[Marvel : Mutant God] Chapter 41 - 45

Chapter 41: New Mutant Leader

An attribute panel resembling a holographic projection screen materialized in Richard's field of vision.

[Host: Richard Wesley]

[Race: Human (Alpha-level mutant)]

[Current template: Sephiroth (fusion degree 45%)]

[Exclusive equipment: Masamune, Phantom Sword]

[Skills: Octoslash lv3, Gravesong lv3, Skyshatter lv3, Zanshin lv3, Shift Slash lv3, Hell’s Gate lv3, Black Materia lv3, Thundaga lv3, Blizzaga lv3, Firaga lv3, Aeroga lv3, Judgement Cut End lv3]

[Mana: 523/2000 (recover 450 points per hour)]

[X-Gene Mutant powers]

[Alpha level: Plunder, Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, Accelerated Healing, Teleportation]

[Beta level: Repulsion, Energy Emission, Energy Absorption, Invisibility, Enhanced Senses, Telepathy, Giant Body, Gravity Binding, Thermal Vision, Pressure Burst, Momentum Shift, Mind Movement, Telekinesis]

{Some similar mutant power are fused and become one example : Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, Illusion Creation, Mind Whip, Hypnotic Suggestion -> Telepathy }

[Delta level: Beast Instinct, Bone Claw]

[Mission: None]

[Storage space: enabled]

When his skills had upgraded to level 3, the system had eliminated the original proficiency display, showing only the level. Unless he specifically opened a skill description, the system would not actively display the skill's precise proficiency.

Furthermore, after reaching level 3, he could finally control each skill's mana consumption at will.

In other words, he now possessed power modulation. He could freely adjust skill power between levels 1 and 3 according to circumstances, with mana consumption adjusting proportionally to the skill's actual output.

Though the system provided no explicit explanation for this change, Richard could infer the reasoning. If previously he had merely been activating skills as though playing a video game, now his mastery had reached perfection. Even without the system's assistance, he could wield these abilities freely rather than being limited to fixed-power skill activations.

If there was anything that disappointed him, it was that the system had not released any new missions in the past three months, preventing him from obtaining additional character template skills.

Examining his current fusion level, a theory formed in his mind. Considering the system's three-month silence and the absence of newly awakened skills, the 50% fusion threshold likely represented a watershed moment. Once template fusion exceeded 50%, the system would likely issue new tasks.

Alternatively, he might automatically awaken advanced skills like One-Winged Angel Form, Supernova, or Heartless Angel.

After mentally picturing himself in One-Winged Angel Form, Richard's expression grew expectant.

After reviewing his skills, his attention shifted to his X-gene mutant powers.

As he had initially theorized, mental abilities like Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, Illusion Creation, Mind Whip, Hypnotic Suggestion had integrated into a more comprehensive Telepathy power.

More than a month ago, after eliminating a female agent from the Department of Mutant Affairs, he had successfully Plundered her telepathic abilities—specifically, Beta-level Telepathy.

The moment he Plundered Telepathy, abilities like Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, and Hypnotic Suggestion began merging with and enhancing his newly acquired Telepathy.

By classification alone, his current Telepathy remained inferior to that of Professor X or the White Queen. This didn't concern him greatly. Though his Telepathy currently resided at Beta level, continuous Plundering of similar abilities would eventually elevate it to Alpha level.

Telepathy wasn't particularly rare. Beyond Professor X and the White Queen, many psychics existed worldwide, ensuring ample opportunities to Plunder additional telepathic abilities.

Moreover, if he eliminated enough psychics—or specifically targeted Professor X and the White Queen—upgrading his Telepathy to Omega level remained within reach.

Judging by sheer numbers, his X-gene mutant powers hadn't increased dramatically. However, in terms of raw power, he vastly outstripped his capabilities from three months ago. Even without employing template skills, few mutants could match him using X-gene mutant powers alone.

After reviewing his powers, Richard closed the attribute panel and teleported. In an instant, he vanished from the devastated forest clearing and returned to his current residence.

