DC Heroes in Marvel

Killian didn't speak. Not because he didn't want to, but because Anton's armored boot pressed half his face into the ground, making it impossible to open his mouth. 

He could only grit his teeth. In his one exposed eye, a feral hatred burned, as if he wanted to tear Anton apart, shred him into pieces, and devour him.

Anton didn't care.

The more the enemy hated him, the more satisfying the victory. After all, the hatred of an opponent only hurt the opponent, not him.

Boom!

In full view of the spectators, Anton chose not to kill Killian. Not yet. However, the humiliation of having his head stepped on was a blow to Killian's dignity.

Anton knew his opponent wasn't completely out of the fight. The depression in Killian's chest, caused by the earlier blast, was already beginning to change. 

With his enhanced vision, Anton observed tiny granulations forming along Killian's broken ribs.

The rapid regenerative abilities granted by the Extremis Virus were astonishing. They were only slightly inferior to the regenerative effects of Connors' Lizard Serum. Of course, the Lizard Serum was designed more for healing disabilities than enhancing combat effectiveness.

This realization deepened Anton's appreciation for the Extremis Virus. It was even more powerful than he had initially thought.

Removing his foot from Killian's head, Anton stepped back.

"What are you up to?" Killian spat, his tone laced with cruelty, though his voice trembled with panic.

Chi-Chi!

A laser shot from Anton's finger, severing Killian's hands and feet in an instant.

"AAAAHHHHH!"

Killian's screams echoed through the street as he writhed on the ground, now a limbless torso. His eyes burned with pain and seething resentment.

"Cyborg!" he roared, hoarse with agony. "I'll never let you go! You'll pay for this!"

"Maybe you can think about that in prison," Anton replied coldly, indifferent to the curses.

He knew that without removing Killian's limbs, the authorities wouldn't be able to contain him. Even with his injuries, Killian's regenerative powers meant he could potentially regrow his hands and feet within half a day.

Woop-woop!

The sound of police sirens grew louder as squad cars pulled up to the scene. George Stacy stepped out, his expression a mixture of shock and confusion as he took in the sight of Anton standing over the dismembered Killian.

"Cyborg!" George called out, hurrying over. "What happened? Why did you…cut off his hands and feet?"

Anton gestured at Killian with calm indifference. "Aldrich Killian, the CEO of AIM, is also the mastermind behind the Wayne Company bombing this morning."

George's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"He's been conducting shady operations behind the scenes," Anton continued. "Since I caught him in the act, I don't think it'll be hard for you to uncover the rest of his crimes."

"But…" George hesitated. "Was it really necessary to cut off his hands and feet?"

Anton's voice remained steady. "He's been injected with the Extremis Virus, a bio-enhancement technology developed by AIM. It strengthens the human body but comes with certain side effects. Look at his wounds—notice anything?"

George turned to Killian, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the severed limbs. To his astonishment, the blood flow had already stopped, and new tissue was beginning to form.

"What the…?" George muttered, stunned. "It's already healing? That fast?"

"Exactly." Anton folded his arms. "That's the Extremis Virus for you. Without incapacitating him, there's no way you could detain him safely."

Understanding dawned on George's face. He glanced between Anton and Killian, piecing it all together. "So…that's why he wanted to bomb Wayne Enterprises. The Extremis Virus is in direct competition with Wayne's limb regeneration technology. This was a commercial feud taken to the extreme."

"Exactly," Anton said simply.

George shook his head. "For the CEO of a major company, this was a reckless move. But if you've caught the man behind the scenes, I'll take it from here."

Anton didn't respond, turning to leave as George signaled his officers to secure the area.

"Leave him to us!"

George nodded to Anton, who stood before him in his armored form. "I'll make sure Wayne gets a full explanation."

Anton hadn't intended to deal with Killian privately. Acting as judge, jury, and executioner—even for a superhero—would invite unnecessary scrutiny. 

After all, superheroes didn't have law enforcement authority; their role was to maintain peace, not to execute criminals. Any killing, even of a dangerous villain, could only be justified in "passive" self-defense.

The Justice League had learned from the mistakes of others, like S.H.I.E.L.D., whose overreach in wielding authority had drawn resistance from governments and the United Nations. 

To maintain their budding alliances—with the U.S. government, the military, and global organizations like the World Security Council—the Justice League tread carefully. They wouldn't risk damaging the fragile "friendship" they'd just begun to build.

Furthermore, Batman had cultivated a cooperative relationship with local police forces, particularly in Gotham. 

By leaving Killian to the police, Anton reinforced the Justice League's trustworthiness and strengthened their rapport with law enforcement.

"He was yours to begin with," Anton said. 

He gestured to Killian, now incapacitated on the ground. "But remember this—he's been injected with the Extremis Virus. His body's been enhanced with incredible regenerative capabilities, comparable to a Lizardman's. His hands and feet will regrow soon. I suggest you amputate them every half an hour to keep him restrained. Otherwise, the police station won't be able to hold him."

"Understood," George replied, his expression serious. He recognized the danger in Anton's warning, connecting it to past encounters with other enhanced individuals, like the Lizard.

"Then I'll leave this to you."

With that, Anton launched into the air, propelled by a powerful blast of energy from his boots. He shot into the sky like a meteor, disappearing from sight.

George watched him go. Beside him, Killian—still glaring—paid no attention to the police. His pale face was twisted in fury as his eyes followed Anton's retreating figure. The hatred burning in them was almost tangible.

"I won't let you go!" Killian murmured venomously. But his condition rendered him helpless. The police lifted his limbless body into a squad car as he continued to seethe.

Back at Wayne Tower, Anton returned to his room and descended to the control center, where the old man was busy managing online public opinion.

"Old man, the mastermind has been caught," Anton announced casually. "You can call the NYPD now and have them issue an official statement clearing Wayne's name. Also, I'll have Eddie run the story in tomorrow's edition of The Daily Bugle. In the meantime, you can start guiding public opinion online."

"Oh?" George Jameson raised an eyebrow, giving Anton a look of surprise. "That fast?"

Anton's efficiency had taken Jameson off guard. An hour ago, Anton had identified the mastermind behind the attack, and now the issue was already resolved.

Jameson shook his head in disbelief, muttering, "I haven't even had a chance to get involved, and you've already wrapped this up."

The sheer speed of Anton's work gave him an uncanny sense that the battle had ended before it had even begun—a feeling that was not far from the truth.

Riiiiing!

Suddenly, Jameson's phone rang. Answering the call, he exchanged a few words, his expression shifting between shock and astonishment. His gaze flicked to Anton several times during the conversation.

When the call ended, Jameson finally spoke, his tone laced with admiration.

"I have to say…" He couldn't suppress a smile. "You've really surprised me, Anton!"

…

patreon.com/Vks_sh