[Marvel : Mutant God] Chapter 36 - 40

Chapter 36: Phoenix Girl's Guarantee

Richard observed the Blackbird circling above the forest, searching for a suitable landing spot. Rather than waiting, he activated Blinkstep and teleported directly into the aircraft's cabin.

The relatively compact space contained several occupants. Besides Jean Grey, he recognized Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Sabretooth, Clarice, and the mutant children rescued from the underground facility the previous night.

Jean Grey, Logan, Scott Summer, and Ororo Munroe all resembled the images from his memory. After briefly surveying everyone, he addressed Jean directly:

"I don't appreciate people using telepathy on me," he stated firmly. "Anyone who attempts to infiltrate into my mind will face lethal consequences."

Though Jean had merely tracked his location rather than invading his thoughts, Richard felt the warning necessary.

As soon as he finished speaking, Logan abruptly stood and approached him with an aggressive stance. "Kid, watch your tone," he growled. "Jean just needed to locate you!"

Though Scott—currently piloting the Blackbird—was Jean's romantic partner, Logan had immediately leapt to her defense as if he occupied that role.

"You were the first to show disrespect," Richard responded calmly, meeting Wolverine's hostile glare. "Creed and Clarice already informed you I had no desire for this meeting. Using telepathy to target someone who explicitly wishes to avoid you—is this the X-Men way?"

In terms of raw power, Wolverine significantly outmatched Sabretooth, but that advantage didn't extend to Richard. Even with his adamantium skeleton, Richard possessed dozens of strategies to defeat him. Killing him permanently would prove challenging but remained within his capabilities.

Logan, never known for his gentle demeanor, grew more aggressive upon hearing Richard's response. As he reached to seize Richard's collar for a final warning, Jean's voice cut through the tension.

"Logan, stop!"

At Jean's command, Wolverine immediately lowered his raised hands. After preventing the confrontation, Jean rose and approached Richard apologetically.

"I was wrong to use telepathy to track you without permission," she admitted. "I sincerely apologize. I'm sorry."

Observing her genuine contrition, Richard relented slightly. "I'll overlook it this time. Now tell me, what do you want?"

"If you're hoping I'll accompany you to Xavier's School, save your breath. I have no intention of traveling to New York at present."

Though Professor Xavier wasn't malevolent, Richard had no desire to engage with him currently. He could easily predict their conversation—given Xavier's personality, he would undoubtedly deliver the standard speech about advocating for mutant rights or using one's abilities to benefit others.

Jean and Scott chose to follow Xavier's guidance—that was their prerogative, and Richard wouldn't criticize them for it. But he had no inclination to join their cause.

Strictly speaking, as someone with knowledge from another universe, he had never aspired to be this world's savior—which, by most standards, made him morally neutral at worst.

"The Professor means no harm," Jean explained. "He simply wishes to meet and speak with you. We aren't here as enforcers or Department of Mutant Affairs allies."

She continued with greater assurance, "I can personally guarantee that even if the Department of Mutant Affairs learns you've visited our school, they wouldn't dare act against you. If you wish to have your wanted status removed, we can arrange for the S-class warrant to be withdrawn."

Unlike Wolverine, Jean recognized from Richard's comments about telepathy that he would respond to diplomatic approaches rather than intimidation. Moreover, she sensed he wasn't as intractable as initially feared—evidenced by his decision to sheathe the Masamune before teleporting.

"I don't believe Charles and I have anything to discuss at this moment," Richard replied. "As for your guarantee..."

He paused, gesturing toward the rescued children. "I extracted these kids from the Sentinel maintenance facility at the Los Angeles branch last night. Considering what they've endured, it's difficult to trust your assurances—whether you were aware of these conditions or not."

Though the X-Men weren't affiliated with the Department, their resources should have allowed them to discover the Department's treatment of captured mutants. If they truly remained ignorant, it merely demonstrated their indifference toward mutants beyond their immediate circle.

Jean fell silent after hearing his assessment.

"You're right—their inhumane treatment represents our negligence," she finally acknowledged. "I understand skepticism toward anything I might say now, but I still hope you—"

Before she could finish, a shrill alarm erupted throughout the cabin.

"Missile lock detected!" Storm announced urgently.

Jean and Wolverine exchanged alarmed glances. Their current location within United States airspace meant only one possibility—either the military or specialized agencies like the Department of Mutant Affairs or S.H.I.E.L.D. had targeted them.

