[Marvel : Mutant God] Chapter 66 - 70

Chapter 66: Professor X and the Anger of Magneto

"Are we special?"

After hearing his words, Pietro and Wanda frowned simultaneously.

Just as Pietro was about to press further, Richard's voice cut through the tension.

"If you have questions, save them for later. There are other mutants imprisoned here. Let's free them first."

"On it!" Pietro replied immediately.

With the staff and guards in the institute all immobilized by telepathy, they rescued several other mutants from their cells without much resistance.

After liberating everyone, Richard ignored the unfamiliar mutants and turned to Pietro and Wanda.

"Where will you go now?"

"Home?" Pietro began, then his voice dropped. "We no longer have a home."

Richard nodded, considering this.

"In that case, you should come with me for now."

Pietro and Wanda agreed without hesitation.

At that moment, a blond male mutant who appeared to be in his early twenties approached Richard.

"Can I come with you too?" His eyes shone with admiration. "I'm a loyal fan of yours. I'm a senior member on your website and forum. I even have your tattoo on my body."

As he spoke, the young mutant rolled up his right sleeve, revealing the tattoo on his arm.

It was small but intricately detailed—Richard sitting atop the wreckage of a Sentinel robot at the Los Angeles branch, the Masamune embedded in the ground beside him.

After examining the tattoo and noting the sycophantic smile on the man's face, Richard responded flatly:

"Get lost."

Though his voice wasn't particularly loud, both the blond man displaying his tattoo and the other mutants instinctively stepped back, feeling an indescribable pressure bearing down on them.

Richard ignored their reactions and turned back to Pietro and Wanda.

"I'll take you away after I destroy this place."

"Let me help!" Pietro offered eagerly.

"Very well," Richard nodded.

Five minutes later, raging flames engulfed the entire institute, consuming everything inside—experimental materials, scientific instruments, staff, and guards.

After surveying the research facility as it burned, Richard turned to Wanda.

"Give me your right hand."

Though uncertain of his intentions, Wanda extended her hand without question.

Richard took it firmly in his grasp.

Recognizing that Richard was about to teleport them away, Pietro moved quickly to take Richard's left hand. Before he could reach it, Emma Frost stepped in, gracefully wrapping her arm around Richard's and pressing her curvaceous body against him.

When Pietro saw the sensual Emma leaning into Richard, his expression shifted from surprise to unmistakable envy.

Richard hadn't yet introduced Emma to them, so neither Pietro nor Wanda knew she was White Queen of the Hellfire Club. They had heard of someone code-named White Queen in the Hellfire Club but had never seen her in person.

Though he didn't yet know Emma's identity, Pietro was certain of one thing—she was exactly his type. Her alluring figure, delicate features, and fair complexion captivated him. Emma Frost's long, shapely legs in particular made it difficult for him to look away.

Had the circumstances been different, he would have immediately approached her to start a conversation.

As Pietro gazed enviously at Richard, Wanda's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Come over here already!"

As his twin sister, she knew exactly what was going through Pietro's mind. His behavior was making her both embarrassed and irritated. Were longer legs and revealing clothes really so fascinating that he had to stare like some pervert?

Reluctantly, Pietro tore his gaze away, walked to Wanda, and took her left hand.

The moment he did, Richard activated his teleportation without delay.

They had completely vanished by the time sirens began wailing in the distance.

Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Hotel

Richard brought Pietro and Wanda directly to the business suite where he was staying.

In the living room, Richard turned to Pietro, who sat across from him.

"You mentioned you no longer have a home. Explain what happened," Richard said. "Also, tell me how you were captured."

Pietro explained without hesitation.

As time passed and Pietro's story unfolded, Richard's brow furrowed slightly.

As he'd suspected, Pietro and Wanda were unaware of their biological father's identity.

Their mother had died years ago in one of America's many shooting incidents, becoming another statistic in the country's gun violence epidemic.

After her death, they'd dropped out of school. Their home was repossessed by the bank due to unpaid loans.

What followed was straightforward. Though they were mutants, they were registered legally. Quicksilver's documented power was Super Speed, while Wanda's registered abilities were telekinesis and telepathy.

Like Sebastian Shaw, the Department of Mutant Affairs officials were unaware of chaos magic's existence, mistaking Wanda's powers for conventional telekinesis and telepathy.

Being minors without legal guardians, they were assigned to separate foster families, like other orphans.

As twins, Pietro and Wanda refused to be separated. Before the welfare agency could deliver them to their respective foster homes, they escaped and began a life of mutual dependence and wandering.

Though minors at the time, their nomadic existence wasn't as difficult as it might have been for ordinary children. After all, they possessed formidable powers.

During their years on the move, they encountered many other young mutants living similar lives and received recruitment offers from various mutant organizations.

They declined these offers, preferring to maintain their independence together.

Two weeks ago, while staying in Houston, Texas, they were discovered by Sebastian Shaw. He brought them to the Orlando Research Institute, where they became "raw materials" for the enhanced cloning project.

Though Pietro had detailed their past thoroughly, Richard still couldn't confirm whether they were Magneto's children.

But soon, he set the question aside. Whether Pietro and Wanda were Magneto's children wasn't his primary concern.

What he coveted was Wanda's power, not her connection to Magneto.

As long as Wanda had potential, that was enough.

"Are you two hungry?" Richard asked.

"You're taking us out to dinner?" Pietro replied quickly.

Richard arched an eyebrow. "Dressed like that? If you want food, just call room service. As for clothes, you can ask them to deliver a few sets."

Caesars Palace was a renowned five-star hotel in Las Vegas. Providing guests with clothing was a trivial request—they could even arrange to purchase vehicles for guests if needed.

