Kapitel 43: Ever-Evolving #43
"It's trying to communicate with someone. Can you stop it?" Evan asked, turning to Ororo.
"I can try." Ororo's frown deepened as she took on the challenge that Evan had presented. Her focus intensified, the air around her becoming charged with an ethereal energy, an anticipation of power that crackled and surged. The glow that emanated from her eyes was a testament to the raw might she was invoking, channeling it into the very fabric of the atmosphere.
As Ororo channeled her energy, the air began to shimmer with an electrifying intensity, as if the elements themselves were responding to her command. It wasn't a fully-fledged EMP, but it was a tangible manifestation of her control over the natural world, a display of her ability to manipulate the very forces that surrounded them.
The machine's reaction was palpable, its confusion evident as it lowered its arm, its robotic form betraying a hint of uncertainty. The electricity that danced in the air seemed to perplex it, disrupting its connection to whatever it was attempting to communicate with. In its monotone voice, it acknowledged the disruption with a chilling precision, "Fatal weakness discovered. Disabling voice functions."
Evan's response to the machine's words was a mixture of wry amusement and a sense of heightened concern. The irony of the machine's realization—that broadcasting its intentions might not be the wisest tactical move—wasn't lost on him. He observed the machine with a hint of fascination, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of their adversary.
Evan's voice, resolute and laced with urgency, cut through the charged atmosphere. "This thing is learning," he noted, his eyes never leaving the machine's form, "We need to end the fight quickly."
The machine's expression remained an enigmatic mask, its features devoid of emotion, yet Evan couldn't help but perceive a subtle hint of annoyance lurking beneath that facade. It was as if the machine regarded Evan's interference as a bothersome interruption, an intrusion into its calculated course of action.
Evan's exasperated sigh echoed the sentiment that was brewing within him—a weariness born from witnessing the same mistakes being made time and time again.
A touch of resignation colored Evan's thoughts. If there was one lesson that the Marvel universe seemed to obstinately ignore, it was the danger of meddling with artificial intelligence. Countless instances of autonomous combat machines had ended in tragedy, and yet the allure of creating powerful, self-thinking weapons remained irresistible, despite the inevitable consequences.
Evan's gaze shifted, refocusing his attention as his other students began to converge around him, their presence a testament to their solidarity and readiness to back each other up. His words held a tone of both caution and readiness as he addressed them, "We're up against an advanced machine of sorts. It's capable of learning your powers and adapting countermeasures..."
The students, their expressions already reflecting a mix of concern and determination, had witnessed firsthand the machine's ability to neutralize Iceman's powers. Evan's words merely confirmed their suspicions, solidifying the threat they faced.
Evan, never one to belabor the point, seamlessly transitioned into his strategy, his voice carrying the weight of experience as he continued, "Like any other machine, this one is likely powered by an energy source inside its body." His gaze shifted to the machine, his words addressing it directly, as if engaging in a calculated dialogue with an opponent that could understand. "We take out the energy source, and this thing will turn into a pile of scrap..."
The students' collective resolve was palpable, a harmonious symphony of determination that resonated through their every action. The bond they shared with Evan had been forged through rigorous training, and the various scenarios they had navigated under his guidance had honed their instincts to a razor's edge. Now, as the impending clash with the advanced machine loomed, each of them assumed their positions with an unspoken understanding of their roles.
The coordination among them was seamless, a testament to their familiarity with one another's abilities. Nightcrawler's teleportation skills whisked him beside Armor in an instant, his hand resting briefly on her shoulder before they both vanished in a swirl of sulfur-scented smoke.
The magical effect dissipated as they reappeared, and Armor stood encased in her energy armor, a pulsating shield that exuded both strength and resilience. Without a moment's delay, she launched herself at the machine, a kinetic fury channeled into her blows.
Angel's wings unfurled with a graceful sweep, propelling him into the air where he soared alongside the machine's flank. His movements were a ballet of flight and agility, his combat expertise evident in the way he danced through the air.
