...
Wanda Maximoff
"A witch?" The Romanian meta tilts her head slightly at Eidolon's words
"Don't worry, I am not saying now. Just asking if you would be interested in being included when I chase her… You know, to see how it is. Watch from up close how it is to be a hero." He explains, "I think it's a perfect opportunity because it kinda matches with your own abilities. You will be able to see more of the world you potentially can enter in the future."
"..." Wanda has to admit that it makes sense. "So… I would be your sidekick?" She asks with a raised eyebrow and a quirk of her lips
"Haha, temporarily. More like an intern." He laughs
"Would I receive money then?" She jokes
"Whoa, whoa… Interns barely have human rights. Be happy that I will not ask you to fetch my coffee." He maintains the joke, making her finally laugh loudly
Wanda really doesn't intend to become a hero or even enter society in general. She is really this much of an introvert, but with Eidolon it is different…
At this point, he had already broken through her defenses. Things that she would normally not do with other people, like talking and joking around, she can do with him.
It is simply too easy when it is with him.
And if she really needs to admit it at gunpoint… Wanda likes him. Romantically.
How much it is still unclear in her heart. It can be a fleeting crush born from her lack of contact with other males, or something stronger, but she is sure that she has developed feelings for him.
So, ignoring everything else he said about heroes, witches, and magic… She is willing to spend some time with him outside those walls.
"I… I will think about it." She doesn't say yes immediately. Wanda doesn't want to look desperate. "But… I am not against going out with you." She turns her head to avoid the blush from showing on her cheeks.
'Going out? Don't word it like that, Wanda!'
"Thank you for keeping an open mind, Wanda." His eyes smile.
'Anything for you.'
"Whatever…" She shrugs nonchalantly
Eidolon stands up. "Then it is settled, if I get a clue, I will call you." He says with a smile
"Already going?" She is really trying not to look clingy.
"Just came to check on you after you went outside. Just to see if you didn't come back hating humanity after wandering in the wrong places. We don't want you destroying the planet, after all." He says in a light tone. "By the way, stay away from Twitter and Reddit." He acts faux seriously.
"Too late." She deadpans
"Oh no… so doomsday is inevitable." He facepalms in despair.
"Maybe…" She holds back a laugh. "There are still some good things about this planet." She comments cheekily, giving him a discreet look
"Focus on that." He points at her
"...I will." 'Oh, I will.'
"Bye-" Eidolon raised his hand to open a portal, but then he remembered where he wanted to go now. "You know what? Wanna come with me to the Kamar-Taj?"
"Kamar-Taj? That place with monk sorcerers?"
"You can describe it like that, yes." Eidolon nods "Every magic user should know this place. So, since you are in the mood to go out, wanna come with me just to see the place? The knowledge can be useful in the future for you."
Wanda pauses to think about it. She looks around her small room. She has nothing to do today, and this is an excellent opportunity to spend more time with him.
She obviously prefers that the two be alone so she can monopolize his attention, but she guesses it would be an interesting experience nonetheless.
"Okay…" She says slowly, removing the blanket from her legs and standing up, "Show me the mysteries of the world of magic." She says with some fanfare
"Then allow me to be your guide in a magical adventure." He smiles, bowing a little, and with a hand over his heart
"An adventure?" A smile tugs on her lips
"Well… truth be told, more like a little magical errand." He admits, making her laugh
"Good enough for now."
"That is the spirit."
......
The Kamar-Taj is exactly like Wanda expected.
She hopes that it is not bad to think like this, but when Eidolon described this place as a "secluded monastery in the Himalayas", her mind went straight to the stereotype, and she was right on the money.
But she needs to admit something…
"This place is… not bad." There is something in the air that calms her.
The truth is that Wanda has dark anger being suppressed deep in her stomach all the time. All the time. Certain things distract her from it, but this red-hot rage was never erased.
