Time flows relentlessly.
Before Richard realized it, three months had passed.
He had expected Phoenix to lose control and transform into Dark Phoenix relatively quickly, but this assumption had proven overly simplistic. Throughout these three months, Jean Grey hadn't displayed any signs of instability or unusual behavior. Perhaps due to Richard's "warning," Professor X had deliberately reduced Jean's involvement in field missions.
Though Phoenix hadn't yet lost control, the mission carried no time limit, allowing Richard to wait patiently for the inevitable opportunity.
During these three months, he had embraced the lifestyle of a New York billionaire. After resolving Tony's anxiety and insomnia issues, the industrialist had introduced Richard to Manhattan's elite social circles, initiating him into high society's distinctive brand of decadence. Though superficially frivolous, Richard had to admit this lifestyle held undeniable appeal.
The social scene had exposed him to countless socialites, debutantes, and aristocrats. Throughout these months, he'd encountered numerous actresses, models, journalists, flight attendants, and college students—all desperately attempting to integrate themselves into upper-class society.
After experiencing this world firsthand, Richard better understood how Tony Stark—fundamentally an engineering genius—had developed his notorious playboy reputation before becoming Iron Man. Indeed, even Richard, after only brief exposure to this lifestyle, detected concerning indications of similar tendencies developing within himself.
Lust truly is the root of all evil. Carnal desire cuts like a blade to the bone. Say no to vice—starting now!
Despite sharing Tony's bohemian existence, Richard hadn't neglected his training during these months. His dedicated practice had successfully elevated both Octoslash and Judgement Cut End to level four. Though his other abilities hadn't advanced as dramatically, their proficiency had significantly improved.
Most importantly, he had increased Sephiroth's template fusion percentage to 60%.
While the rise from 45% to 60% represented substantial progress, it brought unwelcome news. The threshold required to manifest the One-Winged Angel form far exceeded his initial estimates.
He had originally hypothesized that surpassing the 50% critical point would unlock either the One-Winged Angel transformation or signature abilities like Heartless Angel. However, even at 60% fusion, the angelic form remained inaccessible. As for abilities like Heartless Angel, they showed no signs of awakening.
Though somewhat disappointing, the improved template integration yielded significant benefits. Primary among these was his expanded magical capacity:
[Mana: 5000/5000 (recovery rate: 1500 points per hour)]
Three months earlier, his total magical power had capped at 2000 points. Now it had more than doubled to 5000 points. Beyond the improvements from upgrading Judgement Cut End and Octoslash to level four, most of this dramatic increase stemmed directly from enhanced template fusion.
The second major benefit was improved magical control. He could now emulate Sephiroth's ability to materialize both clothing and the Masamune using pure mana.
After mastering these techniques, Richard first experimented with conjuring Sephiroth's complete outfit. Then he began attempting to merge the Masamune and Yamato into a single weapon.
Neither the Masamune nor Yamato qualified as ordinary metal weapons. Though both possessed physical forms, they exhibited capabilities far beyond conventional armaments.
Following Sephiroth's "resurrection," he could manifest the Masamune through energy manipulation. Similarly, the Yamato had demonstrated its ability to merge with Nero's demonic arm.
After multiple attempts, Richard successfully combined the Masamune and Yamato. Essentially, he embedded the Yamato within the magically-formed Masamune.
Due to this fusion, the Masamune gained the Yamato's "separation" ability, significantly enhancing its sharpness and facilitating easier execution of Judgement Cut End.
When necessary, he could extract the Yamato again, wielding the Masamune in his left hand and Yamato in his right to implement his distinctive dual-sword style. However, once separated, the Masamune would lose its "separation" capability, reverting to its original form.
Beyond the dual-sword approach, Richard could now employ a three-sword style by summoning the Phantom Swords. This would enable him to fight similarly to a certain green-haired swordsman, with one critical difference—rather than gripping a sword between his teeth, Richard would control the Phantom Sword telekinetically. Biting a sword's hilt hardly suited his current aesthetic.
Approximately 9:00 AM Silver Manor, New York Suburbs
After Tony introduced him to New York's elite society, Richard had relocated from Emma Frost's luxury apartment to Silver Manor. The name carried no particular significance—he had selected it arbitrarily.
