the shadow Archer in Marvel

Chapter 5: chapter 5



Only a couple of days remained before the chaos in Harlem would begin. The city carried on as usual, oblivious to the impending destruction. But I wasn't fooled. My shadow mice had already scouted the area, stationed in strategic locations throughout Harlem, waiting to call me when the time came. Their glowing eyes would watch every corner, ensuring I stayed one step ahead of what was coming.

One of my shadow mice was already stationed at a remote, abandoned warehouse far from the city's population. It wasn't much—a crumbling relic of a bygone era—but it served my purpose perfectly. If things went as planned, I'd teleport the Abomination there after the battle. Away from civilians, away from prying eyes. I couldn't risk him escaping or causing further destruction. Once he was isolated, I'd eliminate him and add his shadow to my growing ranks.

The plan wasn't without its risks. I wasn't strong enough to take on the Abomination directly, not yet. But I didn't need to win the fight outright. My goal was to keep him distracted, to redirect his rampage away from the people of Harlem, and buy enough time for the Hulk to arrive. The real battle wasn't mine to win—it was his.

In the meantime, I kept myself busy. Each night, I prowled the streets, clearing out gang hideouts and eliminating those who preyed on the innocent. My shadow army had grown significantly over the past few months, each new addition strengthening my position. The whispers of "Umbra Archer" had spread further, and while most people saw me as a myth, the criminals who encountered me knew better.

Even Jessica Jones hadn't picked up on my activities, though I still kept tabs on her through one of my shadow mice. She was relentless in her hunt for Kilgrave, but for now, she remained unaware of my presence. That was fine. I'd step in when the time was right. Kilgrave's power would make a valuable addition to my shadows, and his elimination would rid the world of a true monster.

I stood on the rooftop of my apartment, staring out at the city as the wind brushed past me.

"Just a couple of days," I muttered, the words meant as much for myself as for the swirling shadows around me. "Everything's in place."

The shadows rippled in response, eager and restless. I had my plan, my resources, and my resolve. When the time came, I'd do what was necessary to protect those who couldn't protect themselves—and take one step closer to becoming a force the world wouldn't dare to ignore

A couple of days passed, and the tension in the air seemed to thicken. My shadow mice, stationed in Harlem, kept me updated on every movement. Then, it finally happened—one of them reported soldiers storming into a building and arresting Bruce Banner. The pieces were falling into place, and it was only a matter of time before the Abomination would emerge.

Watching through the senses of my mice, I confirmed it. Soldiers swarmed the building, escorting Banner out in cuffs. My time to act was fast approaching.

"Showtime," I murmured to myself.

I didn't waste another second. Gathering my gear, I summoned my shadow armor and weapons. The familiar weight of my bow rested in my hands, My cloak rippled faintly as the shadows around me danced with anticipation.

Before heading out, I reviewed my plan one last time. My mice had already scouted the best vantage points in Harlem, ensuring I had high ground for the battle. The abandoned warehouse I had prepared was ready, with one of my mice stationed there as an anchor for my teleportation. All I needed to do was keep the Abomination distracted and minimize the damage until the Hulk arrived. Then, I'd deal with the aftermath.

I summoned one of my shadow mice to my shoulder, its glowing eyes locked onto me as it waited for my command.

"Keep an eye on Bruce," I ordered. "Report back as soon as the chaos begins."

The mouse nodded—or as close to a nod as a shadowy creature could manage—before disappearing into the ether. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. This wasn't just another gang cleanup or criminal takedown. This was on a whole other level. But I'd prepared for this, and I wasn't about to back down now.

With a flick of my wrist, I opened a shadow portal and stepped through, emerging in an alleyway near Harlem. The streets were quieter than usual, the calm before the storm. I perched myself on a rooftop, concealed by the shadows, and waited for the battle to begin.

I didn't have to wait long. A thunderous crash echoed through the streets as the Abomination burst out of the building, attacking the soldiers with ruthless ferocity. Screams filled the air as people ran for cover. I knew I had to act fast, but there was one thing I needed to handle first.

Inside the building, I spotted a man lying on the floor—Samuel Sterns. Blood from Bruce had spilled onto him, and his transformation into The Leader was already beginning. I knew what he would become: a mastermind and a long-term threat. I couldn't let that happen. Without hesitation, I plunged my shadow blade into him, ending his life before his plans could ever begin.

"Sorry, but I've got enough to deal with already," I muttered before turning to leave.

Outside, chaos reigned. The Abomination was a monstrous force, towering over the soldiers and rampaging without restraint. His blows shook the ground, sending vehicles flying and leaving destruction in his wake. The soldiers, clearly outmatched, prepared a rocket launcher, aiming to take him down.

I knew that would only make things worse. I moved quickly, appearing beside them in a swirl of shadows. Their startled reactions were immediate—guns pointed at me, fingers on triggers.

"Who are you?" one soldier demanded.

"No time for introductions," I said calmly, ignoring their weapons. "Listen to me: that rocket won't stop him—it'll just make him angrier. Focus on evacuating civilians and getting them to safety. I'll handle him."

They hesitated for a moment, then nodded as the reality of their situation sank in. Without further argument, they turned to start assisting the fleeing crowds.

I turned back toward the Abomination, climbing a nearby building for a better vantage point. Pulling back on my bow, I summoned an arrow and let it fly. It struck his shoulder, barely leaving a scratch, but it got his attention. His eyes locked onto me, and he roared in fury.

"Yeah, that's it," I muttered. "Come to me."

I kept firing arrows as I moved, each shot aimed at his joints and tendons. I couldn't use magic-charged arrows here—it was too dangerous for the civilians nearby. Instead, I focused on drawing him away from the crowds, keeping my distance as I led him further from the chaos.

When he got too close, I leaped from the rooftop, landing on the street below and summoning my black katana. Reinforcing the blade with magic, I prepared myself. With the same magic enhancing my body, I charged toward the Abomination, aiming for his tendons and joints. My strikes had to count.

The fight was brutal. My blade struck his legs, aiming to weaken his mobility. Each blow was met with resistance, his skin nearly impenetrable even with my enhanced weapon. But I kept at it, dodging his massive fists as they swung with destructive force. I couldn't overpower him, but I could keep him focused on me long enough for the Hulk to arrive.

All I needed was time. Time to protect the people. Time to ensure the fight didn't devastate Harlem beyond repair.

And then, in the distance, I heard it—the unmistakable roar of the Hulk.

Relief washed over me as I leaped back, putting distance between myself and the Abomination.

"Finally," I breathed, my eyes locking onto the green behemoth as he charged into the fray. Now, it was time for phase two.


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