One of the reasons she likes talking with Eidolon is that, when she is with him, she forgets about it and all things that anger her.
But now the Kamar-Taj also seems to exert a more mystical influence on her state of mind, unlike Eidolon, who is simply a good friend.
"How so? The architecture?" Eidolon turns his head to ask while the two walk side by side.
"That too." She answers with a little laugh. "But it's tranquil… relaxing."
"Must be the Feng Shui."
"Is this a real thing?"
"Are aliens and magic real things?" He asks back
"Point taken."
"Huhu, never doubt anything in this universe, Wanda." Eidolon laughs. "It doesn't mean that everything is like the legends, but the feeble human knowledge came from somewhere."
"Like those movies about Shaolin masters living in reclusion, learning secret techniques?" She asks, gesturing around her at the students who look like Shaolin monks learning secret techniques.
"Exactly. Not all aliens are grey or green, with big eyes, but they exist. Not all demons are red, with horns and hooves, but… You get what I mean."
"Yeah…" She says slowly. "It makes the world less boring…"
"Right? So much to see, and this is only on this planet." Eidolon comments with a rare childish excitement. "You can never get bored with this world."
"Okay, okay. I know what you are doing." She rolls her eyes. "Maybe I will leave my room more."
"Just be careful out there." He offers her some counsel as they finally arrive at an inconspicuous door. "We are here."
"So this is where the boss stays?" Wanda asks curiously
"Boss would not be the right word for it, but he is the big shot around here, so treat him with respect." Eidolon says seriously before opening the door and shouting. "Old Man, where are you?? Come see what I got!!"
"..."
"Why are you not answering? Did you die?" Eidolon struts inside the place as if he owns it. "No… I would never be so lucky in one day."
"....." Wanda follows him after recovering from her surprise.
She hears a sigh from the far end of the room, near a window. There is an old man sitting on a chair, a small table with a tea set in front of him, while he watches the scenery.
"I am the unlucky one. Only you would arrive at the worst moment to spoil my tea time." The old man says, putting the teacup down and looking at them.
As a magic user, Wanda instinctively understood that this guy was powerful. She never knew that she had those instincts till now, but something in the deep gaze of this seemingly harmless grandpa just activated them for the first time.
"It is always tea time for you." Eidolon scoffs "And don't act like you didn't know we would be coming." The hero completes with a roll of his eyes
"You really have the impression that I spend all my time seeing the future." The old man shakes his head slowly. "If I were like you imagined, I wouldn't be living in the present."
"Bullshit." Eidolon gives him an unimpressed look while the old sorcerer just smiles calmly.
The old sorcerer finally turned to her and said. "Nice to finally meet you, Wanda Maximoff." He greets her with a glint in his eyes
Eidolon scoffs on the side while Wanda's eyes widen.
"I am the Sorcerer Supreme and leader of the Masters of the Mystical Arts… Just call me the Ancient One." The Ancient One continues
"You know about me?"
"He knows about everyone." Eidolon says dismissively "Don't hesitate to abuse his goodwill if you find any trouble of a magical nature."
"I… I would not do that." Wanda waves her hands nervously
"Relax, it is literally his job." Eidolon pulls a chair for her to sit while he sits on the one in front of the Ancient One. "Like it is mine from saving cats from trees."
Wanda mouths a "thank you" at him while she sits, and the Ancient One smiles mysteriously, almost fondly, at the interaction.
"Did you notice that every time you bring someone here, it's a woman?" The old sorcerer comments while stroking his big goatee, a mischievous glint shining in his eyes
"..." Wanda pauses 'Say what?'
"Can you not word it like that?" Eidolon comments tiredly
"Am I wrong?" The Ancient One inquires in amusement
"You are talking like I bring girls here every Sunday. It was literally just some magic users like Wanda, who could benefit from the books here and some instructions from more experienced sorcerers." "Eidolon comments. "It is pretty common for people to be self-taught in this subject, but there is really no need to do that when the Kamar-Taj exists for it."