The X-Men's Blackbird possessed proper registration and authorization, eliminating any chance of mistaken identity with foreign aircraft.

"Apparently, the X-Men's standing isn't as secure as you believed," Richard observed dryly.

Before Jean could respond, he turned to Clarice. "Open a portal immediately and evacuate these children. This aircraft may not withstand the incoming attack."

"On it!" Clarice responded without hesitation, generating a sphere of purple energy that expanded into a spatial portal connecting to the forest below.

As the gateway stabilized, Wolverine and Sabretooth gathered the mutant children and escorted them through the portal, evacuating the Blackbird.

Once Richard and the others departed, Storm and Cyclops initiated evasive maneuvers with the aircraft.

"They're targeting me," Richard declared. "If they weren't aware of my presence aboard, they wouldn't risk Xavier's wrath by launching a missile strike against you."

As he spoke, Richard withdrew the Masamune from his system space.

"What are you planning?" Wolverine demanded, warily extending his adamantium claws upon seeing the weapon.

"Relax. I have no quarrel with you," Richard assured him, raising the Masamune to indicate a point in the distant sky. "I need to address the individuals in that aircraft."

Following the sword's direction, Wolverine saw nothing but forest canopy.

Of course he couldn't see it—the trees obscured his view. Richard, however, with his newly acquired Enhanced Senses, could perceive objects at extreme distances and through solid barriers.

In the direction he indicated flew a black aircraft resembling S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Quinjet, but emblazoned with the Department of Mutant Affairs insignia. Inside sat three mutant agents wearing black tactical uniforms, their expressions grave and focused.

Undoubtedly elite operatives dispatched from other branches or the Department's headquarters.

Chapter 37: One-Winged Angel

Wolverine was about to argue that there were no aircraft in the direction Richard indicated when the Department of Mutant Affairs' black jet suddenly appeared in his line of sight. Though still distant, its outline was now clearly visible.

"How do you know they're after you specifically?" Wolverine demanded.

"Their combat uniforms bear the Department of Mutant Affairs insignia," Richard explained. "And unless I'm mistaken, they launched the missile we just evaded."

He turned to Jean. "You just guaranteed the Department wouldn't move against me. Here's your opportunity to prove it." His lips curved slightly. "If you can genuinely convince them to stand down, I'll gladly accompany you to Xavier's School."

Jean frowned at his challenge. Whatever certainty she'd felt earlier had evaporated—she couldn't be even ten percent confident now.

Though they couldn't confirm the Department's jet had fired the missile, the circumstantial evidence pointed strongly in that direction. After a brief, tense silence, Jean set her jaw resolutely.

"Very well. I'll prove it to you."

"I look forward to your performance," Richard replied, embedding the Masamune into the ground beside him.

Within moments, the Department's aircraft arrived. Like the X-Men's Blackbird, it possessed vertical take-off and landing capabilities—the twin turbine engines mounted mid-wing weren't merely decorative.

Under Richard's watchful gaze, the black jet—resembling S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Quinjet at roughly seventy percent similarity—descended slowly, landing several dozen meters away.

As the aircraft settled, its rear hatch opened and a loading ramp extended. Three mutant agents wearing identical black tactical uniforms descended and approached without hesitation, their faces utterly devoid of expression.

Are these clones too? The thought flickered through Richard's mind unbidden.

The Los Angeles branch had housed Sabretooth clones on its second underground level—it stood to reason other branches possessed their own classified "assets" and research programs kept hidden from public scrutiny.

The expressionless agents halted before the group. Jean immediately positioned herself between them and Richard.

"I'm Dr. Jean Grey of the X-Men," she stated with authority. "Professor Xavier has personally authorized bringing Richard to our school. If you have concerns about this arrangement, I suggest you contact your superiors immediately."

Despite the agents' hostile intent, Jean refrained from employing her powers. She sought to avoid conflict not from fear but from understanding the consequences—any confrontation between the X-Men and the Department would shatter their fragile alliance, an outcome neither she nor Xavier desired.

The middle agent—a muscular man appearing to be in his forties—responded evenly: "Dr. Grey, we respect the Professor and have no wish to antagonize the X-Men. Please step aside and allow us to complete our mission."

Like Jean, these Department agents carried their own concerns. They hadn't authorized the missile attack—that order came from above. Under normal circumstances, they would never have permitted such aggression against the Blackbird.