Though having the hotel handle purchases was more expensive than buying things yourself, for guests with means, convenience outweighed cost.

"Right, got it," Pietro nodded.

"You can take the remaining two bedrooms," Richard said, standing and walking toward the master bedroom.

Without prompting, Emma Frost followed him immediately.

"Is she Richard's girlfriend?" Pietro asked once they were alone.

"She's gorgeous, with an amazing figure!"

"Of course she's beautiful. Someone couldn't stop staring at her like a pervert," Wanda rolled her eyes at her brother.

Pietro ignored her jab. "Why can't I meet women like that? Richard might be powerful, but I'm not exactly weak either. We both have silver hair and similar style. Why aren't beautiful women throwing themselves at me?"

Wanda sighed helplessly. "You're hopeless."

She stood and walked toward the second bedroom.

Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

X-Men Underground Base

Meeting Room

Jean Grey, Scott Summers, Ororo Munroe, and Logan sat around the conference table, looking at Professor Xavier with confused expressions.

They had just received an urgent telepathic message from the Professor, summoning them immediately.

Though uncertain what had happened, his use of telepathy to contact them instilled a sense of foreboding.

While Professor X possessed extraordinary telepathic abilities, he rarely used them to communicate routine matters.

Under their watchful gazes, Professor X spoke deliberately:

"A contact in Miami just called. A mutant confrontation occurred at Bayfront Park Marina about an hour ago."

"You're all familiar with the mutants involved—Richard Wesley and Sebastian Shaw from the Hellfire Club."

Scott frowned. "Why were they fighting? Didn't Richard just battle the Hulk in San Francisco earlier today?"

"I don't know their motives," Xavier replied. "There are only two things I know for certain."

"First, Sebastian Shaw was killed by Richard."

He paused, his expression grave.

"Second... Richard didn't just kill Shaw. He killed other mutants as well."

Xavier's voice grew heavier. "One of them was Eric... or rather, a younger version of Eric."

A younger Magneto?

Surprise registered simultaneously on all four faces as the same realization dawned on them.

Clone.

Even without telepathy, Professor X recognized their conclusion.

"You've guessed correctly—it was Eric's clone."

His tone shifted, resolute now. "Jean, Logan, Ororo—take the Blackbird to Miami immediately and retrieve Eric's clone's remains. The body is currently at the Department of Mutant Affairs in Miami."

"Scott, you'll accompany me to the Department's headquarters in Washington D.C. tomorrow morning. I intend to have a serious conversation with the Minister."

Professor Xavier, normally the epitome of composure, displayed uncharacteristic anger.

Though he'd learned three months ago that the Department was secretly creating mutant clones as potential weapons, the previous discovery involved only Sabretooth clones.

Had they limited their experiments to Sabretooth, Xavier might not have completely opposed the Department. After all, he shared no meaningful bond with that particular mutant.

But this was different. The Department had cloned Magneto.

Despite their ideological differences, in Xavier's heart, Magneto remained one of his closest friends.

Whether from personal loyalty or concern for the mutant community, he could no longer stand by while the Department carried out such experiments.

"We're on it, Professor," Jean said immediately.

"Be careful. I await your report."

As Jean, Logan, and Ororo departed for the hangar, heading toward the Blackbird, Xavier and Scott remained behind.

Brotherhood of Mutants Headquarters

Mystique rushed down the corridor to Magneto's quarters, tablet in hand.

"What's happened?" Magneto asked, perplexed by her sudden appearance as he prepared for bed.

"A source in Miami just sent this," she said, pressing play on a video and turning the screen toward Magneto.

Magneto's expression darkened as he watched.

The edited footage ran only two or three minutes, but it told the whole story—his clone standing with Sebastian Shaw at the dock, fighting Richard, and finally, a close-up of the clone's broken remains.

After watching the entire video, Magneto remained silent for several seconds.

"Have I been too quiet lately?" he finally asked, a dangerous smile forming. "Do they think I've grown too old for conflict?"

Though he seemed to be addressing Mystique, she understood no answer was required.

As expected, before she could respond, Magneto's face hardened with lethal intent:

"Since they want war, I'll give them war."

Chapter 67: All-out War, Captain America's Advice

Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Hotel

While Professor X and Magneto seethed over the Department of Mutant Affairs' cloning program, Richard was engaged in a more intimate debate with Emma Frost regarding the origin of life—within the confines of his bedroom.

In less euphemistic terms, he was enjoying Emma's meticulous and passionate attention.

Though Wanda and Pietro now occupied the suite's other bedrooms, neither Richard nor Emma Frost showed particular concern about their presence.

Emma, especially, seemed unbothered.

Their "philosophical discussion" grew so intense that even the master bedroom's excellent sound insulation couldn't completely contain it.

"Shameless!" Wanda muttered in the second bedroom after hearing Emma's enthusiastic exclamations.

Meanwhile, Pietro in the third bedroom turned the television volume as high as possible. Though envious of Richard, he also felt a pang of disappointment as he lay on his bed, sighing.

When will I have a beautiful girlfriend? he wondered silently.

The following morning, they gathered in the hotel restaurant.

Over breakfast, Richard formally introduced Emma Frost Emma to Wanda and Pietro.

The twins were dressed in casual clothes purchased through the hotel's concierge service. Though ordinary attire, the clothing looked striking on them both—a testament to the adage that attractive people elevate whatever they wear.

Wanda and Pietro exemplified this principle. In truth, all four at the table did.

Upon learning that Emma was Emma Frost of the Hellfire Club and Sebastian Shaw's right hand, Pietro and Wanda immediately tensed, wariness evident in their expressions.

"Emma has severed all ties with the Hellfire Club," Richard explained calmly. "There's no need to regard her as an enemy. As for your capture and use as experimental subjects—that was Sebastian Shaw's personal decision. Emma wasn't aware of it."

