(UNDERGOING OVERHAUL) AvengNier: Age of Replicants

Chapter 9: Intermission; Books & Swords

The village was peaceful on this day. It was a bright, clear sky, and the birds chirped as they flew by. The children played by the fountain, and the businesses by the shopping district were selling items. Amidst the vibrant storefronts, stood Natasha Romanoff, known as the Black Widow, and Bruce Banner, the brilliant scientist who harbored a hidden alter ego-the Incredible Hulk. Their destination was the weapons shop, where the village's skilled blacksmith plied his trade. Natasha's ammunition had depleted, rendering her guns useless in this unfamiliar world. Adaptation was essential, prompting her to seek a weapon suitable for her in this realm devoid of firearms.

Natasha's gaze met the blacksmith's eyes as she explained her predicament. She needed a weapon that would serve her well in this land. The blacksmith nodded in response, and his hand gestured to several weapons he had on display.

Surveying the assortment of weaponry, Natasha examined each item with a discerning eye. Swords gleamed in the sunlight, their blades honed to perfection. Axes and hammers rested against the walls, emanating a sense of raw power. But none seemed to match the versatility she sought.

Then, her gaze fell upon an elegant pair of daggers, their slender blades etched with intricate designs. Their craftsmanship was exquisite, reflecting a blend of artistry and lethal efficiency. Natasha's fingers instinctively reached out, feeling the weight and balance of the daggers in her hands. They felt like an extension of her being, a perfect fit for her agile fighting style.

Satisfied with her choice, Natasha exchanged a nod with the blacksmith, acknowledging their unspoken agreement. The transaction was complete, and the daggers became her new companions, their presence a silent promise of protection and swift justice.

As Bruce and Natasha continued their walk through the serene village, the weight of their situation hung in the air like an unspoken question. The tranquility around them contrasted sharply with the knowledge of the impending threat posed by the shades, and they both knew that there was much to discuss.

"It's quite a change, isn't it?" Natasha said, breaking the silence. "A world without guns, and instead, we have swords, axes, and magic. It's like something out of a fantasy novel."

Bruce nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Yeah, it's definitely different. I mean, I've seen my fair share of unusual things, but this is something else entirely. We've stepped into a whole new reality."

"I wonder how we got here," Natasha mused. "One moment, we were in our world, and the next, we find ourselves in this place filled with talking books and strange black creatures."

Bruce let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I wish I had an answer for that," he admitted. "I almost feel as though something brought us here, but I can't even begin to fathom how or why."

Natasha's eyes narrowed slightly. "Could it be connected to those shades?" she asked.

Bruce's expression turned serious as he considered the possibility. "It's a plausible theory," he agreed. "But we need more information to understand the full picture."

Natasha's eyes scanned the bustling marketplace, where vendors displayed their wares and villagers traded stories and goods. "You said you wanted to find out more about this world right? We should get started."

Bruce nodded, "I was thinking we'd start with the library."

"I'll join you in a bit," Natasha said. "I want to check on Nier's sister."

-

Bruce entered the village library, its shelves still lined with books of all shapes and sizes, and the scent of aged parchment filled the air. As he navigated through the aisles, his eyes scanning the titles, he noticed an elderly man dressed in rags standing on the left side of the staircase, engrossed in his own search for historical knowledge.