[Marvel : Mutant God] Chapter 86 - 90

Chapter 86: Death of Professor X, Phoenix Out of Control

Xavier's School - Laboratory

While Jean Grey and Scott Summers methodically discussed their reverse-engineering approach to analyze the X-Gene Cure, Logan sat alone in the corner of the laboratory, observing them through a haze of cigar smoke.

Though Jean and Cyclops were focused entirely on their work, to Wolverine's jealous eyes, their collaborative efficiency resembled flirtation.

How am I inferior to Scott? he brooded silently.

In appearance, physique, strength, combat prowess, and healing capabilities, I vastly outclass him! Is it his energy-projecting eyes? So what—he fires optic blasts, and I possess unparalleled Accelerated Healing and indestructible adamantium claws!

Wolverine had questioned Jean more than once about why she chose Scott over him, but she had never provided a direct answer. Though Logan maintained his stoic silence, both Jean and Scott could feel the weight of his stare.

"Logan, it's getting late," Jean turned toward him, her voice gentle but firm. "You should get some rest."

"I'm not tired," Wolverine responded immediately.

Cyclops interjected with undisguised annoyance. "We know you're not tired, but your smoking is disrupting our concentration. This is a laboratory, not a cigar lounge!"

"Then I won't smoke," Logan replied, extending his left palm and extinguishing the cigar against his skin without flinching.

Jean and Scott exchanged helpless glances before returning to their analysis of the neutralizing agent, attempting to ignore Wolverine's continued presence.

Time flowed steadily onward. An hour passed, perhaps two.

Jean activated her telekinesis, causing a specialized weapon on the nearby table—a gun designed to fire cure darts—to levitate toward her and Cyclops. The military-customized pistol hovered before them as Jean prepared to disassemble it telekinetically to extract the cure dart inside.

Whether from fatigue or momentary distraction, Jean's usually precise control faltered. The trigger depressed under telekinetic pressure!

Click!

The healing dart rocketed from the barrel like lightning. Jean gasped, immediately amplifying her telekinetic output to freeze the projectile mid-flight.

The sudden mishap startled not only Jean but Scott and Logan as well. Only when they saw the dart suspended motionless in the air did they finally exhale.

"Jean, are you alright?" Scott asked, concern etched across his features.

"I'm fine," she replied. "I'm probably just tired—my control precision is declining."

"For the past two weeks, you've been constantly analyzing the cure or helping the Professor search for its source," Scott said firmly. "We should stop for today and continue tomorrow."

Jean nodded silently, acknowledging her exhaustion.

Jean's Bedroom - Later That Night

After washing up, Jean lay in bed, unable to find sleep. A persistent voice echoed in her mind—indistinct but irritating, like mosquitoes buzzing near her ear.

After tossing restlessly for over half an hour, she sat up, frustration evident on her face. Focusing her telepathic abilities, she attempted to identify the mysterious voice's source.

To her surprise, she discovered the voice originated not from an external presence, but from within herself.

What's happening?

Frowning with concern, she nonetheless decided to investigate further. Using her telepathy, she directed her consciousness inward.

Without warning, her awareness transported to a strange aerial vista above an island shrouded in thick fog. As she attempted to orient herself, a voice—both familiar and alien—addressed her:

"You finally came!"

Before Jean could respond, black flames materialized on the fog-enshrouded island below. Within seconds, the dark fire engulfed the entire landmass.

Then, with terrifying swiftness, the black flames surged toward her, taking the form of a massive phoenix with outstretched wings.

Silver Manor - New York Suburbs

Richard had just claimed victory in his intense "duel" with Emma Frost and drifted into sleep when the system's voice resonated through his mind.

His eyes snapped open immediately, confronted by the system information:

[Template mission "Devil's Son (IV)" content updated!]
[Mission content: Defeat the runaway "Dark Phoenix" Jean Grey within 30 minutes!]
[Mission Reward: True Demon Form]
[Task time limit: 30 minutes]

All traces of sleepiness vanished instantly. Richard rose from bed and began dressing without a word.

"What's happened?" Emma asked, her voice heavy with interrupted sleep as she watched Richard's sudden urgency.

"There's a situation at Xavier's School," he replied quickly. "I need to go there."

Something at the mutant school? Emma's mind cleared rapidly. "Do you need me to accompany you?"

"No," Richard answered firmly. "You and Clarice stay at the manor."

Having dressed completely, Richard activated his teleportation without hesitation, vanishing instantly from Emma's sight.

Westchester County - Skies Above Xavier's School

Richard hovered in the air, surveying the devastation below. What had once been a pristine private estate with manicured grounds and an elegant mansion had been transformed into a war zone. The school resembled the aftermath of a cruise missile strike—a chaotic landscape of ruins and destruction.

More than half of the main building had collapsed entirely. The once-immaculate lawns were now pockmarked with crater-like depressions, as if bombarded by meteorites. Playgrounds and corridors that had teemed with young mutants just hours before now lay in violent disarray.

Upon witnessing the school's condition, Richard immediately channeled his mana, transforming his clothing into Sephiroth's iconic style, complete with distinctive silver shoulder armor. Simultaneously, he summoned the Masamune from his system space.

The moment the blade materialized, a dark crimson energy sphere—over a meter in diameter—rocketed toward him with missile-like velocity.

Gravesong!

The Masamune cleaved through the air with lightning speed. A crescent-shaped energy wave, purple-rimmed with a brilliant white core, surged toward the approaching fireball.

BOOM!

The sword energy and the crimson sphere collided violently, detonating like otherworldly fireworks. The thunderous explosion reverberated throughout the school grounds as mana and sparks scattered in all directions, resembling a meteor shower.

Super Senses!

Ignoring the shockwave and cascading energy from the explosion, Richard immediately activated his super senses. Through telescopic vision, the interior of the partially collapsed building revealed itself in stark detail.

The rubble had buried numerous mutant students. Though fatalities appeared relatively low—five or six at most—dozens remained trapped beneath the debris. Some were using their abilities to free themselves, while others awaited rescue from their peers outside.

Bobby Drake—Iceman—had taken charge of coordinating rescue efforts. Richard also spotted Colossus and Pyro assisting, though Rogue was nowhere to be seen.