Though neither twin spoke, their skepticism remained plainly visible.

"How do you know she's not lying to you?" Pietro finally asked.

"Because I'm telepathic and have read her memories," Richard replied simply.

Pietro studied Emma Frost with a complicated expression before pressing further.

"As far as I know, besides the Black King and White Queen, the Hellfire Club also has a Black Bishop and Black Rook. Are they next on your hit list?"

"Not at present," Richard answered promptly. "As long as they don't cause trouble for me, I won't hunt them across the globe. I'm not some deranged killer."

Although both the Black Bishop and Black Rook possessed formidable powers, that alone wasn't sufficient motivation for Richard to target them specifically.

There were thousands of mutants with impressive abilities across the world. If he went out of his way to hunt down every mutant with noteworthy powers, he'd have time for nothing else.

"So what happens next?" Pietro asked, his voice measured. "Will you take Wanda and me with you to avoid recapture by the Department of Mutant Affairs?"

Richard smiled and shook his head.

"I've been reflecting on my situation. For three months now, I've been an S-rank wanted criminal."

"It's time to shed that classification."

What?

Emma Frost, Pietro, and Wanda all stared at Richard in astonishment.

Was he suggesting...?

Before they could voice their thoughts, Richard continued.

"I plan to demand that the Department of Mutant Affairs publicly apologize to me, rescind the S-level warrant for my arrest, and compensate me for the Wesley family properties they seized."

His expression hardened. "If they refuse, I'll ensure the Department of Mutant Affairs becomes a relic of the past."

Richard had hoped that completing the "One-Winged Angel (II)" mission would improve Sephiroth's template fusion level. That had proven to be wishful thinking.

Merely completing the mission wasn't enough to push Sephiroth's template fusion past the critical 50% threshold.

Though uncertain what would propel the fusion degree beyond 50%, he was certain of one thing—he'd grown weary of being a fugitive.

Since he was tired of being hunted, the solution seemed straightforward: demand the Department cancel the warrant and compensate him for his losses.

Additionally, it was time to address the matter of his original body's father.

"You're declaring all-out war against the Department of Mutant Affairs?" Pietro asked, frowning.

Unlike Richard, he and Wanda were legally registered mutants. While they had experienced discrimination, it hadn't been particularly severe—partly because they lacked obvious mutant characteristics, and partly because their attractive appearances garnered preferential treatment.

People who looked good typically received better treatment.

"My war with the Department began three months ago," Richard replied evenly. "Strictly speaking, we're merely entering the next phase of conflict."

As Pietro opened his mouth to respond, an urgent news bulletin flashed across the restaurant's television screen:

"Ten minutes ago, the Department of Mutant Affairs held an impromptu press conference, officially announcing a top-priority operation to apprehend S-level fugitives Eric Lehnsherr and Richard Wesley by any means necessary. The Department calls upon citizens with relevant information to report the whereabouts of these individuals immediately.

"According to our sources, Richard Wesley engaged in violent conflict with several unidentified mutants at Miami's Bayfront Park Marina last night, killing them before fleeing the scene.

"During this incident, a SHIELD agent arrived via Quinjet but failed to apprehend Wesley.

"Intelligence reports indicate that since early this morning, Department of Mutant Affairs facilities in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston have come under attack by the Brotherhood of Mutants.

"At present, the Department has not released casualty figures from these attacks.

"This station will provide updates as developments unfold."

The breaking news captured not only the attention of Richard's group but also that of other diners throughout the restaurant.

As the broadcast displayed the Department's latest wanted poster featuring Richard, numerous guests' gazes drifted toward him.

Though he wore sunglasses, he hadn't covered his distinctive flowing silver hair.

"They seem to recognize you," Pietro remarked.

"No, they don't—and they won't remember anything," Richard replied calmly as he activated his telepathy.

With minimal effort, he established telepathic connections with the guests, erased their recollections, and mentally instructed them to exit the restaurant.

Under Pietro and Wanda's watchful eyes, the patrons who had been staring at Richard moments before stood up and departed, chatting casually as if nothing unusual had occurred.

"Now, let's finish our breakfast," Richard said, returning to his meal.

Washington D.C.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Triskelion Headquarters

Director's Office

Director Nick Fury regarded Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, and Clint Barton gravely.

"I assume you've all seen the Department of Mutant Affairs' press conference," he began.

"Before the broadcast, their minister contacted me personally, followed by a formal request for assistance."

"Intelligence has also informed me that Professor Charles Xavier is en route to the Department's headquarters with Cyclops Scott Summers."

"Barring traffic delays, they'll arrive within thirty minutes."

"Each of you has encountered Richard Wesley previously. I want your assessments."

Though Bruce Banner had returned to Washington and was residing in SHIELD-arranged accommodations, Fury hadn't summoned him to this meeting.

In terms of raw combat potential, Banner's Hulk form surpassed Natasha, Steve, and Clint combined.

But regarding reliability and willingness to follow orders, Banner fell significantly short of the others.

Natasha and Steve were official SHIELD agents with formal positions and salaries.

Banner, by contrast, was more accurately described as assisting Natasha rather than serving SHIELD.

As for Tony Stark and Thor—Stark could hardly be expected to follow SHIELD's directives obediently, let alone those from the White House.

Thor, while more reasonable, wasn't even on Earth currently.

Locating him to assist in apprehending Richard would be impossible; merely establishing contact posed a challenge.

After Fury's briefing, the three agents exchanged glances.

Natasha spoke first.

"The Department of Mutant Affairs has clearly overstepped," she said deliberately. "However, if they were bold enough to clone Magneto, they must have anticipated full-scale conflict with the Brotherhood."

