American Comics: The Strongest Villain

The security guards lay sprawled across the stairs, their bodies charred and lifeless, resembling a pile of burnt remains. The walls bore the telltale marks of electric shocks, and a sharp, acrid smell of burning filled the air.

Helena, seemingly numb to the pain coursing through her body, watched in despair as Su Sheng descended the stairs. She had already been stunned by his ability to dodge bullets, but what she had just witnessed defied all logic. How could anyone do what he had just done?

The sound of sporadic gunfire echoed from downstairs, followed by screams and shouts, then silence. Helena realized that all the security guards in the villa were likely dead. Although they were brutal men who had followed her father and committed countless crimes, she still felt a pang of regret.

But it wasn't regret over betraying and sacrificing Su Sheng. Although that decision had torn at her emotionally, Helena was willing to endure any pain if it meant achieving her goal. She was ready to sacrifice herself if needed. Her regret stemmed from underestimating Su Sheng's abilities—now, her plan was doomed to fail.

She didn't believe Su Sheng would spare her, and even if he did, he certainly wouldn't keep her secret.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs brought her back to reality. Su Sheng ascended with a relaxed expression, grabbed her by the hair, and dragged her down the stairs. Helena, devoid of any remaining hope, was dragged like a lifeless dog across the floor to the fountain near the villa's gate, where she was unceremoniously dropped.

"Do you regret it?" Su Sheng asked, crouching down with a hint of curiosity.

Regret? Helena thought of her mother, beaten to death daily by her father. She thought of the countless families her father had destroyed. Slowly, her scattered thoughts sharpened into focus, and with unwavering resolve, she answered, "I only regret not making him pay. I know I've wronged you, so... do it."

Helena closed her eyes, bracing herself for what she thought was inevitable.

But nothing happened.

After a long moment, she opened her eyes in surprise. "Why aren't you doing it?"

"I'm not going to kill you," Su Sheng said with a chuckle.

"Not going to kill me?" Helena was stunned. A flicker of hope ignited within her. "Does that mean you've forgiven me?"

Su Sheng thought for a moment, then sat on top of Helena, grinning as he observed her discomfort and pain. "I told you before that whatever you cling to will torment you. Expectation is the root of all suffering. I don't expect that after sleeping with you twice, you'd suddenly value me more than your convictions, even if I'm the only man you've ever been with. So, I'm not angry or hurt that you betrayed me to protect your secret, because I would've done the same. People are inherently selfish—even so-called 'selfless' acts are often done to satisfy personal needs, whether emotional or spiritual."

"But just because I'm not angry doesn't mean I forgive you." Su Sheng's bright smile sent a chill down Helena's spine. She felt a growing sense of dread as he continued, "Death would be too easy for you. It would free you from caring about whether you succeed or fail. So, I won't kill you, and I won't turn you in either. I want you to live, to be tormented by hope and despair, to beg for death but never find it."

Helena felt as though she had fallen into an icy abyss, her entire body trembling with cold. Su Sheng's gentle, radiant smile seemed more terrifying than any demon.

Suddenly, the iron gates of the villa swung open, and a luxury car that had been about to enter screeched to a halt. The scene inside the villa caught the occupants by surprise.

Helena's father, Frank Bertinelli, was in the car.

As the leader of Starling City's crime syndicate, Frank was no stranger to danger and violence. Although the situation shocked him, he quickly composed himself. He stepped out of the car, his expression darkening as he took in the sight of the strange man sitting on his daughter and the security guards who appeared to have been struck by lightning. His bodyguards and driver stood beside him, guns drawn.

"Do you know who I am?" Frank asked Su Sheng after a moment of tense silence.

"Frank Bertinelli, head of the Starling City crime syndicate," Su Sheng replied, his gaze fixed on Frank. Not bad. I thought he'd either start shooting in a rage or run away in fear.

"Do we have a grudge?" Frank asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Su Sheng shook his head.

"So, did someone hire you to come after me?" Frank continued, his tone still cold.

Su Sheng shook his head again.

Frank laughed bitterly. "Very well, I promise you won't die easily."

At his slight nod, the bodyguards and driver advanced on Su Sheng, guns ready.

Su Sheng cooperatively stood up and raised his hands. But as soon as the bodyguards and driver each grabbed his shoulders, a surge of electricity coursed through them.

Bang! Bang!

The bodyguards and driver collapsed to the ground, their bodies twitching as the current left them unconscious.

Frank's eyes widened in horror, and he took several steps back. But then he heard Su Sheng's voice, calm and almost casual, "I want your daughter."

"What... what do you mean?" Frank asked, trying to keep his composure.

"Exactly what it sounds like," Su Sheng said with a light smile.

Frank took a deep breath, the initial fear in his eyes replaced by a calculating gleam. "What can you offer me?"

"I'll keep you alive as long as I'm interested in her."

"Deal!"

Although Su Sheng's words only promised to keep him alive, not to help him, Frank agreed without hesitation. If someone with such strange powers could guarantee his safety, sacrificing his disobedient daughter was a small price to pay. Besides, who knew what might happen if he refused?

Frank smiled and began to take a few steps toward Su Sheng, but before he could get far, a gunshot rang out from a distance.

Bang!

The bullet struck Frank, and he crumpled to the ground.

Su Sheng narrowed his eyes. "This TM is going to slap me in the face!"

...