"Uhum." The Ancient One nods as if agreeing with him.
But Wanda didn't even listen to his explanation. "Who are those girls?"
"..." Eidolon pauses to look at her while the Ancient One hides a twitch from his lips by taking a sip of his tea. "Just some people from my group. They need to be ready on the day they are needed to save the world."
"Who?" She presses, unaware of how forceful her tone is.
"..." Eidolon gives her a strange sidelong glance while the Ancient One watches everything with interest. "I don't know… Shiraori, Raven, Illyana… Raven even helped the X-Men yesterday."
"Is that so…?" 'Wanda, what the heck are you doing?' Despite her mind admonishing her, Wanda's body language still shows some unhappiness.
She is not gonna lie and say she doesn't understand why the thought that Eidolon brought other people here, and that their moment is nothing special, bothers her.
She is jealous.
"If you want, I can introduce you to them." Eidolon suggests "As magic users, you must have a lot in common."
'Who wants to meet those harlots?!' But Wanda schools her features and nods like she doesn't care, "We will see about it…"
"..." Eidolon looks between her and the Ancient One with a small frown.
The old sorcerer gives him a small shrug but doesn't comment.
"Anyway, I want you to take a look at this." Eidolon's hand comes from beneath his cloak, holding an old oval-shaped stone.
"Oh. Messing with the Multiverse?" The Ancient One's eyebrows rise
"A certain villain came from another universe, passed through the Limbo, and used this as a bargaining chip with Sadurang."
"Sadurang, huh? Didn't hear his name for a long time!" Ancient One laughs
"Old story?"
"Kicked his ass once." The Ancient One shrugs. "He thought that just because he is older, he would have a chance, but forgot that by magic seniority… I am on the same level as his master."
"Cool." Eidolon chuckles "That is why he was badmouthing you."
"Oh, you talked with him instead of fighting?"
"The two, really. Fighting first, as always, and then I tamed him."
"Heh, despite being a dragon, I have to say that I am not surprised that he was... tamed. He is more snake than dragon." The Ancient One grabs the stone on the table "Remaining hidden before an opportunity to strike. Be careful. I bet he wanted to use this 'Eye of Agamotto' against me… after he tried to fix it, of course."
"I have my assurances that he can't do much against me." Eidolon replies nonchalantly
Wanda is a little lost in the talk, but she can still follow the overall conversation.
"Is this villain the witch you talked about?" She asks
"There are two of them. Ananym, the daughter of Belasco and an evil clone of Jean Grey." Eidolon turns to her. "They are right now roaming the world, and I am gonna search for them, but it will not be easy."
"Is this bad?" Wanda asks with a frown
"Yes, but not that much." Eidolon gives her a small shrug. "I already had a good idea of their plans, nothing that I can't deal with. Deep down, I want them to come out already, but if they don't, I will have more time to prepare for the chaos that the clone of Jean is planning to create."
He then leans back in his chair. "I really want to meet the other, the Ananym girl. There is a chance her alliance with the other is already over, and she can help me."
"Ananym, huh?"
"Or Witchfire, as she wants to be called."
"Hmm, I am really interested in knowing other witches." Wanda speaks with an even voice. "Take me with you if you find her."
"...that was the plan…" Eidolon looks at her suspiciously, but what can he say? It was his suggestion, after all.
The Ancient One lets out a small laugh before speaking, "This Eye of Agamotto is broken, and even at its full power, I don't think it can match the one that I hold."
"The multiverse is unfair. And I tried to repair it, but my powers do not go well with magic." Eidolon sighs. "I can fix the appearance, but it does nothing about the loss of magic power."
For the first time, the Ancient One wears a deep frown as he stares at the broken Eye of Agamotto, his fingers tracing the fissures and marks.