While Iceman's team worked frantically to extract their buried classmates, the X-Men mentors—Cyclops, Wolverine, and Storm—were visible on the lawn behind the main building. Logan lay crushed beneath a boulder nearly two meters across, while Storm had been rendered unconscious near Professor Xavier's electric wheelchair. Scott too had fallen unconscious, though he wasn't lying on the ground—he hovered eerily before Jean Grey.

Where is Professor X?

Though Xavier's wheelchair was clearly visible, Richard couldn't locate the telepath himself. Frowning, he scanned the entire school with his enhanced vision, finding no trace of the Professor.

The absence of Xavier's body, combined with the unconscious forms of Cyclops and Storm, told Richard everything he needed to know.

Professor X is dead.

Killed by Phoenix—or more accurately, by Dark Phoenix.

Too late after all...

Richard sighed inwardly before focusing his attention on Jean, who appeared to be examining the suspended form of Cyclops.

The Phoenix now wore a dark crimson leather jacket, her eyes rimmed with what resembled black eyeshadow. Ominous crimson energy swirled around her like living flames. She regarded the unconscious Scott with an unsettling expression—as if considering not how to save him, but how to consume him.

Her attention suddenly shifted from Cyclops to Richard.

With a casual flick of her wrist, she discarded Scott like refuse, hurling him aside to focus her full attention on Richard. Raw hunger gleamed in her eyes.

Ignoring her predatory scrutiny, Richard activated his X-gene powers.

Gravity Control!

The massive boulder pinning Wolverine lifted instantly. Freed from its crushing weight, Logan immediately staggered to his feet.

"What happened here?" Richard's voice resonated directly within Wolverine's mind.

Though lacking telepathic abilities himself, Logan responded instinctively through the mental link.

"Jean lost control—attacked us and the students indiscriminately."

"To stop her, the Professor..." Wolverine's mental voice faltered as he glanced toward Xavier's empty wheelchair.

Richard didn't press further. Instead, he used his telepathy to awaken the unconscious Cyclops and Storm.

"I'll handle Jean," he projected to all three X-Men. "Focus on saving the students."

Without waiting for their response, he severed the telepathic connection and turned his attention to the Dark Phoenix, who was rapidly ascending toward him.

Before she even reached his position, she launched her assault.

Telekinetic Impact!

Rather than employing the Phoenix Force directly, Jean unleashed a telekinetic barrage—invisible to the naked eye but powerful as a hurricane as it surged toward Richard.

Energy Absorption!

Richard made no attempt to evade. Instead, he activated his energy absorption ability. Though Jean had ascended to Omega-level status, he could still neutralize her telekinetic attacks with relative ease.

When her telekinetic assault reached him, it simply vanished—absorbed instantly as if it had never existed.

Surprise flickered across Phoenix's face. This marked the first time Richard had employed his absorption ability in front of others. Even Jean's primary personality had been unaware of this capability, let alone her darker manifestation.

Having neutralized her attack, Richard immediately launched his counteroffensive.

Swift Slash!

Rather than employing Octoslash or Judgement Cut End, he opted for the lightning-fast Swift Slash technique. Though initially positioned twenty or thirty meters from Phoenix, he appeared before her instantaneously, the Masamune arcing toward her neck at speeds beyond normal visual perception.

While the system merely required him to defeat Dark Phoenix rather than kill her, Richard wouldn't hesitate to end her existence if given the opportunity.

Just as the Masamune was about to connect with Jean's neck, it halted abruptly twenty centimeters from its target.

Phoenix Force!

Jean had manifested a crimson barrier that resembled a mirrored surface, intercepting the Swift Slash before it could find its mark.

Teleportation!

Without hesitation, Richard immediately teleported over a hundred meters away.

What remarkable reaction speed!

Richard silently acknowledged her prowess. Had Phoenix relied solely on her mutant abilities rather than tapping into the cosmic force, his Swift Slash would have connected with approximately 80% certainty. Unfortunately, Dark Phoenix proved far more vigilant than he had anticipated.

Though slightly disappointed, he remained undeterred and readied the Masamune for another attack.

Judgement Cut End!

Since obtaining the Yamato, the potency of his Judgement Cut End had increased dramatically. The fusion had finally completed the technique as it was meant to be executed.

With Dark Phoenix as its focal point, the surrounding space distorted violently. Crescent-shaped spatial disruptions converged upon her at tremendous velocity.

The spatial slashes passed through Phoenix's body in rapid succession. Yet unlike previous opponents Richard had faced, she wasn't carved into segments. In fact, she emerged completely unscathed, as if the Judgement Cut End had never connected.

Strictly speaking, it hadn't. The spatial disruptions hadn't actually impacted Phoenix's physical form, but instead had been neutralized by the Phoenix Force itself.

For most adversaries, the Judgement Cut End—which relied on spatial separation to form its cutting edge—represented an inescapable and terrifying technique. But against an entity wielding the Phoenix Force, even this formidable attack proved insufficient.

The cosmic entity could create, manipulate, and destroy time and space at will—merely one of the innumerable abilities within the Phoenix Force's arsenal.

Chapter 87: Rookie Dark Phoenix, Heartless Angel's First Battle

Witnessing Dark Phoenix effortlessly neutralize his Judgement Cut End, Richard realized her power vastly exceeded her cinematic counterpart. Though not matching her comic book incarnation's full might, she clearly outclassed the film version by several orders of magnitude.

The movie's Dark Phoenix would never have survived a Judgement Cut End unscathed. After all, even Wolverine's adamantium claws had proven capable of fatally wounding her in that timeline—a spatial attack should have been equally effective, if not more so.

Having confirmed Dark Phoenix's superior strength, Richard abandoned his strategy of relying on X-gene abilities.

It seems I can only rely on template skills, Richard thought resignedly.

He gripped the Masamune with both hands, then, under Dark Phoenix's watchful gaze, deliberately separated his hands left and right.

Yamato!

He extracted the Yamato that had been fused with the Masamune, now wielding the two legendary blades separately—Masamune in his left hand, Yamato in his right.

Though unfamiliar with Richard's intentions, Dark Phoenix responded immediately to the faint magical aura emanating from his body. She raised her right hand, palm extended toward him.

Phoenix Force!

Without hesitation, she channeled the cosmic entity's might once more. Unlike her earlier invisible telekinetic assault, this manifestation resembled a crimson laser beam streaking toward Richard at tremendous velocity.

Facing this concentrated Phoenix energy, Richard neither teleported away nor attempted to absorb it. Instead, he swung the Masamune in his left hand.

Octoslash!