Given his S-level wanted status issued by the Department of Mutant Affairs and his distinctive flowing silver hair that defied easy disguise, Richard had maintained a secluded lifestyle over the past three months. Unless acquiring necessities, he generally avoided populated areas.

Even when entering cities for supplies, he employed his Beta-level Telepathy to mentally freeze everyone in the store. After purchasing essentials, he would immediately relocate to another city, denying the Department any opportunity to follow his trail.

After teleporting back to his current residence, Richard leisurely prepared lunch.

He now occupied a small wooden cabin in the forest. Though unaware of its owner's identity, one fact seemed certain: they weren't hurting financially.

The cabin's exterior appeared ordinary, reminiscent of wilderness construction videos he'd watched before crossing into this world. But the interior boasted impressive amenities.

This constituted a vacation home nestled within the forest. Living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom—all necessities were present and accounted for.

He had inhabited similar woodland cabins throughout the past three months. The American middle class certainly understood life's pleasures. Similar structures existed in forests near numerous cities, enabling Richard to live quite comfortably despite his fugitive status.

After busying himself in the kitchen, Richard sat at the dining table with his freshly prepared lunch. He opened the laptop positioned on the table and selected an engaging series to watch while eating.

Though he had inhabited this world for over three months, certain habits from his previous life persisted. He particularly enjoyed entertainment during meals. An engaging show enhanced his dining experience—a purely psychological effect, of course. No matter how compelling the viewing material, it couldn't alter the food's inherent flavor.

Nevertheless, Richard had no intention of abandoning this habit.

Before he realized it, lunch had concluded.

After finishing, he didn't immediately clear away his utensils and dishes. Instead, he set them aside and began browsing the latest news online, particularly stories related to himself.

While he couldn't search the internet to discover what agents the Department of Mutant Affairs might dispatch next, he could at least stay informed about recent events despite his isolated lifestyle.

After entering his name as a search keyword, numerous reports about him appeared. As time passed, his popularity online had declined significantly. Yet his influence hadn't diminished—it had grown.

A high-ranking article immediately caught his attention: "The New Leader of Mutants? Richard Wesley's Influence on the Younger Generation of Mutants!"

Upon seeing the headline, Richard's brow furrowed slightly. He clicked on the article and began reading its contents.

...

Chapter 42: Protests

It took Richard only a few minutes to read the entire report. A smile crossed his face as he shook his head.

The article came from a prominent television network. During prime time the previous night, the network had hosted a live broadcast featuring several experts discussing how his existence and actions had influenced the younger generation of mutants.

Shortly after the program concluded, this report had appeared online, summarizing the experts' opinions. Through this, he had been bestowed with the eye-catching new label: "The New Leader of Mutants."

From a media perspective, the network had chosen "New Mutant Leader" as the headline primarily to capture attention and spark curiosity, thereby increasing the report's click-through rate.

Although the "new mutant leader" designation seemed somewhat exaggerated, it wasn't entirely baseless clickbait. The experts who participated in the program had expressed remarkably similar viewpoints.

Today's mutant community was primarily divided into two factions.

One faction comprised the doves, represented by Professor X and the X-Men, who advocated peaceful coexistence with the U.S. government and ordinary citizens.

The other consisted of the hawks, represented by Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants, who advocated using force to secure equal rights.

Between these poles existed fence-sitters who oscillated between positions, as well as mutants with no strong opinions. But generally speaking, the vast majority of mutants aligned themselves with either the doves or the hawks.

Now, however, an entirely new faction had emerged within the mutant community—the liberal group represented by Richard, who neither accepted the Mutant Restriction Act and Department of Mutant Affairs oversight, nor attacked other U.S. government agencies like the Brotherhood of Mutants. They instead advocated the principle: "I will not offend others unless they offend me."

Most significantly, the majority of mutants who supported him were young people of his own generation.

While Richard had been aware that a new liberal contingent within the mutant community had begun emulating his approach and advocating his philosophy, he had never considered himself their leader. He had never aspired to become a mutant figurehead, nor had he intended to leverage his abilities to advance mutant causes.