"They should have factored in Professor Xavier's inevitable reaction."

"Though both are government entities, SHIELD and the Department operate independently with distinct jurisdictions."

"In my assessment, we should decline their request for assistance."

"They created this situation—they should resolve it themselves."

Though she'd only encountered Richard once, Natasha's impression had been favorable.

She felt a measure of gratitude toward him. During yesterday's San Francisco incident, Richard had deliberately spared both her and the Hulk.

That alone earned him some goodwill in her estimation.

As Natasha concluded, Rogers immediately countered.

"I disagree with Agent Romanoff," he stated firmly.

"While I bear no prejudice against mutants, Richard Wesley represents an extreme danger."

"He's effectively a nuclear weapon in terrorist hands, capable of catastrophic destruction at any moment."

"Though he's refrained from targeting civilians thus far, more than fifty mutant agents have died by his hand."

"That's excluding special forces personnel—the total death toll over just three months exceeds three hundred!"

"In my assessment, his threat level matches or exceeds Thor and Hulk combined in terms of potential devastation."

"We cannot stand idle while such an individual operates freely."

"I recommend accepting the Department's request and cooperating to apprehend Richard Wesley, bringing him to justice at all costs."

Captain America's voice rang with conviction as he delivered his judgment.

Chapter 68: Yamato, Killing Captain America

At all costs?

Though they had suspected Captain America harbored ill feelings toward Richard, neither Nick Fury, Black Widow, nor Hawkeye had anticipated Rogers declaring his intent to apprehend him "at all costs."

Captain America wasn't merely a SHIELD agent—he was a founding member of the Avengers. His proclamation effectively committed both organizations to Richard's capture.

While Richard was indeed classified as an S-level fugitive by the Department of Mutant Affairs, mobilizing both SHIELD and the Avengers against him seemed disproportionate.

After all, Richard's current threats targeted only the Department of Mutant Affairs' pursuit of him—not SHIELD, and certainly not civilians.

Nick Fury studied Captain America's resolute expression, remaining silent for several moments.

Finally, he turned to Hawkeye, who had yet to offer an opinion. "What's your assessment, Barton?"

Hawkeye considered his response carefully. "Whatever you decide—whether to decline the Department's request or to pursue Wesley with maximum resources—I'll support it."

Though he'd witnessed Richard beheading Sebastian Shaw the previous night, Hawkeye didn't share Rogers' indignation. From his perspective, Shaw was hardly more virtuous than Richard—the primary difference being Shaw's talent for deception rather than Richard's directness.

True, numerous mutant agents and special forces soldiers had fallen to Richard over the past three months. But Hawkeye was certain Shaw's machinations had claimed far more lives than Richard's blade.

As Barton concluded, Natasha immediately pressed her point.

"I strongly advise against accepting the Department's request," she insisted. "While Richard's current disposition toward SHIELD remains unclear, his actions in San Francisco yesterday demonstrated he's not someone who kills indiscriminately."

"If mass slaughter were his objective, Banner and I wouldn't have left San Francisco alive. We don't need to—"

Captain America cut her off mid-sentence.

"He spared you and Banner only because he chose not to kill you yesterday," Rogers interjected. "He may occasionally display compassion, but that doesn't make him a good man."

His jaw tightened. "Even if execution isn't warranted, he must be detained under maximum security. Only then can we ensure he won't endanger innocent lives."

As Natasha prepared to counter, Fury intervened.

"Here's my decision," the Director announced, his authoritative tone ending the debate. "We'll accept the Department's request and neutralize Richard's immediate threat."

"His influence within the young mutant community is substantial. Left unchecked, he'll inspire more young mutants to oppose both the Department and the Mutant Restriction Act."

"As for his long-term detention or potential restrictions on his freedom—we'll address those matters after his capture."

Like Rogers, Fury harbored misgivings about Richard. Unlike Rogers, however, he harbored no illusions that SHIELD and the Department of Mutant Affairs could easily apprehend someone of Richard's capabilities.

The Department's formal request for assistance spoke volumes about their inability to handle Richard independently. For a specialized agency like the Department of Mutant Affairs, seeking external support amounted to acknowledging their limitations—something they would never do if alternatives existed.

Moreover, when the Minister of Mutant Affairs had called regarding assistance, he'd emphasized that the request carried presidential authorization.

"I'll assemble a special operations team and develop a capture strategy," Rogers declared, rising from his seat and departing without awaiting further discussion.

"Agent Romanoff," Fury addressed Natasha, "locate Banner and determine if the Hulk possesses any information about Wesley that might prove useful."

"I'll do my best," Natasha affirmed.

"Barton, coordinate with Intelligence to compile everything we have on Richard, then assist Rogers with the tactical planning."

"Understood," Hawkeye acknowledged promptly.

After Natasha and Barton exited, Fury approached the expansive floor-to-ceiling window. Gazing across the Washington skyline with his remaining eye, he contemplated a critical question:

Should we recall her?

With her abilities, capturing Richard would become a significantly more manageable proposition.

Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Hotel

Richard remained unaware that SHIELD had agreed to assist the Department of Mutant Affairs, or that he now faced a coordinated effort from both agencies to secure his capture.

Presently, he sat in the suite's study, inquiring whether Emma Frost possessed contact information for Magneto and Mystique.

After witnessing reports of the Brotherhood of Mutants attacking Department facilities, he'd considered reaching out to Magneto directly.

Evidently, Magneto had discovered the Department's cloning operation. As fellow S-level fugitives targeted by the Department, they shared common adversaries—a natural alliance. Yet Richard's motivation for contacting Magneto wasn't to forge a partnership against the Department, but rather to confirm whether Wanda and Pietro were indeed Magneto's children.