Eight precise slashes materialized instantaneously, intercepting the incoming Phoenix beam.

Though not designed as a defensive technique, Octoslash had proven remarkably effective for protection since its advancement to level 4. Richard had discovered that upgrading the skill to level 3 granted him precise control over its power output and energy consumption. The subsequent level 4 enhancement had further refined his mastery, enabling him to cut through both matter and energy—essentially anything except soul and mind.

The Phoenix Force represented one of the Marvel Universe's most formidable energy forms. Born from the primordial universe at the dawn of existence, it embodied the essence of life and spiritual power, serving as the nexus between all conscious souls and the primal source of psychic energy.

Against the complete Phoenix Force, Richard would stand little chance even with his Sephiroth templete. But an incomplete manifestation was another matter entirely.

Though their confrontation had just begun, Richard had already discerned that Dark Phoenix commanded only a fraction of the cosmic entity's true power. More importantly, he recognized that Jean's fusion with the Phoenix Force remained superficial—she could access its power, but her utilization remained rudimentary.

As the eight sword slashes deployed, they intercepted the laser-like Phoenix beam, dissecting it into harmless fragments that dissipated into the surrounding atmosphere.

While his left hand employed Octoslash defensively, his right hand remained active, wielding the Yamato with precise, rapid movements.

Judgement Cut End!

With Dark Phoenix as the focal point, spatial distortions radiated outward. The crescent-shaped spatial disruptions converged upon her, attacking from multiple vectors simultaneously.

As before, the spatial slashes failed to reach Dark Phoenix's physical form, neutralized by the Phoenix Force's protective aura before making contact.

Though unsuccessful in wounding her, Richard showed no surprise. Dark Phoenix had already demonstrated her immunity to Judgement Cut End.

His repeated use of the technique served a different purpose—confirming a hypothesis that had formed during their initial exchange:

The current Dark Phoenix cannot precisely control the Phoenix Force!

She appeared incapable of simultaneously managing offensive and defensive applications of the cosmic power. This insight had prompted Richard to separate the Masamune and Yamato.

As Dark Phoenix once again marshaled the Phoenix Force to counter his Judgement Cut End, Richard's suspicions were confirmed.

In the moment when Dark Phoenix established her omnidirectional defense, Richard observed a subtle but critical change—the offensive Phoenix beam attacking him had weakened noticeably. Though the laser-like assault persisted, its potency had diminished.

This revelation immediately clarified the situation for Richard.

Mind Prison!

Dark Phoenix had been contained within Professor Xavier's mental barriers for too long. Like the Magneto clone Richard had previously eliminated, she possessed tremendous raw power but lacked crucial experience. Her control over energy manipulation and combat tactics remained woefully underdeveloped.

Rookie!

Both were complete amateurs in battle. Though Richard had inhabited this universe for barely half a year, his combat experience exceeded their combined knowledge tenfold.

Having confirmed Dark Phoenix's inexperience mirrored that of Magneto's clone, Richard swiftly formulated a new approach.

Novices are always the easiest to defeat.

Gazing at Dark Phoenix hovering hundreds of meters away, Richard deliberately raised the Yamato once more.

Judgement Cut End!

The space surrounding Dark Phoenix began distorting again as crescent-shaped spatial disruptions assailed her from every direction. Predictably, she maintained her Phoenix-powered defensive barrier without deviation from her previous pattern.

As the spatial slashes engaged Dark Phoenix's defenses, Richard instantly teleported away.

Though she lost visual contact with Richard, Dark Phoenix showed no signs of alarm. Instead, contempt briefly crossed her features. From her perspective, Richard's retreat signaled his inability to penetrate her defenses.

Such an assumption was natural. Thus far, neither Richard nor Professor X had managed to harm her.

Yet she overlooked a crucial distinction between Richard and Xavier—beyond his numerous X-gene abilities, Richard possessed template skills like Heartless Angel, unlocked only after reaching 65% fusion with Sephiroth's template.

Unlike his previous attempts, this Judgement Cut End persisted significantly longer. Where the earlier attacks had generated perhaps a dozen spatial disruptions, this manifestation produced hundreds of cascading slashes.

Creating this barrage required substantially more mana, but for Richard—whose mana reserves now exceeded 5,000 points—this presented no obstacle.

The spatial assault battered Dark Phoenix's defenses like a relentless storm for over ten seconds before finally dissipating. Despite the increased intensity, she emerged completely unscathed once again.

As the spatial distortions subsided, Dark Phoenix immediately began searching for Richard's whereabouts.

Where did he go?

She soon detected his presence—hidden in the lake within the forest behind the school's main building.

Without hesitation, Dark Phoenix channeled the Phoenix Force. Rather than projecting another energy beam, she employed the entity's matter manipulation capabilities.

Within seconds, her crimson energy enveloped the entire lake. The water molecules rapidly decomposed—first into hydrogen and oxygen, then further into their constituent atoms.

As the lake disintegrated, she spotted Richard concealed beneath the surface. A disdainful smile crossed her lips as she extended the Phoenix energy around him like a cage.

With Richard seemingly trapped, Dark Phoenix regarded him with predatory anticipation. She raised her right hand, preparing to decompose his body and consume the unique mana that had attracted her so powerfully.

At that precise moment, an Masamune wreathed in dark purple flames materialized behind Dark Phoenix, slicing through her form with lightning speed.

Heartless Angel!

In an instant, the blade struck Dark Phoenix solidly, sending her careening through the air.

She had never suspected that the figure imprisoned by her Phoenix energy was merely a decoy—a clone Richard had created using energy materialization and water manipulation.

Had Dark Phoenix possessed adequate combat experience, she would never have dropped her guard so completely. Unfortunately, her novice status had rendered her vulnerable to deception.

The magical signature Richard had embedded within the clone had successfully misdirected her attention. While she focused on the duplicate, Richard had employed invisibility and magical suppression to conceal his energy signature, silently positioning himself behind her.

Dark Phoenix could never have anticipated that Heartless Angel would inflict near-fatal damage, bringing her to the threshold of death despite her cosmic power.

Though the Phoenix Force represented an unmatched cosmic entity within the Marvel Universe, it hadn't elevated Dark Phoenix's strength and life-force levels sufficiently beyond Richard's to grant immunity from Heartless Angel's cause-and-effect critical injury.

As Heartless Angel struck the defenseless Dark Phoenix, Richard teleported directly before her falling form and swung the Yamato with precision.

