Marvel: Starting as a Time Criminal, Stealing Powers

In the Principal's Office.

Professor X, Jean Grey, Storm, Cyclops, Mystique, and the other senior X-Men were all gathered.

As the door closed, the surrounding environment transformed into a futuristic chamber with sleek, metallic walls.

No one seemed surprised—this was the Psychic Council chamber, a secure mental space created by Professor X and Jean to avoid any chance of surveillance.

Charles stood up from his wheelchair and asked gravely:

"Hank, did you confirm whether there was a toxin in Pollux's system?"

Beast nodded with a serious expression. "Yes. There was a highly infectious toxin present. The S.H.I.E.L.D. envoy didn't lie."

Storm looked surprised.

"Then it's possible the werewolf was truly defeated by him?"

"I didn't expect S.H.I.E.L.D. to have such a powerful human operative besides Captain America... They've been hiding a lot."

Mystique nodded slightly—her feelings were far more complicated.

Professor X spoke next.

"Nick Fury wouldn't send someone useless here. But that's not the point."

"Pollux was clearly poisoned and lured to the lake to kill Russell. No matter the intent, the outcome is obvious: this incident will provoke S.H.I.E.L.D.'s suspicion of us."

Cyclops interjected:

"Professor, why not use Cerebro to scan everyone's memories?"

"The werewolf was supposed to be under supervision, but he got poisoned somehow. Even Moonstar, who was on duty tonight, was knocked unconscious."

Charles was silent for a few seconds, then slowly shook his head.

"Not yet. We can't jump to that level of distrust. Let's remain cautious for now."

"Tomorrow, I'll personally contact Nick Fury and explain what happened with the 09 incident. He's not an idiot—this can be contained."

Mystique nodded on the surface, but inwardly her heart sank.

The opportunity is tonight. Just tonight!

The others began discussing defensive measures and strategies to flush out the potential mole inside the school.

Mystique almost wanted to laugh.

They were plotting counterintelligence right in front of the actual spy!

Perfect. The leader's plan is working again.

After tonight, there would be death and suspicion. Professor X would be forced to use Cerebro to search for infiltrators.

That was when they'd truly win.

Inside the Cerebro Room.

Russell examined the mind amplifier device.

A shadowy black particle was nestled deep in the seams—well-hidden, almost impossible to detect without close inspection.

He didn't remove it.

If you know the enemy's next move, it'd be a shame not to set a trap…

Hunters need patience.

Satisfied, Russell turned to Cerebro, activated a small portal, and stepped back into his room.

Squeak.

At the same time, the door gently opened and closed behind him.

A soft voice called from the living room:

"Mr. Russell… are you asleep?"

Russell responded from inside:

"Miss Raven? Is that you?"

He walked out to see Mystique standing there in white silk pajamas.

His eyes lit up slightly as he smiled.

"Good thing you didn't stay behind earlier. That werewolf could've seriously hurt you."

Mystique had intended to explain—or at least steer the conversation—but she hadn't expected Russell to misread the situation so conveniently.

Putting on a remorseful expression, she whispered:

"I just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere... I didn't mean to put you in danger."

"Luckily, you weren't injured. If something had happened, I'd have felt responsible... I'd be the one to blame before the whole academy."

As she spoke, she stepped closer and gently hugged him.

Her body trembled slightly, as if holding back tears.

Russell was mildly surprised.

He had experienced enough life-and-death battles to immediately recognize the pressure point in this embrace.

Looks like she can't even wait a single night to make a move...

He patted her back in comfort, considering whether he should stop the act here and just read her mind.

But after a few seconds of thought, he decided against it.

The last mutant with flame abilities had some kind of self-destruction trigger. This woman might have something similar.

If he pushed too hard and triggered her "failsafe," everything from the past two days would go to waste.

Patience is key.

Letting the situation unfold naturally was the only way to reach the puppet master behind her.

Mystique, of course, had no idea that in just a few seconds, the man in front of her had rewritten her fate multiple times.

She bit her lip, leaned closer, and whispered seductively:

"You didn't finish teaching me divination last time… I'd really like to continue learning."

Russell smiled playfully.

Learning is good. I love knowledge.

He didn't interrupt Mystique's performance. After all—how else would he escape unscathed?

If a little cooperation bought him time, he'd "reluctantly" endure the sacrifice.

Russell sat down and began "teaching" Mystique the knowledge she so clearly wanted to learn.

From basic principles to intermediate techniques, she progressed quickly—eventually reaching a critical point in the lesson.

Russell could feel it.

