[Marvel : Mutant God] Chapter 71 - 75

Chapter 71: Sentinel Appears, the 13th Alpha-level Mutant power

Buildings collapse and structures explode with unfortunate regularity throughout the world. Yet a forty-story headquarters building cleaved perfectly in two by an invisible energy blade? That remained an exceptional sight.

Even Richard, who had executed the attack, witnessed such destruction for the first time. Though he had developed Heaven Severance some time ago, he had never deployed it in actual combat. His practice had been limited to felling trees or splitting boulders.

BOOM!

Gravity claimed the upper section of the Department of Mutant Affairs headquarters. It struck the ground with a thunderous impact that sounded like a massive explosion, raising a dust cloud reminiscent of a desert sandstorm and sending tremors through the earth as if a localized earthquake had struck.

Everyone who witnessed this spectacle—from gate security to administrative staff—stared in stunned disbelief. Everyone, that is, except Richard, who hovered calmly in the air.

What did he just do? Is he declaring all-out war against the Department? Where are the Operations Division agents? What about the Sentinel robots? Why haven't they been deployed yet?

These questions raced through the minds of the onlookers as they struggled to process the devastation.

Richard ignored the guards and staff, focusing instead on using his telepathy to locate nearby mutants. Only one type of mutant could move freely within the headquarters complex—the mutant agents of the Operations Division.

It required minimal effort to identify these operatives.

Nearly two hundred agents? As expected of the Department's headquarters—a substantial force.

After confirming their numbers, Richard sighed inwardly before immobilizing those agents lacking telepathic resistance.

With the targets secured, he immediately increased his psionic output.

Paralyzed by his initial telepathic hold, the mutant agents experienced no pain as their minds were wiped. Over 150 agents fell lifeless to the ground in peaceful silence.

After eliminating these threats, Richard activated his plunder ability without hesitation.

[New abilities gained: 187 (6 Alpha-level, 158 Beta-level, 23 Delta-level)!]
[Same type abilities obtained, ability fusion in progress!]
[Abilities of the same type enhanced!]
[X-gene mutant power list updated!]
[X-Gene Mutant powers: 12 Alpha, 25 Beta, 6 Delta]

Though he had absorbed 187 mutant powers including 6 Alpha-level abilities, Richard's total power count hadn't increased proportionally due to fusion enhancement.

Before this plunder, he possessed 8 Alpha-level, 14 Beta-level, and 2 Delta-level powers. Now, he had added only 19 powers in total—meaning 168 abilities had been fused and enhanced.

Despite the extensive fusion, Richard wasn't particularly surprised. He had anticipated this outcome.

After all, his four Alpha-level powers— Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, Accelerated Healing, And Energy Absorption —could integrate and enhance most strength, physicality, healing, and energy manipulation abilities.

Since the system no longer displayed specific abilities available at each level, Richard immediately examined his Alpha-level powers to identify the new additions.

[Alpha level: Super Senses, Gravity Control, Telepathy, Invisibility]

Telepathy and invisibility have been upgraded to Alpha level?

Richard's expression registered surprise. While the agents he'd eliminated couldn't resist telepathic invasion, that didn't mean they lacked mental-realm abilities. Nevertheless, he hadn't expected telepathy to achieve Alpha-level status at this juncture.

Similarly unexpected was the upgrade of invisibility—an ability he rarely utilized—to Alpha level.

Without delay, he reviewed the detailed descriptions of his three newly upgraded abilities.

[Super Senses: sensory abilities far beyond ordinary human capacity, including Enhanced Senses, super hearing, super smell, etc.]
[Gravity Control: manipulate the strength and direction of gravitational forces at will]
[Invisibility: render yourself or objects completely transparent, undetectable even by infrared and ultraviolet detection equipment]

After reading these descriptions, Richard checked his Beta-level power list, confirming that Enhanced Senses and invisibility had indeed been removed from that category.

Closing the information panel, Richard turned his attention to the mutant agents who had resisted his telepathic paralysis. Using the enhanced vision component of his super senses, he quickly identified these remaining operatives.

Only about thirty agents left.

As he examined them more closely, Richard's brow furrowed. It seemed implausible that all thirty would possess telepathy or mental shielding abilities.

Their resistance stemmed from two sources: two agents with complete telepathic abilities, and more significantly, the silver-white helmets worn by over half the remaining agents.

Though different from Sebastian Shaw's mental isolation helmet, these silver-white devices clearly served a similar function.

Eighteen! Richard counted eighteen agents wearing these protective helmets.

Although he had known mind-shielding technology wasn't limited to a handful of devices, the prevalence of these helmets at Department headquarters surprised him.

Has their manufacturing technology advanced? Or have they discovered new materials capable of blocking telepathy?

These questions flashed through Richard's mind, but he didn't waste time pondering them. Instead, he teleported instantly behind one of the telepathic agents.

SLASH!

The Masamune moved with lightning speed. Before the telepathic agent could react, the blade severed his neck, ending his life instantly.

After this kill, Richard didn't immediately use plunder. Instead, he teleported again, materializing before the second telepath.

SLASH!

Another swift strike—this time piercing directly through the heart rather than beheading.

These two agents possessed considerable talent. Their immediate use of telepathy to shield their companions demonstrated their skill. Unfortunately, against Richard's combination of telepathy and teleportation, they were effectively as vulnerable as ordinary humans.

With both telepaths eliminated, Richard once again immobilized the agents lacking helmet protection. Then, like an elusive death god, he systematically terminated them without moving from his position.

