DC/Marvel: This Guy is Insane

"The Crassus Bridge was destroyed last night by the Brotherhood of Mutants, which has been officially designated a terrorist criminal organization. Any citizen with information is urged to report to the police immediately for a corresponding reward."

"Live from New York News, the Crassus Bridge, a five-year, ten-billion-dollar project connecting the city's financial center and a landmark building, was tragically destroyed last night."

"According to official statistics, there were no fatalities in last night's terrorist incident, but the damages amount to tens of billions of dollars."

"Senator Robert proposes strict legal control over mutants, demanding information collection and tracking of all mutants in society."

"Anti-mutant protests have erupted in various states."

…

The news reports all revolved around Magneto's destruction of the bridge. The crisis on American soil naturally sparked panic among the public. Of course, since only a bridge and a research institute were destroyed, the government was in no hurry to intervene. Had there been mass casualties, they would have immediately deployed the military. Charles's lobbying behind the scenes had also left room for negotiation. High-ranking officials were actually afraid of pushing too hard, fearing assassination by mutant criminal organizations.

As for the protests, they were an old American tradition. They happened almost daily—human rights, women's and children's rights, environmental issues, anti-war movements—all taking turns to hold rallies. To politicians, it was a familiar sight, just a tool for presidential elections.

"What's your plan?" a group of them asked Alan as they watched the television.

"The plan is secondary; the result is what matters," Alan said, turning off the TV. "Magneto has already gone after the Hellfire Club. The X-Men will probably get involved soon."

With intelligence support from Hydra, a much stronger Magneto had immediately turned his attention to the Hellfire Club. Charles would inevitably lead the X-Men to intervene. Alan had made it clear they would not get involved for the time being, and there were no objections.

In the meeting room, everyone was present: Apocalypse, Archangel, Psylocke, Deadpool, Alan, Natasha, and the six Winter Soldiers. In terms of overall combat power, they were certainly a match for any of the other factions, but they chose to remain low-key for now.

Alan took out a syringe, proudly saying, "Boss, the only threat is the Phoenix Girl. I managed to sneak back a serum."

At the sight of the syringe, all the mutants present felt a chill, fearing the madman might go crazy and inject them. Even Apocalypse wasn't sure if he could withstand a dose and keep his powers. The nullification ability was a natural counter to mutants.

"You've thought of everything," Apocalypse nodded with satisfaction.

"Of course. How else could I be a villain?" Alan said sinisterly. "When the time comes, I'll sneak up on the Phoenix Girl, inject her, and neutralize her powers. The world will be ours."

In reality, it was unknown if the serum would be effective against a Level 4 mutant, and it was certainly ineffective against a Level 5 mutant. Alan, as a transmigrator, knew this. Wade, who could break the fourth wall, probably knew it too, but the others were clueless. Wade, however, wouldn't expose the plot. He was curious to see what scheme Alan was brewing.

At that moment, Apocalypse raised a shielding force field, enveloping the entire meeting room. "Someone is trying to probe us telepathically." He was clearly referring to Charles. The only person in the world capable of such a large-scale telepathic intrusion was Professor X with his Cerebro helmet.

In the Cerebro chamber.

Charles removed the helmet, sighing in frustration. "I can't find Erik. It's like he doesn't exist." Charles, who often used his telepathic abilities to chat with Magneto, felt a sense of defeat. Usually, he would invade Magneto's mind, urging him to return to the path of righteousness and join the X-Men, while Magneto could only fume in helpless rage. It was like his mind was an unlocked house, with Charles coming and going as he pleased. It was incredibly embarrassing for the prideful Magneto. Now, with the helmet, Magneto had decided never to take it off, even if it meant never washing his hair again.

"You could ask Raven," Ororo suggested.

"I suppose I have to," Charles hesitated, then activated his powers again. He and Mystique had grown up like brother and sister. When he and Magneto had gone their separate ways, Raven's decision to join Magneto had been a devastating blow.

After a few moments, Charles removed the helmet, his face grim. "Raven told me everything," he said to Ororo and Logan. He recounted all the details, leaving them shocked.

"There must be a conspiracy," Logan analyzed. "Why would Apocalypse help Erik? Their ideologies are similar, which makes them competitors. And judging by his previous actions, this guy is not someone who negotiates." Wolverine, with his centuries of experience, was a wise judge of character. He could tell Apocalypse was a ruthless figure who preferred to conquer through force.

"Apocalypse helping Erik, pitting the Brotherhood against the Hellfire Club… is this a scheme?" Ororo conjectured. "That madman joined Apocalypse, and they haven't made any overt moves. Perhaps we are also part of their calculations."

"Whether it's a scheme or not, we have to help Erik." The Brotherhood of Mutants and the X-Men were frenemies, having cooperated many times. Their relationship wasn't one of mortal enemies. The Hellfire Club, on the other hand, was a group of criminals driven by selfish desires, with no possibility of redemption. Besides, this could be an opportunity to finally crush the Hellfire Club. As for Apocalypse's faction, as long as they didn't cause any major trouble, letting them be for a while was an option.

As the X-Men prepared to support the Brotherhood of Mutants, Colonel Stryker, a man who loathed humanity, was secretly proceeding with his ultimate Weapon X plan. Stryker looked at the five clones in their incubation chambers, his eyes filled with murderous intent. He had been used as a bargaining chip, nearly eliminated by the military. If it weren't for his value, he would have been euthanized long ago.

"I will make you all pay," Stryker seethed, his heart filled with hatred. Hatred for Charles and the X-Men, for the traitorous Sabretooth, and for the meddling Alan and Wade.

Thinking of Wade, Stryker subconsciously glanced at a metal coffin in the corner. An adamantium coffin, specially prepared for Deadpool. The man claimed to be immortal. Well, they could just weld him inside the coffin and drop it into the Pacific Ocean. Let's see if he survives that.

"Who do you want to make pay?"

[Chapter Complete]

***

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