(we skipped this chapter because of numbering error. sorry.)
Howard was willing to shoulder this heavy stigma for his good friend.
Even if the world misunderstood him, he was willing to do whatever it took.
"Don't you think it's a bit shameless to use the power at hand to coerce others?"
Howard leaned against the car body and heard that he could become a director of Hotel Inferno and get close to a succubus dealer. He couldn't help but slightly stiffen to show his interest.
Cooperating with the devil wasn't a big deal.
Anyway, his reputation as an arms dealer had never been very good.
No matter how much he participated in charity, many people would still regard him as a 'black-hearted capitalist', who sold death -- of course, being in the arms business, it was true.
"The reason you don't attract attention is that the wealth of Stark Industries, and the aura of the world's top genius, is nothing in Hell."
Luke explained.
There were countless heroes and Kings in the long river of history, and their souls would either ascend to Heaven or fall into Hell.
At the hands of Mephisto, infamous celebrities, or those who had been known for thousands of years, how could Howard compare?
"It's like removing your title and letting you wear ordinary clothes to ask out a female Hollywood celebrity. They would also turn you down."
Luke's analysis was well-reasoned.
"Because you're too ordinary, you won't have the Stark's last name, you wouldn't have a rich man's status, you wouldn't have that smart brain ... without these, you're an ordinary person."
"But it's different now. You're the director of the Hell Group, a big man who can sit on equal footing with Mephisto."
"Status gives you extra charm, so you don't need to use any means. Those young succubae ladies would take the initiative to come to your door themselves."
Luke watched the plane slowly land on the runway but didn't say his last thoughts.
He thought that Howard might as well find a way to replenish his kidneys instead of worrying about the details.
The nickname 'juicing girls' of the succubae of Hell was by no means in vain.
Rather, it was the blood and tears of experience gained through the energy and active practice of generations of warriors.
Luke didn't remind him. It was time for Howard to understand that the word 'sex' was a knight dangling above his head.
On the battlefield between men and women, it was almost impossible for the former to achieve a long-term consecutive victory.
Even if Howard exhausted himself, he probably couldn't plow the succubus's fertile land.
Thinking of this, Luke looked at the other with a little pity.
"Steve is here."
Howard didn't know it, but he was still immersed in the beautiful fantasy of his own masculine style, conquering every land.
Though it was Captain America's bachelor party, he could date the succubus lady who looked pure and charming, feminine and coquettish, and then ... hehehe.
"Long time no see, Steve. How are your wedding preparations going?"
Meeting his good friend, he hugged him warmly.
Captain America, who was about to get married, seemed to be much more mature than before.
He scratched his head, apparently a little unsure of how to answer.
"Well, it should work out."
After thinking of what to say for a while, Steve gave this answer.
After he came back from the Soviet Union, he followed Luke's suggestion and prepared to marry Margery.
Captain America booked an upscale restaurant and then went to the jewelry store to buy an expensive sapphire diamond ring.
The next step was to find the right opportunity to create a romantic atmosphere.
To be honest, Luke went to a lot of trouble to help Steve with this part.
Captain America was really bad at lying and concealing, almost revealing it many times.
Fortunately, Steve made it to the day of the proposal.
The upscale restaurant was a private venue, filled with the soothing sounds of violins.
Captain America knelt down on one knee and presented the diamond ring. The job was basically done!
After all, not many women could resist Steve's flamboyant chest muscles and America's ass!
"Looking for venues, sending invitations, inviting the band... Margery is working on everything. I couldn't get involved at all."
Steve said honestly.
After his bachelor party in Las Vegas, he would return to New York the next day for his wedding.
"I'm very nervous and confused right now... You know, Luke, I've imagined many times that I would make my vows with the woman I love in the presence of my family and friends."
Steve's words were slow, and his tone was emotional.
"When I joined the army, I also thought that I would die on the battlefield, as in, sacrificing myself for my comrades-in-arms, or being hit by a stray bullet ... I couldn't sleep all night yesterday, and my mind was full of memories of the past."
Captain America was a bit incoherent at the end of his speech.
He squeezed Luke's shoulder hard, his eyes filled with complex and sincere emotions.
Brooklyn's little man was finally going to complete his major event in life and move towards fulfillment.
"Relax, Steve, soak up the warmth of the Las Vegas sun."
Luke turned to Howard and said, "Let Captain America forget about his waiting bride in New York. I'll leave the task of experiencing the customs of Vegas to you."
The latter took off his sunglasses, hooked Steve's shoulder, and pulled him into the car.
"This is the last day of your life as a bachelor! So, buddy, you need to leave your burdens behind and dive into this party with all your heart and soul!"
Howard took out the activity list in his pocket, glanced at it, and said, "The first stop is the spa. First, go to the Imperial Hot Spring to wash away your fatigue."
"Wait... Howard, wait, I also brought someone."
Steve pointed to the plane and awkwardly said, "Bucky is here too."
"I don't feel comfortable leaving him in Brooklyn alone."
Luke followed Captain America's line of sight and found the Winter Soldier.
At the command of Hydra, mainly Baron Strucker, Bucky was no longer hostile to Steve and didn't have any intentions of taking this opportunity to escape.
The task he received was to follow the other party.
"We met again."
Looking at Bucky, wearing a leather jacket, carrying a backpack, wearing sunglasses, and dressed like a cool guy, Luke took the initiative to say hello.
The former caught a glimpse of Superman and couldn't help but slightly tremble.
The steady pace, too, paused for a moment.
The beating in the collective farm was still deeply imprinted in Bucky's heart, becoming an indelible trauma.
"Humph!"
He probably couldn't think of anything to say; the Winter Soldier only hummed coldly and continued to maintain his cold image.
'You're pretending to be cold now, but soon you'll be watching a good friend enter the wedding hall. At that time, you can slowly experience the taste of bitter wine in your throat. '
Luke's mouth turned up as he thought so silently.
He got into the car, sitting next to Captain America.
Howard acted as the driver and Winter Soldier as in the co-pilot seat.
A group of four people, with the start of the limousine, quickly drove out of the airport.
...
...
In California, near Nevada, on a mountain with dry vegetation.
On a hot day, Apocalypse was still cloaked, looking up at the dazzling sunshine.
Behind him, a large number of mutants were dressed in the same way.
In just a few months, using Caliban's talent and ability, the God of Mutants had gained many followers.
"Do you feel it?"
Apocalypse opened his hands as if to embrace the sky.
"I didn't perceive anything, Great God."
Caliban lowered his head and shook his head to answer.
"What about you, Erik?"
Apocalypse turned to the smallest teenager.
"I feel very agitated and uneasy, Great God."
The child named Erik Lehnsherr said truthfully.
"Very good."
Apocalypse spoke with satisfaction.
"Time and space are vibrating, and I have found it!"
The God of Mutants' eyes seem to penetrate the shackles of time and space and see farther away.
His deep eyes gradually reflected a fiery red, gorgeous, huge – Phoenix!