If they were, he intended to arrange for Magneto to retrieve them.

While he coveted Wanda's power, he wasn't planning to claim it immediately.

A fine meal is worth waiting for.

The timing wasn't yet right.

"I don't have their contact information," Emma admitted. "However, I can make inquiries through my network. We might be able to establish communication."

"Let's pursue that option," Richard agreed.

Emma Frost nodded, rising from her seat to make the necessary calls.

As she departed the study, Richard prepared to summon Wanda and Pietro when a notification materialized before him.

[Mission: Son of the Devil (III)]
[Mission content: Kill the superhero "Captain America" Steve Rogers who represents American justice]
[Mission Reward: Yamato]
[Task time limit: 1 week]

Kill Captain America?

Richard stared at the system notification with genuine surprise.

Though the timing of this mission seemed unexpected, his expression rapidly shifted from astonishment to elation as he processed the reward.

Yamato!

Since mastering Judgement Cut End, he had anticipated a mission offering the Yamato as its reward.

Now, finally, such an opportunity presented itself.

For the Yamato, he would unhesitatingly eliminate Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow—whoever stood in his path.

He'd never considered himself virtuous, nor did he believe any individual in this world untouchable.

Anyone who threatened him would face his lethal response, regardless of their identity or stature.

As someone transmigrated into this reality, he viewed the inhabitants as little more than NPCs in an elaborate game.

And NPCs, by definition, were expendable.

Though uncertain why the system had issued this particular mission now, he deduced that Captain America must be preparing to lead an effort to capture him.

After brief consideration, a conclusion crystallized in his mind:

SHIELD and the Department of Mutant Affairs have joined forces.

With Sentinel robots proving ineffective against him, the Department had partnered with Sebastian Shaw and the Hellfire Club to develop enhanced clones.

Last night's confrontation at Bayfront Park Marina had demonstrated that even these enhanced clones posed little more threat than the Sentinels.

With both initiatives failing, it stood to reason that the Department would seek SHIELD's assistance.

Though details of their capture operation remained unclear, the mission parameters suggested Captain America would lead SHIELD's contribution to the effort.

Dismissing the task panel, Richard left the study and approached Pietro and Wanda.

"You're coming with me," he stated simply.

"All right!" Pietro agreed without hesitation, though uncertain of their destination.

After Pietro took Wanda's right hand, Richard grasped her left.

Teleportation!

In an instant, they transitioned from the suite's living room to a remote desert expanse dozens of kilometers from Las Vegas.

"I want to assess your current mastery of your powers," Richard announced. "Attack me together."

"If we beat you, will there be a reward?" Pietro asked eagerly.

"Beat me?" Richard arched an eyebrow. "If you can so much as touch me, or maintain a position directly in front of me for sixty seconds, you win."

As he finished speaking, Richard summoned the Masamune from his system inventory.

Upon seeing the two-meter blade materialize from empty space, Pietro activated his mutant power without delay.

Super Speed!

In the span of a blink, Pietro and Wanda vanished from Richard's presence, reappearing a kilometer away as if they had teleported.

Richard smiled and shook his head.

Teleportation!

Pietro's velocity was impressive—but against Richard's teleportation, it proved woefully inadequate.

Before the twins could react, Richard materialized behind them, pressing the Masamune's tip against the back of Pietro's neck.

"Some advice," Richard offered. "Never allow yourself to stop completely during combat."

"Even if you can't maintain maximum velocity indefinitely, sustain a pace that challenges your opponent's tracking ability."

"The moment you halt is when you're most vulnerable."

"I haven't lost yet!" Pietro protested.

"You didn't lose because I chose not to run you through with my blade," Richard replied. "Defeat is acceptable—inability to acknowledge it isn't."

Chapter 69: Absorbing the Power of Chaos, Magneto is Shocked

Pietro wanted to argue further, but Wanda silenced him with a subtle shake of her head.

Seeing his sister's signal, Pietro reluctantly conceded, "This fight is unfair. You have multiple powers while I have only one."

"Fairness to enemies is a luxury you can't afford," Richard replied evenly. "Wanda, your turn."

Though Pietro had reached eighteen years of age, Richard found him remarkably childlike. Wanda, despite being the younger sibling, displayed considerably more maturity.

Wanda turned to face Richard, nodding once before activating her abilities. Crimson energy materialized around her hands, swirling with untamed potential.

The power of chaos.

Richard's expression grew serious as he observed the chaotic energy enveloping Wanda's hands. Though he had witnessed her powers through Sebastian Shaw's memories, this marked his first direct observation of chaos magic.

I wonder if absorbing chaos energy feels different from other powers? The thought surfaced unbidden in his mind.

Under Wanda's control, the surrounding desert sand rose as if possessed of consciousness, streaming toward Richard from all directions.

Rather than teleporting away, Richard employed the magnetic manipulation ability he had acquired the previous night.

Magnetic force field!

Before the airborne sand could make contact, Richard generated an ultra-high intensity magnetic field, creating a barrier that repelled the approaching particles.

Though he had only acquired magnetic control hours earlier, his proficiency remained uncompromised. Over the past three months, he had accumulated extensive experience in adapting to new powers. Unless a ability was exceptionally rare, he could wield it effectively from the moment of acquisition.

Wanda's expression registered surprise when she observed Richard blocking the minuscule sand particles with his defensive field. Undeterred, she intensified her control over the desert floor.

Under her enhanced direction, what had begun as scattered projectiles evolved into a full sandstorm that completely enveloped Richard's magnetic barrier.

Despite this tactical adjustment, the sand cyclone Wanda had conjured still failed to penetrate the magnetic field or reach Richard himself.