"I see… I think I can fix it, but it will take some time." The Ancient One offers with a distant gaze
"Meh, it will be good if you do it, but it's not like I really need it." The hero comments dismissively, "I will probably study it and then give it to someone else. I have my own weapons." He then turns to Wanda. "Even Wanda is an option. Do you want it?"
"Eh?" She was caught off guard. "I… I don't even know the importance of it…" She tries to refuse
"Hmm, true, but no harm in having something extra. The plan is to see if I can at least create more of it, even if weaker, as a support item to magic users." Eidolon explains
"Mass-producing the Eye of Agamotto? Hehe, you really can be ambitious in the most ridiculous things." The Ancient One laughs
"Someone created, right? So it is possible to be replicated. I am not saying that I am gonna make a perfect copy, but a lesser version shouldn't be impossible."
"True, but only you to put time and effort into this."
"I can do multiple things at the same time, and faster than the others. Anyway, stay warned that there are two invader sorcerers in your turf." Eidolon points at him
"I will be on guard, but I don't think it will fall into my lap to solve this."
"Damn, you are too lazy for a Sorcerer Supreme." Eidolon groans
"Want the position?"
"Never."
While the Ancient One laughs, Eidolon stands up and continues. "Gonna take Wanda to see the library. It is the most interesting place around here anyway."
"That is fine. The Kamar-Taj's library is always open to those who seek answers." The Ancient One smiles. When Wanda stands up to follow Eidolon, he adds only for her to hear. "A little advice, Miss Maximoff."
"Hm?"
"Beyond everything, actions are the most important; it is what shapes reality and our lives. When you act, clear your heart and mind of things you don't like, so that the outcome can be what you truly need."
"...?"
"Bye." He then waves her off, making it clear he said what he wanted to say.
"..." Wanda looks at him strangely.
This looks like some sort of generic cryptic pep talk given by a coach, too broad so that it could reach a vast audience, but for some reason, she thinks it is tailored for her.
"I will keep that in mind."
"Heh~, and I'm cheering for you." The Ancient One gives her a conspiratorial smile, "Go get him."
"~~~" Wanda immediately blushes, tries to say something, splutters, then gives up and turns around to follow Eidolon.
'Of course I am getting him.' She thinks with resolute eyes. 'He doesn't know yet, but he is my future husband.'
.........…..
Hector P.O.V.
Some days it seems like nothing happened, and other days I am super busy.
Halloween, I guess. Those commemorative days must have had a huge influence on this comic book world. I must get ready for Christmas. Though I hope it will be just a nice, heartwarming event to reflect the feelings of the holidays.
"Maybe I should visit Mrs. Claus again…" I comment loudly while sitting in my chair. My half-mask retracts, my body deflates a little, and my white hair goes back to its natural curly black; my mantle also floats off me. I keep the rest of the bodysuit because it's comfy.
I decided to come relax on the Space Station and observe the world to see if I can catch Ananym or Madelyne Pryor lacking.
Will I be so lucky? Maybe they are underestimating my surveillance… I really don't wanna catch Madelyne. I am hoping that she could lead me to Mr. Sinister. There is no way she is not gonna go to places she is familiar with. Sinister created her; it is his masterpiece, so Madelyne should know some of his most hidden labs.
"Master, Pamela sent you a message." Cortana informs me
"Ugh, I barely sat down…" I sigh "What is it about? Her power-up?"
"You guessed it right."
"Did she choose her power set already?" I am a little surprised
"Apparently yes."
"Eager, huh? Let's do it then." I stand up. "Teleport her to… Training Area 02, I will set everything there."
......…..
"The Wood-Wood powers are expected… Sunlight and water power, too… But Energy Suck and the Gasu-Gasu powers are a surprise." I comment as I read the list of selected powers.
"Those names are funny." Harley laughs beside Pamela. "Gasu-Gasu… Pffft!"
"What? Can't I have it?" Pamela raises an eyebrow. "Being able to produce chemicals so easily… it is an incredible ability for any scientist like me to have."