These men represented the "moderate" faction within the mutant community. Otherwise, they wouldn't have accepted the Mutant Restriction Act, much less joined the Department's ranks.

Jean's expression darkened at the agent's response. Though his tone remained professional, his message was clear—they had no intention of abandoning their pursuit of Richard.

As Jean contemplated her next approach, Richard observed mission information materializing before his eyes—details only he could perceive:

[Mission: One-Winged Angel (I)]
[Mission content: Kill the 3 mutant agents in front of you]
[Mission Reward: Hell’s Gate, Black Materia]
[Task time limit: 10 minutes]

Finally, a Sephiroth template Mission!

Though surprised by the timing, Richard felt silent satisfaction upon seeing the mission name and rewards. Previously, the system had exclusively issued Virgil template tasks, leading him to wonder if he'd need to master Sephiroth's techniques through self-study.

Apparently, the system wasn't as neglectful as he'd imagined. As his template proficiency increased, he could indeed learn Sephiroth's other abilities independently—but completing system tasks remained far more efficient than personal research.

After dismissing the floating task panel, Richard pulled the Masamune from the ground. Though he spoke no words, the three agents immediately shifted to combat stances upon seeing him draw the weapon.

Ignoring Jean entirely, they launched their attack without warning.

The middle agent shot toward Richard like a human cannonball. Simultaneously, his already substantial frame began "swelling" at a rate visible to the naked eye.

By the time he reached Richard, his height—originally around six-foot-three—had expanded to nearly twelve feet. His transformation produced corresponding physical changes, rendering him an unmistakable giant.

Despite his explosive growth, his clothing demonstrated remarkable resilience. While his shirt and shoes tore from the strain, his pants exhibited astonishing elasticity, immediately reminding Richard of the Hulk's mysteriously accommodating attire.

In mere moments, the agent-turned-giant loomed before Richard, his massive fist hurtling toward Richard's chest with devastating force.

Blinkstep!

Just as the giant's fist would have connected, Richard activated his teleportation ability, instantly relocating dozens of meters away and effortlessly evading the attack.

Though he'd avoided the immediate threat, Richard's instincts screamed danger. Without hesitation, he prepared to Blinkstep again.

Before he could complete the teleportation, however, the second male agent—pale-faced and gaunt as if recently recovered from grave illness—materialized before him like a specter. Twin black daggers in the man's hands streaked toward Richard's throat and heart with blinding speed.

What is this?

Seeing the ghost-like agent appear instantaneously before him, Richard abandoned his half-formed Blinkstep and pivoted to offense, slashing fiercely with the Masamune in his left hand.

Octoslash!

Chapter 38: Teleportation

Eight fluid slashes enveloped the pale male agent like a tempest of blades.

Yet just as Richard's Masamune was about to slice through his opponent and reduce him to pieces, the male agent vanished in an instant, leaving behind only strange black mist in his wake.

Teleportation!

Like Richard, this pale male agent possessed the ability to teleport. Not only that, but his teleportation ability was even more advanced than Richard's Blinkstep mutant power.

The razor-sharp Masamune merely cut through the strange black mist-like residue without inflicting any harm on the male agent.

Octoslash!

Failed.

Richard's expression grew serious.

This was the first time since crossing into this world that his Octoslash had missed its target. Additionally, the black mist left behind by the male agent's teleportation reminded him of two specific individuals.

Azazel, and Nightcrawler!

When Azazel and Nightcrawler performed teleportation, they too left behind a strange gaseous residue—one red, one blue.

Could this really be true teleportation? Richard inwardly groaned.

Although they all possessed teleportation abilities, the powers wielded by Azazel and Nightcrawler were fundamentally different from his Blinkstep. Put simply, their teleportation abilities were vastly superior to his own.

Even after being enhanced, Richard's current Blinkstep range was limited to 500 meters. The teleportation range of Azazel and Nightcrawler extended far beyond that. Even Nightcrawlers who hadn't fully mastered teleportation and could only transport within their line of sight could easily cover 2 to 3 miles in a single jump. Once they fully mastered the ability, Nightcrawlers could teleport to any location at will.

As for Azazels—they were in another league entirely.  Azazel could easily travel 3,000 miles in ten minutes, even while transporting others.

In previous battles, Richard had relied on Blinkstep to move quickly and attack enemies unexpectedly. Now, he faced an opponent whose teleportation ability exceeded his own.

