Chapter 97: New Recruit
"Imagine being able to absorb not just strength, but memories, and even the very essence of life itself with just a touch. The power to mimic others' abilities, it's quite the gift, isn't it?"
Max's voice broke the silence, drawing her attention. "You know where Sentinel's shape-shifting prowess originated, don't you? Mystique may be gone, but her legacy lives on. Ever wondered what an ordinary life might offer before your time is up?"
His hand reached out, gently tracing her cheek.
"Now, I'm calling the shots here. Agree, and I can make your stay a little less agonizing. Impress me, and I might even set you free. But even if you disagree with my plans, you're powerless. So, what's it going to be?"
Max waited, observing as she pondered her options. Her silence disappointed him slightly.
"Is it really that easy to break you?" Max wondered aloud before dropping a bombshell. "There's someone out there, hell-bent on rescuing you, no matter the cost."
Fear flickered in Rogue's eyes momentarily. Max's confidence hinted at meticulous preparation. Even if the professor intervened, escape might not be as straightforward as she hoped.
"Now, your choice," Max prompted.
Still, Rogue remained silent.
"Well, not everyone lives up to expectations," Max mused internally. "Perhaps a softer touch is needed, after all. If she's unfit for my team, perhaps freedom will serve as a more fitting reward."
Just as Max resigned to his decision, Rogue finally spoke up.
"I won't submit. Even if I can't resist now, I won't give in."
Max paused, a smile creeping onto his lips. "Why the resistance? To me, your fate remains the same. But for you, the outcome diverges drastically. Why choose your demise?"
Her eyes narrowed with determination. "Even if it costs me my life, I won't yield to you."
She had made her decision, unwavering and resolute.
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, she couldn't contain her anticipation any longer. Without giving the other party a chance to speak, she found himself restless, as if time stood still.
Suddenly, her eyes flickered open to meet Max's gaze, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he wielded an unfamiliar weapon.
"What's the meaning of this?" Rogue's voice resonated with a deep intensity...
Max remained silent, the trident-like weapon poised menacingly.
Is he planning to end me?
The thought left Rogue bewildered and apprehensive.
In a moment of confusion, the sensation of pain eluded him, replaced by the distinct sound of a mechanism clicking, the iron ring on her wrist now pierced.
Rogue's confusion deepened.
Her wrists and ankles easily freed by the Sai, the liberated Rogue sat up, locking eyes with Max. She couldn't fathom the man's intentions.
"Remember, you're next on my list," Max's words hung in the air as he turned towards the door.
Observing Rogue lost in thought, Max's voice cut through the silence. "Still contemplating staying here?"
"What's going on?"
Rogue trailed after, unable to contain her curiosity.
"I'm not with the Sentinel Secret Service, nor am I part of their plan. I'm here to rescue you. There are others with me, including Kitty. I've instructed her to gather our allies while I secure this place. You can freshen up first, then I'll introduce you to the rest."
"You came to save me, yet you..."
"It was a test," Max stated simply. "Had you surrendered earlier, I would've tasted your surrender as a token of gratitude for saving you."
"And now?" Rogue inquired cautiously.
"Now?" Max's smile widened. "Now, I'm considering recruiting you for my team. Don't mistake my earlier actions for mere games. Your choice does indeed shape your destiny, albeit in a slightly different manner."
Should Rogue concede, not only would Max reconsider his offer, but she might also forfeit the chance to travel to another world with him.
Even if the Sentinel lacked the ability to replicate, their threat remained substantial.
Rogue remained silent, her skepticism evident in the furrow of her brow. Max, however, had no intention of proving anything just yet. Instead, she decided to let Rogue freshen up with a shower before immersing her in the current situation. Accompanied by Lauren and Sonia, they delved deep into the circumstances at hand. What caught Rogue off guard, though, was Max's revelation about the possibility of unlocking a gateway to a new world, a prospect that left her utterly incredulous.
The room they found themselves in was no ordinary space—it was the X-Men's renowned training facility.
Here, simulations of various environments could be conjured, each one tailored for rigorous training and startlingly realistic.
Max proposed a bold plan to Sonia and the others: they would utilize this very room for their training. Not only would it be more effective than using Sentinels as targets, but it would also mitigate the risks they feared.
With the experimenters primed, the room sprang to life, Sentinel data at the ready. Max stood poised for battle, ready to face the simulated onslaught.
And so, the training commenced.
Outside the danger zone, Sonia, Lauren, and Rogue watched intently as Max navigated the simulated combat within. They marveled at her prowess, particularly Rogue, who had developed a newfound admiration for Max after hearing more about her from Sonia and Lauren. Even the teasing test from earlier failed to evoke anger in her now.
Three hours later, Max emerged from the training room, trembling slightly, drenched in sweat.
It was as if a deluge had swept over her.
The efficacy of this training regimen was undeniable. The physical toll rivaled that of actual combat, yet it provided targeted refinement unlike any other.
Max was convinced: three months in this environment, and the integration of Juggernaut's cells would be well underway.
....
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