"Your pheromones, huh?" I gave her a look and then a warning. "Be careful with this… gaseous powers like those are easy to lose control of and hurt allies and innocents." I will have to punish her if she misuses it.
"I know what I am doing…" She rolls her eyes. "You didn't answer… can I have it or not?"
"Yes, you can. I will just need to remove the ability of the Gasu-Gasu fruit to turn your body into gas." I say, making Harley laugh again and murmur some fart joke. "I guess that you prefer to have your body become a plant."
"Yep, that is better. Creating gases is enough."
"Okay, this is a good power set. It combines well with your skills, and it will be a nightmare for anyone on the street level to deal with."
"If I had those powers, Batman would never have a chance."
Who knows… "Yeah… Energy Suck is pretty overpowered, and if you use it through plants that are an extension of your body, you will be able to do it from a huge range." Imagine an entire forest sucking people's stamina. I think there is a jutsu like that in Hashirama's arsenal.
"When can we start? I am feeling anxious already." Pamela asks eagerly.
"Not so happy to be below Harley, huh?" I tease
"Oh, Pammy~ Don't be like that just because I can snap you like a twig." Harley jumps into the teasing, cooing at Pamela while patting her head. "You know that I would never do anything like that."
"Shut up, you two." Pamela evades Harley. "So, how does this work?"
"You enter the chamber that will upgrade your body, and in the meantime, I am gonna pass your selected powers. Your body will change and accommodate the new powers naturally, adapting to them." I explain
"That… is very convenient." She frowns
"My E-serum is awesome." I give her an arrogant look. "It brings people beyond peak human physique, it gives bulletproof skin, resistance to diseases, hundreds of years of longevity, and it makes your body more compatible with meta powers, preventing rejection, side effects, and lack of control."
"Wow…" The scientist in Poison Ivy can't help but show her surprise on her green face. "There is no way our group will lose to anyone if we have this."
"Just a small lead, I plan to distribute to the whole world eventually." I shrug
"You what??"
"Why the surprise? Don't you agree that scientific advancements should be shared?" I raise an eyebrow
"Well, yes… but this is not as simple as the cure to one disease."
"It is the cure for all diseases." I correct "That we know of." I add with a tilt of my head. "Pamela, there is no race traversing through the stars that didn't go through those biological enhancements at some point. Those who skipped this important point in their evolution found themselves at a disadvantage compared to the others. We will be even better than them."
Kree and others have at least the equivalent of the Super Soldier Serum, but we have crazy scientists like Dr. Burstein, who gave Luke Cage his powers.
If we combine every serum created by those maniacs and power up all of humanity… Oh boy.
The stars are ours.
"But this is dangerous." She argues
"Of course, I am not so optimistic that I will give it away without assurances and extensive preparations. Humanity has a lot to grow before they receive their treat."
"So we are the guinea pigs?" She laughs, more relaxed
"Think of yourselves as the pioneers. The paragons who will shine so brightly that people will want to follow and be like you… And they will be able to do it with the E-serum." I say "No more disabilities, nothing holding us back…Everyone will have a chance to live to their full potential." And if they fail, they will only have themselves to blame.
"This person in the 1940s tried to do something similar." Pamela gives me a little smile
And I return with a long look. "Don't compare it with Nazis, I am not culling the people, or killing the disabled, I am getting rid of the disabilities. If nature gives us a bad hand, it is our duty to try to circumvent it by cheating." We have brains for what?
"People with problems already try to deal with them with constant medications and tools to help them go on with their lives normally." Harley comments "If only one procedure can help them forever, I don't think anyone would be against it. Well, there is always some that can be against it…" She concludes at the end.
"And in the end it will be their choice… Maybe some like the way they are." I shrug
"Some like to be victims." Harley gives me a sneer
"Hmpf, those I can't save, and there is no cure for being like this." I scoff
When everyone is super, no one will be. If I equalize everyone's stats, their inner uniqueness will be the deciding factor in how their lives will go.
