Damian Blackblood had been sought out by Cecil to investigate the tragic massacre of the Global Guardians. His investigation eventually uncovered the horrifying truth: the true culprit was Omni-Man. Ignoring all warnings, he insisted on exposing the truth.
Terrified that this dreadful revelation would push Omni-Man into a wrathful frenzy, Cecil hurriedly performed a ritual to banish the demon detective back to Hell.
"This… is the benefit of power.
Even after slaughtering a decorated team of heroes, no one dares to lift a finger against him. Instead, they cling to a sliver of hope—hoping he'll keep pretending, keep playing the role of protector so long as the truth remains hidden."
Russell couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
But Cecil had acted too late. From the moment Damian Blackblood appeared near him, Omni-Man had sensed suspicion—and was already preparing to act.
Omni-Man frowned as he looked toward the shadowy silhouette of the demon detective by the trees. Just then, Cecil happened to walk over.
"Nolan, what are you looking at?"
"Nothing," Omni-Man replied, shaking his head.
"Russell, you're young, powerful, brave, and decisive. You've saved us from the flaxans multiple times. You've demonstrated every quality a leader of a superhero team should have..."
After a brief exchange with Omni-Man, Cecil turned to Russell and, with a smile and the tone of an elder, made a serious offer.
"How would you like to work under me? If you're interested, I'd like you to rebuild the Global Guardians. You can choose the members yourself. The new team will be entirely under your command.
I'll only contact you when the entire world is at risk. How does that sound?"
Nearby superheroes who overheard stopped in disbelief and turned their heads.
The young hero Infinity—a rookie who'd only recently made his debut—was actually being offered the role of captain of the Global Guardians by the Director of the Global Defense Agency?
Seriously? The previous captain of the Global Guardians was The Immortal—second only to Omni-Man and one of the most powerful and experienced heroes on Earth.
And this kid? Probably still wet behind the ears!
Some of the surrounding heroes were nearly blinded by jealousy.
But what came next stunned everyone even more.
Russell declined Cecil's offer with a light laugh, as if brushing off a class assignment from a teacher.
"I'll pass. Being a captain means managing everyone's moods and conflicts. That's just not my thing."
"You… you refused?!"
"That's the captain of the Global Guardians you just turned down!
The highest position among all the world's superheroes!"
"Are you kidding me?!"
The group of heroes looked at each other in disbelief.
Has the world changed that much? No one even wants to be the captain of the Global Guardians anymore?
"Cecil, what did I tell you?"
Just then, Debbie returned after seeing her best friend off, only to find Cecil trying to rope Russell into working for him. She instantly pulled Russell behind her, glaring at Cecil like he was a sly fox trying to snatch a chick.
"Relax, Debbie. It was just an invitation," Cecil raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and took a step back.
"Russell, if you ever change your mind, the captain's seat in the Global Guardians will always be there for you," he added sincerely as he backed away.
Russell watched Cecil's retreating figure.
So he's already preparing for the worst—trying to recruit a pure-blooded Earthling like me to eventually take on Omni-Man?
"Leadership is mostly a hollow title. The moment you open your eyes, you have to deal with everyone's little dramas and petty disputes—just like a nagging mom. You have to be the oil that keeps the team running smoothly."
He had zero interest in that.
.............................
The Boys Universe
2:00 a.m.A damp alley glistened with neon reflections from a nearby hotel sign. Rain had fallen not long ago. Three drunken figures wobbled down the slick backstreet.
In the lead was Andre, a young Black man whose casual leather shoes crunched loudly over a shattered bottle. "I swear," he drawled, turning back, "cultural studies tests are worse than being high."
He glanced over his shoulder at the two following behind. His eyes lingered slightly longer on the pretty blonde girl, but the intimate air between the pair made it clear they weren't paying him any mind.
"You drank a lot—like someone who's never been to a bar before. Strict parents?"Luke, a charming white boy, supported the slightly tipsy Kate with a warm smile.
"Careful—your heel's caught in the drain grate."
"Thanks, Luke. Such a gentleman…"
Kate giggled, tossing her golden hair to one side, clearly a little drunk and showing no objection to the arm around her waist.
"Hey, are you two even listening to me?"
Andre kicked a soda can, which clattered against a fire escape. The noise startled a green-eyed stray cat atop a dumpster, making it hiss and scamper away.
"Damn school rules," he muttered. "Let's get going or we'll be late for morning classes—and lose points."
"I heard this area's kinda sketchy. Hope we don't run into any muggers."
"What's the matter, Andre? As the top freshman at Godokin University—and son of the superhero Polar Force—you scared of a little thug?" Luke teased.
"Knives or guns—aren't you the guy who manipulates metal?"
"Relax. If a mugger does show up, I'll protect you."Then he looked down at Kate again, voice softening. "I'll even give the guy a stylish new haircut."
He knew full well that Kate herself was a top-ranked freshman superhuman who didn't need protection.
Kate clearly enjoyed the affectionate gaze. Their shadows leaned closer together.
"Oh, really?"
Suddenly, a voice interrupted the mood. A figure stepped out of the shadows ahead, hands in pockets, smiling casually.
"Hold it. This is a robbery."
"What are you robbing us with?"
Andre frowned, scanning the young man—he looked even younger than them, hands still in his pockets, and didn't even have a knife.
"Let me handle this."
Annoyed at being interrupted, Luke stepped forward, fists igniting with flames. Time to impress the girl.
He expected the sight of fire to scare the guy off.
But in a blink, the stranger was upon him. With a swift chop, he dropped Andre to the ground like a sack of potatoes, then turned to Luke.
"Don't rush—your turn is next."
"You're a superhuman too? Wait, are you a freshman at Godokin University too? Trying to challenge our rankings?" Luke asked, stunned.
"You think too much. I'm just a passerby who can't stand public displays of affection. Consider this a lesson."
Despite being on full alert, Luke barely registered the movement before Russell appeared in front of him. With one hand, he effortlessly gripped Luke by the throat and lifted him off the ground.
"Y-You… don't you know what my power is?!"
Luke's face flushed from the pressure, but he still smirked.
Flames erupted around him, lighting up the alley in a blazing glow. The intense heat vaporized the rainwater and filled the air with steam.
...........
[300PS= 1Bonus chapter]
If you want to read 30 advanced chapters before they get Thanos-snapped, check out my [email protected]/INTRAX (Replace @ with 'a')