Mutants were undeniably facing unfair treatment, but from a certain perspective, this stemmed partly from their own reluctance to resist. If mutants united and employed force like Magneto to protect their legitimate rights, neither the Mutant Restriction Act nor the Department of Mutant Affairs would have materialized.

Fairness must be achieved with fists! Those unwilling to resist shouldn't expect universal moral standards.

Though Richard was technically a mutant, his transmigrator status left him without strong allegiance to either the mutant community or this world. For him, crossing into this reality resembled playing an immersive game—one without save points, reload options, or admin.

Whether it was Wolverine, Sabretooth, the mutant agents from the Department, or others who had perished by his hand, they all evoked the same feeling as NPCs in a video game. This mindset explained why he had experienced no moral discomfort about killing from his very first day in this world.

Although he consciously recognized this wasn't a game and those he killed weren't data-constructed NPCs but living humans, changing this mentality within such a short timeframe proved challenging. In his estimation, he would need to inhabit this world for several years before gradually shifting this perspective.

After browsing the internet, Richard stored the laptop in his system space, then gathered his utensils and plates and carried them to the kitchen for washing.

Returning to the table, he extracted $1,000 from his system space, placed it on the table, and secured it beneath a cup. The money served as accommodation compensation for the cabin's owner.

Occupying someone's cabin without permission already bordered on impolite. Departing after a multi-day stay without leaving something in return would be unreasonable—inappropriate, at minimum, by his standards.

While cooking earlier, he had noticed his food supplies in the system space had dwindled, sufficient for only another day or two. Having occupied this location for five or six days, he planned to depart today, venture into downtown San Francisco to purchase necessities, then relocate to another city.

After leaving payment for his stay, he returned to the kitchen and collected the garbage bag containing kitchen waste.

The next second, he activated Teleportation and vanished.

Downtown San Francisco.

Teleportation proved considerably more versatile than Blinkstep.

In mere moments, Richard transported himself from the remote cabin to San Francisco's downtown core, dozens of kilometers away.

Though he had never visited San Francisco before, this posed no obstacle for someone with Teleportation. Unlike Blinkstep, Teleportation required mentally designating the desired destination beforehand. Once the target location was locked, familiarity with the destination—whether from previous visits or mental impressions—didn't influence Teleportation's effectiveness.

Simply put, provided the destination fell within Teleportation's maximum range, he could select any location at will.

Standing on a downtown rooftop's edge, Richard surveyed his surroundings, seeking the nearest large supermarket. Without much effort, he spotted a branch of a major chain.

Upon locating the supermarket, he didn't immediately teleport there. Instead, he first transported himself to a nearby alley, disposed of his garbage bag in a trash receptacle, then teleported directly inside the supermarket.

Telepathy!

Immediately upon materializing inside, he employed Telepathy to mentally freeze everyone in the establishment.

The supermarket—previously buzzing with activity and conversation—abruptly quieted. Apart from the overhead music, televisions in the electronics section, and various operational equipment, an eerie silence descended over the entire space.

Customers browsing merchandise, cashiers at registers, security personnel monitoring cameras—all remained suspended in their previous positions, resembling exquisite wax figures.

Having immobilized everyone, Richard unhurriedly began his shopping. This wasn't his first time employing this tactic, and he harbored no concerns about the Department of Mutant Affairs detecting him. After completing his purchases, he would depart San Francisco for another city. Even if the Department discovered his presence at this supermarket, tracking his subsequent whereabouts would prove impossible.

Time passed steadily.

After using Teleportation to collect necessities from different departments, he pushed his cart to a checkout counter. Though "zero-dollar shopping" had gained popularity across America, Richard had no intention of participating in such practices.

"Never overlook a good deed just because it seems small and never excuse a wrong just because it seems minor."

Taking the barcode scanner from the frozen cashier, he began processing his items himself.

Each time he conducted this checkout ritual; he couldn't help but internally complain about American retail infrastructure. Major U.S. supermarket chains possessed the capability to implement self-checkout systems, yet even large chain establishments continued employing "primitive" manual scanning processes.

After scanning all items in his cart, he checked the total displayed on-screen, withdrew the corresponding amount from his system space, and placed both cash and receipt on the counter before the immobilized cashier.