Recognizing her change in approach, Richard refrained from immediate counterattack, curious to see what Wanda might attempt next.

Dozens of kilometers above, a Gulfstream G550 business jet cruised toward Las Vegas.

Within the cabin, Magneto and Mystique sat opposite one another, engaged in a chess match punctuated by casual conversation.

Just as Magneto prepared to execute a checkmate, he suddenly paused, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"What is it?" Mystique inquired, noticing his abrupt change in demeanor.

Magneto offered no immediate response. Rising from his seat, he crossed to the opposite window and gazed down at the desert landscape below.

Though he detected nothing unusual through visual observation, his extrasensory perception registered the presence of an extraordinarily powerful magnetic field.

More disconcerting was the field's familiar resonance—it felt remarkably similar to the magnetic signatures he himself generated when exercising his powers.

A hypothesis formed rapidly in his mind: Could this be my clone?

Though he lacked definitive confirmation regarding the magnetic field's source, Magneto wasted no time on speculation.

"Someone in the desert is using powers identical to mine," he informed Mystique.

"A Department of Mutant Affairs clone?" she asked immediately.

"Uncertain. It could be one of the Hellfire Club's creations—they maintain a facility in Las Vegas."

His decision came swiftly. "Continue to Las Vegas. I'll investigate personally."

Donning his iconic telepathy-blocking helmet, Magneto proceeded directly to the cockpit. After brief instructions to the mutant pilot, he positioned himself before the cabin door.

Observing his intentions, Mystique promptly secured herself in the nearest seat, fastening her safety harness without hesitation.

Magnetic field manipulation.

Magneto first generated a protective field around himself, then applied his powers to unlock the cabin door—a mechanism designed to remain sealed during flight.

As the door retracted, the pressure differential between cabin and atmosphere created an explosive decompression, violently pulling at everything within the compartment.

Despite standing directly before the opening, Magneto remained perfectly stationary, as though the tremendous suction exerted no influence whatsoever upon him.

The magnetic barrier encapsulated him completely, isolating him from external forces. The cabin's decompression posed no more threat to him than would a gravity-manipulating mutant attempt to drag him forth against his will.

Under Mystique's watchful gaze, Magneto glided calmly through the doorway.

Once clear of the aircraft, he again employed his magnetic powers to reseal the cabin door.

Having secured the aircraft, he accelerated toward the source of the magnetic disturbance.

Back in the desert expanse, Wanda continued her assault, directing the sand cyclone against Richard's defenses.

Though impressive in scale—over two meters in diameter and towering more than a hundred meters skyward—the sand formation proved entirely ineffectual against Richard's magnetic barrier. It failed to penetrate his defenses or even disturb a single strand of his silver hair.

Recognizing the futility of her current approach, Wanda immediately adjusted her strategy.

With a casual gesture of her right hand, the raging sand cyclone that had persisted for nearly a minute dissipated instantly, as though it had never existed.

She then extended her hand directly toward Richard, summoning a different manifestation of her abilities.

Chaos power!

Within moments, chaotic energy radiating crimson light encompassed Richard's magnetic field completely.

Observing Wanda's tactical shift and her attempt to overcome his defenses with chaos magic, Richard acted decisively, activating his energy absorption capability.

Had Wanda possessed the full extent of her comic counterpart's abilities, even Richard's Alpha-level energy absorption might have proven insufficient against her chaos manipulation. Before he could absorb her power, the comic version of Wanda could simply nullify his abilities entirely.

Fortunately for Richard, the Wanda before him had yet to develop such formidable control. Beyond being significantly less powerful than her comic counterpart, she remained unaware of the true nature of her chaos magic.

In an instant, the chaotic energy Wanda had projected against his magnetic barrier was completely assimilated by Richard.

As he absorbed the chaos power, Richard discovered it possessed a distinct quality unlike any energy he had previously consumed. To describe it metaphorically, chaos energy offered a more refined "taste" compared to conventional energies.

When Wanda observed the chaotic force surrounding the magnetic field vanish, she immediately recognized something had gone wrong.

Before she could cast another chaos spell, Richard seized control of the metal necklace adorning her throat. His initial instinct had been to manipulate the metal buckle on her belt to suspend her.

But to avoid being misunderstood by Wanda, Richard abandoned his initial plan and targeted her metal necklace instead.

Under his control, the necklace rose upward, tapping against Wanda's chin with precisely calibrated force—firm enough to demand attention without causing pain. The unexpected contact drew her gaze downward involuntarily.

When she lifted her eyes to Richard again, she found herself staring directly at the Masamune's gleaming tip, suspended mere millimeters from the bridge of her nose.

"You're more creative than Pietro," Richard observed. "Your approach shows ingenuity."

Eyeing the blade's proximity to her face, Wanda lowered her hands, ceasing her chaos magic. "But I still lost," she acknowledged.

"Defeat is natural," Richard assured her, returning the Masamune to his system inventory. "You lack combat experience. That will develop with time."

"I understand," Wanda nodded.

"Let's return to the hotel," Richard suggested.

As he prepared to teleport the twins back, he sensed the presence of an unusual magnetic field.

Without hesitation, he activated his enhanced vision, looking skyward toward the source of the disturbance.

Why is he here?

Richard's expression registered genuine surprise as he identified Magneto rapidly approaching through the air.

What brought him to Las Vegas? Is he planning to attack the Department of Mutant Affairs branch here personally?

Though uncertain of Magneto's motives, Richard suspected the master of magnetism had detected the magnetic field he'd generated during his training session with Wanda.

"What's wrong?" Wanda asked, noticing Richard's attention fixed on the distant sky instead of initiating their teleportation.

"Magneto is here," Richard replied calmly, indicating the approaching figure.

Magneto?

