Alex Ray never expected that Hell's Kitchen would become the largest arms supplier in the U.S. not long after he left.
Even more surprising was how popular the academy's new courses had become.
For a brief moment, Alex genuinely thought the Hell's Kitchen Community College had shifted from cultivating students into training special forces operatives.
"So, how did these courses pass the review of the Federal Education Bureau?" Alex asked, both embarrassed and exasperated.
"You have your godfather to thank for that," Erik Lehnsherr said with a chuckle. "Don't forget, Kingpin is now a member of the Federal Parliament. He personally visited every official in the Education Bureau and secured unanimous approval. Strictly speaking, Hell's Kitchen Community College now has complete autonomy."
Alex's expression twisted with complex emotions. He hadn't expected Wilson Fisk—his godfather and former principal—to greenlight Erik's selection of such... unusual courses. It was both surprising and frustrating.
"And this is only the first part of the curriculum," Erik added, handing over another sheet of paper. "I've already prepared the second phase. Since you're back, I'd appreciate your feedback."
Alex took the paper and read the course titles:
"One Hundred Ways to Defeat a Superhero"
"It's Better to Be a Villain Than a Saint"
"Firearms Maintenance Course"
"Learn High-Speed Driving — Escape Without Fear!"
Alex was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but laugh. Compared to the earlier batch that had left him both embarrassed and helpless, these new ones—though still unconventional—seemed relatively tame.
He exhaled with relief. At least these aren't too outrageous.
"I can understand including firearms as a foundation for self-defense," Alex said, locking eyes with Erik. "But I strongly oppose any curriculum that promotes illegal or criminal activities. They all have to go."
He knew all too well what the children of Hell's Kitchen needed: a shot at a stable, normal life—not a descent into crime.
He couldn't bear to imagine what the future would look like if these kids were molded by courses designed to blur the line between survival and violence. It would be no different from Gotham's descent into chaos.
Of course, Alex understood Erik's perspective.
For someone like Magneto, who'd spent a lifetime battling prejudice and oppression, these "survival courses" were more than just content—they were tools for resilience.
But forcing that mindset onto the children of Hell's Kitchen was something else entirely.
"Erik," Alex said, sincerely, "I know where you're coming from. You want these kids to be strong enough to survive this dangerous world."
He paused before continuing, "But strength doesn't mean resorting to crime. I think courses focused on survival skills are great. They'll help. But anything that leans into criminality? That's just pushing them into the abyss."
He couldn't forget that children like Kingpin's own and Peter Parker's alternate version were also attending this school.
He wasn't about to stand by and let their futures spiral downward.
And with most of the faculty made up of reformed villains, the risk of these students being led astray was higher than most people could imagine.
Alex didn't expect them to become superheroes. But he did want them to avoid becoming criminals.
"Look, I know you're the principal of this place, and I won't overstep," he said calmly. "But I have one firm request—courses involving drugs, gambling, or anything blatantly illegal must be removed from the curriculum. These kids can't be exposed to that."
Erik was silent for a while.
He understood Alex's concern and, to a degree, shared it. Some of the course content really did cross the line—even for Hell's Kitchen.
Though part of him was annoyed by the interference, Erik was still a rational man. In the end, he nodded.
"Alright. I'll adjust the curriculum as you asked," Erik said, his tone serious. "But remember—this is Hell's Kitchen. This place is full of dangers and unknowns. We need these kids to be strong."
"I know, Erik," Alex replied, taking a deep breath. "But we have to strike a balance. Teach them how to protect themselves without leading them down a criminal path. That's our responsibility."
"Enough lecturing," Erik smirked, breaking the tension. "Get out of here and stop barking orders at me."
Though he said it jokingly, Alex could see Erik had taken his words to heart.
Alex's intent had never been to stop these kids from becoming powerful.
What he didn't realize, however, was just how much of an icon he had become to the students of Hell's Kitchen.
With his help in improving their lives and reshaping the environment, the students no longer clung to their pasts.
Their greatest dream now? To get into college—just like Alex Ray—and give back to their community.
Ironically, it was these very courses—tweaked and polished—that would produce a new breed of superheroes who would drive villains to despair on the battlefield.
They weren't as soft as the traditional capes, but they weren't indiscriminate killers either.
Their unique brand of heroism—brutal yet principled—forced the world to see Hell's Kitchen in a new light.
One day, the world would recognize them as a distinct class of superheroes.
Through action and sacrifice, they would prove that even those born in the darkest corners of society could rise, provided they had the courage to fight fate.
Alex was unaware of all this, just as he was preparing to leave the principal's office—
Professor Adrian Toomes walked in, phone in hand.
Also known as the Vulture, Toomes was one of the newer professors at the academy—another reformed villain brought in for his expertise.
"Professor Toomes," Alex greeted with a smile, "Thank you for teaching here."
Toomes grinned. "Mr. Ray! I was just looking for you. I'm enjoying my time here, really."
"Oh? What's going on?" Alex asked. He hadn't expected Toomes of all people to seek him out—he didn't recall any recent interaction between them.
Toomes activated the speaker on his phone. A furious voice roared from the other end:
"You mortals! What right do you have to arrest me?! That's my hammer—get your filthy hands off it!"
Alex raised an eyebrow. He immediately recognized the voice.
"You dare disrespect the God of Thunder?! I don't care if you're with some pathetic little group like S.H.I.E.L.D. I am the future Lord of the Nine Realms!"
The voice continued, practically frothing at the mouth.
"Release me at once! How dare you restrain me?! When I get my power back, I will burn your world to ash!"
Alex slowly turned to Erik.
"Oh, for the love of—Thor's been captured again?"
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🎊 Naruto : Tsunade You're Really Drunk 🎊
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As the plot unfolds, it dives deep into the Spider-Verse, Avengers War and the Marvel Multiverse, weaving in epic elements from Endgame, God of Stories Loki, Kang the Conqueror, the Council of Kangs, the Council of Reeds, and even Franklin Richards.
Expect mind-bending twists with Deadpool breaking the fourth wall, going on a rampage that includes killing everyone... even the authors themselves.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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