Ethan noticed a factory worker running away, holding a mutant suppression collar. The worker swiftly secured it around the necks of both Jamies and hurried off with them.
Adjusting his helmet, Ethan mused aloud.
He wasn't the first to exploit a doppelgänger's powers for profit. In the Earth-1610, Quicksilver had once utilized cloning technology to mass-produce replicas of Magneto's helmet. At the height of the anti-mutant hysteria, he sold them for a fortune.
Are you worried your mutant daughter will hear your thoughts and discover your disdain for her? Afraid Jean Grey will invade your mind and uncover your intentions?
With this perfect replica of Magneto's helmet, you can block telepathy and keep your secrets safe. Now, when you burst into your daughter's room at 2 a.m., gun in hand, she'll never suspect a thing!
The product was a massive success. Even people without mutants in their lives bought helmets—who wouldn't want their thoughts kept private?
---
"I don't get it," Stick muttered as he joined Ethan. "You've copied Magneto's helmet, tied up a bunch of gangsters... What's your plan here?"
Ethan turned to him, smirking. "Come with me. I'll explain."
---
The pair walked down a spotless corridor, passing the former arena and heading toward the newly renovated lab. As they entered, the dim lights and mechanical hum set an unsettling atmosphere.
Several members of the Madrox Gang lay restrained on laboratory tables, stripped bare. Their faces showed terror, and they struggled against their bonds, but escape was impossible.
Walter approached Ethan, his face glowing with excitement. "Ethan! You're back! The Magneto helmet replicas are performing beautifully. Shall we begin the trials?"
Ethan glanced around. "Where's Clint? I haven't seen him since I arrived."
Walter nodded quickly. "He's resting. He went to bed a few hours ago. After all, he's been getting on in years."
Hearing this, Stick perked up. "Clint Barton? Hawkeye?"
Ethan nodded. "He's here."
---
Walter gestured for the experiment to commence.
"Start recording," he instructed. "Experiment No. 1. Subject: male, 24 years old, member of the Madrox Gang."
A scientist injected a super-soldier serum into the subject. Immediately, the man screamed in agony. His body convulsed, muscles bulging grotesquely. Bones cracked audibly as they reshaped.
Ethan narrowed his eyes, carefully observing the transformation. Walter, meanwhile, looked on with gleaming anticipation.
Suddenly, the test subject's veins swelled, and with a roar, he snapped the restraints binding him. Grabbing the nearest scientist by the head, the man's massive hand began to crush his skull.
Before anyone could react, red energy wrapped around the test subject, halting his movements. Scarlet Witch stood silently in the corner, her gaze cold and focused.
The scientist, shaken but unharmed, backed away with a grateful nod toward Wanda.
---
The transformation wasn't over.
The test subject continued to mutate, his screams growing louder. Ethan exchanged a look with Walter, whose excitement was now tinged with apprehension.
experiments were finally bearing fruit, but their true potential—and danger—was only beginning to reveal itself.
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