Then he transferred all purchased items into his system space.

Teleportation!

Having completed his shopping, Richard vanished instantly.

The next moment, everyone previously frozen by Telepathy resumed their normal states.

"What is this?" the cashier murmured, baffled by the appearance of cash and a receipt on her counter.

On a rooftop near the supermarket, Richard sat at the edge, extracting a bag of potato chips and a bottle of chilled soda from his system space. As he munched on chips, he contemplated his next destination.

Though three months had passed since arriving in this world, he remained in California, having simply relocated away from Los Angeles.

How about Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, located in neighboring Nevada, wasn't far from San Francisco. With Teleportation, he could reach it with minimal effort.

During periods of boredom, he had tested Teleportation's maximum range—200 kilometers. If he recalled correctly, San Francisco lay approximately 900 kilometers from Las Vegas, meaning he could reach the gambling capital with five jumps at most, assuming he didn't lose his bearings.

As he considered visiting the "Entertainment Capital of the World" to experience its unique culture, sirens wailed in the distance.

Police sirens represented a ubiquitous feature of American urban life, regardless of the city. Initially, Richard paid little attention to them.

However, when several police vehicles converged at an intersection to surround a group of protesting mutants, his interest piqued. Though unfamiliar with the demonstrators, the signs and banners they displayed caught his attention:

"Freedom is not a crime!"

"Oppose the Mutant Restriction Bill!"

"Mutants should have the freedom to use their powers legally!"

"Stand against the Department of Mutant Affairs' excessive use of power!"

"Richard Wesley should not be wanted!"

...

Chapter 43: Black Widow and Hulk

After reading the signs and banners, Richard realized these mutants represented the so-called liberal faction—those who viewed him as their leader. Among them were his most fervent admirers.

He didn't need to use Telepathy to confirm this. The evidence was visible: seven or eight protesters sported long silver hair identical to his own. This appearance had become the trademark of his most dedicated followers.

Those with naturally long hair dyed it silver. Those without simply wore silver wigs. The trend had expanded beyond just his supporters or even the mutant community. Many normies young men and women across America had begun dyeing their hair silver as well.

The reason was simple: because he was handsome.

Without exaggeration, Richard had single-handedly launched the silver hair fashion trend sweeping across the United States.

While Richard held little interest in being considered a faction leader, seeing these young mutants protesting on a busy intersection—with several of his most ardent fans among them—piqued his curiosity.

Due to the Mutant Restriction Act and the Department of Mutant Affairs' oversight, most mutants concealed their identities in public. Even "legal" mutants registered with the Department faced widespread discrimination once their status became known. Those who discriminated didn't distinguish between registered and unregistered mutants.

The San Francisco police exited their vehicles and began dispersing the young protesters without explanation. Predictably, this attempted dispersal quickly escalated into arrests.

When police started drawing weapons, the protesting mutants didn't hesitate—they activated their powers and confronted the officers directly.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Gunshots, crashes, impacts, and explosions echoed through the intersection, transforming the busy thoroughfare into chaos within seconds.

Though unarmed, the young mutants quickly repelled the police using their mutant powers. Several protesters sustained bullet wounds and began retreating with assistance from their companions.

Had no other organizations intervened, the mutants could have withdrawn smoothly before reinforcements arrived. Unfortunately, their luck had run out.

Before they could retreat, agents from the Department of Mutant Affairs appeared on scene.

Every major city—whether New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or lesser-known municipalities—housed Department branches. The only difference lay in their size and resources.

When mutant agents arrived alongside heavily armed special forces, the retreating young mutants found their escape blocked.

If earlier the young mutants had overwhelmed the San Francisco police with their abilities, now the tables turned completely. The mutant agents employed their superior powers and experiance to subdue the protesters.

Though only four mutant agents had responded, their capabilities far exceeded those of the protesters. The disparity resembled that between an NBA team and a high school basketball squad.

Unsurprisingly, the young mutants fell one by one to the agents, each fitted with power-suppression collars that resembled dog leashes. With their abilities neutralized, all resistance ceased.