The pale male agent could use teleportation to dodge his Octaslash, which meant landing hits with Gravesong, Zanshin, or Skyshatter would prove equally difficult. As for Thundaga, Blizzaga, or Firaga Those were even less likely to connect.

Would he be limited to using only Judgement Cut End and Phantom Sword?

Though Richard still possessed numerous X-gene mutant powers, most would be unlikely to hit a target that could teleport at will. Unless he could somehow interrupt his opponent's teleportation ability...

Damn! I hate enemies with teleportation abilities! Richard cursed silently.

Despite his frustration, he needed to formulate a strategy. Otherwise, this elusive teleporter would make the coming battle chaotic and unpredictable.

Moreover, the female agent who stood motionless, seemingly withholding her powers, gave Richard an ominous feeling.

To use gaming terminology, the male agent who could transform into a giant was clearly a tank and fighter, while the teleporting male agent fit the role of an assassin.

That meant the remaining female agent was likely either a mage specialized in long-range attacks or a support character who protected and enhanced her teammates. Neither possibility boded well for Richard.

Her presence would make eliminating the two male agents significantly more challenging.

Richard quickly devised a tactic—one that would allow him to swiftly neutralize the teleporting agent. He raised his Masamune and addressed Jean and Wolverine, who were still hesitating about whether to join the fray:

"This is a personal vendetta between me and the Department of Mutant Affairs. It has nothing to do with you. Stay out of my fight."

On the surface, having Jean and Wolverine join the battle would effectively divide his opponents' attention. But Richard deliberately kept them away, knowing their involvement would diminish the effectiveness of his newly formulated strategy.

As expected, upon hearing his words, Jean and Wolverine immediately retreated with Clarice and the mutant children to a safer distance.

Once they were far enough away, Richard danced with his Masamune, fixing his gaze on the female agent whose powers remained unknown.

Shift Slash!

Without hesitation, he activated his Shift Slash technique and instantly appeared behind the female agent, swinging his Masamune toward her neck.

Though he didn't know what powers this female agent possessed, that didn't stop him from identifying her as the weak point in their formation. Ideally, he could eliminate her immediately. If not, he could use her to execute the tactic he'd just formulated.

As Richard's blade arced through the air, the teleporting male agent materialized directly in front of him.

Instead of trying to block Richard's Masamune, the agent drove his dagger straight toward Richard's heart—a textbook diversion tactic, forcing Richard to defend himself and abandon his assault on the female agent. It was a lethal counterattack meant to turn offense into the best defense.

In the male agent's calculation, Richard would likely teleported away to avoid the dagger. If he didn't, even if he succeeded in killing the female agent, his heart would be pierced in the process.

But the male agent had severely underestimated Richard—or more precisely, he had no concept of how many mutant powers Richard now possessed.

Richard currently commanded four Alpha-level X-gene abilities: Plunder, Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, and Accelerated Healing.

His Enhanced Durability and Self-Healing abilities alone allowed him to disregard the dagger attack entirely. Richard's physical resilience had reached a point where his body could repel bullets. Even armor-piercing rounds from a large-caliber anti-material sniper rifle might fail to penetrate his skin.

Even if the agent's dagger somehow possessed greater penetrative force than armor-piercing bullets, Richard had no reason to fear death. Beyond his Enhanced Durability with its extraordinary defense, he also possessed Self-Healing abilities that surpassed both Sabretooth and Wolverine. Even a pierced heart wouldn't prove fatal.

In an instant, the black dagger in the male agent's hand struck Richard's left chest—and the agent's expression morphed into one of utter disbelief.

It couldn't penetrate!

Despite exerting his full strength, the agent's dagger couldn't breach Richard's skin. It was like trying to pierce an impenetrable alloy.

Realizing this, the male agent immediately prepared to teleport away. But Richard's counterattack arrived first.

Mind Whip!

Rather than employing one of his sephiroth moves, Richard unleashed the psychic mutant power he had Plundered just the night before.

The male agent, on the verge of teleporting, was suddenly wracked with mental agony beyond anything he had ever experienced. His entire body convulsed involuntarily as though subjected to a powerful electric current.

The unexpected, excruciating pain disrupted his attempted teleportation.

Got you!

After using Mind Whip to interrupt the male agent's teleportation, Richard pivoted his left wrist, and the Masamune—originally intended for the female agent—slashed toward the male agent with blinding speed.

