Bab 133: Forgotten Strength
Charles looked at Alex's behavior and sighed helplessly, "Alright, Alex, please don't encourage Bobby in the wrong direction."
Alex shrugged, replying casually, "I'm just showing him how to handle bullies like this properly. Someone who dares to mess with Anya and the others must have a screw loose, don't you think? If we don't put him in his place, who will?"
"Teaching him badly? Why would you say that? Isn't it typical for boys his age to act impulsively? Besides, someone like that needs to learn a lesson," Alex retorted lightly.
Charles smiled wryly. At that moment, a news bulletin interrupted their conversation on TV.
"After the recent unrest in New York, more and more ordinary people have been injured by mutants. In response, the president and Congress have conducted investigations and discussions, leading to the approval of the Sentinel plan, aimed at apprehending and preventing mutant-related incidents. Next up, a showdown between the Sentinel and a mutant known as Stir, who has reportedly killed two women and possesses the ability to manipulate bone structure..."
The footage shown by Emma earlier was being broadcast, albeit with the gruesome parts concealed.
It was then announced that they were only discussing strategies and not advocating for the harm of mutants. The Sentinel was portrayed as the perfect solution to deal with mutants.
Charles's expression darkened upon hearing this news. After a moment of silence, he sighed heavily, saying softly, "Let's go. We need to keep a close eye on this Sentinel, or even take steps to dismantle it."
Charles appeared resolute, having glimpsed the future and resolved to prevent further tragedies.
"It's good that you see it that way. I half expected you to stick to your guns," Alex remarked with a Smirk.
"Persistence is necessary, but these are extraordinary times," Charles replied with a laugh.
"I'll inform Eric and have him join our discussion," Charles stated after a brief pause.
"I've already informed him and advised him not to get involved," Alex shook his head.
"Fair enough. If humans catch wind of this, they'll likely deploy Sentinels to encircle Eric. We won't stand idly by. It could escalate into a full-blown war between humans and mutants," Charles remarked, contemplating the potential consequences.
"Don't you think mutants should show humans a little something?" Alex recalled the shock and awe humans experienced when Magneto and Jean displayed their powers in X-Men 3.
"Humans have short memories when it comes to not being hurt. They're forgetful, too. Despite the horror of the Apocalypse catastrophe 20 years ago, where millions died, they seem to have forgotten the threat mutants pose," Alex reflected, feeling the need to remind them.
"Such actions would only drive mutants further into the abyss," Charles shook his head.
"Ah, not again, Charles," Alex sighted.
Charles, however, seemed to be under an illusion...
Taking the three youngsters with him, Alex addressed Charles, "These three have stopped attending school lately. They'll stick close to me, as will Storm and Jean."
"No problem," Charles nodded. With Sentinels on the horizon, mutants were facing a precarious situation. Staying with Alex provided a measure of safety, much better than remaining at the current location.
"What kind of Sentinel can you handle?" Kitty asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Heh, Sentinels can only really challenge third-level mutants at best. Once you hit the fourth level, it's a whole different ball game. And for me... well, let's just say I'd make short work of it," Alex replied with a wry smile.
True enough, with current technology, developing a Sentinel capable of taking on anything beyond a third-level mutant is no easy feat, that's for sure.
Third-level mutants are the backbone of the mutant side.
But when it comes to folks like Charles, Eric, and others at the fourth level, it would take at least five to ten Sentinels to hold them down.
As for fifth-level mutants... well, these Sentinels wouldn't stand a chance.
But Alex's true strength has remained hidden for many years. Only a handful of individuals like Jean, Charles, Eric, Psylocke, Angel, Storm, Summer, Quicksilver, and Hank know the real story behind how the Apocalypse catastrophe was averted.
As for the rest of humanity, all they know is that mutants prevented the disaster. The details of how it was stopped and who stopped it remain a mystery.
Even S.H.I.E.L.D is in the dark, with only vague connections to Charles, Eric, and Alex.
But it's all just speculation. The truth is shrouded in mystery, known to none.
At the time, there were no witnesses left in Cairo. Everyone perished, leaving behind only pyramids in place of buildings, standing tall as silent witnesses to the cataclysm.
(End of this chapter)
Bab 134: The Devil
As time passed, the repercussions of Nick Fury's underestimation of Alex's abilities loomed ominously over the Sentinels' mission.
