Chapter 898: A Grand Performance (Part 2)

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As one familiar official term after another spilled from the mouths of the speakers, those seated in the chamber, including generals and lawmakers, felt as though they had been transported back to the scene of a Congress meeting.

Simultaneously, they were accompanied by a surreal, almost unreal sensation. This was Heaven, after all, and what were referred to as the victims of the incident were now sitting right beside them, staring at them with unwavering gazes of Death.

At this moment, the voice of Strange echoed from the podium, "The joint investigation team has toiled tirelessly and dedicatedly for a month to uncover the truth. Now, we shall reveal the results of our investigation."

"Nick Fury," he continued, "our investigation has found that he died from a gunshot wound inflicted by a handgun. We have made contact with the enigmatic assassin himself, who claims that he was hired by an equally mysterious individual. The identity of this person remains shrouded in secrecy, but according to the assassin, the person resembled a military officer. Therefore, the military bears the primary responsibility."

"Objection! This is a shameful accusation!" A cry from the audience erupted, but Strange pounded the table and said, "Silence!"

"Dr. Dora," he continued, "perished due to a building collapse caused by the invasion of a red monster in New York. Our investigation reveals that the red monster, named 'Red Hulk,' originated from a secret military experiment. Therefore, the military bears the primary responsibility."

"Wait a minute, wasn't that Ross himself..."

"Silence!" Strange raised his voice, then continued, "Spider-Man met his demise in an explosion caused by the uncontrollable abilities of certain escaping criminals. It is reported that the neglectful management of the prison, government inaction, and the prison authorities hold the primary responsibility."

"Captain America," he went on, "succumbed to a special superhero's loss of control over his abilities. This particular superhero... Wait, Schiller, is he here?"

Schiller stood up and glanced towards the entrance. A lycanthrope-like figure entered, leading Fastball's Soul behind him. It was evident that Fastball, who had been very close to the explosion's epicenter, had not managed to escape and had thus arrived here.

"It was me who killed Captain America..." Fastball trembled as he spoke. "I killed a Hero, a..."

"Wait!" Schiller raised his hand, stood up, and said, "I request a mental health evaluation for this suspect. I suspect his mental state is compromised, and he may not be fully competent."

Strange nodded, and Schiller led Fastball away. Strange then flipped a page in the report and said, "Tony Stark, Iron Man, died of a heart attack. However, our investigation report indicates that, before his death, he was wearing life-supporting armor and had sent a distress signal to New York Presbyterian Hospital. The hospital failed to respond."

"As a state-run hospital, its failure to answer emergency calls and its delay in treating patients, resulting in their deaths, places the responsibility on the state council and regulatory authorities."

"This is absurd!" a general stood up and exclaimed loudly. "What on earth are you all doing? Is this some kind of new drama?"

Strange paid no attention to him and continued, "Furthermore, we have discovered that this incident harbors a deeper conspiracy. It was not merely an accidental occurrence."

"Through our investigation, we have found that General Manley's Tartufaction, seeking to increase military authority, plotted a series of conspiracies against Avengers members, including suppressing S.H.I.E.L.D. and forcing Avengers members into resource shortages."

"And a group of politicians led by Congressman Daichi and State Meeting member Cassandra plotted a series of conspiracies against superheroes, including using public opinion manipulation to create infighting among Avengers members."

"In this case, the large-scale loss of valuable human talent is the result of both sides simultaneously persecuting superheroes and other precious individuals. It is not a mere coincidence."

With this statement, those who had just protested fell silent. Lawmakers looked at the generals, and generals looked at the lawmakers. Both sides understood that what Strange had spoken was the truth.

These two groups had never ceased their efforts to oppose the Avengers and superheroes. They supported the expansion of Infinity Power, seeking to obtain the incredible abilities of superheroes while preventing anyone from surpassing their own authority. Among those present, dozens formed hundreds of small factions, each with their own plans and agendas, contributing to a dark forest logic where no one could be certain of others' actions.

"As decided by the Joint Investigation Team," Strange continued, "the individuals mentioned above must be held responsible for this incident. Now, representing the Joint Heaven, Schiller Rodriguez will announce the plan for handling this incident."