Octoslash!

Once again, Richard executed Sephiroth's signature technique. But this time, the eight lightning-fast slashes found their mark, carving the male agent's body into eight pieces and reducing him to fragments of varying sizes.

...

Chapter 39: The Fifth Alpha Level Ability

Plunder!

After killing the pale male agent who looked as though he had just recovered from a serious illness, Richard immediately activated his power without hesitation.

[Gain new ability: Teleportation!]

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

[Blinkstep is enhanced!] [Blinkstep -> Teleportation, current level: Alpha level!]

After seeing the information provided by the system, Richard immediately opened his attribute panel to examine the changes.

Just as he had anticipated, the Beta-level Blinkstep had disappeared. In its place stood Alpha-level Teleportation.

Including the Teleportation he had just acquired, he now possessed five Alpha-level abilities. Although the total number of his X-Gene mutant powers remained unchanged, Teleportation was clearly superior to the Blinkstep technique he'd wielded before.

It wasn't until the male agent's dismembered body parts fell onto the grass that the female agent—whom Richard had targeted as his breakthrough point—finally reacted and activated her mutant power.

Gravity Bind!

Though Richard's exact position was difficult to pinpoint, the female agent's Gravity Bind encompassed a circular area twenty meters in diameter.

BOOM!

With the female agent at its center, the ground within a twenty-meter diameter instantly sank by ten to twenty centimeters.

The female agent deployed her power with impressive speed—but Richard was faster.

Before the gravitational field could envelop him, he utilized his newly plundered and upgraded Teleportation ability, instantly transporting himself to a location beneath a large tree more than a hundred meters away.

Although the Teleportation power had been plundered from the male agent, either due to the system's upgrade or individual differences, Richard's execution of the ability didn't leave behind the strange black mist that had characterized the male agent's use.

To outward appearances, the Teleportation he had just performed looked no different from his previous Blinkstep technique. If he hadn't known better himself, no one would have realized he was using Teleportation rather than Blinkstep.

Whether it was Azazel, Nightcrawler, or the pale male agent, their teleportation always manifested with additional "visual effects." Compared to them, Richard's Teleportation was considerably more streamlined.

Despite the lack of visual flair, Richard wasn't concerned. In fact, he preferred this cleaner version of Teleportation without unnecessary visual effects.

After using Teleportation to evade the female agent's Gravity Bind, Richard didn't immediately attack her or the male agent who had transformed into a giant. Without the restraining influence of the teleporting male agent, their defeat was merely a matter of time.

Whether it was the remaining male and female agents or Jean and Wolverine watching from afar, everyone's expression grew serious after witnessing Richard effortlessly dispatch the teleporting male agent.

The remaining agents looked particularly troubled. They weren't a temporary arrest team hastily assembled to capture Richard. Shortly after joining the Department of Mutant Affairs, the three of them had formed a permanent squad specifically tasked with apprehending high-value targets that ordinary mutant agents couldn't handle.

To use a military analogy, their three-person team was equivalent to special forces within the army.

Now, this team that had conducted missions together for several years had lost one of its members. For their tightly coordinated unit, the death of any individual created an irreparable flaw in their once-perfect division of labor.

And in battle, a single flaw often meant death.

Although they couldn't determine why the pale male agent hadn't used Teleportation to avoid Richard's attack, the giant male agent and female agent didn't waste time pondering this question. Instead, they focused on determining their next move.

In terms of raw combat effectiveness, they still maintained the capacity to fight. But without the teleporting male agent to restrain Richard, capturing him would prove nearly impossible—even with the female agent's Gravity Bind ability.

Unlike them, Richard didn't hesitate over whether to continue the mission or retreat. After confirming that his Alpha-level Teleportation functioned similarly to his previous Beta-level Blinkstep, he decisively launched his attack.

His target: the giant male agent.

Teleportation!

In an instant, he transported himself into the air behind the towering figure.

Skyshatter!

Four lightning-fast slashes targeted the giant male agent's head.

Due to their significant size difference, Richard employed the Skyshatter Technique—a move he rarely utilized.

Like Gravesong, Skyshatter also featured four consecutive strikes. However, Skyshatter represented the aerial version of the four-strike combo.

As Richard executed Skyshatter, the giant male agent crouched low, moving with the instinct of a wild beast. He then displayed agility wholly inconsistent with his massive frame, executing a side flip to partially evade Richard's attack.

