips curled into a faint smirk as she responded telepathically, her tone calm yet mischievous. More like we need a slave… a supeQueen Maeve to act as your arms, ears, and perhaps even lick your feet if it comes to that.

Kang Woo chuckled internally, his amusement growing. Technically, even without a spy, I've already pieced together every failed corporate agenda they have. But since you're my first wife and it's your suggestion… I'll listen.

As Kang Woo stood, the tension in the air suddenly shifted with the arrival of a new challenger. Mr. Marathon, the predecessor of A-Train, appeared before the scene with Tek Knight following closely behind. Tek Knight's suit gleamed under the city lights, equipped with cutting-edge enhancements. On his feet were specialized propulsion units, sleek and compact, designed to amplify his speed to Mach 2.5, complementing his natural agility and making him a formidable foe in the realm of speed.

Mr. Marathon struck a heroic pose, pointing directly at Kang Woo. "The hero has arrived to vanquish evil! And I see the first evil right here!" His gaze locked on Kang Woo, his declaration ringing with confidence. "In the name of justice, I'll defeat you!"

With a burst of speed, Mr. Marathon shot forward, his movement creating a sonic boom as he accelerated to Mach 2.5. His fist drew back, aimed directly at Kang Woo, his intent clear: to take down this terrifying opponent.

But to Kang Woo, the self-proclaimed hero was painfully slow. Too weak. Too predictable. With a condescending smirk, Kang Woo muttered, "You sure have a lot of speeches for someone about to die."

Before Mr. Marathon could even register what was happening, a sharp pain erupted in his chest. His eyes widened in shock as blood spurted from his mouth " Gahrgggghhhh" . Playful Cloud, Kang Woo's weapon of choice, had already pierced his heart. The staff, with its broken chain attachments, had been hurled with such precision and force that it impaled him completely, pinning him mid-motion.

Kang Woo appeared next to him in an instant, grasping Playful Cloud firmly. With a dark, twisted grin, he began a barrage of strikes, each movement deliberate and devastating. The first blow shattered Mr. Marathon's ribs, sending fragments piercing into his lungs. The second strike tore through his abdomen, rupturing vital organs with grotesque efficiency. The third and final piercing strike split through his spinal cord, leaving his body limp and lifeless.

Blood sprayed in every direction, painting the street in a macabre display. Mr. Marathon's body collapsed to the ground, a mangled ruin, his once-proud speed and bravado reduced to nothing. Kang Woo stood over him, Playful Cloud resting on his shoulder, its edge glinting with crimson.

He looked down at the corpse, shaking his head mockingly. "Justice, huh? You couldn't even see it coming."

Behind him, Maeve, still in her dogeza pose, trembled as a thought raced through her mind. Is this how I'll end up if I try to fight him? Just like that—reduced to a mangled corpse like Mr. Marathon?

Nearby, The Deep, clutching his battered body, allowed his idiotic musings to take over. I miss my dolphin… and my octopus… I should've made love to them before coming on this mission, he thought, tears pooling in his eyes as his foolish regrets clouded his pain.

Kang Woo ignored their reactions entirely. Instead, he turned to Makima, his crimson gaze sharp but calm. "Makima, what's going on with Kishibe and Stormfront? ," he said .

In his thoughts, however, a rare flicker of frustration emerged. I don't know about that? How is that possible? Even if this world has a new lore structure, I've already uncovered every single detail. And yet, there's one piece of information that managed to escape my grasp?

Makima, who had been watching Kang Woo with an amused expression, saw an opportunity to turn the tables for once. Playfully, she reached out and ruffled his hair, patting his head like a child.

"The man with a thousand plans doesn't know something about his comrades?" she teased, her voice brimming with mock surprise. "Shame on you, Kang Woo."

Kang Woo smirked, leaning in to tease Makima as he kissed her cheek. "Alright, you got your revenge for all my teasing," he said slyly, his tone light but affectionate. "Now, as for myreward, tell me—what makes Stormfront so bloodthirsty that she's ready to kill Kishibe?"

Makima's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of red, a rare sight for the usually composed Control Devil. Inwardly, her thoughts swirled. He's the King, yet he kissed me in public… Her lips curved into a faint smile as she thought, I can't even hide this embarrassment, but… I love you, Kang Woo. And I'm glad you're willing to declare your love for me so openly. I'm still incapable of hiding my feelings when he teases me. Ahhh, if my old self could see me now, she'd be ashamed. However, no matter what he does—whether it's good, bad, or downright trolling—I'm always glad. Kang Woo's tenacity to troll someone might drive others insane, but to me… it's perfect.

Makima took a calming breath, her demeanor shifting back to its usual cool composure. "It's an old conflict," she began. "In the past, the Supes and us, the Public Safety Devil Hunters, crossed paths. It wasn't just a skirmish; it was a war. Kishibe won decisively, killing Stormfront's brother, Klaus Risinger. And now, Stormfront—Klara Risinger—has crossed paths with Kishibe again. Naturally, she wants revenge. That's why she's ready to fight to the death."