I can imagine that some don't really want to face that, to get the responsibility, to really have their lives in their hands. Unfortunately, they will be left behind.
It is natural selection.
Well, their lives will still be great. A full, healthy, and long life, what more do they want? If they want to waste that, that is their choice.
They can even leave. The universe is out there. Go conquer it, my son. Maybe your call is on another planet.
How many people feel out of place here? They will finally have the opportunity to search for their purpose in an infinite universe.
There is a 100% chance the answer is out there; they only need to find it.
That will be my gift to humanity.
An entire universe to explore and a safe place to call home.
"Well, let's start, Pamela." I snap my fingers and gesture for her to enter the chamber
"Don't worry, Pam. It is completely safe."
"I would never make a mistake with your life on the line." I assure her
"I can trust in your paranoia, at least." She says that before walking to the chamber, she had already changed into the bodysuit to prevent mishaps.
Harley tried to convince me to let her clothes be torn, but I am an honest man.
After I close the chamber with Pamela inside, I turn it on and insert my arm into the opening to give her the powers.
The colossal starry sky that represents my powers appears in my mind's eye, and I bring the ones Pamela wants to me.
In the world of One Piece, my Power Manipulation became much more than simply copying and distributing powers. I can edit them now.
I fuse what is compatible, remove what she doesn't want… and then I pass it to her.
It is seamless and effortless from both our sides.
I am good, and the powers she chose are compatible. It is not like Blob is asking for Jean Grey's telepathy powers.
That is why I let them choose. Taste is part of the compatibility test as much as talent.
That and the fact that it is fun to have subordinates with their own unique "builds".
The process ends quickly and undramatically. I remove my hand, and the chamber door opens with a Tss sound.
Pamela walks out a little unstable, and I noticed that there is no big change in appearance. In truth, I think she was the one who changed the most.
She only looks a little better and fitter. Her powers had already brought her to her optimized form, and my procedure had just corrected the years she had spent without caring about it.
"I don't feel that different." She comments
"It takes some time for you to notice the new powers." I say
"But…" Harley suddenly says from behind us, and we look at her, only to be greeted by the funny sight of an AK-47 in her hands. "The passive powers are already on!"
I move out of the way, knowing what she is about to do.
tatatatatatatatatatata
She discharges the mag at Pamela while the green woman shields her head with her forearms, reacting too strongly to something that feels like heavy rain to her.
"Harley, you bitch!!" She shouts
ClickClick
Harley finally stops after she is out of bullets and blows the fuming tip of the AK.
"Relax, girl. Just something necessary, right, dear?" She turned to me like she wanted some praise.
Don't put me on this. I know you did this shit because you find it funny, but…
"It is true. A very barbaric, but effective way to condition your brain to the new reality of your body." I turn to Pamela. "You are strong now."
"..." Pamela forgot her anger for Harley as she stared at her hands and forearms in amazement, closing and opening her fingers. "I am still angry at you." She suddenly fixes her gaze on Harley and says, frowning.
So she doesn't forget… Well, she is a woman.
"Ah c'mon, Pammy." She puts an arm around Pamela's shoulder after throwing the gun away.
"You play too much." Pamela deadpans
"Because I love you~ Come, let's test your new powers." Harley says before turning to me. "Wanna help? I promise that later we can test her new durability." She wiggles her eyebrows at me
Pamela doesn't confirm anything, but she doesn't deny either.
I chuckle before approaching them. I kissed Harley on the lips for a long time before moving to Pamela to do the same. Despite her bitchy attitude, Pamela still leans in for the kiss.
I went long enough to make them a little horny. Seriously, after what happened last night, I thought they would be satisfied for longer, but it seems I am blessed…
Unfortunately, I can't afford a second sex marathon so soon.
