Bab 24: Norway!
As time had moved on, the mansion had slowly grown quieter and quieter as the night descended upon everyone. The festive cheer was still lingering in the air, as the glow of Christmas lights illuminated the environment.
Most of the families had retired to their homes as the night had came upon them, and the younger mutants went back to their rooms in the mansion, nestled in their beds as they dreamed of the holidays.
Meanwhile, as all of this happened, Maxim stood in the dimly lit hallway outside of his sister's bedroom, his back leaned against the wall as he folded his arms and glanced at the door. He could hear Katya's soft, steady breathing from inside.
She had fallen asleep clutching one of the sketchbooks she had been proudly showing him earlier, filled with everything from the X-Men and Iron Man, to beautiful landscapes and even a few family portraits.
Maxim smiled and chuckled to himself as he thought about how Katya's eyes had shone so brilliantly with pride and excitement while showing him her artwork.
She had eagerly told him about her new friends, classes, favorite teachers, and even pranks she pulled using her telepathic powers. For a couple hours, it was as if nothing else mattered, as they were just siblings enjoying each-other's company.
But now, reality was seeping back in. He knew he couldn't stay. He still had goals, missions that he needed to complete.
With a quiet sigh, he pushed off the wall and headed downstairs, his steps silent on the polished wood floors.
The mansion was almost eerily peaceful at this hour, with only the faint hum of the heating system and the occasional creak of the old building breaking the silence.
Maxim moved with purpose, his mind already shifting gears as he planned his next steps.
The X-Men were waiting for him downstairs, their postures relaxed but watchful. Professor Xavier sat in his wheelchair near the grand staircase, his hands folded in his lap.
Storm and Jean stood off to the side, with Cyclops, Logan and Nightcrawler further back.
"Heading out already, Mr. Novikov?" Xavier's voice carried an undercurrent of curiosity and perhaps a touch of concern.
Maxim nodded, his expression calm. "I have a lot to do. Places to be." He glanced toward the stairs, his thoughts still lingering on Katya, "But I wanted to thank you all again. For everything you've done for her."
Jean stepped forward, her expression warm, "You don't need to thank us, Maxim. Katya is a special girl, and she's become a part of our family here. We'll always look out for her."
"She's been a bright spot for a lot of people here," Storm added, her voice soothing. "She's strong, but she's also still a child. We'll make sure she grows up happy and safe."
Maxim's gaze softened as he looked at the women, "I appreciate that more than I can say." He paused, then added, "She deserves a childhood. A normal one. And I know that's hard to come by for mutants."
Professor Xavier inclined his head slightly. "We do our best to provide that, despite the challenges. Katya has adapted remarkably well, and she's flourishing. But…" His gaze sharpened, the subtle probing of his telepathy brushing lightly against Maxim's mental defenses, which immediately flared in response.
Maxim's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of warning in them. The lights in the environment immediately dimmed, a blanket of darkness wrapping around everyone as Maxim's form shifted.
"But you're curious about me, aren't you, Professor? Your actions are quite disrespectful, I wonder what you'd do to my sister if she didn't have her own mental defenses." Maxim said.
Xavier held up a hand, a placating gesture, "Merely concerned, Mr. Novikov. You have a unique presence, and your sister's abilities are… extraordinary. Her telepathic power can be cataclysmic in the wrong hands. It's natural for us to be cautious."
"Cautious," Maxim echoed, his tone neutral. He glanced at Jean, who was watching him with quiet intensity, her empathy radiating in gentle waves, "I understand that. But my business is my own. I'll protect Katya in my own way."
"Of course," Jean said softly. "But if you ever need help, you can always reach out. For her sake, if not your own."
Maxim gave a slow nod. "I'll remember that."
With that, he turned and moved toward the door, his movements sure and unhurried. The X-Men watched him go, a mixture of emotions playing across their faces.
He paused at the threshold, his hand resting on the doorframe as he turned back one last time. "Thank you," he said again, his voice quiet but sincere, "For everything you've done for her. Take care of her."
