Volume 9: Fate of Destiny Chapter 59: The End of the Lone Walker's Bitter Journey
When Mason said that Team K was disbanded, the entire box fell silent.
There was no cheering or screaming, it was like the captain had announced bad news instead of good news.
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Although they all knew that this day was coming, they did not expect Mason to announce the news so straightforwardly during the carnival after the war.
There was even a feeling of impatience, and even final relief.
Hey, isn't this right?
You can't just disband it like that, you have to give everyone some time to get used to it first.
"I don't agree!"
The one who reacted most strongly was not the old team member, but Damian. Today, the little madman dressed up in a black suit that was both handsome and evil. He also used hairspray to comb his hair into an adult look.
At this moment, he put the juice in his hand heavily on the table, stood up and shouted to Mason:
"Team K's mission and work have not yet been completed! We killed Mephisto, but that was only the downfall of the Constellation. Old A and his Council of Hope are still here, and those bastards are still whispering in the dark land and planning to bury us!
They are not dead yet, the culprit who caused all these terrible things is still at large, the rescue is over but the reckoning and revenge have just begun!
How can we, as hunters, give up halfway?
That's not just your goal!
Mason, that's ours too. Team K belongs to everyone. Even though you're the captain, you can't be complicit in this kind of thing..."
"Old A is dead."
Seeing that the little lunatic was getting more and more excited, Mason revealed the answer.
He looked at the shocked Damian and then at the others, and said in a gentle tone:
"I got first-hand information. Old A shot himself in the despair we brought him. He was overwhelmed by fear and defeated by himself like every enemy of Batman.
The last enemy of Team K is dead, and our combat mission ends here.
Actually, I wanted to announce this news in a few days, but when I saw everyone enjoying their lives, I suddenly realized that there was no need to delay this matter any longer.
Our last battle is over.
We will no longer be just rebellious members of the Star Society, we will be free again, and like all the people reveling outside, we have all been freed from our shackles and have the power to freely choose our future.
As the captain, I should not interfere with your choices in life for any reason."
“But…but…”
The biggest reason of the "opponent" Damian disappeared, leaving him speechless for a moment, but soon, the little madman thought of another point of view, he waved his hand and said:
“Although Old A is dead, Lord Doom is still here, isn’t he? That bastard is also the Doomsday Executioner with blood on his hands. He is also an evil enemy that Team K must eliminate.
So we still have reasons to keep fighting, and Team K also has reasons to continue to exist!
right!
That's right! This fighting organization must continue to exist!"
"Well, I think what you want to say is 'excuse'. That thing and reason are two completely different concepts."
Mason glanced at him, took a sip of the champagne in his hand, and said slowly:
"Damian, not everyone is like you, who needs a clear enemy before they know how to plan their lives the next morning. I can understand how a little battle fanatic like you feels about belonging to Team K. In fact, I am flattered by your intense reaction.
But the fact is, we've fought too many battles.
Except for you who enjoys the fight, others are eager to get a rest, adjust their own life rhythm and return to normal life.
It's not a heroic act to drag your companions to continue fighting just because of your own desire, right? "
The captain looked at the others, and received one approving look after another. Finally, he raised his glass to Damian and said softly:
“Fighting, war, killing, and death never bring pleasure to people. They are only means to achieve a goal and cannot be regarded as the purpose of action.
I know that there is an uncompromising warrior in your heart, but maybe you should stop and loosen the handle of the knife and use your hands to hold something more important in your life.
Strength without sufficient willpower is just a mirage. You and everyone else should understand this truth better as you have come this far.
Of course, only my K team was disbanded."
Mason put down his glass, shrugged, winked at the lunatic and said:
"Remember the life plan you told me before? I won't stop you from completing your little idea, just like you can't stop me from disbanding the ace team I personally formed.
Or do you, a proud fellow, really intend to inherit an organization that does not belong to you? Shouldn't you go find new partners yourself?
So, deal?"
"Humph, you're just trying to trick me."
Damian rolled his eyes. He clearly agreed but still stood there with his arms folded and his lips curled as he said:
"But you've taken away all the fun. What great achievements can I make in such a peaceful and boring era? Should I stay in Gotham and continue to fight those scum criminals?
I have spread my wings and soared into the sky, but you have turned me back into the form of a chicken, crawling on the ground. "
"Stinky kid."
The second barrel next to him put down his glass unhappily and scolded:
"I think you deserve a beating! Have you forgotten what your grandfather taught you? If you can't accept mediocrity, you are also not qualified to enjoy greatness!"
"I'm not afraid of you anymore, Jason, stop threatening me with your fists!"
Damian roared at the second barrel like a fighting cock.