New York City, typically bustling with activity, now exuded an eerie stillness—a deceptive calm that masked the impending storm brewing beneath the surface.
"Are you confident that these Sentinels can handle a mutant of Alex's caliber?" Nick Fury's tone was measured, his gaze focused on the towering Sentinels below.
His eyes betrayed a hint of doubt. While the Sentinels might prove effective against lower-level mutants, Fury envisioned a team of exceptional individuals like Carol, capable of confronting any threat head-on. Mutants represented a valuable asset in this vision, but their unpredictable loyalties posed a significant challenge.
The recent approval of the Sentinel program by Congress marked a pivotal moment. Even if powerful mutants could be recruited, their allegiance remained uncertain. In such a scenario, the Sentinels stood as the last line of defense—a necessary evil in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
Nick Fury's strategy was sound, meticulously planned, yet flawed in its underestimation of the true might of fourth-level mutants.
Apocalypse, the epitome of a fourth-level mutant, wielded unparalleled power capable of reshaping cities and manipulating even figures as formidable as Charles into triggering global catastrophe.
Even in altered timelines, Charles foresaw only devastation, highlighting the overwhelming force posed by these mutants.
"The capabilities of a fourth-level mutant far exceed our current technology," Stryker admitted, acknowledging the immense challenge they faced.
"Individually, a single Sentinel may falter, but a coordinated unit of five or six can pose a formidable threat," he added, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Having never encountered a fourth-level mutant firsthand, Stryker grappled with doubts about the Sentinels' readiness for such a confrontation.
"When can we expect the full deployment of the 300 Sentinels?" Nick Fury's inquiry was sharp, his demeanor betraying a sense of urgency despite his outward calmness.
"Barring any unforeseen complications, we can produce ten Sentinels daily, completing the fleet in approximately a month," Stryker replied, his tone reflecting cautious optimism.
"One month..." Nick Fury mused, weighing the timeline against the looming specter of impending conflict.
"Understood, Director. In one month's time, we'll initiate the deployment of three hundred Sentinels as per your instructions," Stryker affirmed, his expression resolute as he absorbed Fury's strategic directives.
Nick Fury's tactical acumen shone through in his meticulous planning. Dividing the Sentinels into targeted groups, with a focus on neutralizing Charles's potential threat, showcased Fury's understanding of the power dynamics within the mutant community.
Regarding Alex, Fury saw him not just as a formidable mutant but also as a delicate balance—a force that could tip the scales if mishandled. This insight led Fury to tread carefully, using Alex's presence as a deterrent rather than a direct target.
Fury's astuteness extended to his perception of Charles's psyche. Aware of Charles's reluctance to intrude into others' minds, Fury calculated that their conversation today would remain confidential, shielding his plans from unwanted scrutiny.
If Alex were to probe, Fury had a ready-made scapegoat in Stryker, deflecting blame onto the architect of the Sentinel program. This strategic maneuver showcased Fury's ability to manipulate situations to his advantage, leveraging the intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the mutant world.
Despite Fury's meticulous planning, there lingered a hint of uncertainty regarding Alex's true potential. While categorized as a fourth-level mutant, Alex's subdued presence in comparison to figures like Eric and Charles hinted at hidden depths yet to be fully explored.
Fury's initial focus on Alex stemmed from his role in safeguarding Stark's legacy, a task fraught with external pressures and potential threats. However, Fury's cautious approach to handling Miller's abilities underscored his awareness of the risks involved in underestimating seemingly lesser-known mutants.
The strategic delay in targeting Alex allowed Fury to gauge his strength and assess potential outcomes before committing fully to a course of action. This calculated approach extended to leaving behind Sentinels for reconnaissance, gathering valuable intelligence on Alex's capabilities and alliances.
Fury's schemes, while elaborate and ruthless, were tempered by a keen sense of pragmatism. If unable to match the forces at play, Fury understood the peril of being outmaneuvered and relegated to the ranks of casualties in a high-stakes game of power and survival.
.....
Join my exclusive P@treon community for 60+ thrilling chapters!
Free members get two or more advanced chapters for FREE.
Don't miss out, join now!
Link: pa*treon.com/MidnightWonder (Remove the *)
Status Power Mingguan
200+ Peringkat
Power 
2 Power
stone Anda mungkin juga menyukai
Komentar Paragraf