Marvel X The Boys

The air around Alex felt heavy as Butcher's intense glare bore into him. The man looked like he could kill him with just his stare—and Alex was pretty sure the crowbar in Butcher's hand wasn't just for show.

"Start talking," Butcher said, his voice low and dangerous. "What the f*** is this place, and why does it feel like we're inside a bloody fever dream?"

"I—I don't know!" Alex stammered, his hands raised in a defensive gesture. "You think I have any idea what's going on? I'm just as lost as you!"

"Not buyin' it," Butcher growled, taking a step closer.

"Hey, Butcher," Mother's Milk interjected, his tone measured. "Maybe ease up. Kid doesn't look like he's hiding anything."

Butcher shot him a sharp look but didn't back off. Hughie, standing a few paces behind, whispered nervously, "What if he's, you know... one of those supe types?"

Alex opened his mouth to protest, but a sharp ping rang out in his head, freezing him in place.

System Notification

[SYSTEM MAIL]

New Message: Congratulations! You've Received a Lootbox!

A shimmering screen materialized in Alex's peripheral vision, bright and vivid, but only visible to him. He blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but the words were right there, undeniable.

[LOOTBOX]

Congratulations, Alex Harper! You've been awarded a lootbox for surviving the recent event. Open it to receive your reward!

To Open: Press [Open Lootbox].

Opening the Lootbox

Alex hesitated, his heart pounding. He had no idea how or why this "system" was doing any of this, but the last lootbox had saved his life. Maybe this one would offer something even better.

Without thinking, he muttered, "Open lootbox."

"What'd you say?" Butcher snapped, narrowing his eyes.

Before Alex could answer, a glowing, rotating box appeared in front of him, spinning in mid-air. He knew no one else could see it, but he couldn't help the slight panic rising in his chest.

"Uh... nothing," Alex said quickly, stepping back slightly.

The box burst open with a flash of light, and text filled his vision:

[ITEM OBTAINED]

Legendary Skill: Gravity Pulse

Description: Unleashes a wave of concentrated gravity, capable of immobilizing enemies or repelling objects within a 10-meter radius. Cooldown: 5 minutes.

The Reaction

Alex's breath hitched as he felt the power flood his body. His muscles tensed, and for a brief moment, he felt... strong. Stronger than he ever had.

But his victory was short-lived.

"What's wrong with you?" Butcher demanded, his voice sharp. "You look like you've seen a bloody ghost."

Alex's lips twitched, unsure how to respond. "I... uh, I think I got something."

"Oh, you got somethin', alright," Butcher said, stepping closer. "A big f***in' problem if you don't start makin' sense."

"I swear, I'm not crazy!" Alex blurted out, backing away. "There's this... system, okay? It's like a game, but it's real. And I'm the only one who can see it."

Butcher tilted his head, his grip on the crowbar tightening. "You think I'm an idiot?"

"No! I—"

"Sounds like the kid's lost it," Hughie muttered, looking nervously at the others.

"I haven't lost it!" Alex protested.

"Right. We'll see about that," Butcher said, raising the crowbar.

The First Use of Gravity Pulse

Panic surged through Alex as Butcher closed the distance. He had no choice. Clenching his fists, he activated the skill.

The air around him shifted, a low hum vibrating through the ground. A pulse of invisible energy rippled outward, sending Butcher skidding back several feet and causing loose objects in the alley—trash cans, crates, and debris—to scatter wildly.

"What the f*** was that?" Butcher snarled, regaining his footing. His eyes were wild, his grip on the crowbar white-knuckled.

"See?" Alex said, his voice cracking. "I told you—I'm not making this up!"

Before Butcher could charge again, a voice interrupted from the shadows.

Enter Deadpool

"Wow, wow, wow! Hold it right there, John Wick knockoff!"

Everyone turned toward the alley entrance, where a man in a red-and-black suit strolled out, dual katanas strapped to his back and pistols at his hips. He twirled his finger theatrically. "Seriously, the crowbar thing? You're like a discount Gordon Freeman."

Alex blinked, relief washing over him. "Deadpool?"

"The one and only!" Deadpool replied, striking a pose. He pointed at Alex. "Hey, you know me! Great taste in heroes, kid."

Butcher glared at the newcomer. "And who the f*** are you?"

Deadpool gasped, clutching his chest. "Who am I? Who am I? Wow, rude. I'm Deadpool. Mercenary extraordinaire, fourth-wall breaker, lover of all things chimichanga. And you are... scary crowbar guy. Got it."

He turned to Alex. "So, what's the deal here? Did I walk into the middle of a reality TV show or a crossover event? And why does it smell like glitchy fog and testosterone?"

A Tense Stand-Off

"Look, Deadpool," Alex started, "I don't know what's happening, but—"

Deadpool held up a hand. "Say no more. I know exactly what's happening. Multiverse stuff. Big, dramatic, crossover energy. Happens all the time. One minute, you're minding your own business, the next, BOOM—alternate dimensions everywhere. Classic Tuesday."

Butcher's patience snapped. "Alright, that's it. I'm done with this bollocks." He raised the crowbar again, but Deadpool pointed a finger-gun at him.

"Whoa, easy there, Discount Rorschach. You don't want to mess with me. I'm like Spider-Man, but better. And with guns. Lots of guns."

Butcher sneered. "You're just another supe in a stupid costume."

Deadpool shrugged. "Eh, you're not wrong. But at least my costume's fabulous."

As the tension thickened, a low rumble echoed through the streets. The golden mist crept closer, swirling around their feet.

"Uh, is it just me, or is this about to get a lot worse?" Hughie asked nervously.

Deadpool turned to the camera. "Oh, you have no idea, buddy."

The rumble grew louder, the ground trembling as reality itself seemed to waver. Alex tightened his fists, the lingering energy of his new skill humming in his veins.

"Guess we're all in this together now," Deadpool said cheerfully. "Yay, teamwork!"

The scene cut to black as the rumble reached its crescendo.