[New abilities gained: 17 (1 Alpha level, 16 Beta level)!]
[Same type abilities obtained, ability fusion in progress!]
[Abilities of the same type enhanced!]
[X-gene mutant power list updated!]
[X-Gene Mutant powers: 13 Alpha, 32 Beta, 6 Delta]

As before, Richard bypassed the newly added Beta-level powers, focusing immediately on the Alpha-level addition.

[Heat Vision: emit high-temperature beams from both eyes; power and range adjustable]

Richard sighed upon discovering the newly added Alpha-level ability was merely heat vision upgraded from Beta-level.

Though heat vision represented a formidable power, he rarely deployed it. More precisely, he had never officially used it in combat.

With his extensive arsenal of long-range attack options, he had no need to rely on heat vision as his primary offensive capability like Superman did.

Though disappointed by the lack of novel Alpha-level abilities, Richard quickly refocused, closing the information panel and preparing to eliminate the eighteen helmet-wearing agents.

At that moment, six towering figures entered his field of vision.

Sentinel robots!

The six towering forms were unmistakably Sentinels—the infamous "natural enemies of mutants."

Unlike those at the Los Angeles branch, these six Sentinels weren't black but silver-white. Their appearance immediately brought to mind another figure from the Marvel universe.

Colossus!

The gleaming Sentinels resembled the metallic form of Piotr Rasputin when he activated his mutant ability.

Though uncertain whether these Sentinels employed powers similar to Colossus or represented entirely new variants, Richard remained unimpressed.

They're still sending Sentinels against me? How insulting.

Three months earlier at the Los Angeles branch, he had demonstrated conclusively that Sentinels posed little threat to him.

While Department headquarters had undoubtedly addressed the programming vulnerabilities that had caused the previous robots to crash, improved software couldn't solve the fundamental problem:

These Sentinels couldn't possibly withstand his Judgement Cut End.

Richard activated the technique without hesitation.

As the Masamune completed its arc, the nearest Sentinel was enveloped in the distorted space created by Judgement Cut End. Simultaneously, crescent-shaped energy blades with devastating cutting power converged on the robot from all directions.

Chichichichichichi...

The energy crescents effortlessly carved through the Sentinel's body, reducing it to scattered fragments.

Chapter 72: Perfect Judgement Cut End, Natasha's Advice

Before the power of Judgement Cut End with its space-severing capability, all beings stood as equals—equally vulnerable.

Without exertion, Richard dispatched the foremost Sentinel with a single Judgement Cut End. Though he couldn't confirm whether these Sentinels had undergone upgrades, he knew with absolute certainty they couldn't withstand his signature technique.

Compared to three months prior, both the destructive power and range of his Judgement Cut End had improved significantly. More importantly, he could now execute FS Judgement Cut End.

FS Judgement Cut End—essentially the Perfect Judgement Cut End—presented greater challenges than the standard version. It required preliminary charging and precise timing for optimal release. Though more difficult to execute, its power vastly exceeded the regular Judgement Cut End.

In gaming terms, the FS Judgement Cut End delivered triple the damage of its standard counterpart.

Beyond raw power, mastering FS Judgement Cut End granted an additional benefit: the capacity for "Continuous Judgement Cut End"—linking three FS Judgement Cut Endes with regular ones in devastating combination.

Though neither FS Judgement Cut End nor Continuous Judgement Cut End appeared in the system's skill roster and couldn't be enhanced through traditional proficiency increases, Richard had mastered both through rigorous practice.

With the exception of the ultimate form—the most powerful and visually spectacular Judgement Cut End: Absolute—which remained beyond his current capabilities, Richard could perform all other variants with flawless execution.

Sentinel Control Room

As Richard reduced the power-activated Sentinel to scattered fragments, the monitoring staff's expressions darkened to match their grim situation.

Richard remained unaware that these six Sentinels had been specifically programmed to counter him.

To prevent another systems failure like the Los Angeles branch incident, the Department had implemented special modifications to these six units.

First, they removed the capability to replicate Richard's powers—a feature that had previously led to catastrophic failure.

Second, they pre-programmed several different powers into each Sentinel, allowing the robots to select appropriate abilities based on tactical assessment.

Finally, their operational parameters specified restraining Richard rather than eliminating him—working in tandem to immobilize him long enough for mutant agents to deliver the killing blow.

Manufacturing Sentinels consumed substantial resources, but they remained mass-producible assets.

Better to sacrifice Sentinels in containing Richard than risk irreplaceable mutant operatives. Under different circumstances, the Department would never deploy their "natural enemies of mutants" for such tasks, but necessity dictated their choice.

If Richard could be restrained long enough for agents to neutralize him, sacrificing six Sentinels—or even sixty—would represent an acceptable exchange for the Department.

Unfortunately, the Department had drastically overestimated the Sentinels' capabilities.

Even with extensive preparations, these six units could neither contain Richard nor create openings for their human counterparts to exploit.

"What power did he just use?"

"How can anything be that destructive?"

"This was supposed to be Colossus-level carbon steel—nearly as durable as adamantium or vibranium!"

The monitoring staff stared at their displays in shock. Though they couldn't identify Richard's Judgement Cut End technique by name, one reality became painfully clear: their containment strategy had failed before implementation.

They had believed Colossus-based metallurgical powers would enable the Sentinels to withstand Richard's attacks. Their calculations had proven catastrophically incorrect.

Unlike the panicking staff, Richard maintained perfect composure. He would have been genuinely surprised if even his level-three Judgement Cut End couldn't reduce a Sentinel to fragments.

After briefly examining the wreckage—which had reverted from silver-white to standard black—he immediately locked onto the second Sentinel.

Judgement Cut End!

The remaining five Sentinels survived less than a minute before meeting the same fate as the first. Though they launched counterattacks—energy beams from optical sensors and chest-mounted emitters—the overwhelming power differential rendered their efforts meaningless.