As a result, the next second, Little Raven and Little Morgan next to him each pulled one of his hands and forced him back onto the sofa, but he still stared at Ertong opposite him provocatively, and it seemed that he wanted to start a fight to liven up the atmosphere for everyone.
However, in this episode, Damian did express what some members of Team K were thinking. As the madman said, after experiencing something wonderful, not everyone is willing to return to a peaceful or even mediocre life.
Mason was keenly aware of this sentiment and said:
"Old Norman is discussing with the managers of other worlds about establishing the prototype of the future order. Apart from the several worlds we have fought side by side against the impact and know well about them, the worlds that will be merged after the next impact are all mysteries to us.
The conflict will continue, and it is not something that can be changed by our will.
The arrival of peace still requires many determined people to work hard for it, so if you are interested, you can go to old Norman to sign up.
He wants to form a 'peacekeeping force' that can operate across the world, and name it 'Children of the Future'.
He promised me that this wouldn't be the next Star Club or Conqueror, but frankly, I don't trust the old Green Goblin's integrity in this regard..."
“Ha, I understand!”
Damian, who had looked unhappy just now, immediately understood.
The little madman became excited again, and even turned his head to wink at Xiao Qiao, as if he was trying to lure his best "sandbag" to go with him.
The fact is just as Mason said, Damian is not angry about the disbandment of Team K.
He just wanted to find a new target, a new enemy.
Tsk, what a naughty kid who has lost the focus in life. He doesn't seem to realize that the truly important things are right next to him. But considering that he is only thirteen years old, we can't be too harsh on him.
After finishing his business, Mason sat down between the team members and skillfully participated in their conversation, making the atmosphere relaxed again.
Especially after Harley drank a bottle of wine, jumped onto the table and grabbed the steel pipe that was torturing Blue Beetle, the atmosphere in the entire box suddenly became hot and joyful.
The dancing of professional gymnasts is certainly not something that non-professionals can compare to, especially when the drunken Harley jumped from the air and landed on Mason's shoulders with an extremely difficult move, which immediately caused a group of people to scream.
The little cutie is also very happy today. Her Mr. K finally no longer needs to devote his energy to other boring things.
Mason was finally hers.
"How are you? Are you okay?"
After the scene of passionate kissing in public came to an end, the captain, holding his drunken and talking nonsense little cutie, turned his head to look at Zod beside him. The latter's injuries could not be hidden from Mason, the master of first aid, and even in the midst of the revelry, the son of Krypton maintained a very calm and restrained demeanor.
He just sat in his seat, watching others enjoying and relaxing with a smile , and for him, witnessing such happiness seemed to be a kind of relaxation.
Facing Mason's question, Zod curled his lips and whispered:
"My wrist bone is broken, my spine is bruised, my left eye is slightly blind, and my head is buzzing. I don't even dare to stand up for fear of vomiting.
I finally understand why Clark disappears for a while after each outburst. The uncertainty of this "idealistic" power is indeed a bit scary in terms of the pressure it puts on the body.
If I could smash the body of the God of Death with one punch like Clark did, the pressure of that force on my body alone would be enough to kill me.
That would make me the first Kryptonian ever to be killed by himself.
Perhaps this can be considered a new breakthrough in fancy suicide.”
"You know that's not what I'm asking you."
Mason created some pure water for Harley, who was whimpering in his arms, to drink, so that she would wake up and not unbutton herself. Then he said to Zod:
"I'm asking about the feeling after learning the secret of the Kryptonian power. The feeling of being omnipotent."
"It's OK."
Zod recalled his feelings on the battlefield, and turned back to Mason and said:
“It’s not as strong as I thought.
But it is indeed a novel experience to place the strength of my power on my will. My physical fitness will no longer limit my destructive power. It is like unlocking a lock that allows my future to expand infinitely.
But I have made the vow after all.
From now on, my life will revolve around this focus. I am not as great as Clark to want to protect all the beautiful things, which means I will never be able to reach his height.
but……"
He paused and turned to look at Kara, who was drinking cocktails with Quinn, and an unspoken smile appeared on her calm and thin face.
Bizarro came over, a weird smile on his zombie-like gray face, raised his thumbs and moved them around, and whispered to Mason:
"Weakling Zod and ugly Kara are kissing in the ward..."
"Hey, you can't say that!"
Zod picked up the wine glass and stuffed it into Bizarro's hand, then grabbed an apple to stuff into his mouth, but when he turned around, the Captain was gone, and the drunk Harley was also taken away.
Just like the classic scene when Batman disappears, people always disappear while chatting.
But Zod was used to it.
He shrugged and poured himself a drink.