From his rooftop perch, Richard watched the collared mutants being escorted into transport vehicles as he consumed the last few potato chips from his bag.

Then he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers lightly.

Thundaga!

RUMBLE!

Sudden thunderclaps shattered the clear sky. Within seconds, four arm-thick silver-white lightning bolts accompanied by a dozen finger-thick electrical discharges struck the four mutant agents and special forces personnel with pinpoint accuracy.

Despite hearing the sudden thunder and recognizing the danger, the agents couldn't evade Richard's lightning attack.

After three months of practice, Richard's mastery of Thundaga had reached perfection. The power, casting speed, and control vastly exceeded his capabilities from three months prior.

The arm-thick lightning bolts struck the four mutant agents directly, while the finger-thick discharges targeted the armed special forces members. Electric current coursed through their bodies, dropping them to the ground in convulsions.

All onlookers—collared mutants, San Francisco police, and civilian bystanders—stared in astonishment. Though many mutants could summon lightning or electricity, few possessed the precision to instantly incapacitate mutant agents and special forces simultaneously.

As they wondered who had intervened on behalf of the protesters, a man with flowing silver hair, commanding presence, and striking features materialized before them.

Richard Wesley!

After teleporting from the rooftop to the street below, Richard addressed the young mutants:

"If you don't want to wear collars like dogs, you'd better practice using your powers. Your power is comparable to toddlers just learning to walk."

The moment he finished speaking, the power-suppression collars around the protesters' necks were sliced apart by razor-sharp wind blades invisible to the naked eye. The severed restraints clattered to the ground.

Aeroga!

Wind Blade!

Rather than summoning his Masamune to remove the collars, Richard had chosen to create dagger-sized wind blades. Though lacking impressive offensive power, they proved more than sufficient to sever the restraints.

Upon hearing Richard's words, a man in his early twenties with short blond hair exclaimed excitedly:

"I finally meet you in person! Do you live nearby? Or did you come specifically to rescue us? Can we learn from you?"

Following his lead, the other young mutants swarmed around Richard like enthusiastic fans encountering their idol. They bombarded him with eager questions while several attempted to touch him or stroke his distinctive silver hair.

Though their intentions were innocent, Richard had no desire for such contact.

A boy must learn self-protection when out in public!

Repulsion!

Without hesitation, he deployed Repulsion, generating a 360-degree air shockwave that pushed the eager mutants back several meters. He calibrated the force perfectly—enough to create distance without causing injury.

"I don't have any wisdom to impart, and I didn't come here to save you," Richard stated calmly, surveying the young mutants. "I simply despise the Department of Mutant Affairs."

He prepared to use Plunder on the four mutant agents. However, at that moment, he noticed two familiar figures among the surrounding crowd.

Why are they here?

His brow furrowed slightly as he recognized them.

"Black Widow" Natasha Romanoff!

Bruce "The Hulk" Banner!

...

Chapter 44: Hulk's Competitiveness

This was Richard's first in-person encounter with "Black Widow" Natasha and "Hulk" Banner. Previously, he had only read about them online.

Although this universe wasn't the Marvel Cinematic Universe—there had never been a "Battle of New York" where Loki led the Chitauri invasion—Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, and Hawkeye had still formed the Avengers under the influence of "fate." Their connection with S.H.I.E.L.D. remained close, functioning essentially as a team under the organization's umbrella.

While Richard observed Natasha and Banner, they likewise studied him.

Both Avengers wore civilian attire, blending with the crowd of onlookers. Nothing about them particularly stood out—except that Natasha's appearance far exceeded that of the women surrounding her. Even in loose everyday clothing rather than her form-fitting combat suit that accentuated her graceful curves, she commanded attention.

Banner, on the other hand, integrated seamlessly with the crowd. Apart from an unmistakable scholarly demeanor, he resembled any ordinary bystander. Of course, his Hulk transformation would be another matter entirely.

After a brief examination of the pair, Richard used his Telepathy to scan them quickly. Though he could easily read their memories, he refrained, merely checking for hostile intent. He would take further action only if they proved antagonistic; otherwise, he wouldn't invade their minds like some voyeuristic intruder.

