Bab 164: Battle of Titles

Authors Note-

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Apocalypse noticed Ivan's arrival and intriguingly halted. He fell to the ground, swiftly transforming into an ordinary human shape. However, his expression turned complex as he observed Ivan.

Initially, upon his resurrection, Apocalypse believed his strength closely matched Ivan's, with Ivan at most slightly stronger. Yet, over time, Apocalypse realized Ivan's strength surpassed his wildest expectations, prompting introspection.

After a year of strengthening and activating the ability to absorb genes, he thought he could overpower Ivan completely. However, in their recent clash, Ivan effortlessly restrained him. This compelled Apocalypse to reassess Ivan's strength.

Meanwhile, the General descended, his cloak dissipating into a black mist. It slowly condensed into a ghostly figure.

Simultaneously, his silver armor and long sword melted, transforming into a liquid that, after some wriggling, took the form of a Red queen resembling a little girl.

Observing the scene, Ivan knew that her seemingly small form concealed nano-robots that Ivan's traceless extension spell controlled. The general's gruesome features were exposed without the armor shield, accompanied by a two-meter-high dog leaping from his mouth. The general's towering figure then diminished to an ordinary person's size.

Surveying Apocalypse, Red Queen, Ghost, Simba, and General, Ivan questioned, "Explain. What's happening? What conflict led to this?"

Apocalypse hesitated, casting a glance at Ivan behind him. Ivan followed his gaze, spotting Chris, Kyle, Eli, and Clark, realizing they were the instigators. His expression darkened as he demanded, "Come here!"

Chris, Kyle, and Clark lowered their heads, appearing embarrassed. Eli, however, spoke foolishly, "Dad, it's not a fight but a battle for titles. If we win, the title of Apocalypse belongs to us. It's crucial to us. You can't stop it, Dad."

"A title?" Ivan was puzzled. "It's just a title. Why make it such a big deal?"

Turning to Apocalypse, Ivan questioned, "And you, why engage in this tedious game? Betting on your name!"

Apocalypse shrugged, indifferent, "I don't like the Apocalypse name. It was imposed on me. They can have it if they want it, but they insist on earning it through strength. I agreed because I needed a good fight, and they conveniently presented themselves for it."

The four kids were disheartened by Apocalypse's words, using them as motivation for a workout.

"Why do you want the Apocalypse title out of the blue? Do you have nothing better to do?" Ivan angrily interrogated the four kids.

"Cough cough!" Chris cleared his throat, a bit embarrassed, "Well, you see, I was discussing mutant matters with Er and the others today, including mutant names. Almost everyone has their unique title—Cyclops, White Queen, Riptide, Mystique, Magneto, Red Tank, Saber-tooth, etc. Eli found it cool, so she suggested we give ourselves impressive names, too."

"You thought of the Apocalypse name? And there are four of you!"

"No, no!" Chris hastily shook her head, "Initially, I declined. Our situation demands discretion. We need to maintain a low profile and hide our strengths. But later, I realized it was unnecessary for us, but General and the others needed it. A prestigious title can intimidate others, befitting their powerful abilities and look good on a car. I found it reasonable for Chris and Clark, and I agreed."

"It's a naming matter. Initially, we considered Necromancer King, Zombie King, Beastmasters, and Battle Kings, but none felt loud enough."

"Then the Red Queen suggested that their situation resembled the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The general evolved from a zombie, integrating vampire abilities into their bodies. The zombie virus merged with vampirism. Though they've never used it, they can act like vampires, spreading the virus through blood-sucking and creating descendants, akin to the plague in the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse."

"Ghost transformed from dead undead. His power stems from death, bringing death to life. Isn't he a death knight? Then there's Simba, whose ability is devouring, like an insatiable foodie, symbolizing the famine knight."

"Lastly, Red Queen can shape-shift into any weapon she needs—cold weapons, swords, sticks, axes, or even firearms like muskets and cannons—fitting the war-themed title."