Though he avoided several strikes, the Masamune still carved a nearly meter-long gash across his back.

Compared to having his head severed entirely, this injury was relatively minor. The wound didn't bleed profusely, and remarkably, the laceration on the giant male agent's back began visibly healing almost immediately.

Witnessing this, Richard realized the giant male agent's power extended beyond mere size transformation. After assuming his giant form, the agent gained not only increased size and strength but accelerated healing as well.

While the giant male agent dodged Skyshatter, the female agent once again deployed Gravity Bind, attempting to trap Richard completely. But without the teleporting male agent to hold him in place, restraining Richard would prove challenging.

Just as before, Richard teleported away before the gravitational field could envelope him.

Though she failed to capture Richard, the female agent's Gravity Bind inadvertently trapped someone else—the giant male agent.

In her desperate attempt to catch Richard, she had expanded Gravity Bind's range to a diameter of fifty meters. While a larger area meant diminished gravitational force, the female agent had no alternative. Constraining the area to just one or two meters would leave her with no chance of capturing her elusive target.

After Richard vanished, the female agent immediately canceled Gravity Bind, sparing the giant male agent from experiencing the hundreds-fold increase in gravity.

Upon regaining mobility, the giant male agent didn't search for Richard's position. Instead, he approached the female agent and protectively positioned himself in front of her.

The giant male agent's chivalrous gesture wouldn't sway Richard's determination. Although Hell’s Gate and Black Materia weren't especially powerful compared to coveted skills like Heartless Angel, Supernova, or One-Winged Angel Form, Richard remained committed to his mission.

Teleportation!

Richard materialized approximately twenty meters in front of the giant male and female agents. He regarded them calmly before speaking in measured tones:

"You two aren't just ordinary colleagues, are you?"

"If you have anything you wish to say to each other, I suggest you say it now."

"Otherwise, you won't have another chance in the future."

...

Chapter 40: Template Fusion Degree 45%

When Richard observed the giant male agent rush to protect the female agent, his intuition suggested their relationship might extend beyond mere colleagues.

Protecting combat-support teammates was standard battlefield procedure, especially those less suited for direct confrontation. But Richard trusted his instincts.

After hearing Richard's words, the giant male agent and female agent remained silent, regarding him warily.

"You really don't have anything else to say to each other?"

Richard embedded his Masamune into the ground and waited. The gesture—whether signaling his sincerity or indicating the finality of their situation—carried weight.

After a few seconds of silence, the giant male agent turned to look at the female agent behind him, his expression betraying words unspoken yet desperately wanting to be shared.

Though he didn't verbalize his thoughts, the female agent—who had maintained an impassive demeanor since her arrival—responded with a radiant smile.

She raised her right hand and clasped the giant male agent's hand in hers.

Neither spoke. They simply gazed into each other's eyes.

Though merely eye contact, it conveyed everything they needed to express. Actions spoke louder than words.

If Richard had wanted to strike, this moment of vulnerability would have provided the perfect opportunity. Instead, he granted them this moment, watching alongside Jean and the others as the giant male agent suddenly reverted to his normal human appearance.

The agent then embraced the female agent and engaged her in a passionate kiss.

Time ticked away.

Nearly thirty seconds passed before they separated, and the male agent resumed his giant form.

"Thank you," he said to Richard, his voice sincere.

Richard didn't respond verbally. He simply nodded, retrieved the Masamune from the ground, and pointed its tip toward them.

Judgement Cut End!

The moment Richard executed Judgement Cut End, the battle reached its swift conclusion.

Neither the giant male agent nor the female agent possessed any defense against Judgement Cut End. Confronted by the incredibly powerful and elusive technique, they fell quickly.

Though they perished from Judgement Cut End, both agents wore remarkably serene expressions in their final moments, as if death itself held little consequence.

[The mission "One-Winged Angel (I)" has been completed!]

[The mission rewards, Hell’s Gate and Black Materia, have been sent!]

[Skills: Hell’s Gate, Black Materia Acquired!]

Following the deaths of the giant male and female agents, the mission completion notification immediately appeared in Richard's field of vision.

Ignoring this information momentarily, he approached the now-unrecognizable bodies of the agents and activated Plunder.

[Gain new abilities: Giant Body, Gravity Binding!]

[X-Gene Mutant power Content Update!]