The Sentinels' resistance purchased nothing beyond a few inconsequential seconds, failing to inconvenience Richard in any measurable way.

After systematically destroying each Sentinel, Richard turned his attention to the helmet-wearing mutant agents. Like their robotic counterparts, these operatives fought with desperate intensity.

Their resistance not only failed to threaten Richard but provided him the opportunity to eliminate them methodically, one after another.

As minutes passed, the helmeted agents who had persisted for approximately three minutes joined their colleagues in death.

With all eighteen helmet-wearing agents neutralized, Richard activated his plunder ability.

[New abilities acquired: 22 (16 at beta level)!]
[Same type abilities obtained, ability fusion in progress!]
[Abilities of the same type enhanced!]
[X-gene Mutant list updated!]
[X-Gene Mutant powers: 13 Alpha, 38 Beta, 6 Delta]

Seeing no change in his Alpha-level mutant power count, Richard closed the information panel without bothering to review his newly acquired Beta-level abilities.

Telepathy!

With his newly upgraded Alpha-level telepathy, Richard extended his awareness throughout the Department headquarters, encompassing every remaining individual within the complex.

Mind Obliteration!

In an instant, as the psychic technique executed, the massive headquarters fell silent—Richard became the sole living entity within.

With methodical efficiency complete, he flew to the half-demolished headquarters building and seated himself casually on the smooth, flat edge of the severed structure. With an almost theatrical gesture, he embedded the Masamune in the concrete beside him.

Though he had eliminated everyone present at headquarters, Richard knew his victims didn't include the Department's highest-ranking officials: the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Director of Operations.

All three were formidable Alpha-level mutants in their own right.

During periods of idle curiosity, Richard had researched their profiles on the dark web:

Griffin Todd, Minister of Mutant Affairs—mutant powers: Crush and flight.

Winston Lambert, Deputy Minister—mutant power: Energy manipulation.

Pasco Mayor, Operations Director—mutantpower: Demonization.

These three rarely engaged in direct action. Even with substantial payment, the dark web offered only rudimentary information on their capabilities.

Despite limited intelligence, they unquestionably represented the Department's elite combat assets.

Their existence explained why even Magneto had refrained from direct assault on the headquarters. Otherwise, given Magneto's temperament, he would have led an attack against the Department long ago.

Settled at the edge of the bisected building, Richard opened his attribute panel and leisurely browsed his Beta and Delta-level mutantpowers.

Outside the Department headquarters, Washington DC police gathered in significant numbers.

Though present in force, these officers established a perimeter rather than entering the complex—awaiting the arrival of SHIELD agents.

SHIELD Triskelion Headquarters

Director's Office

The office contained not only Nick Fury, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Banner, but also Griffin Todd and his Department colleagues.

The Department officials hadn't anticipated Richard's attack—they had come specifically to coordinate with Fury about the joint capture operation.

Never could they have imagined that minutes after arriving at SHIELD, Richard would launch his assault on their headquarters.

They sat grimly on the office sofas, watching drone footage with stony expressions.

When Richard had cleaved the headquarters in two, SHIELD had immediately deployed surveillance drones. Though they hadn't captured his destruction of the Sentinels, they had recorded his elimination of the final eighteen agents.

As they watched Richard settle casually on the edge of the half-demolished building, Fury addressed the Minister of Mutant Affairs:

"Minister Todd, you've seen the situation firsthand."

"Richard Wesley is considerably more powerful than our initial assessments suggested. The capture plan you proposed appears unworkable. Does the Department have contingency measures?"

Contingency measures? Even if I had them, do I have the personnel to execute them?

Griffin Todd maintained his stoic expression despite his internal frustration.

Though Richard had only eliminated staff present at headquarters—not agents on leave or field assignments—summoning these survivors would prove futile. The drone footage had conclusively demonstrated that ordinary agents couldn't withstand Richard's power, let alone capture or neutralize him.

"Is Director Fury suggesting we abandon the capture operation?" Todd finally responded after several seconds of silence.

"Not at all," Fury replied evenly. "I'm simply inquiring about potential alternatives. If none exist, we need to develop a new approach."

Though they had long recognized Richard's exceptional abilities, neither Fury nor the Department officials had anticipated such devastating power.

Six specially modified Sentinels plus nearly two hundred mutant agents—all eliminated in under five minutes.

Watching Richard effortlessly slaughter the Department's forces, an unsettling thought entered Fury's mind: Could he actually be an Omega-level mutant?

While no evidence confirmed Omega status, Richard's demonstrated capabilities far exceeded typical Alpha-level parameters.

"How long would Director Fury require to develop this new approach?" Todd asked coldly. "A month? Perhaps a year?"

Fury's diplomatic language hadn't concealed his intent. Even Banner, unfamiliar with bureaucratic subtleties, recognized the implication.

Without awaiting Fury's response, Todd continued, "Since SHIELD requires time to formulate a new strategy, we won't impose further."

"I will personally lead Deputy Minister Winston and Operation Director Pasco to apprehend Richard Wesley."

As Todd rose to depart with his colleagues, Fury interjected.

"Minister Todd, you've misunderstood my meaning."

"Captain Rogers, assemble the special forces team and accompany Minister Todd's group to capture Wesley."

Rogers immediately stood. "I'll notify the team to deploy."

As Rogers moved toward the door, Natasha frowned thoughtfully. "I have a suggestion, if I may."

"What suggestion?" Todd asked sharply, turning toward her.

"The situation has escalated to this point fundamentally because of his father's arrest," Natasha said carefully.

"If Minister Todd were willing to release Wesley's father and rescind the warrant, Richard might cease his attacks against the Department."

