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Several figures moved cautiously through the canyon. Sunlight streamed through the narrow crevice above, casting long shadows on the rocky floor, making it appear as though they were walking down a gilded path.
The cliffs towered on either side, rugged and imposing. The hard granite glistened under the golden rays, exuding an air of warmth. No plants, not even weeds, could be seen growing in this desolate expanse.
As the group reached the midpoint of the canyon, Adrian raised his free hand—the one not gripping his gun. Frank Castle, the Punisher, trailing behind, immediately stopped. Dropping his heavy bag, he pulled out a handgun from his holster, scanning their surroundings with practiced caution.
"What's wrong?" Pietro asked, his tone laced with confusion. His sharp eyes swept the area, but all he saw were barren rocks and shadows.
Adrian's gaze remained fixed ahead. He gestured towards Wanda. "Take off the collar."
Wanda nodded. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and tapped the mutant limiter around her neck. After two soft beeps, the device clicked open and fell to the ground.
Before they departed, Fury had provided the password to disarm the limiter. Attempting to forcibly remove it would have resulted in an explosion.
Suddenly, a shrill whistle echoed through the canyon, followed by muffled footsteps.
A crowd emerged from the shadows near the canyon's exit.
Adrian and the others tensed as they saw the approaching figures. Their grim expressions mirrored the uncanny scene before them: every member of the crowd looked identical. Their faces, clothing, and even their postures were exact replicas of each other.
The figures wore green jackets over black vests, which bore six golden scales in identical positions. Their dark blond hair, neatly combed with distinct sideburns, further emphasized their identical appearance. The only variation lay in the colorful headbands they wore—some plain, others featuring crude patterns drawn with what appeared to be watercolor pencils.
Pietro's brows furrowed as he whispered, "Why do they look so familiar?"
The realization struck him moments later. His eyes widened, disbelief etched across his face.
The group of duplicates, now closer, spread out, surrounding Adrian's team.
One of the men with a purple headband stepped forward, smirking arrogantly. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" he taunted.
Adrian remained silent, scanning the duplicates with a calm, calculating gaze.
"Don't know who we are, huh?" Purple Headband sneered. "This is our territory. The Madrox Gang runs Tanabam Canyon. Hand over everything you've got, and maybe we'll let you die painlessly."
In unison, the gang echoed his threat. "The Madrox Gang will make your death easier if you surrender everything you have on you!"
Adrian smirked faintly, his fingers twitching near his weapon.
Before anyone else could react, Frank raised his gun and, with precision honed from years of experience, shot Purple Headband directly in the skull.
The man collapsed immediately, his body crumpling to the ground.
"Kill them!" roared the remaining Madrox duplicates.
Pietro dashed into action, leaving a faint blur behind him. Though his speed was still hindered by his injured leg, it was more than enough to deal with the gang. In seconds, the duplicates were hurled to the ground, lifeless. Blood pooled beneath their motionless bodies.
One of the gang members, still standing, stumbled back and hit his head against a rock. To everyone's shock, his body twisted unnaturally. With a grotesque splitting sound, he divided into two identical copies.
"What the hell…" Pietro murmured.
Adrian exhaled sharply. "Jamie Madrox. I should've guessed."
Jamie Madrox, also known as the Multiple Man, possessed the uncanny ability to duplicate himself through physical impact. Each clone retained full independence and could also create more clones upon further impact.
As the clones began to recover from their injuries, Adrian raised his gun and fired, ensuring no more divisions occurred.
"That's enough," Adrian snapped, stopping another Madrox duplicate from slamming himself into a rock. He attached the mutant limiter around the clone's neck. With a soft beep, the device activated, neutralizing the duplication ability.
Adrian leaned closer to the restrained clone. "You answer my questions, and you'll walk out of here alive. Got it?"
The restrained clone nodded frantically. "Got it!"
"Who's in charge of this place?" Adrian asked coldly.
"L-Lord Red Skull," the clone stammered, his voice trembling with fear.
Adrian's expression darkened. "Red Skull," he repeated, his voice a low growl.
Behind him, Frank systematically ensured the rest of the gang wouldn't get back up.
As the last gunshot echoed through the canyon, Adrian stood, brushing dust off his jacket. "Let's move. We have a lot of ground to cover."
Wanda, Pietro, and Frank followed him out of the canyon, their footsteps muffled against the barren rocks.
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