Separation!

The blade passed through Dark Phoenix's body as effortlessly as if cleaving air.

Personality Separation!

As the Yamato completed its arc, a cloud of black mist ejected from Dark Phoenix's form. The darkness rapidly coalesced, assuming a humanoid shape—essentially creating a second Dark Phoenix entity.

"How does it feel to possess your own body?" Richard asked the newly separated Dark Phoenix with casual confidence. "Ms. Dark Phoenix!"

Chapter 88: True Demon Form, 2 Omega-level Abilities

Though Dark Phoenix had just suffered a devastating injury from Heartless Angel's "law of cause and effect" effect, Richard chose not to finish her off. Instead, he employed the Yamato's Separation ability to extract the Dark Phoenix from Jean Grey's body.

This strategic decision wasn't motivated by mercy toward Jean, but by pragmatic intuition. Richard sensed that the Phoenix Force wouldn't permit its host to be so easily eliminated.

Even in its incomplete state, it remained the cosmic Phoenix Force. Moreover, when the system updated the "Devil's Son (IV)" mission, the objective specified defeating Dark Phoenix rather than killing Jean Grey.

If the system's requirement was merely to defeat rather than kill, this suggested one of two possibilities: either Richard couldn't kill Jean, or attempting to do so would invite catastrophic consequences—such as provoking the Phoenix Force's full retribution.

Though his system lacked the user-friendly consideration found in other transmigrators' interfaces, Richard still trusted its assessment. If killing Jean might trigger a comprehensive counterattack from the Phoenix Force, eliminating the separated Dark Phoenix likely wouldn't. After all, the cosmic entity resided within Jean's physical form, not within her fractured personality.

Dark Phoenix, now extracted and given independent form through the Yamato's power, regarded Richard with undisguised shock. She had never imagined manifesting in the physical world through such means.

This unexpected development stunned not only Dark Phoenix but Jean Grey herself. Nearby, Wolverine, Cyclops, and the other X-Men displayed equally astonished expressions at the sight of two identical Jean Greys hovering in the sky.

What did he just do?

When Jean had first fallen under Dark Phoenix's control, Professor X had briefly explained the nature of this dark personality to his students. He had also assured them Richard would intervene to stop the crisis, encouraging them to persevere until help arrived.

Even so, none of them could have anticipated that Richard's blade would somehow manifest Dark Phoenix—previously just an alternate personality—as a physical entity in the real world.

Ignoring their collective astonishment, Richard quickly swung the Masamune in his left hand.

Octoslash!

Though confused by what had happened to her, Dark Phoenix didn't passively await her fate. She immediately marshaled her telekinetic abilities.

Telekinetic Barrier!

For ordinary opponents, the barrier would have presented an impenetrable defense. For Richard, however, breaching it posed minimal challenge.

BANG!

The telekinetic shield managed to block only the first three of Richard's eight slashes before shattering with an explosive report.

As her barrier collapsed, unprecedented panic flashed across Dark Phoenix's features.

Matter Manipulation!

Faced with imminent destruction, she desperately attempted to molecularly deconstruct both Richard and the approaching blade.

But she had underestimated both weapon and wielder. As Dark Phoenix activated her matter manipulation, Richard channeled his formidable mana, enveloping himself and the Masamune in protective energy.

Though uncertain whether his magical shield could permanently resist Dark Phoenix's decomposition power, Richard felt confident it would hold for the crucial second or two he required.

Slash-slash-slash-slash-slash!

Under Dark Phoenix's horrified gaze, the remaining five slashes of Octoslash carved through her form.

"Goodbye, Ms. Dark Phoenix!"

Unlike a flesh-and-blood body, Dark Phoenix didn't collapse into gore and viscera when bisected by the eight strikes. Instead, her form dissipated into smoke-like black energy.

Though the Yamato had separated her from Jean Grey's body, it lacked the capacity to spontaneously generate an organic physical form. When Vergil employed the Yamato's separation on himself, he could divide into the human V and the demon Urizen because he was inherently a human-demon hybrid.

Dark Phoenix's separation had merely extracted her personality and a portion of her power, fundamentally different from Vergil's complete bifurcation into human and demonic aspects.

After shredding Dark Phoenix into fragments, Richard immediately activated his power.

Had Dark Phoenix remained fused with Jean Grey's body, Richard doubted he could have successfully plundered her abilities even after defeating her. His current Plunder remained at Alpha level, insufficient to appropriate Omega-tier powers.

Dark Phoenix in control of Phoenix Girl's body indisputably qualified as an Omega-level mutant. But now, extracted and vulnerable, her powers lay within his grasp.

Despite his tactical advantage, Richard remained uncertain whether he could successfully appropriate Dark Phoenix's abilities. All he knew with certainty was that her separation had severed her connection to the Phoenix Force, dramatically reducing her power compared to when she had controlled Jean Grey's body.

[Gain new abilities: Matter manipulation, telepathy!]
[Get the same type of abilities, ability fusion!]
[Matter manipulation and telepathy are enhanced!]
[Matter manipulation level has been upgraded, current level: Omega level!]
[Plunder level has been upgraded, current level: Omega level!]
[X gene mutant power list updated!]
[X-Gene Mutant powers: 2 Omega-level, 13 Alpha-level, 24 Beta-level, 6 Delta-level]

Seeing the system's notification, unrestrained satisfaction spread across Richard's face. Though he had anticipated Dark Phoenix's weakened state, he hadn't been certain her matter manipulation had diminished sufficiently to be captured by his plundering ability. More surprisingly, after absorbing her abilities, his own Plunder power had ascended to Omega level.

Without hesitation, he examined his updated power registry:

[Omega level: Plunder, Matter Manipulation]
[Alpha level: Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, Accelerated Healing, Teleportation, Immortality, Magnetic Field Manipulation, Energy Absorption, Super Senses, Gravity Manipulation, Telepathy, Invisibility, Heat Vision, Demonization]

As he admired his expanded capabilities, a mission completion notice appeared:

[Mission "Devil's Son (IV)" has been completed!]
[Mission reward True Demon Form (Vergil) has been sent!]

Finally!

Richard's already elevated mood soared further. Tonight's confrontation had not only granted him two Omega-level abilities, officially establishing him as an undisputed Omega-level mutant, but had also delivered the True Demon Form he had anticipated for months.

Judgement Cut End, Phantom Sword, Yamato, True Demon Form!

