The chaos from the explosion quickly spread throughout the city.
A fierce firestorm shot up into the sky, turning what was once a peaceful and bustling street into a sea of flames.
Emergency vehicles—fire trucks, police cars, ambulances—rushed to the scene, and in an instant, the entire city of Los Angeles was engulfed in shock and panic.
Fortunately, thanks to Kagura's warnings and evacuation efforts via the experimental CTOS system, the explosion of the Extremis virus didn't claim any innocent lives.
Only a few people who hadn't managed to escape in time sustained minor injuries.
Additionally, the explosion's shockwave and fire briefly surged onto the streets, causing passing vehicles to swerve in panic.
This led to some minor traffic accidents, but thankfully, no fatalities.
Despite having saved numerous lives single-handedly in this premeditated terrorist attack, Kagura wasn't about to stop there.
After confirming that Happy Hogan was safe, she turned away from the scene and began tracking down A.I.M. operative Eric Savin—the man codenamed "Cold Blood," the true mastermind behind this attack.
Her fists clenched as she strode down the street.
Aldrich Killian—this man had lost all sense of restraint in his pursuit of power.
He wasn't satisfied with merely attacking military bases; now he was targeting professional gatherings and even densely populated commercial districts with the Extremis virus.
Such heinous actions could no longer be excused as mere jealousy or ambition—they were outright crimes against humanity that had to be eradicated.
Obtain an Extremis virus sample.
Eliminate Dr. Killian and his accomplices.
Kagura silently reaffirmed her mission as she followed Cortana's directions into a narrow alley.
She retracted her cloak and black attire, allowing her "White Moon" combat suit to revert to its normal appearance.
There was no longer a need to hide her identity. Happy Hogan was safe.
There was no one left here who required secrecy.
"Cortana, redirect the 'Argos' surveillance satellite. Input the Extremis virus' thermal signature and begin city-wide tracking of Eric Savin's location."
"Command confirmed, Master."
Under Cortana's control, the orbital surveillance satellite adjusted its trajectory, scanning Los Angeles with millimeter precision in search of the fleeing Eric Savin.
The explosion had already been recorded in its entirety, enabling Kagura to detect any signs of the virus' activation anywhere in the city, allowing her to issue warnings before further outbreaks occurred.
Similarly, if any Extremis-enhanced individual like Eric Savin activated their regenerative abilities, the satellite would instantly detect them.
Under the global surveillance system of the "Argos" project, no Extremis warrior could remain hidden.
"Additionally, deploy all Rhodes Island Industrial reserve drones and switch them to experimental CTOS mode for full-time coverage of major cities nationwide."
"Our CTOS system is still in its early test phase, but it should be capable of detecting Extremis outbreaks, issuing warnings, and dispersing crowds."
"Command confirmed, Master. Deploying CTOS Ver0.1."
The CTOS system was still under development, currently in its initial testing phase.
For now, its functions could only be deployed and managed via drones, which was neither convenient nor comprehensive.
However, even at this experimental stage, CTOS could at least provide early warnings and crowd evacuation services in response to Extremis outbreaks, ensuring the safety of most major cities through an extensive drone network.
The so-called "Mandarin's" reign of terror would undoubtedly continue.
But as long as Kagura's CTOS remained effective, Aldrich Killian's forces wouldn't be able to take a single life.
"Master, detecting a temperature spike 200 meters ahead, near Fourth Street. Route has been marked."
"Understood."
A guided holographic route appeared in Kagura's visor, directing her towards the depths of a nearby alley.
A sudden temperature increase—this meant that the Extremis virus had been activated.
Eric Savin was Killian's loyal lieutenant and right-hand man.
There was no way he would trigger his self-destruction ability for no reason. That meant only one thing—he was in a fight.
But who could be strong enough to force Eric Savin to activate his Extremis abilities?
Hawkeye? No, he was at home on a date with his wife.
Bucky Barnes? Also no, he was in New York, on a date with Steve Rogers (pfft).
Natasha Romanoff? Impossible—she was in Kolkata, on a date with Bruce Banner.
Thor? Definitely not—he was in Asgard, on a date with Loki.
Wait a minute…
Why is everyone on a date?!
This is so unfair! My single status is about to make me go berserk!
"Master, theoretically speaking, you are currently in Malibu on a date with Tony Stark and Pepper Potts…"
"Shut up!"
Pouting, Kagura quickened her pace.
With all known possibilities eliminated, that left only the unknown.
Which meant that whoever was fighting Eric Savin was a new hero she had yet to meet.
After turning a few corners, Cortana sent another update.
"Master, the Extremis heat signature has disappeared. The combatant seems to have concealed their presence and is moving away from the battle site."
"Got it."
Kagura frowned as she approached the location Cortana had marked as the "battle site."
Eric Savin had left.
That meant one of two things: either the unknown fighter had been defeated, or—on the slim chance—that Savin had been driven off.
Was the one who stopped Eric Savin a brave police officer who ultimately got killed?
That would make for a pretty tragic story.
With these thoughts in mind, Kagura stepped into the scorched battlefield.
Two broken swords were stabbed into the ground.
Their blades had melted and snapped, while the handles, charred by fire, emitted a pungent burnt rubber smell.
"Oh… son of a—"
A male voice groaned from nearby.
"Damn, that was hot! How the hell does he do that? Seriously!"
"I've never seen anyone who could just—just shove their hand through my chest like that! What is he, Ulquiorra?"
A man in a red bodysuit was rambling as he slowly climbed to his feet.
"Hey, hi there. If I'm not mistaken, you're late. The weird dude already ran off, but not before leaving a nice big hole in me."
He pointed at the scorched hole in his suit's chest. His flesh underneath had already completely healed, leaving no visible wounds.
"You… are… who?"
Kagura immediately recognized this chatty, irreverent figure, but she still had to ask for confirmation.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm… I'm a superhero. You can call me Superhero Man."
"No, you're Deadpool." Kagura pouted.
"Stop messing around. You're Deadpool."
"What? I'm not Deadpool!" Deadpool tilted his head.
"How do you even know the name 'Deadpool'? I've never told anyone I'm called Deadpool!"
"But you are Deadpool."
"No, I'm Wade."
"Wade is Deadpool."
"Wade is Deadpool, but I'm not Deadpool, because I'm Wade."
"Stop twisting words! One more loop and I'm slicing you in half!"
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