"I understand this approach might appear as capitulation—suggesting the Department can only beg for mercy."

"However, given current circumstances, this represents the most viable path to resolving the crisis."

"Should conflict continue, considering Richard's demonstrated capabilities, the Department will inevitably suffer further losses."

Todd had expected tactical recommendations for Wesley's capture.

Instead, Natasha proposed releasing Richard's father and withdrawing the warrant.

Had Natasha been a Department agent, Todd would have immediately charged her with treason and ordered her detention.

Unfortunately for his temper, Natasha served SHIELD, not the Department.

Containing his rage, Todd responded with cutting sarcasm:

"So the legendary Black Widow, when confronting a formidable opponent, advocates surrender as her first strategy?"

"This is truly educational."

Chapter 73: Crimson Devil, FS Judgement Cut End's First Battle

Natasha dismissed Griffin Todd's ridicule without visible reaction.

Before offering her suggestion, she had mentally prepared for the inevitable mockery. As Todd and his colleagues regarded her with undisguised contempt, she responded evenly:

"Minister Todd, your derision is unnecessary."

"You've witnessed Richard's capabilities firsthand."

"To be candid, even if you, Deputy Minister Lambert, and Operation Director Mayor personally engage him, you stand no realistic chance of subduing Richard."

"Your request for SHIELD's assistance clearly demonstrates your lack of confidence."

"Moreover, you know perfectly well whether Richard and his father truly qualify as dangerous mutants who have committed significant crimes."

"If you're determined to pursue this confrontation to its conclusion, I can only wish you fortune."

Without awaiting Todd's response, Natasha turned to Fury. "I will not participate in this operation."

She moved toward the exit without further comment.

Before she could reach the door, Pasco Mayor, the Department's Operations Director, intercepted her.

"Does Agent Romanoff underestimate the Department?" Mayor asked, his tone frigid.

"Director Mayor," Natasha countered, "rather than wasting time threatening me, perhaps consider how to address Richard, who's currently waiting at your headquarters."

She allowed a slight smile to touch her lips. "Or are you remaining here precisely because you fear confronting him?"

Far from being intimidated by Mayor's implied threat, Natasha deliberately provoked him.

Though she possessed no superhuman abilities, she harbored no concern that Mayor would dare act against her.

This was SHIELD territory, not the Department's jurisdiction. Unless Mayor intended to initiate hostilities between agencies, he would restrain himself regardless of his personal inclinations.

At Natasha's pointed remarks, unmistakable murderous intent flashed across Mayor's features.

As he prepared to act, Banner stepped forward, positioning himself between them.

"Operation Director Mayor, please step aside. Natasha and I are leaving," Banner stated calmly.

"Very well," Mayor responded after glancing at Banner's deceptively harmless appearance. "I've noted Agent Romanoff's... suggestion."

He withdrew to Todd's side.

Under the watchful eyes of those remaining, Natasha and Banner exited the office.

"Captain Rogers," Fury addressed the remaining Avenger, "you and Barton will lead the special forces team to the Department headquarters."

"Understood," Rogers confirmed without hesitation.

He departed with Hawkeye in tow.

Once they had gone, Fury turned to the Department officials.

"Minister Todd, if you require additional resources, don't hesitate to request them."

"SHIELD stands ready to provide any feasible assistance."

"Unnecessary, Director Fury," Todd replied coldly. "We appreciate your consideration."

With that final remark, Todd and his colleagues departed without a backward glance.

Watching them leave, Fury exhaled a resigned sigh.

Though Natasha had expressed her opposition to assisting the Department's capture operation yesterday, her actions today had nevertheless surprised him.

He couldn't predict whether Todd's team would successfully apprehend Richard.

One certainty remained, however: as long as Todd and his colleagues survived this encounter, they would inevitably seek retribution against Natasha.

They might not execute their revenge openly, but they would never simply absorb such humiliation.

Department of Mutant Affairs Headquarters

Richard sat at the edge of the severed building, his expression shifting to confusion.

Nearly ten minutes had passed since he'd taken his position.

He had seen neither SHIELD personnel nor Todd and his Department leadership.

The only activity came from Washington police, who had established a perimeter around the Department complex, preventing reporters and curious onlookers from approaching.

The police cordon extended beyond ground level—even news helicopters approaching the scene were redirected by police aircraft.

Their response time is abysmal, Richard thought impatiently.

When eliminating the final eighteen agents, he had deliberately removed several mind-isolation helmets and extracted information telepathically before terminating them. Through their memories, he had learned that Todd and his leadership team had gone to SHIELD to coordinate the capture plan.

Though SHIELD's Triskelion headquarters stood more than ten kilometers distant, fifteen minutes had elapsed since his Heaven Severance had bisected the building.

Logically, they should have arrived long ago.

Just as Richard contemplated traveling to SHIELD to confront Captain America and Minister Todd directly, three Quinjet aircraft appeared on the horizon.

Finally.

Even without enhanced vision, Richard sensed Captain America, Minister Todd, and their associates aboard the approaching craft.

Upon sighting the Quinjets, Richard rose to his feet and retrieved the Masamune embedded beside him.

Raising his right hand skyward, he summoned his power.

Thundaga!

Immediately, thunder reverberated across the heavens.

The next instant, massive silver-white lightning bolts streaked toward the three Quinjets with devastating speed.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Under Richard's precise control, the silver-white lightning struck all three aircraft simultaneously.

Though each Quinjet received a direct hit, only two erupted into explosive fireballs. The central Quinjet not only survived intact but somehow absorbed the silver-white lightning, as if the attack had never occurred.

Winston Lambert.

Richard immediately recognized the Deputy Minister's handiwork. Lambert's X-gene mutant power—energy manipulation—allowed him not only to project energy attacks but also to absorb incoming energy and manipulate its form.

