[Marvel: I Started by Containing SCPs] Chapter 223 (Patreon)

The screen was filled with Sanji's agonized screams. Even without seeing him, it wasn't hard to imagine just how miserable he must look at that moment.

Tony Stark: "That guy's an idiot, letting thoughts like that slip out."

Natasha: "Oh? Stark, are you saying you've never had similar thoughts?"

Tony Stark: "Hey, do you think I'm the kind of man who needs coercive tools? I just flash some cash, and that's all it takes."

Clint Barton: "Honestly, that makes you even more unlikeable."

Jiraiya: "Cash, huh? If I had enough, I wouldn't need it either. But if I didn't, a tool like that rope would be perfect for a night at the tavern."

Naruto: "Pervy Sage! Everyone can see what you're saying!"

Jiraiya: "Ahhh!!!"

Realizing his slip-up, Jiraiya immediately glanced at the others. Five Kage-level figures were glaring at him with varying expressions.

Jiraiya's face turned beet red as he desperately wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

"Ahem! Let's not dwell on that. We should focus on discussing the future of the ninja world," Jiraiya coughed and said in a deliberate attempt to shift the conversation.

But no one was buying it. Their gazes lingered, making his embarrassment even worse.

Daigo: "Let's stop talking about that kind of stuff. Honestly, I think the Dionysian Factor is amazing. It could heal all the injuries I get while fighting monsters."

Libra Dohko: "But is the Dionysian Factor really as effective as it sounds?"

Dan: "If it's a system reward, it's guaranteed to work."

Minos: "True or not, the two of them could just test it."

Diana: "I'd like to, but we don't really get injured. We'll have to find a way to test it later."

Hypnos: "You're Diana, right? A demigod like you doesn't seem all that powerful. You were boasting before, but now it's laughable."

Diana: "What did you say?! How dare you underestimate me!"

Thanatos: "My brother isn't wrong. Your only strength lies in that sword of yours, but even it's only effective against Specters."

Rhadamanthys: "A woman of your caliber? I could defeat you with ease."

Diana: "You insolent fools under Hades! Don't you dare belittle my strength with your idiocy!"

Saint Seiya LC Universe – Sanctuary

"Poor lady, she's really taking a verbal beating. Do you think we should display some gentlemanly charm and comfort her?" Manigoldo asked Aphrodite with a roguish grin, brushing his hair back.

"Spare us the embarrassment," Aphrodite replied with a look of disdain.

"But that Diana... she's not as weak as we initially thought. Her sword is undeniably powerful, and she hasn't been pushed to her limits yet. She might even stand shoulder to shoulder with us Gold Saints," Sisyphus remarked seriously.

"That's a fine sword indeed. I'd love to spar with her," El Cid said, his voice breaking his usual silence.

The other Saints exchanged curious glances, surprised to hear El Cid speak up, especially over a sword. El Cid, however, paid no mind to their reactions and absentmindedly ran his fingers along the edge of his hand.

DC Universe – Central City

"Do the gods of the Saint Seiya universe really think they're that strong? If I get the chance, I'll show them otherwise!" Diana muttered under her breath, clearly riled up.

"Uh... who are you talking to?" Barry asked, puzzled. Diana's sudden outburst and combative stance made him worry about her mental state.

"Nothing. Let's go," Diana replied curtly, unwilling to explain further as she turned to leave.

Barry glanced back at the glowing cage containing the Flame Demon Giant before hurrying to catch up with her.

Meanwhile, at the Batcave, Bruce Wayne exhaled a small sigh of relief, seeing that the Flame Demon Giant had been successfully contained. Yet his concern lingered.

The giant was merely sealed, not destroyed, making it a ticking time bomb. If the seal failed, the consequences would be catastrophic.

"Alfred, have Wayne Enterprises fund charity work in Central City and dispatch personnel to monitor that area. Make sure no one goes near it," Bruce instructed.

"Yes, sir. I anticipated as much and already prepared the arrangements," Alfred replied confidently. Ever since regaining his youth, Alfred felt his mind had grown sharper, allowing him to anticipate Bruce's needs.

Feeling light on his feet, Alfred walked off with an upbeat stride, thoroughly pleased with his rejuvenated self.

Bruce, unaware of Alfred's good mood, focused on the situation in Iceland. Another unlucky local had been taken by the Snow Mountain King, whose intentions remained unclear.

Frustration mounted as Bruce scanned the snow-covered terrain. He was right in the middle of the blizzard but couldn't pinpoint the Snow Mountain King's location.

Suddenly, Bruce's gaze shifted to the screen, where he spotted a man with long hair and a tank top—an odd sight amidst the harsh cold—approaching the Snow Mountain King.

"Who is this man? Walking in the snow like that... something feels off," Bruce muttered.

In Iceland

The long-haired man approached the Snow Mountain King from the side.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing, taking people from the village?!" the man shouted without hesitation.

The Snow Mountain King stopped in its tracks and turned to face the man. Its tone carried a hint of amusement.

"Another one?" it said, its expression obscured by dark sunglasses.

"Answer me! Where are you taking them?" the man demanded, leaping closer to confront the Snow Mountain King directly.

"Don't worry. I'm taking them to a warmer place. If you're curious, you can come with me," the Snow Mountain King said, fixing its gaze on the man through its tinted lenses.

"Not good!" Bruce exclaimed as he watched the exchange. Another victim was about to fall under the Snow Mountain King's influence.

But what happened next defied everyone's expectations.

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]