"We will," Jean promised, her gaze steady, "And take care of yourself, Mr. Novikov. She cares for you a-lot, make sure to visit more in the future."
Maxim nodded, then stepped outside into the crisp, cold night. The air was sharp and clear, the snow crunching softly underfoot as he made his way toward his car. He was almost to the vehicle when a small voice called out behind him.
"Maxim!"
He turned just in time to see Katya running toward him, her small figure bundled in a thick coat, her face flushed with cold and excitement.
He smiled, kneeling down as she reached him, her breath puffing out in little clouds as he held her in his arms.
"Princess, you're supposed to be asleep," he teased gently, brushing a lock of hair from her face as he looked at her tired expression, chuckling at how adorable she looked.
"I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye," she protested, her eyes bright and a little wet,
Maxim's heart clenched, and he pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her small arms wrap around his neck. "I wouldn't dream of it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead, "I love you, Katya. More than anything."
She clung to him, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "I love you too, Maxim. Don't be gone too long, okay?"
He closed his eyes, holding her close. "I'll be back, I promise. And next time, I'll bring someone very special with me."
Katya pulled back, her eyes wide and curious. "Who?"
He smiled, a mysterious light in his eyes. "Your sister-in-law."
Her mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sister-in-law? You're getting married?"
"Not yet," he said, chuckling. "But I'll find her. Soon."
"Where?" she asked eagerly, bouncing on her toes as she looked towards him. Maxim's smile widened, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Norway."
"Norway?" she repeated, her voice filled with wonder. "Wow…"
He chuckled again, brushing his fingers through her hair. "I'll tell you all about it next time, okay? Be good, princess."
She nodded solemnly, though her excitement was barely contained. "I will. I promise."
He kissed her forehead again, then gently released her, standing up. "Go inside, it's cold out here."
She hesitated, then threw her arms around him one last time before stepping back, her eyes bright and filled with love. "Bye, Maxim. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Katya," he said softly, his heart aching as he watched her turn and run back toward the mansion, her small figure disappearing into the warm glow of the foyer.
He stood there for a moment longer, his breath misting in the cold air, then turned and got into his car, the engine purring to life as he pulled away from the mansion, his thoughts already turning to the next part of his journey.
As the mansion disappeared in the rearview mirror, his gaze hardened, his mind focused. There was a lot to do, and not much time. But he had made a promise, and he intended to keep it.
Norway. Hela, that was his long term goal. As the Goddess of Death, she was one of the most powerful persons in the MCU, and could become a worthy ally.
The only problem was she was just a bit too battle crazy, but Maxim was sure with his knowledge, he'd be able to convince her to join him. But before that, he still had many things he needed to do.
Finish the Battle of New York, get the Mind and Space Stone, destroy the Red Room and recruit the Black Widows, take over Madripoor.
There was so many things he was planning, but all of this was not only to protect himself, but also to protect Katya, to create a world she can live in danger free.
Bab 25: A.N.G.E.L.
ONE MONTH LATER!
Inside Maxim's home estate, the lab was currently a fortress of steel and glass, redesigned by Maxim using his powers to improve space and security.
Soft, ambient lighting illuminated the high-tech equipment lining the walls, casting long shadows across the polished floor. Not only had Maxim redesign the room, he had also done lots of work creating high-quality equipment.
Towards the primary work station, dozens of monitors flickered with streams of data that constantly flowed in, reflecting the meticulous and precise mind of Maxim as he entered the room.
Dressed in a sleek black tracksuit, Maxim moved with a calm, controlled precision. His eyes, glowing faintly from his Cosmic Power as he had just finished training with Astra's abilities, determined to fully integrate her before the battle of New York.
It was a slow and arduous process, but every time he grew stronger, it reminded Maxim that it was worth it, that it was all towards the primary goal of becoming strong enough to protect himself and his sister.
Currently, this lab was a culmination of over two months of relentless work, countless hours of planning and calibrating. Many of his plans had come close to being fulfilled, and today, one of those plans would be achieved.
Maxim approached the central command console, a massive screen that dominated the far wall, and began his final checks.