Though he hadn't technically obtained Vergil's complete template, he now possessed virtually all of Vergil's capabilities at a considerable fusion level. He could execute everything in Vergil's arsenal except for specific weapons like the Force Edge and Beowulf.

Dismissing the information panel, Richard turned his attention to Jean Grey, who had recovered from her near-fatal injury. Though Jean lacked conventional healing or Accelerated Healing powers, the Phoenix Force within her surpassed any such abilities. Barring specific plot-driven vulnerabilities like those in the films, the Phoenix Force essentially granted her functional immortality.

Physically, Jean appeared completely restored. Psychologically, however, she was devastated. Though Dark Phoenix—not Jean herself—had killed Professor X and harmed the others, Jean couldn't separate herself from these actions. From her perspective, she had committed these atrocities with her own hands.

Observing the Phoenix Girl suspended in mid-air, enveloped in cosmic energy and wearing an expression of profound anguish, Richard made no attempt at consolation. The aftermath held no interest for him.

With a thought, he teleported from Xavier's School directly back to Silver Manor's training ground.

Upon arrival, he first returned the Masamune to his system space. Then he reverted his clothing transformation, shifting from Sephiroth's iconic attire back to his normal appearance.

In the original game, activating True Demon Form required filling a specialized gauge. In this reality, however, the transformation merely demanded mana.

As Richard channeled his power, blue-white mana swirled around him like a tsunami.

True Demon Form!

In an instant, his silver-haired human appearance metamorphosed into a demonic entity. Scaled armor encased his body, with a V-shaped blue-white energy signature illuminating his chest. Twin pairs of demon wings folded behind him like a coat's hem, while a demon tail over two meters long extended from his back.

The Yamato, previously held in his hands, dissolved and reconstituted as energy arm blades attached to his forearms.

Though unable to view his complete transformation, the arm blades and glowing "V" chest emblem confirmed that his True Demon Form perfectly matched Vergil's demonic manifestation.

The transformation intensified his already formidable physical capabilities. More notably, Richard experienced heightened aggressive impulses—a powerful urge toward destruction and bloodshed.

If you have a hammer in your hand, everything starts to look like a nail!

As he contemplated seeking out criminals to vent these violent compulsions, a circular portal rimmed with golden sparks materialized five or six meters before him.

One name immediately entered Richard's thoughts:

The Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme!

Though they had never met, Richard knew with certainty that the Ancient One still retained the Sorcerer Supreme title. The logic was simple—"Doctor Strange" Stephen Strange hadn't yet experienced his fateful car accident and remained a celebrated neurosurgeon in New York. Richard had encountered him several times at high-society gatherings.

As the portal stabilized, the Ancient One emerged—clad in vibrant yellow robes, with a head as smoothly shaven as Professor Xavier's, holding an ornate folding fan. The Sorcerer Supreme scanned the training ground before focusing on Richard's demonic form with a puzzled frown.

"Are you Richard Wesley, the candidate Charles recommended?" the Ancient One inquired dubiously.

Richard's True Demon Form had so completely altered both his appearance and his metaphysical signature that even the Sorcerer Supreme struggled to identify him with certainty.

Chapter 89: Ghost Rider, King of Mutants

A candidate for the Illuminati?

Although the Ancient One had not specified what is he a candidate for, but the name "Illuminati" immediately flashed through Richard's mind after hearing her words.

The last time he met Professor X, he suspected that the person Professor X wanted him to meet was a member of the Illuminati.

In the comics, the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, was not a member of the Illuminati. However, if the Illuminati truly existed in this universe, then the Ancient One was very likely an official member of the organization.

After all, the current "Doctor Strange" Stephen Strange had not yet experienced his fateful car accident and remained a proud and well-known neurosurgeon.

Under the Ancient One's penetrating gaze, Richard released his true demon form and reverted to his normal human appearance.

"I am Richard Wesley," he said calmly, "but I don't quite understand what you mean by 'candidate.'"

After hearing his answer, the Ancient One frowned slightly, habitually opening the folding fan in her hand and waving it with gentle, measured movements.

"Didn't Charles tell you about it?"

"No," Richard replied. "The professor only asked me to meet someone after he died. He didn't specify who it was, only that someone would deliver a letter when the time was right." He maintained his composure, feigning ignorance despite having recognized the Ancient One. "Are you the person the professor asked me to meet, or are you delivering the professor's letter?"

"I'm not here to deliver Charles's letter," the Ancient One stated. "As for whether I am the person Charles wants you to see, I cannot give you a definitive answer at this moment. However, since Charles has already made arrangements, you simply need to wait patiently."

With that, the Ancient One turned her right wrist and closed the folding fan with a practiced motion. She then performed the portal spell right before Richard's eyes.

A circular gateway shimmering with golden sparks materialized in the air.

Just as the Ancient One was about to step through the portal, she paused, turned back to Richard and said, "If you don't wish to be targeted by certain entities, try to use your demon transformation ability as sparingly as possible."

Targeted by someone? Richard frowned slightly.

A name quickly flashed through his mind: Ghost Rider!

Although he wasn't certain whether Ghost Rider existed in this world, that was his immediate thought after hearing the Ancient One's warning.

After delivering her cryptic message, the Ancient One said nothing more. She walked through the portal, returning to the Sanctum Sanctorum at 177A Bleecker Street in Manhattan.

Upon returning to the New York Temple, the Ancient One immediately closed the portal, vanishing from Richard's sight.

Though the Ancient One's appearance had been sudden and she hadn't revealed much useful information, Richard could be certain of one thing: the Ancient One currently harbored no ill will toward him. Otherwise, she wouldn't have specifically warned him about using his true demon form.

After watching the Ancient One depart, Richard returned the Yamato in his hand to his system space. Then, he used teleportation to leave the training ground and return to his bedroom.

Emma Frost was lying on the bed in a seductive white nightgown, a languid expression on her face. Seeing him return, she immediately rose and approached him, asking softly, "What happened at the mutant school?"

"Dr. Jean Grey lost control and killed Charles and some of the students," Richard answered, his voice measured. "I had promised Charles beforehand that I would stop Jean Grey if she lost control, so I went to contain her and helped her regain consciousness."

Although his tone and expression remained calm, a look of shock immediately appeared on Emma Frost's face at his words.

While she had never visited the mutant school and had limited interaction with Professor X, she still held him in high regard. Not only her—Sebastian Shaw also admired Professor X and had mentioned more than once in her presence that he wished to bring Professor X into the Hellfire Club.

