Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Boss, It's Them!
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No wonder Strick was able to merge mutant abilities and create powerful X-Weapons—he had Essex's support!
Nathaniel Essex, this old monster, was as old as Logan and was a peculiar enthusiast. He had a penchant for collecting mutant genes to enhance himself and even create clones.
"Mr. Sinister, you're telling me this is the guest you mentioned?" Essex said with a playful glance at Mike.
His voice was deep and smooth, like a seasoned opera singer, making it pleasant to listen to.
Strick nodded and apologized, "Sorry, sir. I've caused you trouble."
"Trouble?" Essex smiled faintly. "This is a fine addition to my collection."
Strick let out a relieved sigh, but his tone quickly turned anxious. "Sir, there's another mutant. He went to rescue the test subjects."
"Test subjects?" Essex raised a finger and shook it gently at Strick. "Don't use such cold terms to describe them. They are unique pieces in my collection."
"Collection" sounded even colder than "test subjects"…
Mike couldn't help but mutter in his mind.
"Don't worry, they won't escape," Essex said with a calm smile, casting a quick glance at the silent XI Weapon. "Let it chase him. I'd like to see how it performs."
Strick nodded and gave the order to XI Weapon.
With a flicker, the XI Weapon vanished from its spot.
"Impressive," Essex commented, his gaze shifting to Mike with evident interest. "Now, would you care to discuss your ability?"
Mike's jaw tightened. Discuss? What the hell? I don't want to talk to you! You're just going to learn about my ability and then capture me for your experiments.
Mike's lips twitched, forcing himself to respond, "My ability is summoning."
He had no choice but to stall for time, hoping for some way out.
This old monster's ability was far beyond the level of an average mutant. Even with Logan by his side, they wouldn't stand a chance.
"Summoning?" Essex's face lit up with surprise. "I've never encountered such an ability before."
"Summon what?" Essex asked eagerly.
Mike's expression turned serious. "I just need a bit more time. You'll find out soon enough."
Damn it, where is the Black King? Why hasn't he shown up yet?
As Mike maintained a calm expression, his mind raced, thinking of how that card could help him get out of this predicament.
One second, two seconds…
Essex waited with curiosity.
Ten seconds, twenty seconds…
Essex furrowed his brow, beginning to suspect he was being played, though he still held on to a glimmer of expectation.
Half a minute later, his expression darkened. "Apologies, but my time is valuable. I'd rather continue my own research."
He raised his hand as if dismissing the conversation.
Mike's eyes narrowed, the sense of danger looming like a mountain pressing down on him.
Just then, two figures appeared in front of Mike, surrounded by a subtle red mist.
They were both dressed in suits, looking like gentlemen at a fancy banquet.
One had blood-red skin, resembling a demon from hell, while the other had a stern face and a tall, imposing stature.
The Red Demon Azazel, and the Black King Sebastian Shaw.
Mike let out a breath of relief. As the two men and Essex exchanged surprised glances, Mike pointed at Essex and Strick.
"Boss! It's them! They've been using mutants for experiments!"
"Everyone else has been rescued. Get them out of here, quickly!"
Sebastian gave Mike a soft nod after hearing his words.
This was Raven's friend. To be here at all, he had to thank Mike. He'd just called him "Boss"—did that mean he was trying to join them, the Hellfire Club?
A thought flashed in Sebastian's mind as his gaze turned cold and detached, landing on Essex. "Is what he said true?"
The tone of his questioning was unmistakable…
Essex's mood soured. With equal indifference, he replied, "Did you send him here to steal my collection?"
"Collection?"
Sebastian's gaze turned cold.
He dared refer to his own kind as "collections"?
He… Damn him!
The two stared at each other, an intense tension filling the air as the atmosphere thickened with hostility.
Watching this, Mike let out a breath of relief.
The Black King in this world was completely different from the Black King in the original storyline. If Mike had to make a comparison, the Black King here was more like Magneto from the original plot.
Sebastian took a step forward toward Mr. Sinister. As he did, it was as if a beast had entered another beast's territory, and their battle was immediately ignited.
Mr. Sinister's body moved, vanishing from sight. When he reappeared, his fist was already slamming into the Black King's face.
"Hah!" The Black King sneered, mocking, "What's the matter? Did your nanny forget to feed you breakfast?"
Mr. Sinister's expression remained impassive, his fists raining down on the Black King's body like a torrential storm.
The Black King, however, stood with his arms crossed, remaining completely unfazed and continuing to taunt his opponent.
Mr. Sinister stepped back, sneering, "What's wrong? Is your power just to be a punching bag?"
"A punching bag? Then you—"
The Black King took a step forward. The ground cracked beneath him as his body flickered and vanished.
"Boom!"
His fist landed in Mr. Sinister's abdomen.
"Try this!"
"Whoosh!"
With those words, Mr. Sinister's body bent backward, flying like a projectile, crashing through the wall behind him. His feet skidded along the ground, leaving deep grooves in the earth.
"Hahaha!"
Mr. Sinister laughed wildly. The diamond-shaped symbol on his forehead faintly glowed red, and his eyes began to shine with a blood-red light.
He was angry now—he was ready to get serious!
Without hesitation, Mike dashed toward the window, and the Red Demon vanished in a burst of red smoke.
"Die!"
Mr. Sinister raised his hand, targeting the Black King.
"Boom!"
A transparent shockwave appeared, surging violently toward the Black King.
The Black King remained still, smiling, even spreading his arms wide as if savoring the moment.
His ability was energy absorption—he could absorb all forms of energy, converting them into his own power, or release them back out. He could also use absorbed energy to enhance his physical strength, speed, and endurance.
Mr. Sinister's attack was essentially charging him up.
The shockwave hit the Black King, but the residual energy blasted outwards in all directions.
Boom! Boom!
The ground rippled like waves, the surrounding walls crumbled, and even the ceiling was torn apart. The entire laboratory collapsed in a thunderous roar.
In an instant, dust flew up, blocking the sky.
As Mike leapt through the window, he looked back at the horrific scene, silently astonished.
Just then, a red mist appeared by his side.
The Red Demon flashed Mike a grin. "Thanks for the help."
Mike gave a dry laugh. He didn't want to get involved with the Hellfire Club, but as he was about to leave, a portal opened not far away.
Mike's gaze immediately turned cold as he looked at it.
Two figures stepped out from the portal.
Strick and Mr. Sinister's underlings—those two had managed to escape the battle between the two monsters.
(End of Chapter)