The initialization sequence for the Artificial Intelligence Maxim had designed from the ground up to be his most trusted ally, codenamed A.N.G.E.L. It ran through a checklist of system protocols and diagnostics as he prepared to finally activate the AI Assistant.
"Power levels stable," he muttered to himself, checking the readouts. "Nanotech network ready. Energy manipulation circuits online. Neural network synchronization complete."
He paused, fingers hovering over the keyboard, before keying in the final command. This was it, the culmination of his technological genius, enhanced by the intelligence template inherited from Killjoy. The moment he would bring his vision to life.
The screen blinked, shifting from rows of green code to a swirling pattern of light. A calm, feminine voice filled the room, each syllable enunciated with perfect clarity.
"System initialization complete. Good evening, Maxim. I am A.N.G.E.L., the Advanced Nexus for Global Execution and Logistics. All systems are fully operational and awaiting your command."
Maxim took a step back, crossing his arms as he scrutinized the display. It showed a virtual representation of Madripoor, with streams of data cascading down as A.N.G.E.L. began integrating itself into the island's various networks.
The AI's reach extended across civilian infrastructure, military defenses, and even into the hidden corners of cyberspace. Within seconds, A.N.G.E.L had expanded from just Madripoor, completely swarming the entire online space, sinking its technological teeth everywhere.
Within seconds, almost every device in the world was infiltrated by Maxim. The only exception was Wakanda, who ran on their own isolated technological sphere, which Maxim didn't want to bother.
Maxim nodded once, satisfied, and then spoke, his voice carrying a weight of authority and expectation.
"A.N.G.E.L., what is your purpose?"
There was a brief pause, as if the AI were considering its response, though Maxim knew it was merely a programmed delay. Then, the voice responded, steady and confident.
"My purpose, Maxim, is to serve and assist you in all of your plans. I am here to ensure the security and prosperity of Madripoor once you take it over, to execute your strategies with precision and efficiency, and to optimize all operations under your command. I am designed to anticipate your needs and to act in alignment with your objectives. How may I assist you today?"
Maxim couldn't help but feel a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips. This was exactly what he envisioned, an AI capable of not just following orders, but of adapting, learning, and growing with him as he pursued his goals.
With A.N.G.E.L. at his side, there would be no enemy too dangerous, no problem too complex. He had come a long way from his days of confinement and experimentation.
Now, with A.N.G.E.L. at his side, the future seemed to stretch out before him like a tapestry of endless potential. Madripoor was the next step, a city ripe for the taking.
"Good," he murmured, his voice firm, "Now, A.N.G.E.L., I want a full analysis of Madripoor, current leadership, power dynamics, population, and any influential factions. Most importantly, I need a comprehensive strategy to take control and establish my rule. What's the best way to ensure complete and undisputed dominance over the city?"
The screen flickered as A.N.G.E.L. processed his request, data streams shifting and rearranging into a complex web of information, lines of code flooded the various screens as A.N.G.E.L ran the calculations.
Within moments, a detailed map of Madripoor appeared, overlaid with various symbols and annotations. Key locations and points of interest were highlighted in red and green, while clusters of data nodes represented different groups and factions.
"Of course, Maxim," A.N.G.E.L. replied, her tone even and precise, "Madripoor is currently governed by a loose coalition of crime lords and political leaders, with no single entity maintaining absolute control. This group of crime lords and political leaders control the majority of the city's underground operations and have substantial influence over both the Lowtown and Hightown districts."
As A.N.G.E.L. spoke, images of the various branding of the Crime Gangs appeared.
"There are several other notable factions," A.N.G.E.L. continued. "The Clan Yashida, a powerful yakuza group, has a significant presence in Hightown, particularly in the financial sector. They have strong ties to the Japanese government and maintain a façade of legitimate business operations."
Maxim noted the positions of their headquarters and key assets, mentally cataloging each potential threat and resource. A.N.G.E.L. zoomed in on the Lowtown district, where a different cluster of icons indicated areas of influence.