Compared to Sebastian Shaw's energy absorption, Lambert's ability focused more on energy projection and transformation rather than pure absorption. Additionally, the energy types Lambert could absorb were more limited than Shaw's capabilities.

Sebastian Shaw could absorb virtually all energy forms except psychic energy, while Lambert's control extended only to conventional energies: thermal, electrical, kinetic, and similar manifestations.

Though his thunder attack hadn't destroyed all three Quinjets, Richard remained unconcerned. If Lambert and his associates could be eliminated so easily, they would scarcely merit his attention.

Under Richard's watchful gaze, the surviving Quinjet rapidly approached the Department headquarters.

The rear hatch opened, and three figures leaped from the aircraft in a maneuver resembling a combat jump.

The trio—none other than Lambert and his colleagues—wore no parachutes. Yet only Pasco Mayor, the Operations Director, plummeted rapidly toward the ground under gravity's influence.

Minister Griffin Todd and Deputy Minister Winston Lambert immediately activated their powers.

Todd employed his flight ability, hovering effortlessly above, regarding Richard from his elevated position.

Lambert converted the electrical energy he had absorbed into aerodynamic force, generating and controlling a localized whirlwind that suspended him aloft.

Mayor, still in freefall, activated his own mutation. His body transformed into a massive red-skinned demon standing three to four meters tall, with curved horns protruding from his skull, his frame rippling with excessive musculature, and arms thicker than an adult's thigh.

BOOM!

Mayor, now fully transformed into a crimson devil, crashed into the plaza before the building with meteor-like impact. He executed a textbook "superhero landing," his impact creating a substantial crater in the concrete.

Shortly after Mayor's dramatic arrival, the remaining Quinjet touched down on the adjacent lawn.

Captain America and Hawkeye immediately emerged from the aircraft.

Just the two of them?

Richard observed them with mild surprise.

Though he harbored no particular grievance against the Avengers collectively, he had anticipated that—with the unlikely exception of Thor—the entire team would participate in this operation.

Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow were, after all, formal SHIELD employees.

Given an order from Director Fury, they would be unlikely to refuse.

Captain America, especially.

After seeing the "Son of the Devil (III)" mission issued by the system, Richard had been certain Rogers would participate in the response.

The representative hero of American justice!

The description alone guaranteed Rogers' involvement.

Unlike Rogers and the others, Tony Stark and Bruce Banner weren't SHIELD employees. However, as Avengers members, Richard had expected they wouldn't object to joining the operation.

Richard had mentally prepared to confront all five Avengers simultaneously.

Unexpectedly, only Rogers and Barton had appeared.

Though this differed from his expectations, Richard didn't dwell on it. His attention shifted to examine the two Avengers more closely.

Mind-isolation helmets!

Both Captain America and Hawkeye wore protective headgear designed to block telepathic intrusion.

Though different in color and design from the silver-white helmets worn by the mutant agents, the black helmets provided similar psychic shielding.

Richard shifted his gaze upward to Todd and Lambert hovering above. Like the Avengers, they too wore black mind-isolation helmets.

SHIELD's own design?

Despite the team's telepathic countermeasures, Richard remained unconcerned. Telepathy represented just one weapon in his extensive arsenal.

Even without psychic abilities, he could eliminate Captain America and the others.

After assessing the four, Richard focused on Mayor in his transformed state.

Though Mayor wore no helmet, his demonic form clearly offered inherent resistance to telepathic invasion.

A brief telepathic probe confirmed Richard's hypothesis.

Upon detecting Richard's mental intrusion, the towering crimson demon roared with bestial fury.

Simultaneously, Mayor raised his massive right hand and made a powerful sweeping motion. A lengthy whip composed of high-temperature magma materialized in his grasp, which he cracked with tremendous force.

Observing Mayor's aggressive movement, Richard locked onto his target and began charging his FS Judgement Cut End.

The charging process required only one to two seconds to complete.

As Mayor prepared to strike with his magma whip, Richard unleashed the fully charged FS Judgement Cut End precisely as Mayor initiated his attack.

The silver-white Masamune moved with lightning speed. With Mayor as the focal point, space within a five-meter diameter distorted unnaturally. Shadow-like manifestations formed by spatial ruptures materialized around Mayor like spectral entities.

FS Judgement Cut End!

Though this marked Richard's first deployment of FS Judgement Cut End in actual combat, the moment he executed the technique, he knew with absolute certainty that Mayor could not withstand its power.

Chapter 74: Shattering the Atomic Connection, Leaving No Chance of Fighting Back

Compared to ordinary humans, Mayor possessed formidable physical resilience in his crimson devil form.

Judging by appearance alone, his defensive capabilities rivaled even the Hulk's.

Despite this, Richard remained certain that Mayor couldn't withstand the FS Judgement Cut End he had just unleashed.

Even the standard Judgement Cut End—let alone its more powerful FS variant—would overwhelm Mayor's demonic transformation.

The reason was straightforward: Judgement Cut End transcended conventional physical attacks.

Its space-cutting properties made it nearly impossible to resist through physical durability alone.

While certain entities in the Marvel Universe might withstand Judgement Cut End through sheer physical resilience, Mayor certainly wasn't among them.

As the surrounding space began its unnatural distortion and ghostly space-tearing shadows materialized, Mayor displayed no surprise. He immediately raised his massive arms, crossing them protectively before his body, preparing to endure the assault with his formidable physique.

He had considered immediate retreat, but the moment spatial distortion began, he found himself anchored in place by an inexplicable gravitational force.

If escape is impossible, I'll endure it with my body!