Strange nodded and stepped back, allowing Schiller to take the stage. "I express profound sadness for this incident and for the loss of my superhero friends," Schiller began, "But death is final, and now that those responsible have come forward, their sins in life are forgiven."

"Of course, the goal of the Joint Heaven is to provide a chance for redemption to the righteous. The Resurrection quotas held by the Joint Heaven are always reserved for those who deserve it."

"The Egyptian Pantheon possesses the ability to judge the hearts of the deceased, and they have provided detailed data to support my decisions regarding the Resurrection quotas."

"First and foremost, with the highest score is Peter Parker, a devout, brave, and kind-hearted individual. He shall be the first to be resurrected!"

A cheer erupted from the audience, and the various godly factions watching all smiled knowingly.

Peter nodded to the others in the row and walked up to the stage. Schiller opened a portal emitting a white light, and Peter's Soul floated out and entered a cryogenic chamber. Peter then stood up.

He stretched his body, shook his head, and waved to the left and right, much like an Olympic champion exiting the stage.

Schiller smiled at him, closed the portal, and continued, "Next is Steve Rogers, strong, kind, and just. These words are inadequate to express my admiration for him."

Steve stood up, shook hands with those around him, waved to the back rows, and then approached the center of the stage. He shook hands with Schiller and embraced Strange before standing at the microphone.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thanks be to God! Thanks to all of you who have always believed in justice. I want to say that justice will always prevail. Please keep a kind heart. Thank you!"

After his speech, he also entered the portal, his Soul returning, and as his physical body stood up, he held onto the frame of the closing portal, saying, "Remember, justice endures!"

"Next is Tony Stark," Schiller continued, "his wisdom was his weapon, and knowledge was his armor. He did much more for humanity than humanity did for him—a truly great man who deserves a grand Resurrection!"

"Tony Stark! Tony... Tony!!"

Seeing Stark sound asleep in his seat, Schiller banged on the table to wake him up. Stark woke up, somewhat disoriented, and said, "Is it over? How much compensation am I getting? Donate it for me, no need to thank me..."

"Your Resurrection is up next," Schiller said in a hushed tone.

"Resurrection?" Stark raised his voice, standing up and examining Schiller. "You've built Heaven here, and it looks like some makeshift paradise. And now you want to resurrect me?"

"Let me tell you, Schiller, the Phase One renovation of Heaven must be designed by Stark himself! If you dare to use your aesthetics to defile the Hall of Heroes for humanity, I'll make sure to put your name on the shabby temple you built..."

Schiller stood still, closed his eyes, and sighed, "Have you not understood the situation? I am an Angel! I declare your Resurrection! Can't you just leave it at that?"

"You think I will?" Stark walked out of his seat, heading towards the exit, and said, "If you try to kick me out of here, I'll expose your theft of Stark Industries' Elevator..."

Schiller rolled his eyes and retorted, "Do you insist on watching the video of Pepper crying over your corpse for a week? Do you know how devastated she's been?"

Stark's footsteps suddenly halted, and he paused for a moment before turning back. Before walking into the Portal, he leaned in and whispered to Schiller, "Show me the video."

After Stark had also left, the discussions among the generals and lawmakers in their seats became uncontrollable. The word "Resurrection" hit them like a thunderbolt.

If this place truly was Heaven, it certainly wasn't as wonderful as they had imagined, especially with Schiller around.

People often say they want to go to Heaven after they die, but when you ask them if they'd rather die or continue living, the answer is almost always unanimous.

Why choose death when you can live? Even a good death isn't as valuable as life. If Resurrection is possible, there's no need to stay in Heaven.

Most of these people had achieved success, wealth, status, happiness in life, and had loving families. They hadn't lived enough, so given the opportunity for Resurrection, they would do everything in their power to grasp it.

At this moment, Nick Fury, seated in the front row, turned to Dora and said, "Do you think the next one is me or you? I feel like it should be you, Doctor. Your contributions to humanity have been significant..."

Dora shook her head and replied, "No, we all know that S.H.I.E.L.D. is dedicated to protecting humanity. Of course, no Agent organization is entirely clean, but when it comes to assessing intentions and good versus evil, I believe your heart is in the right place. So, I think the next one is you..."

"Nick! Nick! What on earth is Resurrection?" A lawmaker immediately approached them, asking, "What is happening here?"