After concluding his assessment, Richard wasted no time and initiated Plunder on the fallen agents.

[Gain new abilities: Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, Force Field Creation, Flame Release, Energy Materialization!]

[Get the same type of abilities, ability fusion!]

[Super Strength and Enhanced Durability are enhanced!]

[Convert Flame Release to enhance the skill 'Firaga', do you want to enhance it?]

Without hesitation, Richard selected "yes."

[Skill Great Fire is enhanced!]

[X-Gene Mutant power Content Update]

[Beta level: Repulsion, Energy Emission, Energy Absorption, Invisibility, Enhanced Senses, Telepathy, Giant Body, Gravity Binding, Thermal Vision, Pressure Burst, Momentum Shift, Mind Movement, Force Field Creation, Energy Materialization]

Three months ago, the Flame Release mutant power would likely have strengthened Firaga by an entire level, as the skill had been merely level 1. Now, however, the X-gene mutant power could only enhance Firaga to a certain extent, not enough to upgrade it directly.

Upgrading a level 1 skill to level 2 required only 100 proficiency points. Advancing from level 3 to level 4 demanded 3,000 points. To rapidly upgrade his skills using plundered X-gene mutant powers, he would need to acquire Alpha-level abilities.

Evidently, the four mutant agents struck down by his lightning weren't Alpha-level mutants. Among the mutant population, Alpha-level individuals comprised just a small percentage. Beta-level mutants were more common, accounting for roughly one-tenth of the total. More than half of all mutants ranked only at Delta level.

According to the official U.S. evaluation system, Level 2 mutants represented over half the entire mutant population.

After dismissing the information panel visible only to him, Richard prepared to teleport away when he noticed Banner regarding him with unmistakable "hostility."

Upon this discovery, Richard immediately employed Telepathy again, this time reading Banner's current thoughts.

He wants to help the Department of Mutant Affairs capture me?

Though Banner could transform into the Hulk—a being of immense strength and formidable defense—his "mental resistance" remained surprisingly low. Whether from psychic abilities or mental illusions, he could easily be provoked into becoming the rampaging Hulk.

In the cinematic universe, Scarlet Witch Wanda had already demonstrated this vulnerability conclusively.

After reading Banner's thoughts about assisting the Department of Mutant Affairs in his capture, Richard delved deeper into his memories.

The reason quickly became apparent: Black Widow's words had triggered Banner's masculine competitive instinct.

While Richard had been reviewing his information panel, Banner had asked Natasha if she wanted to do the Department of Mutant Affairs a favor. Though both agencies operated in different spheres, the Department and S.H.I.E.L.D. were both official government bodies—allies on the same front.

Despite his seven doctoral degrees, Banner evidently lacked understanding of interagency protocol. Capturing another agency's wanted target without formal request for assistance wouldn't earn gratitude—it would breed resentment for the perceived disrespect.

Natasha and Banner hadn't appeared in San Francisco at the Department's request, but to apprehend their own S.H.I.E.L.D. target. Though Richard had dispatched Mutant Affairs agents and special forces before their eyes, Natasha saw no reason to intervene.

She therefore rejected Banner's suggestion. This alone wouldn't have created problems, but perhaps too relaxed in Banner's company, she added words that would easily provoke Banner—or rather, the Hulk—into a competitive state.

"I don't want to see you get hurt."

For Banner, this statement seemed normal. For Hulk, it meant something entirely different.

Though Banner could now control his transformation to some extent, if Hulk insisted on emerging, Banner could do little to prevent it. Similarly, if Hulk refused to appear, Banner would struggle to summon him.

Natasha's casual remark had deeply offended the childlike Hulk.

I get hurt? How could I be hurt? I am Hulk!

Though Richard was reading Banner's memories, he simultaneously accessed Hulk's thoughts, clearly sensing the green goliath's indignation.

When Richard looked at him again, Banner had already begun to change. Before he could fully process what was happening, his skin took on an eerie green hue, veins bulging prominently across his forehead and neck.

