The moment Thunderbolt heard a voice behind him, he noticed Pyro and Sabretooth in the distance, all staring in the same direction—toward someone behind him.
Realizing that he was no longer the target, he turned around and found the person emerging from the cave was the same guy who had checked him out before. Thunderbolt couldn't help blurting out, "You've got a girlfriend in the void too? Wait… you're not gay?"
"None of your business," Russell replied with a calm glance as he passed.
This time, Thunderbolt didn't respond with anger. Instead, he chuckled with relief. "So that crazy lady has her eyes on you, pretty boy! Guess I'm safe."
With a playful wink, he added, "I heard she's pretty twisted—likes to get real hands-on with people. Think your little frame can handle that, bro?" He shrugged. "But hey, if you're scared, I'll fight for you. Just a box of the cheapest wine."
Russell held back a smirk, thinking, Are you just mad that she's not after you? Instead, he glanced at Thunderbolt and offered, "You should head back, Flame Baby."
"Flame Baby?" Human Torch's face flushed, his voice rising. "Dr. Doom couldn't take me down, the Silver Surfer didn't stand a chance, and Galactus calls me daddy! Who's countering me?"
Without waiting for a response, he tossed his can to the ground and yelled, "Hellfire!" Flames erupted across his body as he shot off toward Pyro and Sabretooth. Very dramatic.
Russell rolled his eyes, muttering, "I still liked it better when he yelled, 'Avengers Assemble.'" He dropped what he was holding and followed at a steady pace, already anticipating the mess he'd have to clean up.
Sure enough, the moment Russell stepped out of the mine, he saw Human Torch hovering in the air, shooting flames. But Pyro quickly absorbed them, sending him crashing to the ground with a painful thud.
Torch groaned, his face contorted in pain. "Bro, save me!"
"Not even your daddy can save you now!" cackled Toad as he shot out his tumor-covered tongue, aiming to snag Torch.
But a purple strand of spider silk shot past, intercepting Toad's tongue and pulling him face-first into the dirt. With a scowl, Russell pulled the dazed Human Torch to his feet.
"Thanks, man," Torch grinned sheepishly. "I owe you a drink." He rubbed his shoulder. "I just miscalculated. If I'd used the flame jet, I would've turned that guy into toast."
Russell rolled his eyes. Stubborn, he thought.
Just then, a slow clap echoed across the mine. Pyro looked at Russell with a smirk. "So, Jimmy was right. You're Spider-Man. Pretty rare around here in the void."
Russell wasn't surprised. He'd sensed someone watching him in the trading hall, waiting to strike. And apparently, these mutants didn't mind making a scene at the mine entrance, disregarding the black market's rules entirely. Either they didn't know about the powers behind it, or he'd misjudged those powers himself.
Either way, it didn't matter—this fight was inevitable.
"Who wants him?" Pyro asked calmly, as if Russell were no threat at all.
Sabretooth leapt down with a heavy thud, cracking his knuckles as he grinned. "I'll do it. Tigers eat spiders—it's gonna be easy!"
The Human Torch swallowed hard, sidling over to Russell and whispering, "Dude, these guys don't fight fair. How about we head back?"
Russell clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "Don't worry. I'm not just any Spider-Man—I'm a Captain America-enhanced Spider-Man. Watch this."
Torch looked doubtful but didn't argue. Despite being drained, he refused to back down.
With a ferocious roar, Sabretooth's claws extended as he charged forward. Russell walked toward him slowly, looking almost vulnerable.
Just as they were about to collide, Russell sidestepped the attack, catching Sabretooth's wrist and striking with lightning speed, his hand crushing into Sabretooth's neck.
Sabretooth stumbled forward, managing only a few steps before collapsing to his knees, his head nearly severed, held only by a thread of skin as blood poured from his neck.
The entire scene fell silent. No one had expected this outcome.
Then, Russell's voice cut through the quiet as he chuckled. "Who's next?"
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Added 'All the Powers Russell has Till Ch 45' Auxiliary chapter do check it out.