A shrill phone ring echoed through the master bedroom, rousing Richard from his slumber. Checking the display, he saw Tony's name and answered with resigned exasperation:
"This better be important. If you're calling to recommend those twin models like last time, I'll personally dismantle every suit in your collection."
Though their acquaintance spanned merely three months, Richard and Tony had rapidly developed a friendship based on similar sensibilities. According to Tony, Richard ranked fourth on his friendship hierarchy—behind only Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, and Colonel Rhodes, but ahead of Bruce Banner.
While Pepper had transformed Tony from playboy to devoted partner, Richard had embraced the lifestyle Tony had abandoned.
"Do I really seem that tiresome?" Tony's voice crackled through the speaker.
"You're not just similar to me—you're my reflection," Richard retorted.
"Then let me clarify that you've misinterpreted me. I'm not nearly as predictable as you imagine," Tony replied. "I'm calling with serious information. You—or rather, all mutants—are about to face significant complications."
Mutants facing complications?
Richard frowned immediately.
Extracting his arm from beneath Emma Frost's pillow, he sat upright and inquired, "What kind of trouble are we facing?"
Tony didn't equivocate: "I've received intelligence that Trask Industries has developed a cure for the X-Gene. They're holding an official press conference tomorrow morning."
What?
Richard froze at this revelation.
He was intimately familiar with both the concept of an X-Gene cure and Trask Industries. Moreover, he understood precisely what would happen if such a cure became widely available.
"You're certain Trask Industries has developed this X-Gene cure?" he asked gravely.
"I wouldn't have contacted you without verification," Tony confirmed. "From what I understand, this X-Gene treatment is remarkably effective—capable of neutralizing any mutations caused by the X-Gene. As a mutant, you comprehend the implications."
His voice grew more serious. "Additionally, various White House officials have mentioned you recently—seemingly interested in resuming targeting you."
"They want to hunt me again?" Richard smiled grimly. "If that's their intention, they should prepare for the consequences."
To everyone else, Richard's abilities originated entirely from the X-Gene. Only he knew that his mutant powers constituted merely a fraction of his capabilities. Even without X-Gene abilities, he would retain strength far beyond ordinary humans.
"I've conveyed all essential information," Tony stated. "Your next steps are yours to determine. I should mention that two months ago, the military placed orders with several weapons manufacturers for firearms designed to fire specialized ammunition."
"I acknowledge your formidable abilities, but this cure presents genuine danger. Once administered, even you would lose your powers."
Tony's voice softened slightly. "However, should you be captured, don't despair. I'll definitely engineer your rescue. You're fourth on my friendship list—I won't abandon you."
Though unable to see Tony's expression, Richard recognized the sincerity in his words.
"Don't worry," Richard assured him. "If I were that easily captured, I wouldn't have survived long enough to become your friend."
"That's all for now. Thank you for the warning."
Richard ended the call and sighed deeply.
So it still emerged?
He had initially believed this universe wouldn't develop an X-Gene cure. After all, this wasn't the X-Men cinematic universe—neither the Statue of Liberty incident nor the Alkali Lake catastrophe had occurred.
Though unexpected, Richard quickly reconciled himself to this development. Even outside the X-Men movie continuity, if American authorities discovered mutants with abilities similar to Leech's power-nullifying capacity, developing a mutant cure became inevitable.
As long as mutants existed, neither the United States nor other global powers would abandon research into methods of neutralizing them.
"Is this X-Gene cure truly dangerous?" Emma Frost asked.
"Extremely dangerous for mutants without enhanced physical resilience," Richard replied.
"That shouldn't concern you," she observed. "If bullets can't penetrate your skin, you're certainly immune."
"Not necessarily," Richard countered. "The X-Gene cure might not be limited to injection delivery. They could develop alternative administration methods—mixing it into water supplies or food, possibly even creating an airborne variant."
If the cure were delivered solely via darts as depicted in the films, Richard would indeed remain unconcerned. Even standing motionless while targeted by such projectiles, his defenses would prevent penetration, eliminating any risk of the cure entering his system.
However, if Trask Industries developed alternative delivery mechanisms, the situation became far less predictable.
Though the X-Gene cure's emergence was unexpected, Richard found himself more concerned with Phoenix's inevitable loss of control. He doubted the timing was coincidental. In his assessment, the X-Gene cure would likely serve as the catalyst triggering Jean Grey's transformation into Dark Phoenix.
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