Though unfamiliar with Judgement Cut End's underlying principles, Mayor had repeatedly studied footage of Richard employing the technique against the Sentinel robot and Benjamin at the Los Angeles branch. He understood its devastating cutting power.

Additionally, in Fury's office, he had witnessed drone footage of Richard dispatching six specially designed Sentinels with the same technique.

The moment Mayor raised his defensive guard, more than a dozen razor-sharp crescent-shaped energy blades converged on him from all directions with extraordinary velocity.

Chichichichichichi...

The crescents of sword energy carved through Mayor's form with the same effortless ease they would pass through soft cake.

Soon, both the crescent energies and the black spatial tears dissipated, the distorted space returning to normalcy.

Mayor, who had braced himself against FS Judgement Cut End, remained motionless in his original stance.

Blocked?

Seeing Mayor still intact rather than reduced to scattered fragments like the Sentinels, Captain America, Todd, and the others momentarily shared the same mistaken assumption.

Within seconds, however, they realized their error.

Though Mayor hadn't immediately disintegrated like the Sentinel robots, he had indisputably failed to withstand the FS Judgement Cut End.

His apparent cohesion resulted solely from his X-gene's demonization power, which instinctively attempted to repair the catastrophic damage.

While demonization granted Mayor impressive regenerative capabilities, the devastation wrought by FS Judgement Cut End had exceeded those limits.

After only four or five seconds, under the horrified gaze of Captain America, Todd, and the others, blood erupted from Mayor's body in massive gouts.

Concurrent with this gruesome display, Mayor's form collapsed, disintegrating into variously sized fragments that fell earthward under gravity's influence.

Unlike the others who had briefly believed Mayor had withstood the attack, Richard immediately activated his plunder ability as the FS Judgement Cut End concluded.

[New ability acquired: Demonization!]
[Same type abilities obtained, ability fusion in progress!]
[Demonization enhanced!]
[X-gene mutant power list updated!]
[X-Gene Mutant powers: 14 Alpha, 24 Beta, 6 Delta]

Noting the decrease in Beta-level powers, Richard immediately deduced which ability had been enhanced through fusion with Demonization.

Without hesitation, he opened his Beta-level mutant power list to confirm.

As anticipated, the ability enhanced through fusion with Demonization was Giant Form—a power he had never deployed in combat.

Closing the information panel, Richard redirected his attention upward toward Todd and Lambert hovering above.

The two Department leaders floated in midair, regarding Mayor's remains with complex expressions.

Though they had mentally prepared for potential casualties, neither had anticipated that the Operations Director would fall as easily as the regular agents.

Their shock stemmed not from Mayor's defeat itself, but from the casual manner in which it occurred.

He was the Operations Director of Headquarters! An Alpha-class mutant with demonic transformation abilities!

In Todd and Lambert's estimation, Mayor possessed power comparable to the Hulk.

Moreover, unlike the current Hulk who relied primarily on brute force, Mayor had accumulated extensive combat experience and tactical expertise.

Despite their high assessment of Mayor, Richard considered the comparison with Hulk misplaced.

While today's Hulk might not yet have reached his full potential, nothing guaranteed he wouldn't eventually attain the cosmic levels of power depicted in the comics.

Observing Todd and Lambert's reluctance to descend from their aerial positions, Richard activated his recently acquired Alpha-level gravity manipulation.

Increased Gravity!

With a simple downward gesture of his right hand, he projected a gravitational field of terrifying intensity—hundreds of times Earth's normal gravity.

The overwhelming force instantly negated their flight abilities, causing both men to plummet like birds with broken wings.

Before they could impact the ground, Richard teleported behind the rapidly falling Todd.

Octoslash!

The Masamune moved with lightning speed.

Eight fluid, precise slashes carved through Todd's body instantaneously, reducing the Minister of Mutant Affairs to a scattered mass of bloody debris.

Upon Todd's demise, Deputy Minister Lambert—possessing energy manipulation abilities—released stored power to create a spherical protective shield around himself.

This energy barrier not only prevented direct contact with the ground but also withstood Richard's intensified gravity field, preventing Lambert from being crushed under the immense pressure.

For an administrative deputy minister who rarely participated in field operations, Lambert's reaction speed proved impressive. Unfortunately, his opponent was Richard.

While Lambert established his defensive sphere, Richard activated Shadow Flare—the reward received for completing "One-Winged Angel (II)."

The name alone offered little insight into Shadow Flare's true nature.

Unlike elemental skills such as Thundaga, Shadow Flare inflicted dark attribute damage.

Though not technically a game, dark attributes existed tangibly within this universe—though less commonly encountered than fire, lightning, or ice-based energies.

When activated, Shadow Flare generated a white gravitational sphere with intense attractive force within its target area.

This gravity well pulled surrounding enemies into Shadow Flare's attack radius.

Simultaneously, black flames manifested through dark magic, forming a spherical cage that enveloped the target.

Beyond the black flames, silver-white lightning crackled within the cage, delivering continuous damage.

Once the target was completely enclosed, the cage detonated like an explosive, delivering a devastating final impact.

Though Lambert's protective shield had successfully countered Richard's intensified gravity, it failed to prevent Shadow Flare from targeting him.

Before Lambert could react, a white gravitational sphere materialized before him.

Though unfamiliar with the phenomenon, primal instinct immediately triggered an overwhelming sense of mortal danger.

Simultaneously, he felt the powerful attractive force emanating from the white sphere.

Lambert's defensive shield—originally crimson in hue—transformed to pitch black within moments.

A spherical cage formed of dark mana, resembling condensed black flame, materialized instantly, encompassing both Lambert and his energy barrier.

"Farewell, Deputy Minister Winston Lambert," Richard announced calmly.

