[Main Mission Activated: Judge Homelander, Reward: 4000 Penalty Points (Current Progress: 1/1)]
[Ding! Your legendary mission has been updated: Judge a thousand sinful souls across all worlds. Current progress: 86/1000.]
Upon hearing the prompt in his head, Ghost Rider turned around. There was still no sound of the return prompt, indicating that this mission's main storyline had two parts. There was still Stormfront, lying incapacitated, waiting for one last blow to end her life. That would be the finishing touch.
Elsewhere, Shockwave saw Homelander fall, shaking his head in disbelief, mumbling, "Shit, I'm done for."
His only backer, Homelander, was dead. What was supposed to be an easy victory turned into utter defeat. Even if he had stood with Jon earlier, Jon had no intention of sparing him afterward. Shockwave had been part of their corruption and carried his share of dark deeds.
Ghost Rider's skeletal head turned slowly towards Shockwave, who felt an ominous chill run down his spine. He spun around, attempting to flee. But Ghost Rider wasn't about to give him that opportunity. He summoned the Chain, entwined with hellfire, and before Shockwave could utilize his super-speed, the chain pierced his chest, ending his escape.
[Ding! Side mission updated: Judge at least 20 Corrupted superheroes. Progress: 17/20]
[Ding! Your legendary mission has been updated: Judge a thousand sinful souls across all worlds. Current progress: 87/1000.]
Meanwhile, Soldier Boy was gradually gaining the upper hand against Queen Maeve. But then, his gaze shifted towards Homelander's lifeless body, lying still.
With his enhanced senses, just like Homelander, Soldier Boy had super hearing. And when he realized that Homelander's heartbeat had ceased entirely, he let out a howl of anguish, "No—!"
Soldier Boy glared at Ghost Rider, his face twisted in rage. "You... you killed him! You brought him to me and then snatched him away! Why?!"
"To punish you," Ghost Rider replied in a cold whisper.
Soldier Boy's face contorted further in fury. Energy began surging in his chest, a potent charge gathering.
Seeing this, both Starlight and Queen Maeve grew uneasy. They had seen this move on TV before—it was devastating. The unleashed energy would obliterate everyone in the building.
"Step back, Maeve!"
Ghost Rider's voice rang out. Maeve glanced at him before stepping aside.
The energy in Soldier Boy's chest erupted forth, a massive, terrifying blast that aimed to consume Ghost Rider whole.
Yet, Ghost Rider stood his ground, letting the energy hit him head-on. The fierce, erupting beam struck his skeletal form but didn't incinerate him; it didn't even leave a mark or push him back.
"This... this can't be possible!" Soldier Boy gasped in disbelief.
Ghost Rider's voice came, calm and unwavering. "You call yourselves gods. But I... I am the true devil!"
The Ghost Rider stepped into the energy beam, advancing slowly towards Soldier Boy. He reached out with his flaming skeletal hands, gripping Soldier Boy by the throat. He lifted him effortlessly, his tone growing dark and imposing. "Ever heard the saying? If humans can't kill a god, then let the devil do it~!"
With that, Ghost Rider opened his Penance Stare once more.
"Look into my eyes! Your soul is tainted with the blood of the innocent. Feel their pain!"
The power radiated from Ghost Rider's eyes, searing into Soldier Boy's very soul. The charged energy in his chest slowly dissipated, and as the sins of his past were laid bare, his spirit was consumed in the hellfire.
[Ding! Side mission complete: Judge Soldier Boy, reward: 3500 penalty points.]
[Ding! Your legendary mission has been updated: Judge a thousand sinful souls across all worlds. Current progress: 88/1000.]
The system notification rang in Jon's ears, confirming that the last corrupted superhero here had been judged. Queen Maeve and Starlight were the only ones left, but neither had done anything particularly heinous. In fact, Starlight was the closest thing to a classic superhero—akin to those from Marvel or DC—a beacon of hope.
When all was said and done, Ghost Rider returned to his human form, turning to face Ashley, who looked utterly terrified.
Ashley had dedicated her life to the world of superheroes, but in just half an hour, her entire world had crumbled. The leader of The Seven, Homelander, was dead, and Soldier Boy, the leader of their predecessor group, Payback, was also gone, destroyed in much the same way.
She couldn't fathom what kind of power could destroy them like this. She only knew that everything she had worked for was gone.
"Ashley," Jon suddenly called out.
Hearing her name, Ashley jumped, startled. "Y-yes? I'm here!"
Jon waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "Relax. There's no need to be so tense."
But instead, Ashley felt even more frightened. The man who had just killed Homelander and Soldier Boy, now smiling as if nothing had happened, was the true face of a devil.
"Considering how you've been diligent, serving tea and all, and given that you haven't done anything truly reprehensible, I'm giving you a chance to leave. I won't kill you. But take my advice—if you value your life, and your future, leave Vought. The company's done for. Not even Edgar can save it."
"Y-yes, sir!" Ashley stammered, clutching her files tightly before scurrying away.
Starlight looked at the three bodies lying on the ground, her expression a mix of disbelief and shock. She had fought against Homelander's tyranny for so long, believing it to be an endless battle, one that might cost her everything—possibly even her life.
But now, it was all over. Everything had ended so swiftly, and in such an unbelievable manner. A young man who had come out of nowhere had, with a series of perfectly timed actions, taken down Vought and killed Homelander.
Starlight turned to Jon, asking, "You can't possibly be with the Shining Light Liberation Army. Who... who are you, really?!"
Jon smiled, then turned, nudging Homelander's body with his foot. "Like I said before, I'm the devil—straight out of hell. I came here to punish this piece of filth."
He then turned to face Starlight, who looked skeptical. "What? You don't believe me?"
"I never believed in religion or any of that stuff," Starlight said, shaking her head. "But now, I guess I have no choice. The evidence speaks for itself, doesn't it?"
Maeve stepped forward, looking down at Homelander's body. "We endured the tyranny of a so-called god, only to be saved by a devil in the end."
"So, what are you two planning to do now?" Jon asked them.
Maeve spoke first. "I'm going to leave this country with my girlfriend. We'll find somewhere no one can ever find us, and live out the rest of our lives in peace."
Starlight followed, "Same here. It's all over. I just want to run away with Hughie, somewhere far away."
"Well, then, good luck to both of you." Jon nodded. "As for me, I still have some unfinished business to take care of."
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(A/N: If you want to see more chapters, go to my Patreon to see more chapters ahead. patreon.com/TheMightyZeus
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