"But there's a hitch. If the generals and the others use the Four Horsemen title, wouldn't they become En Sabah Nur's subordinates? That's a no-go. So, we're set on claiming the Apocalypse title."

At this point, Ivan comprehended the situation, feeling helpless about his children's imaginative ideas. However, a lingering doubt arose, "It makes sense for them to use the Four Horsemen title, but Apocalypse, who is going to use that title?"

Eli scornfully looked at Ivan, saying, "Dad, do you think we didn't think of that? Of course, we can't use the Apocalypse name. We've pondered this extensively. Don't they have a combo move? They merge into something celestial."

Ivan nearly facepalmed, feeling uncomfortable being mocked by his daughter. "Alright, let's end today's affairs here. Everyone, focus on your tasks, and don't linger here."

Witnessing Ivan's unusual anger, the mutants found it amusing. For many, it was their first time seeing Ivan in such a state. With a chuckle, they turned around and strolled back toward the base.

"Wait, Dad, we haven't decided the winner yet; the title hasn't been determined. We can't just..." Eli was dissatisfied with Ivan's decision and shouted, refusing to give up.

Ivan grew annoyed and shouted, "Shut up! This is my decision. Do you have any objections?"

Roared by Ivan, Eli's expression changed abruptly. She pouted, looking aggrieved, squatted on the ground in anger, and muttered, "Dad, you have no conscience, curse you. Become a chicken in soup, eat and be..."

Before Eli finished speaking, Chris and the others suddenly changed their expressions, hurrying to stop Eli's mouth, leaving Ivan bewildered.

When Ivan was about to inquire, a sudden mutation occurred. One threw a water polo among the dispersing mutants, exercising his ability. However, the one behind him accidentally kicked the mutant controlling the water in front, causing the water ball to hit Ivan squarely on the head. From top to bottom, Ivan was drenched.

"This..." Ivan raised his hand in a daze, looking at the soaked clothes, then glanced at Eli, squatting there with a sad face. Remembering what she said earlier, he angrily asked, "What the heck is going on?"

The three siblings exchanged glances, and finally, Chris stepped forward, addressing Ivan mournfully, "As you can see, Eli seems to have awakened a certain ability. She has become a harbinger of bad luck. It will turn out like this. Of course, it's not all bad. Sometimes, she can say some good things. For example, you won your bet. We've experimented on it, and small events have a 100% success rate, but for larger events, the chances are minimal."

Ivan's eyes flickered, quickly piecing together what had happened. Eli was a new individual formed by combining the powers of Gaia and Alaya. In some ways, she inherited the luck of the Earth and humans, influencing everything around her. Her ability had a certain sense of order on Earth, but it was previously too subtle to be noticed. Now, various abilities were gradually awakening.

"When did this happen? Did it have any adverse effects on Eli's body?"

"No, we understand the quirkiness of this ability. After discovering it, we immediately checked Eli, and neither her body nor soul was affected."

Ivan was reassured and approached Eli. At this moment, Eli held her ears with both hands, looking at Ivan as if she had committed a wrongdoing. "Okay~ I don't blame you, but remember not to use this kind of power lightly in the future, okay?" Ivan shook his body, and the moisture on his clothes evaporated instantly.

"I understand. I won't do this in the future, and I won't vie for the Apocalypse title," Eli said relievedly upon hearing that Ivan didn't blame her.

"If you want it, I'll give you the title of Apocalypse," Apocalypse generously declared.

Ivan scratched his head, asking, "Then what about you? Will you change your name?"

"Doesn't matter. Even if you keep calling me Apocalypse, it will be clear. They are called Apocalypse only when the four of them merge. It may not happen once in a few decades. I plan to travel the universe with you in a few days. Isn't the Black Shadow mercenary group short of the workforce? In the future, I'll be off Earth, and it's good for them to inherit the name of Apocalypse.

Ivan nodded. Apocalypse had expressed a desire to explore the universe earlier, but Ivan had been busy studying the power of Apocalypse's rules. Now that the research was complete, leaving him on Earth served little purpose. Sending him to the mercenary group would provide an additional guarantee.