A heartbeat later, the dark energy cage surrounding Lambert detonated with explosive force.

Compared to conventional explosives, Shadow Flare's detonation produced relatively modest sound—approximately equivalent to a grenade's discharge.

Despite its subdued acoustic profile, Shadow Flare's destructive potential vastly exceeded conventional weaponry.

When the black flames and silver lightning dissipated, Lambert had vanished completely—as if he had never existed.

No fragmented remains, no blood spatter, no residual debris.

Lambert, subjected to Shadow Flare's full power, had been erased without trace, seemingly vaporized from existence.

Despite Lambert's complete disintegration, Richard activated plunder without concern.

[New abilities acquired: Energy Projection, Flying, Energy Manipulation!]
[Same type abilities obtained, ability fusion in progress!]
[Energy Manipulation enhanced!]
[X-gene mutant power list updated!]
[X-Gene Mutant powers: 15 Alpha, 25 Beta, 6 Delta]

Noticing that energy absorption from before had been fused and Energy Manipulation, Richard recognized that Lambert's energy control capabilities hadn't been as formidable as anticipated.

In terms of versatility, Lambert's energy control offered greater breadth than pure energy absorption.

However, Lambert could only manipulate conventional energy forms: thermal, electrical, kinetic, and similar manifestations.

While Lambert could transmute absorbed energy into different forms, energy absorption could accomplish the same feat.

Richard didn't dwell on which aspects of energy manipulation had been integrated with his existing energy absorption. Instead, he examined the Alpha-level ability list to review "Crush."

[Crush: Instantly shatters atomic connections in contacted materials, causing complete disintegration or reduction to fine dust!]

After reviewing the description, Richard's attention shifted to Captain America—specifically, to the vibranium shield in Rogers' grasp.

Can vibranium be crushed?

Had Richard not acquired Todd's crushing ability, he would have proceeded with his original plan: testing how many strikes with the Masamune would be required to breach Captain America's legendary shield.

After brief consideration, a new strategy formed in his mind.

First, he would use the Masamune to fracture Captain America's vibranium shield, then test whether his newly acquired crushing power could disintegrate the vibranium fragments.

Captain America and Hawkeye remained oblivious to Richard's tactical calculations.

However, their expressions betrayed clear dismay.

They had recognized Richard's formidable capabilities, but neither had anticipated Todd and his colleagues would fall so rapidly.

No chance to fight back.

This assessment most accurately captured what had transpired with Todd and his team—a complete inability to mount meaningful resistance.

Chapter 75: Captain America's Death, Obtaining the Yamato

Although he hadn't expected Todd and the other two to die so quickly, the moment Captain America Rogers saw the look in Richard's eyes, he immediately assumed a fighting stance.

Seeing Captain America raise his vibranium shield with vigilance etched across his face, Hawkeye Barton hesitated for a few seconds before retrieving a specialized arrow from his multi-functional quiver. However, he didn't immediately nock it or aim at Richard.

"Our mission was to assist the Mutant Affairs Department in capturing Richard," Hawkeye said to Captain America. "All the agents from Mutant Affairs are dead. Even if we retreat now, no one would hold it against us."

Though he was an Avenger, Barton had a clear understanding of his own capabilities and limitations. He could handle ordinary people and moderately powered superhumans with ease. But facing high-level fighters like Richard, whose strength far exceeded that of ordinary enhanced individuals? That was beyond his pay grade. Even with his arsenal of high-tech arrows, he was still just a mortal man.

After hearing Hawkeye's suggestion, Captain America replied quickly: "This isn't about whether we should retreat. It's about whether he's willing to let us leave." He paused, his expression grim. "My instinct tells me he doesn't want us walking out of here alive."

Captain America hadn't sensed any overwhelming murderous intent from Richard, but he trusted his intuition. His assessment was partially accurate—Richard wasn't projecting much killing intent at the moment, but for a simple reason: Captain America wasn't worthy of it. No one harbors intense hatred toward an ant they could crush at any moment.

Though Richard didn't exude strong murderous intent, Captain America had misjudged one thing: Richard didn't particularly care whether Hawkeye left alive or not. From a personal perspective, Richard's impression of Hawkeye wasn't especially negative. If Barton chose wisely, Richard wouldn't mind letting him return to his wife and children.

Just as Hawkeye was about to speak again, Richard's voice cut through the tension.

"Let me ask you something. Do you think I'm a deranged killer without mercy?"

Though he didn't know where this was going, Captain America answered without hesitation: "Whether you're a deranged killer or not, you know the truth in your heart." His eyes narrowed. "In just a few months, hundreds have died by your hand!"

Hearing Captain America's righteous response, Richard smiled and shook his head. This man truly deserved his reputation as America's moral compass—always so self-assured in his righteousness!

"Yes, quite a few people have died by my hand these past months," Richard admitted. "Though I haven't kept an exact count, I can say one thing with certainty: the number of people I've killed doesn't come close to those eliminated by the Department of Mutant Affairs, let alone those killed by U.S. military operations overseas." His eyes hardened. "In terms of body count, they've slaughtered far more than I have. You claim to be so righteous—why don't you stop them?"

Richard regarded Captain America with undisguised contempt.

"They were carrying out lawful operations," Captain America countered swiftly. "You've been killing innocent people indiscriminately."

"Lawful?" Richard's voice took on a mocking tone. "Do you even understand what law is?"

Both Captain America and Hawkeye struggled to follow Richard's train of thought. What was he driving at?

Without waiting for their response, Richard addressed Captain America directly: "Since you dropped out of high school, allow me to give you a free education. The so-called 'law' is created by the ruling class—a tool reflecting their will and maintaining their control. Law never inherently represents justice."