Iceman, aware that his ice powers were ineffectual against this particular adversary, maintained a strategic distance. His focus shifted to support, conjuring ice projectiles that zipped through the air, each aimed to distract and disrupt the machine's focus.
Nightcrawler, his indigo skin blending with the shadows, remained poised for any eventuality. His teleportation prowess and acrobatic agility made him an unpredictable presence on the battlefield. Ready to spring into action at a moment's notice, he positioned himself as the safety net, prepared to rescue any teammate that found themselves in a perilous situation.
Kitty's role in the unfolding drama was pivotal, her power of phasing serving as the linchpin of their improvised plan. With determination in her eyes, she propelled herself toward the machine, her form phasing in and out of physical matter. Her intention was clear: she aimed to penetrate the machine's exterior, locate its energy source, and extract it from within.
The dynamics of the battle shifted with a fluid precision that spoke volumes about the students' training and their ability to read each other's intentions without the need for elaborate communication.
Angel's keen observation caught Kitty's advance, and he swiftly alerted Armor with a succinct "Incoming." Armor's response was immediate and decisive—she coiled her energy armor around the machine's waist, effectively immobilizing it within her powerful grasp.
The machine retaliated, its mechanical fists raining blows onto the energy armor encasing Armor. In that very moment, Angel swooped in, his wings slicing through the air as he launched himself toward the machine.
A powerful kick struck the machine's face, followed by a deft maneuver that locked its arm in a vice-like hold. The machine staggered under the assault, teetering precariously on the brink of imbalance.
Seizing the opportune moment, Iceman sprang into action. With a fluid motion of his hands, the ground beneath the machine transformed into a sheet of ice, causing the machine to lose its footing. It tumbled to the ground, a metallic clatter resounding as it hit the earth. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Kitty seized the opening.
Her form blurred with her phasing ability, she lunged at the machine. Like a wraith, she passed through its exterior, disappearing within its metallic shell. Her presence within the machine was marked only by a ripple in its surface, a sign of the intangible battle ensuing within its depths.
Ororo observed the unfolding spectacle with wide eyes, her astonishment evident as she murmured to Evan, "Their teamwork is honestly better than some of the oldest members of the X-men..." Her admiration for the students' coordination was palpable.
Evan's chuckle carried an air of pride as he responded, "I taught them myself. This much is only natural..." His gaze remained locked onto the battle scene, a mix of concern and anticipation etched onto his features. He recognized the students' potential, yet he also acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead.
As the machine writhed and emitted sparks, caught in the intricate dance of battle, Evan's sigh was heavy with a mixture of sentiment. "But they're not ready to take on something like this on their own. Not yet."
In a display that seemed almost in response to Evan's concern, the machine unleashed a series of actions that shifted the tide of battle dramatically. Its response was sudden and ferocious, as if proving the weight of Evan's words.
The machine's thrusters roared to life, propelling it forward with a burst of speed that caught everyone off guard. In a swift and calculated move, it latched onto one of Angel's wings, prying him off its arm with a jarring force that sent him hurtling through the air. His silhouette became a fleeting shape against the dark backdrop of the night before he collided with the sand and rolled to a stop.
Taking to the air with a grace that belied its mechanical nature, the machine twisted its body mid-flight. Its movements were precise, calculated, as it turned to Armor. Blows rained upon her energy-clad form, forcing her to release her grip on the machine. The sheer force of the assault propelled her forward, and she stumbled as she fell to the ground.
With a final, decisive motion, the machine turned its attention to the troublesome intruder within its metallic frame—Kitty. A shift in the machine's mechanics reverberated through the air, its body vibrating at an alarming rate.
The outcome of this sudden action became immediately evident as Kitty was ejected from the machine's interior. Her body emerged from the machine's frame, a look of shock etched onto her rapidly paling features. As gravity seized hold of her, her descent toward the ground was swift and inevitable.
The gravity of the situation settled upon the battlefield, a stark reminder of the machine's resilience and the challenges it presented. The students were momentarily scattered—Angel recovering from his airborne collision, Armor finding her footing once again, and Kitty's pale form descending to the earth.
...
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