Natasha was first to notice Banner's transformation. Just as she moved to calm him, Banner released a bestial roar that scattered nearby onlookers and young mutants.

ROAR!

Under everyone's stunned gaze, Banner's body visibly expanded. His coat and shirt, unable to accommodate his growing frame, tore apart into rags that fell to the ground. His jeans, straining against rapidly enlarging legs, transformed from long pants into makeshift shorts.

Hulk!

Witnessing Banner's metamorphosis, the onlookers and young mutants realized this unassuming man was actually the Avengers' Hulk.

If before the transformation Natasha had been the one drawing attention, now she became merely a supporting character to the Hulk's overwhelming presence.

As Banner completed his transformation, Richard summoned the Masamune from his system space. Then, channeling his spiritual power, he addressed the surrounding crowd:

"Anyone who doesn't want to die, get out of here!"

Though not shouted, his voice—enhanced by mana—resonated clearly to everyone present, carrying an oppressive force ordinary people couldn't resist.

Hearing his words, both civilians and young mutants scattered immediately, fleeing as quickly as possible.

Within moments, the bustling street that had attracted so many people emptied, leaving only Richard, Natasha, and the Hulk.

Natasha remained, staring at Hulk with surprise. She hadn't yet realized how her casual remark had triggered Hulk's competitive nature.

Though Richard understood that Hulk merely wanted to prove his strength to Natasha rather than genuinely opposing him, he still regarded the situation with anticipation.

In the current Avengers roster, only two opponents truly interested him—Thor, the God of Thunder, and the Hulk now standing before him. Iron Man and Captain America, despite their fame, held little appeal.

As Banner completed his transformation into the Hulk, Richard turned to Natasha, who had yet to depart.

"If only half of San Francisco remains standing, will S.H.I.E.L.D. compensate for the damages?"

...

Chapter 45: Richard VS Hulk

What?

Hearing Richard's words, even the seasoned Natasha was momentarily stunned.

She never would have expected such a question from Richard at this critical moment when battle seemed imminent. Though uncertain of his intent, she immediately attempted to defuse the situation.

"We're not here to arrest you," she explained, "we just happened to be passing by."

Natasha spoke truthfully. But she remained oblivious to why Hulk had forced his way out, failing to realize her words were inflaming Hulk's desire to prove himself to her.

"I know you're not here to arrest me," Richard replied, "but the big guy next to you is brimming with fighting spirit. Looks like he won't be satisfied until he tests himself against me."

Richard raised his left hand, pointing the Masamune at Hulk.

Seeing the blade directed at him, Hulk lifted his massive right leg and stomped forcefully, leaving a pronounced crater in the street. With the impact point as its center, cracks radiated outward in all directions like a spider's web. Simultaneously, Hulk spread his arms and released another bestial roar, reminiscent of a silverback gorilla asserting dominance.

Richard disregarded Hulk's display and addressed Natasha again.

"If you don't want to see this big guy and me reduce San Francisco to rubble, I suggest you distance yourself from the fight."

"If you're accidentally injured or killed, he'll lose all restraint."

After delivering this warning, Richard maneuvered the two-meter-long Masamune with casual grace. Then he elevated the blade to eye level, edge facing upward, left hand forward and right hand supporting from behind—assuming a two-handed grip he rarely employed.

Though Sephiroth's dominant hand was his left, he only utilized a two-handed grip when facing truly formidable opponents. One-handed technique signaled he hadn't yet committed his full strength.

The same principle applied to Richard. In all previous encounters, he had wielded his sword single-handed. This marked the first instance he had adopted a two-handed stance.

Hulk possessed no swordsmanship knowledge, yet upon witnessing Richard's posture, his bestial demeanor immediately shifted. A serious expression settled on his face as his enormous green eyes fixated on Richard.

Observing Hulk's sudden "calm" and Richard's combat stance, Natasha recognized she could no longer prevent their confrontation. Without further comment, she followed the example of the earlier dispersed crowd and young mutants, quickly retreating to a safer position over a hundred meters away.

As she withdrew, she retrieved her phone and contacted personnel from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s San Francisco branch. She wasn't summoning agents to intervene in the fight but rather requesting their presence to "maintain order" and manage the aftermath.