Kang Woo chuckled, amused by the unfolding narrative. "So the Nazi super-soldier is out for vengeance, hunting down the Nazi-aligned former ally—where you reside, Makima, The Japanese , The Former AxisAlliance ." He grinned, his crimson eyes gleaming. "What a twist to this plot."

Makima tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharpening as she added, "As expected, the Chainsaw Devil, who devoured the Nazi Devil and erased its concept, didn't affect you, Kang Woo."

Kang Woo's grin grew as he spoke, his voice brimming with a mix of amusement and dominance. "Of course not. Concepts like that are toys to me, mere constructs of a world that struggles to comprehend true power."

With a fluid motion, the Endo-Sym Armor Mark 50 that encased his body began to shift, the liquid-like metal reforming and elongating. Within seconds, it had transformed into a sleek, high-tech sniper rifle, its barrel glowing faintly with the energy of a long-range beam weapon.

However, before he could position it, Makima raised a hand to stop him, her voice calm but firm. "I believe Kishibe will win."

Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, his expression turning skeptical. "No, you don't," he countered, his tone almost teasing. "The current Stormfront is bloodlusted. If she were her usual Aryan, propaganda-spewing self, then sure, Kishibe might pull off a win—barely. But with this level of aggression, it's insanely hard for him. He'd need to be absurdly smart to have a chance. And even then…" Kang Woo trailed off, smirking. "I still don't know the percentage unless he's cheating… like I always do."

Makima's lips curved into a playful smile. "Let's make a bet," she proposed. "I say Kishibe wins. What about you, Kang Woo?"

Kang Woo chuckled, the sniper rifle on his arm retracting into liquid armor as he met her gaze. "If you win, I'll grant you an S-rank ability right here and now."

Makima's eyes lit up with excitement, a rare expression of genuine eagerness. "It's a deal, Kang Woo. Don't you dare retract it," she said, her voice filled with playful confidence.

Kang Woo smirked in return, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "I don't make empty promises, Makima. Just remember… when I win, I'll have my own demands."

Queen Maeve, observing the exchange Still in dogeza form , felt a wave of disbelief and frustration wash over her. Is this how public safety devil hunters act? she thought. When their comrades' lives are on the line, they just… make bets and laugh about it?

Meanwhile, The Deep, still lying battered on the ground, his breaths shallow and labored, had entirely given up on thinking. His gaze was vacant, his body too damaged to muster even the energy for his usual idiotic musings. 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'sattack 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 smirked, his sharp gaze fixed on Stormfront as she struggled to regain her footing. Despite the Hell Devil's earlier words, he couldn't help but take it as a compliment. Crazy fool or not, he had no intention of losing.

Stormfront wiped the blood from her face, her piercing gaze locking onto Kishibe. Her left hand pressed against her chin and neck as she activated her electrokinesis, sending controlled electric currents to cauterize her wounds and stop the bleeding. In her thoughts: I can't speak right now—my neck's sliced, and my chin's a mess from that dagger. My regenerative powers are working overtime to fix my spine and back. I can move my left arm and run, but my flight and super speed are offline. And those two damn fingers… lost them in Tokyo. What a mess.

Kishibe, watching her every move, calculated the situation in his mind. I'm down an arm, and my odds are grim compared to hers. But… the crazy bitch is slow now. She can't use her super speed yet. That's enough of an opening for me.

Stormfront, frustrated but determined, raised her hand, summoning a surge of electrokinesis. This time, it wasn't lethal, but it was more than enough to paralyze Kishibe if it landed. She unleashed the blast, electricity crackling as it arced toward him.

But Kishibe had predicted the trajectory. With a swift sidestep, he dodged the attack and retaliated immediately, hurling a knife infused with the powers of the Knife Devil and Needle Devil. The blade flew with deadly precision, aimed straight for Stormfront's chest.

Stormfront gritted her teeth, choosing to block the blade with her forearm. It stabbed deep into her right arm, the pain igniting a fresh surge of anger. She growled but didn't falter, gripping the hilt and snapping it off with sheer force.

Kishibe, relentless, surged forward. With a thought, he activated his contract with the Claw Devil, transforming his right hand into a massive, razor-sharp claw. The weapon gleamed with a menacing aura as he swung it toward her.

Stormfront reacted quickly, catching the claw with both hands before it could strike her. Sparks flew as their powers clashed, each straining against the other in a deadly tug of war. Kishibe's enhanced claw pressed closer, its edge grazing Stormfront's flesh as her muscles tensed to push it away.

The two locked in a fierce struggle, their faces inches apart, each refusing to back down. The tension crackled like electricity in the air, the battle escalating into a test of sheer willpower.

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 ratsenough 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 Redbook onher 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 Vabilities, 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 Kobenimanaged 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.