His voice grew colder. "If that's still too complex, let me be more specific. Even if I kill you right now, I could make your death a legally sanctioned action. Perhaps I wouldn't even need to lift a finger—your president and officials might proactively legalize your execution. You claim I'm killing innocent people, but that's merely because my actions don't conform to your narrow worldview."

Richard paused, studying Captain America with renewed interest. "Speaking of which, your dear friend Bucky Barnes has killed just as many as I have. Why aren't you hunting him down?" His lips curved into a knowing smile. "Don't pretend you didn't know he's alive. Not only are you aware, but you also know he's the real assassin who murdered Howard and Maria Stark."

Captain America's jaw tightened imperceptibly.

"You transformed from a sickly kid from Brooklyn into Captain America—and Howard Stark's contribution was instrumental. Without his technological innovations, the serum wouldn't have been half as effective. Without the vibranium shield he crafted for you, the Red Skull and HYDRA would have ended you long ago."

Richard's voice grew sharper. "Howard helped you immeasurably, and how did you repay him? By letting his murderer walk free, befriending his son Tony, and concealing the truth from him." His eyes glinted with disdain. "It's Tony Stark's misfortune to consider you a friend! I may not be a good person, but I'm better than you in one crucial aspect—I'm not a hypocrite, and I wouldn't forgive my father's murderer on anyone's behalf!"

This can't be true... can it?

As Richard finished speaking, Hawkeye instinctively turned to look at Captain America. As an experienced top-tier agent, Hawkeye wouldn't blindly believe Richard's accusations. However, seeing the expression on Captain America's face told him everything he needed to know. The charges were true. But how did Richard possess this information?

Captain America barely registered Hawkeye's scrutiny. Only one question occupied his mind: how did Richard know?

Richard's voice broke through the tension once more.

"Agent Barton, I have a favorable impression of you, and I recognize you're not as sanctimonious as Rogers." His tone remained even, controlled. "If you choose not to interfere, I'll grant you safe passage back to your wife and children. But if you insist on opposing me, don't blame me for what follows."

Richard fixed Hawkeye with a calm stare and waited patiently for his decision.

More than ten seconds passed in tense silence before Hawkeye's expression hardened with resolve.

"Rogers is my friend. I won't—"

BOOM!

Before Hawkeye could finish, a massive green figure crashed down from the sky, landing between Richard and Hawkeye with the force of a meteorite.

The new arrival was none other than the Hulk, carrying Black Widow Natasha in his enormous grasp.

As the dust from Hulk's landing settled, Richard addressed the green behemoth: "Big guy, you're not here to stop me too, are you?" His voice dropped dangerously. "If so, prepare to die here alongside them."

Hulk responded quickly: "Hulk doesn't want to fight you. Hulk just brought Natasha here."

Brought Natasha?

Richard's attention shifted to Black Widow. Compared to their last encounter, she was no longer wearing casual attire but a form-fitting black tactical suit that accentuated her athletic figure. Whether from habit or calculation, the zipper on her combat suit was pulled slightly lower than necessary, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of what lay beneath.

Noticing Richard's gaze, Black Widow spoke without hesitation: "I'm here on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D. to propose a truce. S.H.I.E.L.D. was merely cooperating with the Department of Mutant Affairs—it was never our intention to apprehend you."

After watching drone footage of Richard effortlessly dispatching Todd and his companions as if they were nothing, Nick Fury had immediately contacted Natasha, instructing her and Banner to rush to the Mutant Affairs headquarters to prevent a confrontation between Richard and Captain America.

Upon receiving Fury's call, Natasha had promptly asked Banner to transform into the Hulk and transport her to the scene.

"There's no need for truces or negotiations," Richard replied coldly. "I've made my decision to kill Rogers. If you wish to stop me, by all means, try."

With those words, Richard dismissed Natasha and teleported instantly, materializing directly in front of Captain America.

Octoslash!

Without hesitation, he unleashed Sephiroth's signature technique. The Masamune sword became a blur of silver lightning, striking the vibranium shield in Captain America's grasp.

DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

In the blink of an eye, the Masamune slashed against the vibranium shield eight times, each strike flowing into the next like water.

As the final strike connected, Richard frowned slightly. Eight visible marks now scarred the vibranium shield, yet it remained intact.

Seeing this, Richard increased his magical output and performed Octoslash again. If the previous attack had consumed a normal amount of mana, this time he channeled three times as much.

Greater magical expenditure yielded greater destructive power.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

BANG!

After just five of the eight strikes, the vibranium shield in Captain America's hand shattered with a deafening crack, fragments scattering in all directions.

Though the shield lay in pieces, Richard didn't stop. The final three slashes of his Octoslash cut through Captain America's body like lightning.

The final strike severed Captain America's neck, cleanly decapitating him.

Propelled by momentum, Captain America's head soared upward like a macabre basketball, blood spraying from the severed neck. Richard ignored the flying head, using his telekinetic power to repel Captain America's headless body and the blood splatter away from himself.

Under the shocked gazes of Natasha, Hulk, and Hawkeye, Captain America's body flew backward more than thirty feet before crashing to the ground with a sickening thud.

[Mission "Devil's Son (III)" completed!]

[Mission reward Yamato has been delivered!]

[New weapon acquired: Yamato!]

[Yamato: A weapon wielded by Vergil, containing powerful magic bestowed by the legendary spellsword Sparda. It possesses the ability to "separate." A razor-sharp magical blade that can cut through demons as easily as paper!]

Looking at the information panel before him, Richard smiled with satisfaction. Though he had been content with the Masamune, that didn't diminish his desire for the Yamato. It was like owning a Ferrari but still wanting a Lamborghini, or having Wanda but still desiring Lorna.

...