DC/Marvel: This Guy is Insane

The government had invested vast human and material resources into numerous projects to solve the "mutant crisis."

The Restoration Serum was just one of them. The equipment to produce the serum cost tens of billions of dollars, and they couldn't let it be destroyed by mutants. The key was the experimental subject with nullification abilities. They had tried to clone the subject, but the ability did not manifest in the clone, so they treated the original subject with extreme caution, moving them secretly at the slightest hint of trouble.

In fact, defending the equipment was just a test.

The Brotherhood of Mutants did indeed want to establish a society led by mutants, but they weren't entirely mad. Magneto was rational and acted with great restraint. Aware that he lacked the absolute strength to confront the government, he tried to minimize casualties in each operation, typically eliminating key targets to achieve his goals before withdrawing. If he crossed the line, the Brotherhood of Mutants' laughable power would be no match for the state machine. In that case, the X-Men would undoubtedly stand by, as Charles would have no reason to rescue a criminal who had gone too far.

Of course, this didn't mean Magneto was merciful; hundreds had died at his hands. His restraint was mainly out of consideration for his faction. If he were alone, he would not be so cautious.

S.H.I.E.L.D., on the other hand, used this test to determine if the Brotherhood of Mutants' threat level had increased. If confirmed to be out of control, they would not hesitate to implement a strike plan. Protecting the equipment was the best-case scenario; if they couldn't, they would find someone to take the blame. After all, with the ongoing Vietnam War already costing trillions, a few tens of billions was a rounding error. They could easily balance the books and give the public a plausible explanation.

"Hey, Boss, it's only been a few days, and you're looking even more handsome. Your looks are starting to threaten mine."

Alan led his team to meet Apocalypse.

Natasha and the six Winter Soldiers, along with Psylocke, who was monitoring him, were present. Alan had no control over Psylocke.

"What's your plan?"

Apocalypse had more or less adapted to Alan's erratic way of speaking. As long as he was useful, he could be tolerated.

"Boss, I've already spread the word. The Brotherhood of Mutants is preparing to raid a government research institute. When the two sides clash, we'll make a grand entrance and blind them with our brilliance," Alan said confidently.

"That wasn't your original plan," Apocalypse said, confused. Last time, Alan had boasted about building a power base through Stryker. Why was he now targeting the Brotherhood of Mutants?

"Plans change."

Alan sat in his wheelchair, legs crossed, and said seriously, "We must be flexible and not rigidly adhere to the plan."

Everyone sat down, waiting for him to explain the new arrangement.

Alan took out a carrot, held it between his fingers, took a deep breath, and pretended to exhale smoke.

"Didn't you quit smoking?" Archangel couldn't help but ask.

"I switched to cigars."

Alan straightened up and got back to business. "I used Hydra to leak information to both sides, guiding them into conflict. At the crucial moment, Boss, you will step in to build a persona."

"Build a persona?"

Apocalypse frowned slightly. He had never been one for pretense, always relying on his strength to crush dissent. He disliked manipulating people's minds.

"Boss, our goal is to have the three factions fight among themselves while we watch from the sidelines. It makes no sense for us to get involved directly," Alan said, taking a bite of his carrot. "Through this incident, we'll help Magneto, enhance his powers, and explain that our goal of establishing a mutant nation is consistent with the Brotherhood's. We should cooperate, not be enemies. This show of goodwill will ensure that, at least in the short term, they won't be our enemies."

"Enhancing Magneto's power? Isn't that creating a formidable future rival?" Archangel immediately countered.

Everyone present who knew the mutant world was well aware of the relationship between Magneto and Charles. They would inevitably become adversaries.

"I didn't ask you to be my straight man. Let me finish."

Alan took another bite of his carrot, a confident and cunning smile on his face. "Who killed Magneto's mother?"

Everyone waited for Alan to reveal the answer. Who had the time to dig up such historical details? It wasn't their mother who was killed.

"The answer is the leader of the Hellfire Club, the Black King."

Alan leaned back, arms crossed, and started to show off.

"When a man has power, his first thought is revenge. Magneto has always been seeking vengeance. When the Brotherhood and the Hellfire Club are at each other's throats, the X-Men will have to intervene, leaving them with no time to deal with us. I will then use Hydra's intelligence to provide Magneto with the Hellfire Club's movements. He will surely hunt them down worldwide. By the time they realize what's happening, heheh… they will find that our power is already established."

It seemed plausible. Magneto, seeking revenge against the Black King, Charles, out of friendship, would naturally side with his friend. Moreover, the Hellfire Club consisted of elite mutants who were essentially a criminal organization. The X-Men would never ally with them.

"Boss, I must remind you, don't kill anyone. It's about building a persona. We need to give Magneto the impression that we are a principled organization with a bottom line. This will make them lower their guard. Also, many S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are our Hydra people. If we kill them, we'll have no one to use," Alan added.

Apocalypse nodded slightly. "Very well. Until our great cause is achieved, I will follow your arrangements."

"Boss, with your character, failure is impossible. If we fail, it will be my fault, not yours."

Alan's eyes were full of admiration. He rose and walked over to Apocalypse, pulling a carrot from his armpit. "Boss, you should smoke a cigar. It's a statement."

"No need." Apocalypse knew what cigars looked like from television, and the idea of one from Alan's armpit made his skin crawl.

Alan sheepishly stuffed the carrot back into his armpit.

At this moment, Natasha brought over a receiver and turned it on. The chatter of agents filled the room.

"Damn it, that guy tore down a bridge and is trying to use it to span the gap between the shore and the island."

"All units, double-check for any metal objects. Magneto can control metal and kill with it."

"Team A, carry specialized machine guns and set up a firing point on the third floor of the institute."

"Ghost snipers, find a sniping position and lock onto high-value targets."

"All squads, assume positions as practiced."

…

Listening to the commands, it was clear that S.H.I.E.L.D. was well-prepared.

Apocalypse and his team were in no hurry, waiting for the battle to escalate before making their move. Intervening prematurely would not only fail to achieve the desired effect but could even be counterproductive.

[Chapter Complete]

***

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