"In Lowtown, the main factions include the Dragon Tong, a triad organization specializing in narcotics and human trafficking, and the Blood Angels, a paramilitary gang that controls much of the district's arms trade. Both groups are highly territorial and often engage in violent skirmishes over territory and resources."
Maxim just listened, absorbing the information and constantly thinking about possibilities. He could already see cracks that he could exploit to bring the Nation under his control.
"What's the population size?" he asked, leaning closer to the screen.
"Madripoor's current population is approximately 400,000," A.N.G.E.L. responded smoothly. "The majority reside in Lowtown, where living conditions are poor, and criminal activity is rampant. Hightown, by contrast, houses the elite and affluent, as well as most of the city's political and financial institutions. The disparity between the two districts is a significant point of tension and a potential avenue for manipulation."
Maxim nodded, already formulating plans. The key to ruling Madripoor lay in controlling both the powerful and the powerless, breaking the backs of the elite while raising the downtrodden to his cause.
"Now," he said, his voice lowering as he considered his next move. "Give me the most efficient strategy to take over Madripoor and become its King. I want complete control. How do I make this city mine?"
A.N.G.E.L. paused, processing his request with a speed that bordered on instantaneous. The map zoomed out, displaying an overview of the entire city, before breaking down into a step-by-step plan.
"Strategy One: Divide and Conquer," she began. "I recommend a multi-phased approach, leveraging both covert operations and strategic alliances. Phase One involves destabilizing the current leadership by exploiting existing rivalries between the major factions. This can be achieved through misinformation campaigns, targeted attacks on key assets, and offering discreet support to weaker factions to increase infighting."
Maxim's lips curved into a cold smile. Sowing discord among his enemies was something he was more than comfortable with.
"Phase Two: Establishing Influence," A.N.G.E.L. continued. "Once the factions are weakened and their leaders are discredited, you can begin to consolidate power by presenting yourself as a stabilizing force. Use your resources and abilities to provide security and prosperity in the most unstable areas, particularly Lowtown. This will create a groundswell of support among the populace, positioning you as a protector and liberator."
Maxim's nodded as he listened to A.N.G.E.L's suggestions, thinking about how he would execute these strategies.
"Phase Three: Eliminate Key Opposition," A.N.G.E.L. stated. "With public support and your influence growing, you can then move to remove the remaining leadership of the major factions. This should be done swiftly and decisively, using either direct action or subterfuge, depending on the target's strength and influence."
Images of the Yashida clan heads, and the Dragon Tong leaders flashed on the screen, each one marked with a red target symbol. Maxim's eyes glinted with anticipation.
"Final Phase: Ascension," A.N.G.E.L. concluded. "Once all opposition is neutralized, and the city's power structure has been reshaped to your advantage, you can make a public declaration of your rule. You can replace all the key political and economic figures with your supporters, to consolidate control."
Maxim stood there for a moment, absorbing the comprehensive plan. It was perfect. A step-by-step blueprint that would bring Madripoor to its knees and raise him to the throne.
"Excellent work, A.N.G.E.L.," he said, his voice low and filled with approval. "We'll start with Phase One immediately. Begin gathering intelligence on the weaker factions and their leaders. I want to know their secrets, their weaknesses, anything we can use to turn them against each other."
"As you command, Maxim," A.N.G.E.L. replied, her tone conveying a faint note of satisfaction. "Data acquisition in progress. Initial report will be ready within 24 hours."
"Also, run an investigation on the Red Room, they're floating around in the sky somewhere, I need detailed images of all assassinations carried out by them, their agents and how they did it. Gather anything and everything you can. Destroying the Red Room and taking in the Widow's is a key aspect of my plan."
"As you command, Maxim, information gathering is in progress. Shall I also run an analysis on the final designs of your and the twins' Supersuits? To confirm feasibility?" A.N.G.E.L replied.
"Of course, you already know me so well A.N.G.E.L." Maxim said with a smile as he turned away from the console, exiting the room as his mind raced.
With A.N.G.E.L by his side, it was time to kick all those plans into high gear. His plans were no longer just ambitions, they were inevitable. Madripoor would be his Kingdom, his domain.
And this was only the beginning.
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