Following Richard's gesture, Wanda and Pietro gazed upward.

From their current distance, they could discern only a speck slightly larger than an insect, insufficient to make out any distinguishing features.

Despite the limited visual confirmation, neither twin questioned Richard's identification.

Magneto's velocity was considerable. As the distance closed, even Wanda and Pietro, lacking enhanced vision, gradually discerned his distinctive silhouette.

Soon, Magneto—enveloped in his magnetic field and soaring through the air—arrived before them.

After assessing Richard and the twins with a thorough glance, Magneto descended, landing directly opposite Richard.

"Did you generate that magnetic force field?" Magneto inquired immediately.

Though unfamiliar with Wanda and Pietro, upon seeing Richard, Magneto had instinctively attributed the magnetic disturbance to him.

Richard's possession of multiple powers was widely known. While no one but Richard himself knew the full extent of his abilities, Magneto's suspicion was natural.

"I did," Richard confirmed without hesitation.

"When did you acquire magnetic manipulation?" Magneto asked, brow furrowing.

"I'm not obligated to explain that to you," Richard replied.

While he regarded Magneto favorably, this didn't extend to divulging the mechanics of his power acquisition. The existence of both his system and his "plunder" ability would remain his secrets alone.

"Fair enough if you prefer not to disclose it. My question stemmed purely from curiosity," Magneto conceded.

"By the way, who are these two?" he continued, turning his attention to Wanda and Pietro.

Though certain he had never encountered them before, something about the twins triggered a sense of familiarity he couldn't immediately place.

Though Magneto maintained his composure, his reaction provided Richard with exactly the opening he'd anticipated.

"These are the Maximoff siblings I rescued from the Hellfire Club's research facility last night."

The Maximoff siblings?

Magneto's brow creased slightly at Richard's response. The surname resonated with him, though he couldn't immediately place it.

Maximoff wasn't a common name, and Richard had deliberately emphasized it.

Maximoff?

Her surname was Maximoff as well, wasn't it?

The image of a woman materialized in Magneto's memory.

Though Magneto remained silent, his thoughtful expression told Richard his test had yielded results.

Without delay, Richard pressed forward: "Pietro and Wanda are twins. They turned eighteen this year."

Eighteen years old?

Magneto's expression transformed abruptly as he stared at Wanda and Pietro with newfound intensity.

"Your mother was Irina Maximoff?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

"You knew our mother?" Pietro responded, regarding Magneto with confusion.

I knew far more than just your mother! She and I were intimately involved!

Though Pietro's tone remained measured, his answer struck Magneto with the force of revelation.

The surname matches. The timing aligns. And Wanda's resemblance to Irina is unmistakable.

They are my children!

Even Magneto—accustomed to extraordinary circumstances—couldn't conceal his astonishment at this discovery.

Witnessing the infamous Magneto's stunned expression, Wanda and Pietro instinctively retreated behind Richard, regarding him warily.

Unlike the twins, who interpreted Magneto's reaction as potentially threatening, Richard understood perfectly the source of his shock.

In Magneto's position, Richard suspected his own reaction might have been even more pronounced.

As Magneto prepared to speak, Richard intervened.

"If you have matters to discuss, let's continue this conversation at the hotel," he suggested diplomatically.

"Agreed," Magneto replied immediately, noting how the twins had positioned themselves protectively behind Richard.

Chapter 70: The Final Battle Begins, Magneto's Proposal

Caesars Palace Hotel

After following Richard back to the hotel, Magneto wasted no time. "Let's speak in the study—privately."

Though Magneto hadn't specified the topic, Richard anticipated the conversation. He nodded toward the twins. "You two should rest. We'll talk later."

He then led Magneto to the study.

Once inside, Magneto immediately closed the door and turned to Richard. "You rescued them because you knew they were my children?"

"Of course not," Richard replied evenly. "I only made that connection after observing your reaction."

He was being truthful. His rescue from Wanda and Pietro had been prompted by a system mission. Whether they were Magneto's children in this universe or not, he would have intervened regardless.

After all, the system had offered Shadow Flare as the Mission reward.

"You truly had no prior knowledge of their relationship with me?" Magneto pressed.

"Despite my many abilities, I'm neither omnipotent nor omniscient," Richard answered calmly. "You yourself were unaware they were your children—how could I have known?"

Magneto fell silent, absorbing this.

After a moment, he continued, "Regardless, I owe you a debt."

His expression hardened slightly. "I dislike owing favors. I propose to help you reclaim the Wesley family's confiscated assets as compensation for rescuing Wanda and Pietro."

Reclaim the Wesley family's property?

Richard smiled and shook his head. "When I first encountered Mystique, I made my position clear: I will reclaim what was taken from me through my own efforts."

"As for your perceived debt—you owe me nothing. I didn't rescue Wanda and Pietro because of their connection to you."

He paused, then added casually, "I'd suggest you contact other women from your past. Wanda and Pietro may not be your only children."

More than just these two?

Magneto remained silent, studying Richard with narrowed eyes.

He couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that Richard somehow possessed extensive knowledge about him—that this young mutant had somehow peered into the core of his being.

This young man...

After a contemplative silence, Magneto spoke. "Whether you believe I'm indebted to you is your concern. Whether I choose to repay that debt is mine."

"That said, I have information you might find valuable. My sources indicate the Department of Mutant Affairs has formally requested SHIELD's assistance."

"Soon, both organizations will coordinate efforts to apprehend you."

"While I don't yet know if the entire Avengers roster will participate, even a partial deployment would present significant challenges for you."

"My visit to Las Vegas was specifically to propose an alliance. Together, we could easily overcome not only the Department and SHIELD, but even the combined might of the military and Homeland Security."

An alliance?

