Marvel: The Gene Collector

The situation quickly settled, and there were no casualties or major losses. As the leader of Paradise , Alex felt it was best to stay out of the public eye.

In a makeshift tent, Reed was trying to console Ben, who looked dejected. 

Reed approached Alex with a solemn expression. "Boss, I hope you can support our research on solar storms and help us eliminate this super ability."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Why? This is a power that most people would envy. I don't mind if you want to get rid of it, but it's up to you."

Reed shook his head with a bitter smile. "I don't see it as a super ability. I see it as a disease."

Alex placed a reassuring hand on Reed 's shoulder. "I understand your concerns. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Having a super ability isn't necessarily a bad thing. You'll come to see it differently in time."

At that moment, a black firefighter entered the tent. "Some people are outside who want to talk to you."

Alex glanced at Reed and shrugged, indicating it wasn't his concern.

Reed stepped forward, visibly frustrated. "We don't want this to be public. We're scientists, not celebrities."

The firefighter shook his head and turned on the TV. The screen displayed footage of the day's events, showing the group using their super abilities to save lives.

The black firefighter pointed at Reed and the others, saying, "They've named you the Fantastic Four."

Alex's presence went unnoticed, thanks to the simple optical refraction; to everyone else, Alex was invisible.

Johnny, excited, exclaimed from behind, "Cool!"

As they were about to leave, Susan quickly stopped Johnny and asked, "Where do you think you're going?"

Johnny looked at his sister with a puzzled expression, shrugged, and said, "To give an interview."

Susan gave Johnny a disapproving look and said, "Let's sort things out before you start anything, okay?"

But Johnny, eager for the spotlight, couldn't resist the chance to make an impression.

"I'm pretty pushy; I'm sure I can handle it with my brother," Alex chuckled, glancing at Johnny.

"Brother? I didn't know you had a younger brother," Susan said in surprise.

"Didn't I mention? It's Tony," Alex replied.

As they left the tent, Johnny saw the media crowd and, with enthusiasm, spread his arms wide, declaring loudly, "A new era is coming! Yes, this is the era of the Fantastic Four!"

"Your brother's really making a splash," Alex said, laughing.

"It's a bit much," Susan complained.

Johnny, ignoring his sister's comment, grabbed Ben and Reed and cheered loudly, enjoying the moment in the spotlight.

Except for Johnny, no one was particularly happy about the situation. Reed turned to the people around him and explained, "We went to space, got affected by a solar storm, and ended up like this. Our original goal was to find a way to cure diseases and save lives through our research. But now, our own DNA and our lives are in jeopardy. Please, no more questions."

After dismissing the media, Reed felt it was crucial to focus on researching and treating their conditions. Alex continued to support Reed 's research financially.

Alex then took Susan and Johnny to Ideal Land, eager to show them the unique man-made country teeming with Mutants.

"Wow!" Johnny exclaimed as he transformed into a ball of flame, soaring through the sky, while below him, Iceman Bobby glided effortlessly on ice. Angel, with his magnificent white wings, flew gracefully above, and another Mutant used powerful Psychokinesis to float through the air.

Ideal Land was truly a paradise, filled with a dazzling array of abilities. Here, Mutants could fully embrace and enjoy their powers without fear of being restrained or examined.

Johnny led the way, and many Mutants, either able to fly or keep up with the speed, began to join in the fun.

"Hey! You guys!" Logan, with a cigar in his mouth and beer sloshing from his hand, shouted in frustration at the rowdy crowd of young Mutants. Despite the commotion, Logan couldn't help but curse in good humor at the scene.

Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, Alex felt a surge of excitement and called out, "Keep going, guys! I'm joining in too!"

With that, Alex transformed into a giant eagle and soared into the sky, catching up with the enthusiastic crowd of Mutants. His transformation elicited cheers and awe from the onlookers.

Eric and Charles, observing the scene from a distance, smiled at the joyful chaos. "You don't see many scenes like this. They're having such a great time," Eric remarked with a hint of nostalgia.

"Indeed. Thanks to Alex, Mutants have a true paradise," Charles agreed, reflecting on the rare and joyful sight before them.

(End of this chapter)