Chapter 141: She Is the Best Among Us
Killian had imagined before that he might one day be defeated by his nemesis Iron Man, or perhaps be killed by an extraordinary being like Lorna.
But he had never once thought he would die at the hands of a mysterious force he couldn't see or touch—an overwhelming power that existed on a completely different dimension than his own.
Frustration, helplessness, rage, hatred, regret…
As Killian shot upward like a blazing crimson rocket, trailing smoke, bursting through the atmosphere like an inverted meteor into the void of space, all of it meant nothing.
Even his wails and screams couldn't travel out.
His mouth was frozen wide open, bloodshot eyes bulging, body glowing red-hot as it kept drifting further outward. Below him, the Earth curved with a halo of light.
Which was more hopeless: to be buried a thousand meters beneath the ground, or to be cast a thousand meters above into space?
Killian couldn't answer. He was dying.
Like a plant deprived of water.
His whole body shuddered and spasmed, mouth twitching uncontrollably. Without oxygen, his glowing skin dimmed rapidly. Soon, all light and heat fled his body. His skin dried and cracked like withered grass, and the emotions in his wide eyes vanished to nothing.
Momentum carried him farther and farther into space, until at last, he disappeared into the endless dark.
…
Killing Killian.
Xi Nian felt far less burden than when he had killed the mutated Doctor before. Killian was a terrorist anyway—destined to die sooner or later. Ending it now was almost a kindness.
More importantly, Xi Nian, like his aunt Diana Prince, was fiercely protective of his own.
That protectiveness had reached the point of irrationality. Even if it meant clashing with human laws and order, deep down he didn't see it as a big deal.
So: disturbing world peace, plotting to conquer Earth—
Those angered him far less than someone threatening his family or friends. That was what truly set him off.
Normally, Xi Nian was just an ordinary guy. But when wielding superhuman powers, there was no need to hold back—he would strike with thunderous force.
If someone deserved to die, he would kill them. Why waste words or wait for some so-called law to catch up?
Xi Nian never thought of himself as a champion of justice.
After all, "justice" could not judge the extraordinary. Not every extraordinary being was like Superman.
The world of the extraordinary was more like a return to primal times: survival of the fittest, where only the sharpest claws and the strongest bodies survived until the end.
…
High above, near the edge of space.
Empowered Xi Nian floated with Lorna in his arms. Around his body, his superpower domain sustained enough oxygen for them both.
From here—
The blue Earth stretched beneath them, the starry sky blazed above, wild winds whipping their hair and sleeves.
"Hahaha, that was so fun! Where do you think he'll end up?" the green-haired girl asked with a laugh.
"Who knows. Maybe he'll fly straight to the Grim Reaper—if there really is one," Xi Nian answered casually.
"Not necessarily. Could be God."
"You're the boss. Whatever you say."
Xi Nian lowered his gaze. In his arms, Lorna smiled brilliantly, her joy lighting up her delicate features. In the silvery moonlight she looked like an innocent little elf.
Though truthfully, Xi Nian preferred her unruly, defiant side… this smile was something he still wanted to protect.
Before he could think further—
Lorna suddenly buried her face into his neck and bit him like a mischievous pup!
"Polaris, what are you—" Xi Nian sucked in a sharp breath. His body wasn't much tougher than a normal human's. Normally, he maintained an energy shield across his skin, but after killing Killian, he'd let it drop.
His force field domain was defense enough. He hadn't expected an attack from someone inside it.
Ignoring his words, Lorna pressed her sharp teeth lightly against his neck, whispering with a strange emotion: "No matter what happens, I want you to remember me. Always, always… remember me as I am right now."
Xi Nian was about to respond, when suddenly he felt her soft, damp lips press gently over the stinging spot—like a tender bandage soothing away the pain.
…
Kamar-Taj, the ancient training grounds.
"Incredible, incredible!"
"In less than a day! That's faster than anyone in hundreds of years!"
"With talent like this… she might be the best among us!"
The group of long-robed sorcerers stared in awe.
In the center of the arena, the scarlet-haired girl stood quietly, dressed in a simple frock, looking like a perfect porcelain doll beside the stern, robed masters.
As she spun her hands, twin fingers adorned with rings, sparks spiraled before her—forming a whirling circle that opened into a glowing portal leading beyond the sanctuary.
Less than a day, and she had mastered the portal spell.
Even the arrogant, proud Mordo was struck speechless.
The Ancient One, her face calm as ever, as though she had foreseen this, turned toward Wanda, who was gazing intently at the portal.
"How does it feel?" she asked.
"Very good," Wanda answered softly, smiling. She thought about how this meant she could finish chores at home, step through a portal, and still make it back early to take care of her master.
Wasn't this magic class wonderful?
If the other sorcerers knew what she was thinking, who knew how they'd react. This was power that could disrupt worlds and resist multidimensional entities—
And she was using it just to be a better maid. Wasn't that a bit extravagant?
…
Downtown Los Angeles.
They didn't know exactly what had happened, but with Victor's burial undone, the Fantastic Four finally breathed easier.
"Susan."
Reed turned to the blonde woman beside him, her features stunning in the glow of the city lights. She wore the blue skintight uniform of the Fantastic Four, her curves mature and alluring, golden hair lifting slightly in the night breeze.
Reed's heart sped up. The words slipped out: "Susan, be my girlfriend."
Susan's body trembled, snapping out of her daze. Her eyes met his.
Beside them, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm both grinned knowingly and stepped back, giving them space.
"This isn't some whim," Reed said quickly, scratching his head. "I know—I'm a science fanatic. I've always buried myself in research. But now, after seeing Victor's fate… I don't want to hide my feelings anymore. I don't want to wait until I lose you to regret it."
"So Susan… please be my girlfriend."
His eyes burned with sincerity as he reached his trembling hands toward her waist.
But just before he touched her—
Susan stepped back. His arms closed on empty air.
Reed froze, staring at her blankly, his heart sinking.
"I'm sorry, Reed." Susan turned her eyes away for a moment, then looked up at the night sky and said softly: "If you had asked me earlier—even yesterday—I might have said yes."
"But now… please allow me to refuse."
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