Isshin wanted Ryuuto dead.
Quicksilver, arms crossed and patience long gone, snapped at Mystique.
"If you're that desperate, then go in alone! I'm not stopping you."
Mystique didn't bother arguing. She knew he wouldn't listen anyway. After one last glance at the chaotic battlefield, she blurred into motion—slipping past the gunfire and slipping inside the X-Men's headquarters like a ghost. Whatever she was planning, nobody knew.
Then, the world went still.
The tanks and fighter jets, once roaring in unison, suddenly went silent.
Engines cut out. Lights died. The sky fell into a dead hush so eerie it made even hardened soldiers flinch.
"What the hell's going on?! Who told you to stop firing?"
Quicksilver, waiting to see Ryuuto torn apart, erupted in fury. Veins popped on his forehead as his face twisted into something almost demonic.
"Fire! Keep firing, damn it!"
But the next sound froze him.
A crack.
Something—no, someone—exploded midair, scattering blood and bone like red confetti. But Ryuuto himself… was gone.
Vanished.
Not even a shadow remained.
"Impossible! A clone? Illusion? What kind of trick is this brat pulling?!"
Quicksilver's thoughts spiraled. His heartbeat thundered in his skull. He barely noticed the blur of movement behind him until—
"Too slow."
The voice came from right at his back.
Ryuuto had already appeared behind him, blade gleaming, eyes sharp and merciless. His Breathless Killing Technique had slipped right through Quicksilver's senses.
"When did you—?! You sneaky little—"
Quicksilver didn't finish. The blade flashed past his nose, missing by inches. He screamed, stumbling backward.
"Help! Someone stop this psycho! He's right here!"
His panicked shout cracked through the comms. Soldiers scrambled, tanks rotated, every gun locked on the lone figure standing amid the smoke.
But Ryuuto didn't flinch.
"A pack of idiots serving two bigger idiots. Fitting."
He smirked, his tone as calm as if he were scolding children. "You all came here to die? Fine. I'll save you the trouble."
He slammed his fist into the ground.
The earth split open, spiderweb cracks racing outward. Shockwaves tore through the field. Tanks flipped, bodies flew, screams filled the air.
[System Alert: Physical Power Surge – 500% Output!]
Ryuuto moved like a crimson storm, his body a blur of violence. Each swing of his blade carved through steel and flesh alike. Mutants who charged him were launched skyward or crushed beneath rubble. Within moments, the battlefield had become a graveyard.
Watching from afar, Quicksilver could barely believe it.
"A bunch of useless trash! What are you even doing out there?! Damn it all!"
He cursed as he ran, cowardice overpowering rage.
Meanwhile, Bobby, Wolverine, Tony, and Steel stood frozen, eyes wide.
"Holy crap… is he even human?" Bobby muttered.
Tony grinned faintly. "Guess that's our captain."
"Bobby, Tony!" Ryuuto roared across the field, blade dripping red. "No holding back! End this here and now!"
"Got it!"
"With you leading, hell yeah!"
The X-Men surged forward, their renewed energy lighting the field like dawn breaking through smoke. Together, they pushed back the tide.
Deep underground, Professor Charles worked swiftly under Jean's protection. His brows furrowed.
Someone else had just entered the base.
And this presence… wasn't friendly.
...
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