Of course, Professor X would never have accepted Sebastian Shaw's invitation. The fact that Professor X didn't allow the X-Men to directly confront the Hellfire Club already demonstrated significant respect for Shaw.

After collecting herself, Emma Frost frowned and said, "If Charles is truly dead, without his deterrent influence, the authorities and the Department of Mutant Affairs will quickly move against the X-Men and the school. As far as I know, the government has long wanted to bring them completely under their control. If they can't recruit them, they won't hesitate to completely eradicate the X-Men and the mutant school to further weaken the cohesion among mutants."

Hearing Emma Frost's assessment, Richard replied slowly, "This has nothing to do with us. If Jean Grey and the others can't stop the authorities and protect the school, then perhaps it would be better for them to disband it as soon as possible."

"Will you help them?" Emma Frost pressed.

"No. Stopping Jean Grey's rampage is enough to repay them for caring for and guiding Clarice," Richard stated firmly. "Unless they can offer me something interesting or worthwhile compensation, I can't think of any reason to continue helping them."

Though Professor X hadn't revealed much to him, Richard sensed that the telepathic mutant wouldn't die so easily. For instance, he might have transferred his consciousness before death to a body prepared in advance—one with functional organs and nervous system but without consciousness. While this approach didn't align with Professor X's usual ethical stance, in matters of life and death, anything was possible.

"What if Clarice begs you?" Emma Frost raised her eyebrows and smiled knowingly.

"Then we'll address that when it happens," Richard replied.

The following day at noon, in the reception room on the first floor of the manor, Natasha, Banner, and Hawkeye sat on the living room sofa, regarding Richard with varying expressions.

"The Department of Mutant Affairs and the White House are aware of Jean Grey's loss of control last night, which resulted in the death of Charles and several students," Natasha began.

"And?" Richard took a sip of the black tea the maid had just brewed.

"After deliberation, they've decided to capture Jean Grey to prevent further casualties," Natasha explained, her brow furrowed.

"Whether they want to arrest Dr. Jean Grey is their business," Richard replied. "What I'm more curious about now is why S.H.I.E.L.D. sent you three to speak with me."

Although he could have used telepathy to read their memories directly, he chose not to. Using telepathy to probe others' memories without permission wasn't merely impolite—it would make him feel like an intruder, a voyeur into their private thoughts.

"The Department of Mutant Affairs has requested that S.H.I.E.L.D. assist in capturing Dr. Jean Grey," Natasha explained without hesitation. "Nick Fury asked us to come here and solicit your opinion. If you oppose the arrest of Dr. Jean Grey, S.H.I.E.L.D. will reject the Department's request and find a way to persuade the White House officials."

Hearing her explanation, Richard frowned slightly. Although S.H.I.E.L.D. currently lacked anyone who could challenge him directly, this approach didn't seem characteristic of S.H.I.E.L.D. or Nick Fury's usual tactics.

He doubted that "Nick 'Fuck You' Fury" actually feared him enough to send Natasha and the others to seek his input. What is that one-eyed mastermind planning?

After contemplating for a few moments, Richard said deliberately, "I am neither an X-Man nor a student of the mutant school. Although I have met Dr. Jean Grey several times, we are not friends and we don't have any relationship. Whether S.H.I.E.L.D. should assist the Department of Mutant Affairs in capturing her is up to you to decide."

Just as Natasha was about to respond, Richard's cell phone rang unexpectedly.

After checking the caller ID, he addressed Natasha and her companions: "If there's nothing else, you may leave now."

"Very well, we won't trouble you further," Natasha replied, rising from her seat.

She departed from the living room with Banner and Hawkeye in tow. Only after they had followed the maid out did Richard answer the call.

Before he could speak, a commanding voice with years of gravitas came through the line: Magneto! The caller was none other than the Master of Magnetism himself.

"Is Charles truly dead?" Magneto asked without preamble.

"I didn't see his body personally," Richard replied, "but according to Logan and the others, yes, Charles is dead."

Upon hearing this confirmation, Magneto fell silent. Nearly ten seconds passed before he continued, "I've heard that you visited the school several times in recent months. Did Charles share anything significant with you? For instance, did he try to recruit you to the X-Men, or ask you to protect the school?"

"He did attempt to win me over," Richard answered, "but I declined."

"When is Charles's funeral to be held?" Magneto inquired.

"You should direct that question to Jean Grey and Logan," Richard replied with a slight sigh.

"Didn't you intervene when Jean lost control?" Magneto asked, puzzled. "Haven't they even informed you about Charles's funeral arrangements?"

"I haven't received any notification yet," Richard said curtly. "Is there anything else? If not, I should go."

"I may visit New York around that time. We should meet," Magneto suggested.

"Sure," Richard responded before ending the call.

Time passed swiftly. A week went by almost imperceptibly.

During this period, Richard partially resumed his previous lifestyle as a decadent capitalist, engaging in several intimate encounters with New York socialites, celebrities, and other notable women. For him, the week passed without particular incident.

For others, however, the situation was dramatically different.

News of Professor X's death had spread completely.

Although neither the X-Men nor government authorities had deliberately disseminated this information, ubiquitous reporters had nonetheless uncovered numerous "insider" details. They reported that Professor X had been killed by Phoenix Girl; that the out-of-control Jean Grey had demonstrated power far beyond that of an Alpha-level mutant, single-handedly defeating all the X-Men; that Richard had subsequently contained the rampaging Phoenix; and that government authorities and the Department of Mutant Affairs were developing plans to capture Phoenix.

The immediate consequence of these reports was that both Richard and Jean Grey were classified as Omega-level mutants.

Richard had previously displayed abilities exceeding those of other Alpha-level mutants, but observers had remained hesitant to categorize him as Omega-level, despite his nickname: "the humanoid self-propelled nuclear bomb."

Now, with direct comparisons to Jean Grey and Professor X, the public swiftly labeled him an Omega-level mutant.

The rampaging Jean Grey had defeated Professor X and the entire X-Men team single-handedly, establishing her immense power through this undeniable feat. Yet Richard had subsequently subdued this same Jean Grey.

In addition to the Omega-level mutant designation, Richard acquired a second title beyond "humanoid self-propelled nuclear bomb."

King of Mutants!

