American Comics: Something's Wrong with This Superhero World

Chapter 164 Thank you

Upon returning to the real world from the dimensional space, Xiao Xian found Nick Fury waiting for him anxiously.

"Xiao Xian, after discussions with S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Security Council, we have approved your request," Fury said bluntly. "You will be granted top-level intelligence clearance and the authority to mobilize S.H.I.E.L.D. resources when necessary. We believe this will help you more effectively fulfill your duties as the Sorcerer Supreme and protect the world from threats."

"Our only request is that you take action against Kira as soon as possible," Fury continued, a sense of urgency in his eyes. "Kira's actions have posed a serious threat to world peace, and we must stop it immediately."

"No problem. Actually, I've already spoken with Kira," Xiao Xian said calmly. "Kira made its position clear—it believes that human sin is unstoppable and will continue to drag people into hell based on their actions. But I've secured a chance for redemption for a segment of humanity."

"A chance for redemption? Hell?" Nick Fury pondered. If that's the case, perhaps Kira's true identity is more like a dimensional demon than a supernatural being?

"Kira has agreed to a solution," Xiao Xian continued to explain. "Humans can purchase indulgences to gain a chance for redemption. Those who possess indulgences will not be dragged into hell by Kira."

Fury could hardly believe his ears; this concept, which sounded like medieval indulgences, seemed utterly bizarre in the modern world. But the most outrageous part was that historically, it was God who sold indulgences, and Kira's territory was Hell—wasn't selling indulgences a bit like stealing his business?

"How...how are these indulgences obtained?" Fury asked, trying to learn more details, just to avoid getting involved.

"Of course you buy it with money, but Kira doesn't accept money from humans. He accepts the currency circulating in the lower planes, Soul Coins," Xiao Xian said. "Didn't you have indulgences in your Middle Ages? Oh right, your ancestors were Africans. In the Middle Ages, there was a tribal system, and they believed in voodoo."

"What should we do if we don't have any Soul Coins?" Nick Fury looked at Xiao Xian. It sounded like Soul Coins were made of souls. If needed, Nick Fury could provide Xiao Xian with a batch of prisoners to make Soul Coins.

"I can help you buy it. If you don't have Soul Coins, you must have US dollars, right?" Xiao Xian shrugged. "Kira and I discussed two kinds of atonement certificates. One is that all your past sins are wiped clean, and Kira won't take you back because of your past sins; the other is that all your sins in this life are wiped clean. Even if you have many sins in this life, Kira won't take you back. Of course, you will still have to go to hell after you die."

"I don't need much from you. The former is cheaper, only thirty million dollars, and the latter is slightly more expensive, but only one hundred and fifty million dollars."

"Will those who bought indulgences still go to hell after they die?" Nick Fury asked unwillingly. He wouldn't have cared if he hadn't known about life and death before, but now that he did, Nick Fury really didn't want to be dragged to hell to suffer after he died.

If I had known this would happen, I would have done more good deeds in my daily life. But even the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. can't hold onto a position if he's too soft-hearted.

Xiao Xian glanced at Fu Rui, seemingly anticipating this question. "Nick, you're saying those sinners committed so many sins in their lives, do they really think they can go to heaven after death? Where else can they go but hell?"

Fu Rui seemed somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, but he quickly regained his composure and earnestly said to Xiao Xian:

"Xiao Xian, I know my request might be a bit excessive. But if there's any possibility, I hope to find a path for S.H.I.E.L.D. agents that doesn't have to go to hell. You know, agents sometimes have to do less-than-kind things for the country, for the people, for world peace. I really can't bear to see such people go to hell after death. If you ever need any help in the future, I certainly won't refuse."

"In principle, this kind of thing is definitely out of the question." Xiao Xian stroked his chin, looking at Nick Fury. The loyalty of the King of Spies was still somewhat useful, and besides, he had originally planned to sell the third type of indulgence anyway.

"However, since you're so sincere, I do have a way. You know, there are different types of hell. Some absorb pain, some absorb arrogance, and some torment people for pleasure. Overall, they're all negative, absorbing all kinds of evil. But there's one kind of hell, and perhaps you can accept it?"

"Isn't there a place that isn't hell?" Nick Fury still wanted to struggle a bit. He didn't want to go to hell at all, no matter what type it was.

"I'm talking about the realm of color hell, also known as the realm of bliss."

"I'm willing to go!" Nick Fury immediately said with a serious expression. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that with so many sins in his life, it would be unreasonable not to go to hell. The Color Hell and such were indeed what he deserved.

I wonder if I'll be whipped by succubi in hell, but I'm too embarrassed to ask that.

"Getting there is extremely difficult," Xiao Xian said, glancing at Nick Fury. "You can imagine how sought-after that place is. There are also very high requirements for appearance, and the number of male slots is incredibly limited. Most of the available slots are reserved by people with connections. Even though I have a good relationship with that dimensional demon god, it will still be difficult for me."

Nick Fury immediately understood: "Difficult to handle" meant it could be done, but it required a reward.

"Don't worry, I will do my best to fulfill your orders from now on!" Nick Fury quickly reiterated his loyalty, this time with an even greater intensity than before.

"In that case, I'll try my best to see if I can get you some spots," Xiao Xian nodded in agreement.

"That would be perfect! Thank you so much!" Nick Fury quickly expressed his gratitude. "Xiao Xian, thank you. You've really been a great help."

"Um... could you sell me two second-tier indulgences now?" Nick Fury asked Xiao Xian. "One for myself, and one for the prisoners to test. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that those congressmen..."

No matter how eloquently Xiao Xian speaks, the final result depends on the effectiveness. If the indulgences work, it doesn't matter if they cost ten times more, since Nick Fury can afford them anyway. If they don't work, then even if they're given away for free, it won't make a difference.

"No problem. But Nick, as far as I know, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. only earns about $700,000 a year. How do you have so much money to buy indulgences worth $150 million?" Xiao Xian joked.

Nick Fury, somewhat embarrassed by the question, forced a smile and said, "Xiao Xian, you may not know this, but besides my main job, I'm quite skilled at investing. Over the years, I've earned some extra income through investing."

"I understand, I understand." Xiao Xian nodded with a smile. It's common knowledge that there are many stock market gurus among America's high-ranking officials and politicians.

(End of this chapter)