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

[Beta level: Repulsion, Stone Body, Ion Shock Wave, Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, Momentum Shift, Pressure Burst, Illusion Creation, Invisibility, Enhanced Senses, Mind Whip, Hypnotic Suggestion, Giant Body, Gravity Binding]

[Delta level: Energy Absorption, Telekinesis, Beast Intuition, Bone Claws]

After examining the remains, Richard summoned a sphere of intense orange-red flames using his Firaga technique. The flames engulfed the bodies of the fallen agents.

It's over.

Watching their remains transform to ash beneath the blazing fire, Richard experienced a moment of contemplation. Whether due to the mounting death toll of the past few days or the serene acceptance he'd witnessed in the agents' final moments, a fleeting melancholy touched him.

But he quickly recalibrated his emotions and teleported to where Jean and the others stood.

"It turns out that your assurance is of no use," he said to Jean.

"Please tell the Professor not to use the Cerebro to locate me, and don't send you to find me."

"If I want to see him, I'll visit the school myself."

Jean nodded solemnly. "I will convey your message to the Professor."

Richard turned his attention to Clarice and Sabretooth. "Creed, you're a good adoptive father, but you're not an effective teacher," he continued. "Besides, you can't protect Clarice forever."

"Clarice's powers have considerable potential. Once fully developed, she'll exceed even your capabilities."

"I suggest you allow her to study at Xavier's School. It would benefit both of you."

Though Richard didn't entirely endorse all of Professor X and Jean's methodologies, their teaching abilities far surpassed Sabretooth's. Clarice would receive better guidance at the school than following Sabretooth.

Moreover, Clarice's status as an unregistered mutant had already been exposed. The Department of Mutant Affairs had likely categorized both Sabretooth and Clarice as Richard's accomplices.

If Sabretooth wanted to protect Clarice from capture, allowing her to remain at the school represented their best option.

"You don't need to tell me this. I already informed Clarice last night," Sabretooth replied quickly. "She'll study at the school for a while. When circumstances permit, I'll return for her."

Richard regarded the feral mutant with surprise, not expecting Sabretooth to have already considered these factors.

"Until we meet again," Richard said, preparing to teleport away.

But an abrupt thought caused him to halt. He approached Wolverine instead.

"If you truly wish to uncover your past, ask him," Richard advised, indicating Sabretooth. "He's your half-brother."

Half-brother?

Jean and Wolverine exchanged startled glances, astonished by this revelation.

Their surprise stemmed from their complete ignorance of this connection. Sabretooth, meanwhile, appeared shocked that Richard possessed this knowledge.

Although Sabretooth had previously mentioned that Wolverine was his brother, he had never specified they were half-siblings.

How did he know?

Jean and the others regarded Richard with bewilderment.

Richard, however, had no intention of satisfying their curiosity. Before they could voice their questions, he teleported away, vanishing instantly from their sight.

In his absence, Wolverine's piercing gaze settled on Sabretooth.

Time passed swiftly.

Three months elapsed almost imperceptibly.

During this period, Richard gained intimate familiarity with life as an S-class Department of Mutant Affairs fugitive.

After eliminating the three agents, the Department's pursuit intensified considerably. Nevertheless, Richard maintained a structured routine.

When avoiding detection, he secluded himself to practice techniques like Judgement Cut End, Hell’s Gate, and Octoslash.

When discovered, he engaged the Department's agents in life-or-death combat.

Three months of rigorous training and battlefield experience not only elevated all his skills to level 3 but also allowed him to Plunder valuable X-gene mutant powers.

These included heat rays Plundered from one agent and telepathic abilities from a psychic—similar in nature, if not equal in power, to those wielded by Professor X and the White Queen.

Additionally, Sephiroth's template fusion percentage had increased to 45%.

The skill upgrades and template fusion progress bestowed upon Richard flowing, waist-length silver hair identical to Sephiroth's.

Compared to his previous short hairstyle, the long hair presented certain practical inconveniences. Yet Richard harbored no complaints.

He discovered that Sephiroth's distinctive silver locks enhanced his already handsome appearance considerably. Measured against this aesthetic improvement, minor daily inconveniences seemed trivial.

In a forest dozens of kilometers from San Francisco, Richard Wesley—his silver hair flowing in the breeze—conducted his daily training regimen.

Judgement Cut End. Hell’s Gate. Octoslash.

Time continued its relentless march.

Upon completing his exercises, Richard opened his attribute panel.

...