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"Doom, come out!"
Adrian led the way, followed by Susan, Thor, and the Punisher. The Thing walked behind, yawning.
As Adrian walked, he silently recalled what he knew about the witch Amora. The Enchantress was an Asgardian with physical abilities three times that of an average human. Beyond basic combat skills and some magic, her true specialty was charming the opposite sex.
But that wasn't the real issue. Adrian knew Amora's tricks all too well. If he encountered the Invisible Woman, he was confident he wouldn't be swayed by Amora's allure or distracted by Doom.
Earlier, Ash Williams had been thrown onto the streets of New York, saving him from an untimely death. Plus, with two Ashes in New York City, his chances of survival doubled. If other heroes hadn't changed their fates due to the butterfly effect, perhaps Ash would have met Kaun Yin Xorn and used his flying machine to reach Latveria, just like in the original timeline.
Doctor Doom, however, wouldn't allow strangers into his castle easily. But if Kaun Yin Xorn insisted, Doom would reluctantly let Ash enter. Upon arrival, a curious and impulsive Ash freed Amora, unaware of her true nature. He was in great shape, but in the process, killed Kaun Yin Xorn, who had tried to save her.
But then again, why would Doom, who seldom interacted with outsiders, care to learn English just for Amora?
Suddenly, a cloud of green mist exploded in front of everyone, and Doctor Doom's iron-clad face appeared within it. As the mist cleared, his full figure emerged.
"Why do you seek Doom so anxiously and disrespectfully?"
Before Adrian could speak, Susan stepped forward and shouted, "Did you lock Amora up?"
Doom's masked face was silent for a moment before he replied, "It's not what you think, Susan. Please, listen to my explanation."
"And what is it that you think I'm thinking?"
"Enough!" Seeing the exchange heading in a strange direction, Adrian quickly pulled the Invisible Woman back and signaled the Thing to keep an eye on her.
"We already know that you imprisoned Amora," Adrian said.
"Hmph!" Doom scoffed, "And since when did you start caring about villains? Have you all become heroes again after the apocalypse, so eager to save her?"
"You're no saint either," Adrian muttered, then added, "And we know you're infected as well."
"What?!" Doom was visibly shocked. He had carefully concealed his infection, and he was the only one in his castle aware of it. How could these strangers know?
Adrian pressed on, "Did you encounter Kaun Yin Xorn and any men with him before we arrived?"
This time, Doom was speechless.
Seeing Doom unsettled, Adrian took a deep breath and said, "I hadn't mentioned it before, but I'm a prophet. That's how I knew what happened to Fury and the others."
Doom looked at Adrian intently, considering his words. After a long moment, he responded, "In other words, you lied to Doom before."
As he spoke, his cloak fluttered in an inexplicable gust of wind.
The thing Doom hated most as ruler of Latveria was being lied to and disrespected.
"Lord of Latveria, I mean no offense." Adrian addressed Doom calmly. "On the contrary, I'm here to warn you, as a sign of respect. There's a thief planning to release your prisoner."
"The coward who came with Kaun Yin Xorn?" Doom asked skeptically.
"Exactly."
Doom fell silent for a moment, then turned towards the corridor's depths and resolutely stepped forward. Adrian could tell Doom had made up his mind. The others followed, trusting Adrian's judgment even if they didn't understand Doom's intentions.
Adrian asked, "Why isn't there a surveillance system here? Can't you see where Ash is?"
Doom paused, explaining, "All energy, including the spell circuits, is dedicated to charging the portal. I could hear you talking only because of a residual spell effect."
"Doom left Amora imprisoned, but there's been no movement. Either what you're saying is a lie, or that intruder hasn't arrived yet."
Adrian feigned surprise. "So you've been spying on us?"
Doom said nothing and continued down the corridor.
After passing through the winding passageways, they reached a long hall lined with pink energy cages. Inside one, a trembling blonde figure struggled to escape, but the cage held firm. The pink energy beams glowed with a mystical power that radiated strength.
At the end of the corridor, outside the cage, stood a figure resembling Doctor Doom—but on closer inspection, it was clear he was shorter, with a stooped posture and a weaker build.
Doom turned back, his face severe and emotionless. He raised his palm, where a blue light sparked and hummed—a powerful energy weapon, similar to Iron Man's repulsor, designed for efficient and effective defense.
Adrian's voice echoed through the corridor: "Ash Williams, are you here for the Necronomicon?"
The figure turned, startled. "Huh? Who are you?"
Before he could react, a blazing blue beam shot from Doom's hand, growing larger in his vision before hitting him—and the blonde figure behind him—directly. In an instant, they were engulfed in scorching flames, their bodies reduced to ashes, leaving only charred remains.
Adrian clapped his hands, laughing. "Well done, Doom. You've rid yourself of not one, but two nuisances."
🛡️Ronin 🛡️
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