Once Natasha had cleared the area, Richard and Hulk launched their attacks simultaneously, displaying remarkable synchronicity.

Their legs tensed in unison as they charged toward each other. Within an eyeblink, they closed to optimal combat distance.

Hulk raised his fist—larger than an ordinary human head—and drove it forcefully toward Richard's chest.

Richard swung the Masamune, aiming to intercept Hulk's attack.

BOOM!

Hulk's mighty fist collided violently with Richard's blade. A thunderous report accompanied the impact as a visible shockwave emanated from the point of contact, expanding outward at alarming speed and shattering the windows of surrounding buildings and vehicles.

As expected of the Hulk! Phenomenal physical strength!

Richard inwardly acknowledged his opponent's power, then lightly tapped the ground with his right foot, retreating more than ten meters as if unaffected by gravity.

Despite Richard's withdrawal, Hulk didn't pursue. Instead, he examined his right fist with mild surprise. A shallow but distinct laceration marked the middle knuckle.

Richard hadn't deployed techniques like Octoslash or Gravesong—he had merely enhanced the Masamune's sharpness and durability with magic. Yet even this modest augmentation had proven sufficient to penetrate Hulk's skin.

The blade hadn't fully pierced Hulk's fist, having been stopped by the middle finger's phalanx. Hulk recognized that his body wasn't completely impervious to all attacks, but he hadn't expected injury from a sword that appeared breakable with minimal force.

Though the wound was minor, it surprised him nonetheless.

While Hulk assessed his injury, Richard evaluated his opponent's capabilities. Judging from their initial exchange, Hulk significantly outmatched him in raw strength. Fortunately, Hulk's power wasn't as absurdly exaggerated as his comic book counterpart's. Had that been the case, even Richard's force-dissipating techniques wouldn't have allowed him to contend with Hulk in direct confrontation.

Compared to ordinary humans, Alpha-level mutant powers were indeed extraordinary. Yet measured against the Hulk—Marvel's archetypal powerhouse—even Alpha-level abilities seemed inadequate.

When Hulk's attention shifted from his wounded fist, Richard seized the opportunity to attack again without hesitation. He appeared before Hulk almost instantaneously, as if flying, and executed another sword swing.

This time, rather than challenging Hulk's strength directly, he targeted the green behemoth's neck.

In raw power, Richard couldn't match Hulk. But in comprehensive combat ability, Hulk couldn't hope to match Richard.

Though lacking Richard's refined combat skills, Hulk's reactions remained formidable. Before the Masamune could connect, Hulk raised his right hand to deflect the incoming blade while simultaneously launching his left fist toward Richard's head with astonishing speed.

Naturally, Richard had no intention of testing his skull against Hulk's punch.

Shift Slash!

One moment Richard stood before Hulk; the next, he materialized behind him.

Before Hulk could react, the Masamune carved across his back, leaving a wound spanning his entire width. Unusual green blood surged from the laceration, streaming down Hulk's massive frame.

Though unable to locate Richard visually, the pain flowering across his back informed Hulk of his opponent's position. Ignoring the discomfort, Hulk forcefully propelled himself backward toward Richard like a fully-accelerated freight train.

Had Richard been facing Department of Mutant Affairs agents, they would never have employed such tactics. Rather than exposing their backs to Richard, they would have created distance or pivoted to counterattack.

But Hulk operated by different principles. For him, combat methodology was irrelevant—only intent mattered. If he deemed an approach viable—be it charging backward or grabbing an opponent's ankles to use them as a makeshift flail—he would execute it without hesitation.

From a certain perspective, Hulk's fighting style resembled Sabretooth's; both relied primarily on physical instinct rather than technique.

Confronted with Hulk's counterattack, Richard didn't retreat. Instead, he raised his right hand.

Repulsion!

BANG!

A tremendous concussion, reminiscent of an explosion, reverberated through the area.

Before the eyes of distant onlookers, Hulk—who had attempted to collide with Richard—was repelled like a well-struck golf ball, his massive form describing a perfect parabolic arc through the air.

...