This is the moment where she'll try to assassinate me.

But it still didn't come.

Inside the Room – Late Night

With no other option, Russell continued teaching. After all, divination magic wasn't easy to master—it required deep understanding and mental focus.

Then he was shocked.

Mystique really was learning this kind of knowledge for the first time. She hadn't lied to him.

"No one's ever taught you before?" Russell asked in surprise.

The shape-shifter gave a proud smirk and replied without hesitation:

"Why would I learn from trash? Only someone strong like you is qualified to teach me!"

She wasn't lying entirely.

Mystique had always been proud. Otherwise, she wouldn't have left the X-Men in the first place.

Russell's surprise turned into a pleased smile as he responded with mock humility:

"In that case, I'll teach you even more about divination."

"Though… it might get a little more advanced."

To his amazement, Mystique's learning ability was extremely strong. She even shifted into several different people while learning, and each form seemed to enhance her comprehension.

Within just two hours, she had absorbed everything he could teach her about divination.

At that moment, Russell found himself beginning to understand Supreme Tony Stark a bit more.

But… if it had been an alien student, he wasn't sure he would've been so patient.

Eventually, both of them fell asleep.

An hour passed. Then another.

Suddenly, Mystique opened her eyes.

She silently adjusted her position, found the right angle—and in one swift motion—twisted Russell's neck, snapping it completely.

The room fell still.

After confirming that he no longer had a pulse or breath, she stood up slowly.

Her expression was complicated as she looked down at the man who had, ironically, been the first person to genuinely teach her anything.

After a long pause, she sighed, turned around, and walked away without hesitation.

What she didn't see, however, was that just as she turned away, Russell's finger twitched slightly.

A tiny wisp of white energy floated from his fingertip, marked her back, and vanished in an instant.

After Mystique had fully left, Russell sat up, his neck grotesquely rotated 180 degrees.

"Damn…"

He cracked his neck back into place with a wince.

"That's such a weird feeling…"

He rubbed the sore area. Having his own neck snapped wasn't exactly pleasant—even if it didn't do any real harm.

His body was just too durable now.

Even if you gave Mystique 10,000 attempts, she'd never be able to kill him.

Still, he had to play along.

Russell crossed his legs on the bed and reflected for a moment.

If Mystique had a boyfriend before, he wouldn't have cared. He would've killed the guy without hesitation.

But now?

Now it was different.

This woman had no such past. He had already started to regard her as his.

Whether it was love or not—he'd think about that later.

Love could grow over time.

No rush.

The important thing was making sure she didn't get herself killed.

Still, none of this changed the mission.

It was time to move to the next stage.

After a quick shower, Russell got dressed, left the room as if nothing had happened, and walked down the hallway.

Fifth Floor — Charles Xavier's Room

A few minutes later, he stopped at the door.

This was Professor X's room.

Russell casually grabbed the door handle. A soft green light flashed across the lock—and the door clicked open.

He stepped inside, pulled up a chair, sat by the bed, and spoke casually into the dark:

"Charles, Magneto's here to see you."

Professor X's eyes snapped open.

Turning, he saw a face he recognized—but instead of relaxing, his expression darkened.

"Mr. Russell," he said coldly, "don't you think it's a bit rude to enter someone's room in the middle of the night?"

Russell didn't respond. Instead, he turned on the desk lamp.

Then frowned at the glare and turned it off again with a flick.

"Too bright."

Charles' mouth twitched.

Is this guy insane? Did he turn the light on just to mock me?

Trying to stay calm, Charles asked:

"Is this about the werewolf incident?"

"If so, don't worry—the school will not blame S.H.I.E.L.D. for what happened."

But again, no answer.

Russell's voice dropped, faint and sharp:

"Why didn't you ask if you could come in?"

"Didn't even notice me until I was sitting here..."

"Do you realize how easy it would've been for me to cut off your head just now?"

Charles' expression darkened fully.

"I didn't stop you because I didn't want this to escalate. I was giving you a chance."

"Perhaps I've been too gentle… people seem to forget that I'm still the most powerful telepath in the world."

"If you want a demonstration, I'd be happy to oblige."

Russell shook his head.

Charles raised an eyebrow. His tone softened slightly:

"In that case, leave. I'll speak with Director Fury tomorrow."

But Russell shook his head again.

"That's not what I meant."

"What I meant was…"

He leaned forward slightly.

"You're only the second most powerful telepath in the world."

Professor X narrowed his eyes.

A long pause.

Then he asked quietly:

"Then who's the first?"

Russell smiled, pointing to himself without hesitation:

"Me."

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