American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

145. Kara’s Powerlessness.

Walking along a dirt path in the barren mountains, Alex and his two companions were following faint bloodstains scattered on the rocks, tracking an unknown entity. They had discovered a gruesome scene at a farm they passed by. Initially, they didn't want to approach, but Kara's keen sense of smell detected the stench of corpses, indicating that no one was likely alive. Alex decided to help by organizing the deceased's belongings.

In this desolate land, death was not particularly surprising. The farm was a horrific sight, corpses strewn everywhere. Several bodies had been picked clean, and as the trio approached, a few vultures were startled and flew away, though they didn't leave entirely, perching on a withered tree outside the farm.

The vultures' eyes fixed on the three strangers, seemingly curious about what these humans, interrupting their meal, intended to do.

A brief investigation revealed that the farm's seven members had all met untimely deaths. Nothing was stolen from the house, suggesting that the culprit's sole purpose was to consume them.

Pietro speculated whether a wild animal, such as a grizzly bear, might have attacked them. However, Alex disagreed. Although many strange and rare beasts existed in this wasteland, the brutal scene suggested it was the work of a wild, intelligent being.

The family of seven was evident from their family photo, including a baby's room, indicating they lived a secluded but peaceful and happy life. Why such a tragedy befell them was a mystery.

Perhaps it was just their bad luck. That's what Alex said.

In this twisted, corrupt world, no one could remain unscathed. For them, death might even be a mercy.

As they prepared to collect the bodies for burial, they noticed that the number of corpses didn't add up. There were seven family members, but only five and a half bodies, implying the culprit took one with them.

Using Kara's extraordinary senses, the trio quickly found bloodstains leading deep into the mountains. However, Kara's expression remained troubled throughout the journey.

"Still thinking about that little girl?"

Alex broke the silence. In a team, communication was essential. He didn't want Kara to dwell on it, knowing that Kryptonians, despite their invulnerability, had very soft hearts.

"..." Kara didn't respond, keeping her head down and moving forward.

"Kara, I can't guarantee my importance to you, but I should be one of the people you trust the most, right?" Alex moved closer to her. "So, you don't need to keep things bottled up. You can talk about it."

Kara paused at his words. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke slowly.

"I just don't understand what's happened to this world. I can't comprehend anything anymore. What is it supposed to be like? How could a little girl do something so ungrateful? Doesn't she have any conscience? Can she even be called 'human'?

I really can't accept it. Back on Krypton, some of the elders studied many civilizations and wrote several post-apocalyptic prophecies, detailing how dark and wretched civilizations could become after a catastrophe. But I! But I thought those were just stories!

Do you understand?

They were just stories. That shouldn't happen. Every human should have a kind, bright heart. Even in the darkest times, someone should strive to follow the light because 'hope' still exists within everyone's heart!

But here, I...

I really..."

Alex hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arm around Kara's shoulder.

"Feeling powerless, right?" Sighing deeply, Alex pursed his lips, looking at the downcast Kara. Although he couldn't see her expression, he believed he understood her feelings.

"Do you feel particularly empty and powerless inside? Do you not understand why society has become so cruel? Do you doubt whether it's still worth trying to save them?"

Alex glanced at Pietro, thinking he might have a deeper understanding of the topic.

"...Don't doubt yourself, Kara. The reason you're struggling and getting stuck in your thoughts is that you were wrong from the start. You're kind-hearted, you have hope, and you still see them as 'humans.'"

"But they stopped being 'humans' a long time ago."

Alex shook his head slightly and continued.

"Don't talk about those who chase the light. Those who shout about friendship, bonds, and the future are just idealized concepts. They are excuses for the weak to place their hope in others. They want to be saved but don't want to be the ones to sacrifice."

"You say there will always be someone looking for hope. But when people can't even meet their basic needs, do you think hope still matters to them? Can they still be called 'human'?"

"I don't know..." Kara murmured, her voice barely audible.

"Then find the answer yourself. Pietro and I will always be with you." Alex gently patted Kara's shoulder.

"Yes, we're family," Pietro added.

Though he wasn't good at giving speeches, Pietro understood Kara's feelings, coming from a similarly despairing world.They walked all afternoon, finally reaching the culprit's lair before sunset.

It was a cave perched on a cliff, about twenty meters above the ground. Below the cliff, countless cleanly picked bones were scattered, including human and large animal bones.

Alex even spotted a mammoth skeleton, indicating the wide range of prey the creature living here hunted.

"That thing should be inside. Let me handle it."

Kara took a deep breath, temporarily casting aside her worries. She cracked her knuckles, producing a series of popping sounds.

"Be careful."

Alex didn't refuse Kara's request to fight. After what happened in the village, she had been holding back too long and needed an outlet to vent.

After some thought, Alex added,

"...Be careful with the target. I need it alive to absorb its energy. Don't bring me a pile of minced meat, okay?"

.......

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