"Quicksilver! You really had the guts to bring people here? Since you're already up there—why not jump down and join the fun?"
Ryuuto's lips curved into a bright, charming grin. Unfortunately, that smile sent a shiver straight down Quicksilver's spine. The speedster froze, then edged even farther away—like a man realizing the 'harmless' snake he'd poked was actually a dragon.
The metallic clang of steel cut through the tension. Erica flipped backward, barely escaping Ryuuto's blade as it carved a spark through the air.
The Punisher raised his rifle, eyes narrowed. "Ryuuto! There's no one else here—just the three of them!"
"Perfect." Gwen landed beside Ryuuto, golden hair sweeping behind her, her expression fierce. "Then none of them are leaving alive."
Ryuuto gave her a nod, dragging the edge of his giant cleaver along the ground with a grating hiss. His grin widened. "You take the long-haired one. I'm in a bad mood tonight—I'll probably split someone in half without meaning to."
"Got it." Gwen's reply was instant, eyes locked on Erica. Her web-shooters gleamed faintly under the streetlights.
Erica twirled her steel trident, chin raised. "Cute. Let's see how long that confidence lasts."
Meanwhile, the Punisher's heart pounded. Sweat gathered at his temple. "Quicksilver," he hissed, "you said this kid was easy to beat! What the hell is this?!"
"Shut up! I know what I'm doing!" Quicksilver barked back, swallowing hard. His gaze darted between Ryuuto and Gwen, calculating odds that got uglier by the second.
With his backup occupied, panic flickered across his face. "Ryuuto! Wait! I'm not here to fight you, alright? I just came looking for someone. Let's keep things peaceful!"
"Peaceful?" Ryuuto tilted his head. "You? Don't make me laugh. You're Magneto's kid, right? I didn't expect you to be this scared." He dug a pinky in his ear, unimpressed. "Fine. I'll be generous—explain what filthy business brought you to New York before I send you back in pieces."
Quicksilver's jaw clenched. "I don't owe you an explanation! I have the right to do what I want!"
"Right? That's adorable." Ryuuto's voice dropped to a low growl. "Then I have the right to break your teeth."
He didn't wait for a reply. One flick of his hand to Gwen, and he lunged forward—cleaver flashing like a thunderbolt.
The Punisher screamed, firing wildly. Bullets tore through the night, the muzzle flash painting the alley gold.
"Pathetic." Ryuuto's fingers blurred through hand signs. "Earth Release: Stone Wall!"
The ground split open, rising into a thick slab of rock that swallowed the bullets with a dull clatter.
"Quicksilver! I'm running out of ammo here!" the Punisher shouted.
"Handle it yourself!" Quicksilver snapped, retreating another step. "You can't expect me to waste effort on one guy!"
He hesitated, eyes darting toward the bar down the street. "You deal with him, I'll get backup!" And just like that, he vanished in a silver blur.
"Coward!" the Punisher roared—but Ryuuto was already upon him.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
The kick landed like a sledgehammer. The rifle exploded into fragments, and the Punisher spun through the air before crashing to the pavement, teeth scattering like dice.
Across the lot, Gwen and Erica clashed.
Erica lunged, trident gleaming. "You should've stayed home, girl. You won't live to see sunrise!"
Gwen's lips curved. "Funny. I was thinking the same thing."
Her wrist flicked. Web-lines shot forward, snapping toward Erica's weapon as the night erupted in a flurry of sparks, steel, and silk.