Marvel: Genes of Power

Chapter 005: Energy Absorption and Release

"Smair, are you really sure you don't want to come with us?" Eric's voice held a mix of hope and worry as he stared at his companion. Despite the hardships they had endured together, Eric still couldn't fathom parting ways.

Smair paused, glancing at Eric, before responding in an almost nonchalant tone. "No, I need to find my family. They might have perished in the flames of war, but I have to make sure." Of course, this was a fabricated excuse, crafted to mask his true intentions. Who knew if he even had any family? What mattered was his next destination—the United States. That was where Charles would be, and Smair had a plan. Before Charles turned into the iconic bald telepath, Smair intended to snag a strand of his hair.

Sure, blood would be the ideal genetic source, but the logistics of asking for it were absurd. Imagine walking up to someone and saying, "Hello, can I have a drop of your blood?" Not exactly a conversation starter.

Eric frowned, unwilling to give up. "But we share the same abilities! Wouldn't it make sense for us to stick together? We could accomplish so much as a team!"

Before Smair could respond, Eric's mother stepped in, her tone soft yet firm. "Eric, you've felt the pain of losing your family, haven't you? Smair is likely experiencing the same anguish. Sometimes, people need to walk their path alone. If it's meant to be, your fates will cross again." She crouched beside Eric, her hands resting gently on his shoulders as she spoke.

Eric hesitated, clearly torn, before pulling Smair into a tight hug. "Goodbye, my friend. You'd better not forget me!" His voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotions he tried to suppress.

"Forget you? Impossible!" Smair said with a grin, returning the hug. "We'll meet again, Eric, I promise." With a final wave, he lifted into the air, metal bending effortlessly to his will as he ascended.

He watched them grow smaller in the distance, a mix of relief and anticipation swirling within him. After all, this Eric would one day become Magneto, one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe. There was no doubt their paths would cross again.

As Smair soared through the sky, the ease with which he controlled his abilities astounded him. "This power... it feels so natural, like it's part of me. The only cost is the physical energy it consumes." He smirked at the thought. "Defying the laws of conservation of energy—it's almost too good to be true."

The hours blurred together as he traveled. The vast expanse of land below hinted at his progress; he had likely crossed the European continent by now. Perhaps he was somewhere over China or Soviet territory.

His mind wandered to the current timeline. "If I remember correctly, this is during World War II. That means Captain America is active, isn't he? If I make it to the United States, I might even encounter him and the Winter Soldier." A mischievous grin spread across his face. "If I can get my hands on the super-soldier serum... now that would be a game changer."

Despite his supernatural abilities, Smair's current physique was still that of a ten-year-old. Strengthening his body would unlock his true potential, making him a force to be reckoned with.

Eventually, fatigue began to creep in, and Smair decided to land in a small town. The signs written in English confirmed his location, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, I'm still in familiar territory. Now, let's see if the pound is still valid currency here. If not... well, I might have to resort to some creative fundraising."

By "fundraising," of course, Smair meant extracting money from the overly generous. Surely, saving a starving teenager counted as charity, didn't it?

To his relief, the pound was accepted, and he managed to secure a modest room at a local hotel. As he settled in, the familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind:

[The analysis of the Kinetic Energy Absorption, Storage, and Release ability is complete. Do you wish to enhance it?]

"Yes!" Smair responded immediately, his excitement palpable. Sebastian Shaw's ability was one of the most versatile powers, capable of making its wielder immune to bullets, missiles, and even physical blows. With this, Smair would be untouchable, even in the most hostile environments.

[Enhancement in progress… Enhancement successful. Do you wish to fuse the abilities?]

"Integrate," Smair commanded, his voice brimming with anticipation.

What followed was agony.

Lying in the bathtub, Smair gritted his teeth as his body underwent a brutal transformation. His cells were torn apart and rebuilt, each moment of pain more excruciating than the last. Sweat mixed with streaks of blood that seeped from his pores, staining the water a deep crimson.

"This... is worse than the first time," Smair thought, his chest heaving as he endured the process. When it was finally over, he leaned back, utterly spent. The once-clear bathwater had turned completely red, a testament to the grueling ordeal he had just survived.

Drawing in a shaky breath, Smair stood and turned on the faucet, letting the hot water wash over him. But instead of soothing warmth, he felt... nothing. The heat was absorbed instantly, leaving the water ice-cold as it hit his skin. Even the kinetic energy of the water's flow was nullified.

"It's all being absorbed..." he muttered, equal parts frustrated and intrigued.

Smair said depressedly, and then... gloating again.

Kinetic energy is absorbed, heat is absorbed, all energy is absorbed. So... Sebastian must have no girl in his life.

Then, a thought struck him, and a sly grin crept across his face.

"Poor Sebastian," he chuckled. "No heat, no touch, no sensation... That guy must've had a rough time. Imagine kissing someone, only for the energy to be absorbed. No warmth, no feeling, nothing."

Thinking a little more, thinking a little deeper, Sebastian, apart from the feeling he touched by himself, touched by an outsider, the kinetic energy has been absorbed, and he can't feel anything.

Smair seemed to have discovered some secret.

Can't help but feel pity for Sebastian.

I need to! What's the use of this iron rod? I need to! What about this change? Pooh! ·······

Smair looked weird, he was like a living eunuch, no, Sebastian could still slap him!

The thought spiraled further, and Smair found himself pitying the man. "What's the point of having an iron rod if it's basically useless? No wonder Sebastian always seemed so irritable. Maybe I would have done the same let's end the world"

Still, Smair wasn't too concerned. With the system's help it was strengthened, he could control the ability's quirks. How could the system's strengthening ability still have such a big flaw?

A single thought, and the water warmed again, the gentle pressure of its flow returning.

Smair no longer needs to absorb the energy that cannot cause damage to him.

"Much better," Smair said, a satisfied smirk on his face. This system wasn't just about acquiring power—it was about perfecting it.

As steam filled the bathroom, Smair leaned back, his mind racing with possibilities. He wasn't just surviving—he was evolving. And soon, the world would witness the rise of something truly unstoppable.

*****

You can support me by joining my Patreon and get upto 60 chapters in advance.

patreon.com/Translator_God