Marvel: Killing Makes You Stronger

Chapter 90: Demon on the loose

This is a semi-nude portrait of a very alluring woman.

Her beauty is unparalleled, full of dangerous allure, with bright red lips, an extraordinarily sexy figure, dark and lustrous curly hair, and snow-white, smooth skin like plaster.

Especially captivating are her bright gray-blue pupils, which could stir any man's impulse.

"This portrait appeared in the small town of Chino, twenty kilometers away. It was unearthed a month ago from the ruins of an abandoned house. Subsequently, the local police found over seventy female skeletons on the site, all of whom were local missing young girls."

"The local coroner found no useful information on these girls' bones. Strangely, the burnt-down house originally belonged to a woman who disappeared seventy years ago. A fire later consumed the house."

"Because of certain events, no one has ventured there since, leaving it abandoned until a month ago."

Natasha explained, "The most bizarre thing is this portrait. Its appearance has led to the disappearance of fifty people in the town within a month, all young and beautiful. After being alarmed by this, the Director sent Hawkeye and me to Chino to investigate."

"Five days ago, we encountered a bizarre incident. We traced the last missing girl's path to the burnt-down house, where we saw the missing girl being held by someone wrapped in black gas. Our presence startled him."

"He attacked us, or rather, he attacked Barton. We barely escaped using special weapons, but for the past five nights, he has attacked us."

"No matter where we escape to, he finds us."

Bi Xiao looked at Natasha and Barton. Though they appeared fine, their faces showed signs of exhaustion. Barton, in particular, was tense, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings, clearly on guard against the monster's attack.

"Shaw..."

Natasha was about to continue when Bi Xiao's eyes flashed a sharp golden light. He suddenly turned towards Charlie's apartment, specifically Bella's room on the second floor.

This abrupt action immediately drew the attention of the battle-hardened Natasha and Barton.

They tensed and drew their weapons.

Suddenly, the man before them was engulfed in golden light and shot into Bella's second-floor apartment.

Bella stood by the window, seemingly watching something. As golden light filled her eyes, Bi Xiao appeared before her, holding a writhing black gas in his hand.

"Shaw?"

Bella stared at the golden-glowing Bi Xiao, his figure reflected in her eyes, striking her heart.

"You tracked it here."

Bi Xiao's eyes flashed coldly as he crushed the struggling black gas in his hand, purifying it with his powerful golden magic.

"Shaw, what is that?"

"A demon's mark."

"A demon's mark? On me?" Bella was stunned. The boy's miraculous display and the struggling black gas in his hand were shattering her worldview.

More alarming was the mark Bi Xiao mentioned.

Why would a demon mark her?

"Don't worry, Bella, you'll be fine."

Bi Xiao didn't elaborate. He extended his right hand, palm up, revealing a necklace with a golden gem. Bi Xiao gently placed it around Bella's neck.

The exquisite necklace, combined with Bella's delicate features, made her look like a princess.

"It's a magical necklace I made. It holds my power and will protect you, even against a demon."

As the golden light faded, Bi Xiao softly said, "Bella, you won't be harmed."

Bella held the necklace, looked at it, then at the gentle-faced boy. She hesitated before asking, "Are you leaving?"

She actually wanted to ask if he was leaving her.

Bi Xiao understood her meaning and shook his head, saying, "The demon is unusual. Its power is spreading and has already affected Forks. Many innocent people have been harmed before you. For your sake, theirs, and the peace of this land, I must find and destroy it."

Bi Xiao spoke diplomatically. The real reason was that he sensed the demon was a significant boss.

Such a boss couldn't be let go.

Of course, he wouldn't say such foolish words in front of the beautiful girl.

Sure enough, after his words, the girl's eyes showed a soft and tender light. If Bi Xiao was like a brave traveler before, now she was certain this handsome boy held secrets unknown to her, making him even more intoxicating.

"I don't want you to go. It might be very dangerous."

The girl stepped forward, mustering her courage to hug Bi Xiao, resting her head on his chin, feeling his warmth.

What could Bi Xiao do?

He wrapped his arms around Bella's waist, leaned down, and whispered, "This is my duty. No matter the danger, I will persist. Trust me, Bella. For you, I will kill even the strongest demon."

These words made the girl more emotional, her eyes welling with tears.

"I believe you. Do what you must, and don't forget our promise.”