"Bye, girls. See you later." I say before giving one last smack in their asses, and disappearing.
.......
No "Arc" is really closed off till the epilogue, where I deal with all loose ends.
"This will be your new home till you decide to be reasonable, Vlad." I speak to the vampire as I walk around his new cell.
He is staring at me intently as he sits on the edge of his coffin. There is not much here, only his coffin, a table, a chair, some books, and that is it. But I still think I am pretty generous.
"Don't try to escape, though, you are in a 5x5 cubicle floating in space, you will not have leverage to move anywhere, and you are surrounded by some toys that will capture you faster than you can suffer from the change in pressure." I warn, "And then I will put you in a 2x2 cubicle."
"You can't keep me forever." He finally speaks
"Yes, I can. I don't wanna, but it only depends on you." I say "I am gonna keep you updated on the changes in the world, but for now, know that Shiklah is starting to gain influence over the monsters while you are out."
"..."
"You take too long being a bitch, and there will be no place for you to come back." I sigh, "And then you will have no more use for me." I give him a grim look.
"..."
"I really believe that there is some good in you, Vlad. I am rarely wrong, and I hate when I am wrong… but I can accept it pretty fast." After that, I turn around and disappear, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
I hope he comes around, but I can always just use his identity.
And knowing the Essence, I am almost sure I am gonna win some vampires through the Gacha, and I can use them instead. The lack of a reputation will be a problem, but I can use a Fake Dracula for some time and gradually transfer authority to my subordinate.
The truth is, despite what most think, I don't want to control everything.
It is not ideal! Not everyone in a position of control should be a 100% loyal subordinate. Yes, they are their own people and can give new insights like everyone else.
But again, it is not the ideal. It will be for the best that others who can question me are working with me, even some who are a little rebellious.
I am not building this better world for myself, like a stereotypical villain who kills their subordinates for a slight disagreement or failure.
In the long term, it needs to be sustainable by people other than my summoned characters.
That is why I am trying… if it fails. Well, then I will need to tighten the leash more and more, putting things on the right path, and only after that, slowly loosen the leash to return control to the "natives".
"First, always the moderate solutions… Then…" It is my deal with Magneto, too.
The guy didn't want a civil war with Xavier, and now, with my addition, he really doesn't want meta blood spilled. And knowing that I will interfere if he tries anything, he will remain quiet till I succeed or fail.
And I am not gonna lie… If, after everything I am doing, it fails.
I am joining him. To at least be the moderate head as we act a little more forcefully. To not let Krakoa become a fascist nation.
But things are progressing very well since I cut the "heads" of the mutant-hater groups.
No big protest happened because I cut the people who funded it.
The hate was all fabricated, like with any other rivalry between groups.
"I really need to deal with those rich bastards as soon as possible." In this world, many of the conspiracy theories talked about in my previous one are true.
I think it is because a fictional world needs to be more interesting.
"Heh, if those things are true there, my world would be secretly a hellish place." But it's not like that, right? "Only in a world of heroes and villains like this one would there be such evil people." Luckily, there are really good heroes who can deal with them.
......
Meta Town
"Wow… did an invasion happen and I didn't notice?" I comment with some mirth as I look down the messy street. It looks like a carnival just happened, so I can consider the Halloween party a success. "I trust that things went well." I turn to the people at my side.
Now, back as Eidolon, Callisto, and Mikhail come to greet me as I arrive in Meta Town.
"Most of the people are still sleeping soundly, so yeah… It was pretty successful." Callisto laughs
"So weak, how can they get a hangover from just some drinks?" Mikhail shakes his head
"Not everyone is Russian." I reply
"It was a nice thing you did, Eidolon. Provide some fun for them." Callisto says "We know people here are starving for some distraction."