"It's exactly what it sounds like, Resurrection," Nick replied. "Haven't you figured it out yet? We humans now have a Hall of Heroes... You know what the Hall of Heroes is, right? Yes, the one where heroes can be resurrected..."

"Now, we are all in the Hall of Heroes. As long as we secure a Resurrection quota, we can be resurrected. It's that simple. Oh, hold on, he just called my name. I'm going now; see you tomorrow."

As Nick and Dora both entered the Portal, the rest of the people anxiously looked at Schiller. However, Schiller was already packing up documents, and Strange began to gather his belongings as if the entire meeting had concluded.

"Wait a minute, Mr. Rodriguez! What about us? Aren't we to be judged for our deeds?" one person stepped forward and said.

Schiller looked surprised and glanced at him. After assessing him for a moment, he replied, "Those whose names weren't called are disqualified. Do I need to explain more?"

"But we..."

At this moment, several leading generals and lawmakers intercepted him. General Manley spoke up, "This might be his conspiracy! We can't just go along with his plans! Let's see how long he can play this act."

"Didn't they say this is Heaven? Then let's stay here. We won't get thirsty or hungry. What can he do to us?"

Others found reasons in these words, and they all sat back down.

However, at this moment, the magical screen behind them lit up once more, displaying the devilish figure of Mephisto.

"Hey? Hey? Schiller, where are those discarded Soul specimens you mentioned? I'm sending a Demon to pick them up; my newly opened Pain Package is short a few test subjects..."

"Oh, Lord Mephisto..." Schiller glanced at the generals and lawmakers sitting there and said, "You can have your employees teleport them directly; they're waiting here, just as we agreed on compensation..."

Mephisto sneered and said, "I'm helping you deal with the garbage, and you still want to charge me?... Crafty humans. Fine, let's consider this a favor since we'll be colleagues in the future."

With a snap of his fingers, a fire erupted in the center of the room, and Mephisto's human form appeared within. By this time, everyone else had left the meeting room, leaving only the lawmakers and generals.

Mephisto walked forward skillfully and said, "So, these are the ones, right? Let me see... Soul activity isn't great, but their level of sin is commendable."

He then waved his hand, and several chains of fire wrapped around the bodies of everyone present. When the flames touched the surface of their Souls, everyone let out intense screams.

There were few things in the world more painful than direct torment and burning of the Soul.

In an instant, the sanity of everyone present crumbled. Schiller approached Mephisto and tried to stop him, saying, "Your Lordship, haven't you adapted yet? Human Souls can't withstand such torment. If you bind them like this, they'll disintegrate before reaching hell..."

Mephisto rolled his eyes in disgust and said, "Humans are so troublesome. Fine..."

He extinguished the fire on the chains, but still dragged the bound prisoners toward the Portal to hell. At this point, everyone else had already left the meeting room, leaving only the lawmakers and generals behind.

Mephisto, in his human form, walked forward and said, "Is this the group? Let me see... their Souls aren't very active, but their levels of sin are quite substantial."

After speaking, he waved his hand, and several chains of fire bound the bodies of everyone present. As the flames made contact with their Souls, everyone let out intense screams.

There were few things in the world more painful than the direct torment and burning of the Soul.

In an instant, the sanity of everyone present crumbled. Schiller approached Mephisto and tried to stop him, saying, "Your Lordship, haven't you adapted yet? Human Souls can't withstand such torment. If you bind them like this, they'll disintegrate before reaching hell..."

Mephisto rolled his eyes in disgust and said, "Humans are so troublesome. Fine..."

He extinguished the fire on the chains, but still dragged the bound prisoners toward the Portal to hell. At this point, everyone else had already left the meeting room, leaving only the lawmakers and generals behind.

Schiller and Strange stood by, whispering to each other. Eventually, the two leaders broke down, shouting:

"Save us! I'll do anything!"

"Schiller! We're willing to pay any price!"

In an instant, the chains released them, and a group of people collapsed on the ground. They looked up to see a pair of polished shoes in front of them. As they raised their heads, a shadow covered them.

In their blurred vision, they only saw Schiller crouching down, wearing a wicked grin on his face.

[Read at www.patreon.com/shanefreak, and thanks for the invaluable support!]

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Next Chapter>>Chapter 899: The Not-So-Secret Invasion (Part 1)