Richard wasn't surprised by Magneto's proposal, but felt little urgency to accept it.

Even without Magneto's assistance, he didn't consider the Department of Mutant Affairs and SHIELD to pose a genuine threat.

If he chose to depart, neither organization could prevent him. His Alpha-level telepathy alone made him virtually untouchable, not to mention his other abilities.

After brief consideration, Richard responded, "Let's postpone discussion of an alliance. I'm not currently interested in partnering with anyone."

"Are you truly that confident?" Magneto asked, his tone measured.

"While SHIELD isn't officially specialized in mutant affairs, their capabilities rival or exceed the Department's."

"Among the younger generation of mutants, your prowess is unmatched."

"However, challenging both the Department and SHIELD simultaneously—I'm not underestimating you, but I question whether your current abilities are sufficient."

Following the incident at the Los Angeles branch, both Magneto and Professor X, along with the Department and SHIELD, had conducted thorough analyses of Richard's capabilities.

They'd all reached the same conclusion: Richard, though formidable, was not invincible—and certainly not an Omega-level mutant.

"My affairs are my responsibility," Richard replied. "Perhaps you should focus on how you'll establish a relationship with Wanda and Pietro. They lack extensive social experience, but they're not easily deceived."

Richard recognized the limitations of his current power—he couldn't yet move through the world with complete impunity. But acknowledging those limitations didn't translate to fearing the Department or SHIELD.

To be frank, he considered both organizations merely obstacles—significant, perhaps, but ultimately surmountable.

"My offer of alliance remains open," Magneto said, extracting a business card from his jacket pocket. "Should you reconsider, contact me at this number."

He placed the card on the desk—a minimalist design featuring only a phone number—and departed without further comment.

More than an hour later, Magneto had successfully "persuaded" Wanda and Pietro to acknowledge him as their father.

Moreover, he had convinced them to return with him to the Brotherhood of Mutants headquarters.

As Magneto prepared to depart with the twins, Richard offered a parting observation.

"A personal suggestion, if I may: The future of mutantkind cannot be determined by one or two individuals."

"I understand your intentions. Everything you do aims to counter discrimination and oppression, to secure fair treatment for mutants."

"But surely you recognize this isn't a simple task—the probability of success is minimal."

"A group's destiny depends not only on leadership but on the collective will to resist oppression."

"Were I in your position, I'd prioritize family over attempting to save those who haven't learned to stand for themselves."

From a personal standpoint, Richard genuinely admired Magneto.

However, he remained pessimistic about the broader mutant cause.

If individual mutants failed to develop the will to resist, instead passively awaiting salvation from self-proclaimed heroes, the cycle of discrimination would persist indefinitely.

Fairness is earned through strength. A group that won't fight for itself isn't worth saving.

Magneto smiled at Richard's assessment. "Should I interpret your words as suggesting I focus on family matters while leaving the rest to you?"

From anyone else, Richard would have dismissed such a response as willful misinterpretation.

But Magneto was no simple-minded fool—he was deliberately attempting to conscript Richard into his cause.

"No, you misunderstand," Richard clarified. "I merely hope you'll be a proper father to Wanda and Pietro."

Magneto offered no further comment, departing with the twins.

After they'd gone, Richard turned to Emma Frost. "I'll return you to New York tomorrow. From there, I'll handle matters independently."

"I can provide assistance," Emma offered immediately.

"No. I'm not so inadequate that I require a woman's help," Richard replied.

"Very well, I'll await you in New York," Emma conceded. "But if you don't return, I'll ensure U.S. officials understand precisely how much damage an Alpha-level telepath can inflict when cornered."

Richard laughed. "Truly unnecessary. The Department and SHIELD lack the capacity to eliminate me."

He placed an arm around Emma's slender waist, leading her toward the bedroom.

By noon the following day, Richard had received his custom-tailored suits and teleported Emma back to New York.

After escorting her to her luxurious apartment, he teleported directly to the gates of the Department of Mutant Affairs headquarters in Washington, DC.

Though his mission "Son of the Devil (III)" required eliminating Captain America, Richard felt no rush to assault SHIELD's Triskelion headquarters.

He understood that targeting the Department's headquarters would inevitably draw Captain America to him—no need to seek out Rogers specifically.

Richard's appearance predictably caught the attention of the security personnel. Upon recognizing him, the guards immediately alerted their superiors and triggered the alarm system.

A piercing siren echoed throughout the complex.

Though Richard could have prevented the alarm, he deliberately allowed it.

Under the watchful eyes of the guards, he calmly withdrew the Masamune from his system inventory.

He didn't immediately attack. Instead, he addressed the blade in his hand: "Old friend, let's embark on a proper rampage today."

With those words, Richard pushed off the ground, launching himself toward the Department's headquarters building like a human projectile.

When he was approximately a hundred meters from the structure, he raised the Masamune overhead and brought it down in a sweeping arc.

Heaven Severance!

Rather than employing techniques like Zenshin or Judgement Cut End, he executed his self-created technique: Heaven Severance.

Silver-white lightning crackled along the Masamune's blade—not actual electricity, but mana configured in a specific manifestation.

As the sword completed its arc, an invisible but devastatingly real wave of energy—pure "sword force"—hurtled toward the Department's headquarters.

The invisible sword force sliced through the reinforced concrete building as if it were paper.

Despite its construction of steel and reinforced concrete, the Department's headquarters offered no more resistance to the divine energy than a watermelon to a sharpened blade.

Before the agents and staff could react, the upper half of the structure detached along the Masamune's clean cut, toppling sideways like a child's building block.

After three months as the Department's most wanted fugitive, Richard had arrived at their headquarters alone, launching the decisive confrontation between himself and the agency with a single devastating strike of Heaven Severance!