Initially, this title circulated only within a limited range of his fan forums—a new honorific bestowed by his most devoted followers after Magneto's "New Era of Mutants" speech.

As reports of Professor X's death and Jean Grey's rampage continued to spread, major American media outlets began referring to Richard as the "King of Mutants" to boost ratings and website traffic.

Although Richard had never publicly acknowledged this title, it was well understood that titles and nicknames weren't self-determined, but resulted from collective recognition. Thus, despite his lack of confirmation, the public widely regarded him as the King of Mutants.

At the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, a black Rolls-Royce arrived at the plaza before the main building.

As the car door opened, Richard emerged wearing a black suit, followed by Clarice in an elegant black dress.

The moment they exited the vehicle—or more precisely, the moment Richard stepped out—they drew considerable attention.

Today marked Professor X's funeral. The mutant school, typically closed to the public, welcomed numerous guests for the ceremony.

Attendees included alumni, Professor X's friends, mutants who had received assistance from Professor X or the X-Men, government representatives, civilian delegates, and leaders of other mutant organizations.

Though the authorities and the Department of Mutant Affairs were already planning to apprehend Jean Grey, they had nevertheless sent representatives to attend Professor X's funeral.

Richard ignored the stares directed his way and proceeded with Clarice toward the garden behind the school's main building.

Three days after Professor X's death, he had received a call from Wolverine, who invited both him and Clarice to attend the funeral on behalf of the X-Men.

Though he and Professor X had never developed a deep personal friendship, Richard ultimately agreed to attend. Regardless of their limited connection, Professor X was an elder worthy of respect.

Besides, even if he had declined, Clarice would certainly have attended alone.

En route to the garden, people continually nodded acknowledgment to him. Though Richard didn't recognize these individuals, courtesy compelled him to return slight nods in response.

Soon, he and Clarice reached the garden.

After a week of restoration efforts, both the main school building and the garden had largely been returned to their original conditions.

A substantial crowd had already gathered in the expansive garden. Before Professor X's tombstone lay numerous bouquets of white flowers.

Upon their arrival, Iceman Bobby Drake and Shadowcat Kitty Pryde, dressed in formal black attire, approached and presented them with white chrysanthemums.

Accepting these offerings, Richard and Clarice approached Professor X's tombstone, bowed respectfully, and placed the chrysanthemums before it.

Afterward, they moved to the seating area and located chairs marked with their names.

Despite the hundreds of guests in attendance, each had been assigned specific seating—some positioned toward the front, others toward the rear.

Richard and Clarice had been placed near the front.

Shortly after taking their seats, Richard observed four figures approaching Professor X's tombstone.

Though he had never met them personally, he recognized them instantly: the Fantastic Four.

Chapter 90: Fantastic Four, Masters of the Universe

The Fantastic Four arrived at the funeral dressed in formal black attire. Reed Richards—Mr. Fantastic—and Ben Grimm—the Thing—wore standard suits despite Ben's unusual rocky physique. Johnny Storm—the Human Torch—had opted for a designer label, his suit bearing the unmistakable cut of an international brand. Susan Storm—the Invisible Woman—was elegant in a form-fitting black dress, similar to Clarice's own attire.

After paying their respects at Professor Xavier's tombstone, the four heroes found their designated seats in the front row, marked with their names. They settled more than ten chairs away from where Richard sat.

Once they were seated, Clarice leaned toward Richard and whispered, "Have you interacted with them before?"

Richard shook his head. "No, I've only crossed paths with Johnny Storm at a few social gatherings," he replied quietly.

Among the Fantastic Four, the Human Torch was undeniably the one who craved the spotlight. His personality mirrored pre-Iron Man Tony Stark—an unabashed playboy through and through. After gaining fire manipulation powers from cosmic radiation and taking his place in the Fantastic Four, Johnny had only become more flamboyant rather than tempering his exhibitionist tendencies.

He was the only member who insisted on having designer brands on his uniform. Unlike Reed with his typical scientist demeanor, or Ben with his reliable, humor-laced military background from the Marines, Johnny had become synonymous with "unreliability."

Despite these flaws, Johnny was undeniably handsome—a classic American heartthrob. Richard couldn't help but notice he bore a striking 70% resemblance to the late Captain America, Steve Rogers—whom Richard had personally dispatched.

As Clarice questioned Richard about the Human Torch, across the garden, Susan was simultaneously asking her brother if he knew Richard.

Being Johnny's sister, Susan understood all too well his playboy reputation and his enthusiasm for high-society functions.

"I've seen him a few times at events, but we've never really interacted," Johnny answered, his gaze fixed unashamedly on Clarice. "Though this is my first time seeing the woman with him."

True to his nature, Johnny had spotted Clarice the moment he arrived. Although she wasn't yet twenty and her Asian heritage gave her a different figure than most Western women her age, her stunning features and perfect proportions radiated a unique charm that Western women simply didn't possess.

Susan sighed helplessly at catching her brother's obvious staring. "Be serious, Johnny. This is Professor Xavier's funeral."

"Am I being inappropriate?" Johnny challenged.

"You're hopeless," Susan replied with exasperation. "Let me warn you—don't antagonize Richard. He's dangerous. In the past six months alone, he's killed more people than all the women you've flirted with combined. Provoking him would be extremely unwise."

Susan's warning was serious. If Clarice had been merely another attractive mutant with no connections, she wouldn't have cared about Johnny's latest pursuit. But Clarice wasn't just connected to Richard—they were extremely close.

"I know he's powerful—an Omega-level mutant and all that—but I'm not exactly weak myself," Johnny responded quickly. "In a real fight, I might hold my own."

Before Susan could respond, Reed's precise voice cut in. "Your chances of not losing might exist, but the probability of you actually defeating him is no more than 0.036%." He paused before adding, "Even if he stood completely still and offered no resistance, your probability of victory would only rise to 2.45%."

Though Reed didn't elaborate on his calculations, Johnny bristled at the assessment. "I'm not that weak!"

"My calculations are accurate," Reed stated with absolute certainty.

"You..." Johnny began, clearly insulted but knowing better than to question Reed's analytical abilities. As a longtime member of the Fantastic Four, he recognized that Reed's data was likely correct, however much it wounded his pride.

After taking several deep breaths to contain his frustration, Johnny snapped, "No wonder you haven't managed to win over my sister after all these years. You're nothing but a nerd!"

Reed immediately fell silent, his expression darkening.

"Shut up!" Susan hissed, shooting Johnny a withering glare.

