Chapter 61: CH-61. Hellfire
Check out my patreon to read 60+ advance chapters.
Patreon: patreon.com/HAREMLOVER
__________
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly released a portal. She glanced at Michael with a provocative look.
"You think I don't dare?"
Michael sneered. It was obvious that the other party was targeting him. Even if there was a trap waiting, he had to go.
After jumping into the portal, the scenery in front of him suddenly changed.
He appeared in a room with stylish decor. On the soft leather sofa, a blonde woman sat holding a wine glass, smiling at Michael. Behind her stood a red-skinned man.
Near the door behind Michael, a woman leaned casually. She had long hair draped over her shoulders, the area around her eyes painted black, and she was casually fiddling with two short knives in her hands. She exuded a cold, nonchalant aura.
"Welcome to Hellfire!"
The blonde woman raised her glass and smiled.
Hellfire Club?
Michael was slightly surprised. The Hellfire Club was a well-known and powerful mutant organization. Unlike the X-Men, who sought peaceful coexistence with humans, or the Brotherhood of Mutants, who aimed to conquer humanity, the Hellfire Club operated as an elite group focused on its own development—neither too low-key nor overly high-profile.
Looking at the blonde woman in white before him, Michael immediately recognized her.
He glanced around the room, identifying the individuals. "White Queen, Red Devil, and over there... Sarah?"
"It seems you're well-informed about Hellfire. That makes things easier," the White Queen said with a smile. "In fact, the reason you're here is that we want to invite you to join the Hellfire Club."
Michael curled his lips. "An invitation after attempting to control me? How sincere."
"I can't help it," the White Queen replied lazily, flicking her hair. "Everyone knows you, Michael, are not easy to deal with. Unlike Magneto, I'd prefer not to send people to their deaths." She gestured to the sofa opposite her. "Please, sit. I have no intention of fighting you."
"Really? Was the mental attack earlier just a friendly greeting?" Michael sneered as he walked over and sat down.
Moments ago, he had felt a mental force trying to invade his mind, only to be blocked by the spiritual barrier provided by his lantern ring. It was obvious that the White Queen had attempted to control him.
"I'm just testing the waters," the White Queen admitted nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal.
"Fine. Tell me, why go through all this trouble to bring me here?"
"As I said, we want you to join the Hellfire Club."
"And why should I? What makes me so special? And most importantly, what's in it for me?" Michael asked, his tone light but edged with suspicion.
The White Queen leaned forward slightly, her expression turning serious. "Since you absorbed the powers of John, I've been keeping an eye on you. At first, I thought you were a mutant, but after witnessing your ability to absorb the Human Torch's powers, I realized you were something far more dangerous. Your powers are extraordinary, Michael, and they terrify people. They'll want to eliminate you to feel safe. Magneto was only the beginning."
Michael smirked faintly. He was well aware of the fear his powers invoked. If he were in their shoes, he'd likely try to destroy someone like himself, too. But fear of his enemies didn't concern him.
"So what?" Michael shrugged. "Let them try."
The White Queen nodded slightly, her smile unwavering. "That's exactly why I want you on our side. With the Hellfire Club's resources, we can minimize your troubles and help you grow stronger. I can provide you with any ability you desire, saving you the hassle of finding it yourself."
"It sounds tempting. But no one offers help for free. What's the catch?" Michael asked.
"Nothing major," the White Queen replied. "All we ask is that when you reach your full potential, you ensure the safety and prosperity of the Hellfire Club. It's a small price for someone like you."
Michael raised an eyebrow. The proposal sounded too good to be true. The White Queen wasn't a simple woman; without the Black King, Sebastian Shaw, she had single-handedly maintained and even expanded the Hellfire Club's influence. Her abilities and cunning were formidable.
"It's rare for someone in your position to trust so openly," Michael said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
The White Queen sighed theatrically. "Running a club like this isn't easy, Michael. But with you, things could change. Sure, there may be some initial resistance, but once you solidify your position, no one will dare challenge you—or us."
Michael chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I'm not interested."
The White Queen blinked, clearly taken aback. "Why not? My offer is generous—"
"Because I don't need your help," Michael interrupted. "If anyone wants to cause me trouble, they're welcome to try. I'll deal with them myself. And as for abilities? I have my own ways of acquiring what I need."
Michael stood, glancing briefly at Sarah, who had been standing beside him in silence. "Release her from your control. Now."
The White Queen shrugged, and Sarah instantly snapped back to her senses, looking around in confusion.
"Michael? What's going on? Where are we?" she asked.
"I'll explain later," Michael replied. Turning back to the White Queen, he added, "Even though we're not collaborating, surely you won't mind sharing a drink with me before I leave?"
The White Queen opened her mouth to respond but froze. Michael's eyes had turned pitch black, and a sinister energy filled the air. Before she could react, her body stiffened. Against her will, she poured a glass of wine and walked over to Michael.
"That's it?" Michael teased. "I've heard of a more intimate way to share a drink. How about holding the wine in your mouth and feeding it to me?"
The Red Devil's face darkened, his anger boiling over. "You dare insult the White Queen?"
In a flash, the Red Devil disappeared, reappearing behind Michael. At the same moment, Sarah moved from her position near the door, her knives gleaming.
Michael didn't even look. With a casual wave of his hand, a powerful gust of wind knocked the Red Devil off balance and sent him flying.