But the captain didn't really intend to disappear suddenly. It was just that Harley drank too much and her stomach was upset. At this time, Mason was waiting outside the women's room, listening to his little cutie making a fuss inside.
He sighed and casually took out a handful of herbs from his bag. Under the flashing red light of the refining array, a bottle of potion for relieving stomach discomfort and sobering up was produced.
However, when Mason had just finished making the potion, he looked around and suddenly saw a familiar figure walking up the stairs outside to the rooftop.
The guy's temperament was out of tune with this bar that was in the midst of a revelry, just like the joys and sorrows of human beings were incompatible. On this night when everyone had enough reasons to be happy, he still chose to be alone.
Brother A came to the rooftop of the bar in the dark.
He stood here and looked ahead.
Because the Afterlife Bar was placed in a distorted space, he could not see the entire night view of Gotham City, but the less brilliant lights were not a bad thing.
At least it won't block out the twinkling stars above.
Mercer pulled open his sleeve and took a look at his left arm.
The disappearance of the devil tattoo meant that he had become a truly free man, but just as the little madman was unwilling to accept the disbandment of Team K, this kind of release was not a pleasure and enjoyment for everyone.
For a unique life whose own life has long passed and whose future is uncertain, it is not easy to find the focus of life again in an uncertain life.
"If you go any further I'm afraid you'll fall down. Under the circumstances tonight you'll definitely cause trouble."
Mason's voice came from behind. Without letting Brother A turn around, he kept his cool demeanor with his hands in his pockets and said in his signature cold voice:
"There are so many joys waiting for you, there is no need to come and talk to a dull person like me, it will make you feel bad.
It’s not worth it. ”
"If it's just chatting, then you're really not a good partner."
Mason supported Harley, who was still a little dizzy from the hangover, and snorted, saying:
"But if it's a farewell, that's another matter. You've made up your mind to complete your last task, right? In this dawning moment when everyone is free, you will also generously give yourself freedom.
Even though that means you will die forever."
"Alex Mercer is long dead."
Brother A did not answer yes or no. He looked down at his hands and said softly:
“He was already dead when he was hit by that bullet. I am just a monster born from that body, and was given a heavy responsibility that should not be borne by me.
I have also avoided that ending and tried to find the meaning of my existence.
But then I realized that this is the meaning of my existence!
I must die.
A world can be reborn.
In a chaotic era, a fragile world and civilization cannot resist the ensuing malice, so I must carry my world forward to the right moment.
I think now is the right time.”
He looked back at Mason and said:
“The seeds of the future you have laid may not yet bear fruit, but they have become fertile soil. If I plant this seed of life, it will bloom into the most beautiful flower tomorrow.
Are you going to stop me this time, Mason? "
Harley sobered up a little, and when she saw Brother A, she realized that this bastard wanted to talk to Sweetie about something serious. This made Harley quite dissatisfied as she had already planned to do something to Sweetie after the cocktail party.
But she also knew Brother A's life and the mission he carried out, which was something that no one with a conscience could desecrate.
She kissed Mason on the cheek obediently, whispered a few words in his ear, and then slapped Mason on the butt like a female hooligan. Then she whistled and staggered back to the box to continue enjoying the pleasure she liked.
Only Mason was left here to accompany Brother A through the last journey of this uncertain life.
"No, I'm not going to do that."
Mason walked forward and stood with Brother A, watching the night scenery in front of them. It was already dawn, but it was also the darkest time of the day.
He said:
“Everyone who knows your story is shocked by how decisive and sacrificial you were in saving your world at the last moment, but few people pay attention to your feelings as you shouldered all of this.
But I guess that must be tiring.
Carrying the hope of the world and drifting in a chaotic era, and not even being able to decide your own death, you must be exhausted, right? "
"Extraordinarily tired."
Brother A was finally moved.
He sighed, and for the first time, a change of expression belonging to life appeared on that cold face.
He closed his eyes, covered his chest, and said:
"Every minute I asked myself if I had to keep going. Every time I responded with silence, like a puppet who had to complete a task.
There has never been any freedom to speak of. A viral colony like me is not supposed to have intelligence and humanity.
The more I understand, the more painful it is for me.
It was wisdom that cursed me, leaving me stuck in the rift between the individual and the group, at a loss.
self?
That is a gift that I will never receive, and I don't want to continue.
It’s time to end this.”
"Have you found a place?"
Mason asked, and Brother A nodded and said:
"I have agreed with Lady Cassandra that the entire northern hemisphere of their world has been razed to the ground and has returned to barbarism. My people will stay there temporarily and will set off to find a new place to settle after the next impact fusion."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
The captain patted Brother A on the shoulder and said:
"Come on, I'll accompany you on this last journey."