Despite being seated more than ten chairs away, Richard—with his Alpha-level super senses—heard their conversation as clearly as if they were speaking directly beside him. Learning that Reed had yet to win Susan's affections piqued his interest in the Invisible Woman. If his memory served correctly, Reed Richards was Susan's husband only in the main Marvel Universe-616.

Maybe there are other, but he usually only has knowledge of the mainstream comic.

In many universes, Reed Richards and Susan Storm remained simply teammates rather than spouses. Yet, curiously, across all parallel realities, Franklin Richards was invariably Susan's son. The comics never specified who the Invisible Woman married in these alternate timelines or who fathered Franklin Richards.

A thought crystallized in Richard's mind. This wasn't the 616 universe. And in every reality, Susan's son would inevitably be Franklin Richards. Which meant... if he married the Invisible Woman and she bore his child, he would become Franklin Richards' biological father.

Though Richard had achieved Omega-level mutant status, there remained distinct tiers even among Omega mutants. Franklin Richards stood unquestionably at the pinnacle. Time Travel, Manipulation of Space-Time, Matter Restructuring, Reality Warping, and even Universe Creation—these were just a sampling of Franklin's extraordinary abilities.

If Richard truly became Franklin's father, he wouldn't need to lift a finger to become master of the universe. And if one universe proved insufficient, Franklin could simply create more.

After briefly indulging in this vision of cosmic mastery, Richard made his decision. He would pursue the Invisible Woman.

Not even Galactus, Eternity, and Infinity combined could stand in his way.

Susan would never have guessed that while she warned Johnny against pursuing Clarice, Richard was formulating plans to pursue her. Reed couldn't have imagined that the woman of his dreams had become Richard's target. And Johnny would never have suspected that Richard had decided to become his brother-in-law.

Following Professor Xavier's funeral, Richard didn't approach Susan immediately. Though he'd made his decision, he understood the value of patience. Just as he prepared to escort Clarice to the waiting Rolls-Royce and return to Silver Manor, Reed approached them alone.

"Mr. Wesley," Reed addressed him formally despite their age difference, "might I have a word with you in private?"

"Of course," Richard nodded, then turned to Clarice. "Wait for me in the car."

"Okay," she replied quickly before departing.

Once they were alone, Reed and Richard moved to a secluded corner of the garden.

"Charles asked me to deliver this letter to you after his funeral," Reed explained, producing an envelope from his jacket pocket.

So you're the messenger! Richard thought.

Taking the letter, Richard immediately opened it and began reading. He finished quickly, his expression revealing no surprise—only confirmation of what he'd suspected.

His intuition had been correct. Professor X had asked Reed to deliver this letter because he wanted Richard to join the Illuminati as the mutant representative.

Though Xavier hadn't explicitly written "Illuminati" in the letter—merely stating his hope that Richard would join a certain organization on his behalf as the mutant representative—Richard could easily deduce which group Xavier meant.

After reading, he sighed, refolded the letter, returned it to its envelope, and addressed Reed: "I'm sorry, but I have no interest in joining any organization at present."

"No apology necessary. I'm merely the messenger," Reed responded before walking back toward Susan and the others waiting in the corridor.

As Reed departed, Richard prepared to return to the car. However, at that moment, he sensed powerful magnetic field fluctuations approaching rapidly from a distance.

Looking skyward, he spotted a familiar figure—Magneto.

Despite lacking enhanced durability, Magneto was flying toward the school at two to three times the speed of sound. Within moments, he arrived above the mansion and descended into the garden.

Under everyone's watchful gaze, Magneto removed his mind-shielding helmet and approached Xavier's tombstone carrying a metallic chess box.

"Old friend," he spoke softly, "abandoning our game before completion isn't like you."

As he spoke, Magneto levitated the chess box, opening it with his powers. The pieces flew out one by one, but he positioned only three on the board—the two kings and a black knight. The remaining pieces hovered to the side under his control.

The chessboard, with its sparse arrangement, settled gently before Xavier's tombstone.

"This ends in a draw. I won't allow you another victory," Magneto declared, bowing deeply before the grave.

After this gesture, he replaced his helmet and turned to face Richard.

"Shall we find somewhere to talk?" Magneto suggested.

"Fine by me," Richard agreed, reasonably certain of what Magneto wished to discuss.

Magneto rose into the air using his magnetic powers, flying toward the forest adjacent to the mansion. Richard, though equally capable of magnetic manipulation, chose instead to use the flight ability he'd acquired from Griffin Todd, the Minister of Mutant Affairs.

They landed in a forest clearing moments later.

"Charles and I believed Jean Grey would be the ideal candidate to lead mutant kind into the future," Magneto began. "It seems we were both mistaken."

He continued, "I must apologize for my actions at the last press conference. I invoked your name to incite resistance without your consent or knowledge."

Magneto prepared to bow in apology, but Richard stopped him.

"Just ensure it doesn't happen again," Richard stated evenly.

"Rest assured, there won't be a next time," Magneto promised.

"Let's move past this. Are you truly not interested in becoming our leader? With your current strength and reputation, more than half of all mutants would rally to your call," Magneto pressed.

"No matter how many times you ask, my answer remains the same," Richard replied firmly. "I have no interest in leading mutants. I simply wish to live my own life."

"Very well. Since you're not interested, I'll drop the matter," Magneto conceded. "If you find the time, visit the Brotherhood's headquarters. Wanda and Pietro are both eager to meet you."

"I'll visit when I can," Richard replied.

Satisfied with this answer, Magneto nodded, generated a magnetic force field around himself, and departed without looking back.

When Magneto had gone, Richard teleported back to Clarice.

Upon returning to the car, he immediately employed his magnetic field manipulation, allowing the Rolls-Royce to drive toward Silver Manor as if equipped with autonomous navigation.

Three days after Xavier's funeral, Richard saw news reports about the Department of Mutant Affairs and U.S. military forces raiding a mutant school. Despite extensive preparations, the operation yielded nothing. The X-Men had received advance warning and quietly evacuated all students before the attack.

Beyond evacuation, Cyclops and Wolverine had emptied the entire underground base—removing years of accumulated X-Men intelligence, cerebro wave enhancement machines, and various laboratory equipment.

Richard had no idea where Cyclops and Wolverine had relocated. His attention had shifted to something else entirely.

Ghost Rider!

More specifically, Ghost Rider had appeared in New York!