"They deserve it as much as anyone else. Unfortunately, metas with a strange appearance will still be excluded from most places, even if not directly, but by the unfriendly atmosphere… So they must have a 'normal society' on their own." I say "So that while we try to insert ourselves back in society, when we fail, we can come back to this safe space before we try again. Total exclusion is how radicalization happens. Even a timid rat will lash out if cornered without hope." That will prevent more 'Magnetos' from appearing.
I can prevent people from lynching metas, and truth be told, those idiots are few, and are manipulated or bought by people I have already dealt with. Their numbers have decreased a lot already.
But I can't prevent people from simply crossing the street if they see someone like Killer Croc.
And I have to admit that it is a safe and reasonable move. Can't blame someone for walking away or throwing looks in the direction of an alien-looking meta.
Tension is still high; it will get better in the future, but for now, if a meta is not welcome somewhere, they could always return to the place where they are welcomed till the world changes more.
Not everyone has the balls to be a pioneer in this field and receive the "back of the bus" treatment. I respect the metas that will do that, and will give them my whole support, while I will also allow the others to have normal lives.
"We, the metas, will not be the ones who will escalate things. We have all the goodwill now, so we shouldn't be violent in any way." I say to them. "The message that 'we just want to live our lives' should be passed and maintained."
"I am drilling that into their heads." Callisto nods "But there are always some entitled fuckers who want more."
"I will deal with them. We are finally being heard and understood. I am not gonna let a loud minority throw it away." I declare.
We walk into the building and take an elevator that takes us underground. There are a lot of metas living in this place that I pay special attention to, like Komodo, but today I am here for the recently turned stray vampire I grabbed off the streets.
Ding
"Dr. Morbius." I call for him
The lab is incredibly dark, but I guess it is perfect for a vampire.
The laboratory is illuminated only by the screens, the lights from the machines, and the vials of shiny liquids.
A shadow falls in front of us, coalescing into the vampire's shape.
"Eidolon…" He greets "Callisto. Mikhail." He also nods to the other two.
"How is the progress with your research?" I ask while looking around the lab
"Slow…" He says unhappily.
"You have nothing but time, so don't hurry." I give some advice. I still think he will grow to like this new form, especially if no one treats him badly.
"..." He doesn't answer, still a little close-minded
"I brought you another gift." I say before removing a small vial from beneath my mantle. The red liquid shining inside makes it clear that it is blood.
"From whom?" He asks after grabbing the vial I made float to him
"From Dracula."
"!!!"
Despite saying it casually, the three around me react with some shock
"Oh, I guess you haven't checked the internet yet." I chuckle "Long story short, I fought Dracula yesterday, defeated him, and I am about to extend the same olive branch I extended to the metas to the monsters. Vampires and everything else."
"You want to make them part of society too?" Morbius looks incredulously
"I am a greedily optimistic guy." I shrug casually "Now, having both Blade and Dracula's blood, I can presume you can accomplish great things. And if you are seeking the cure to your… affliction, I suggest that you simultaneously walk on another route."
"What do you mean?"
"Why don't you work on trying to deal with the common weakness of vampires?"
"..."
"Dracula is pretty resistant to almost everything beyond sunlight, and rarely needs to eat blood to survive. If all vampires can be like that."
"Are you really serious about helping the vampires?"
"I can't blame mosquitoes for trying to drink my blood. Only when I deal with the excuse that vampires have will I be morally free to put on them the same restrictions of laws that every other sentient being on this planet." I retort "There are those like you who don't want to be vampires, but there are also vampires that don't want to become human."
"..."
"Work on the two paths for now, Morbius. You can work more on your cure, but don't close the other route so early."
I am obviously gonna do my own research, but who said I can't put other competent people to work, right? And the research is already halfway through the many companies that the vampires are behind.
Sounds obvious, but if you live a long life, it is kinda easy to be rich.
"Not going to force you, but think about it." I say before turning around to leave.
I rarely force people to do things, as I know how to move people. A scientist like him will obviously be interested…
Then he will discover that being a vampire without all the annoying drawbacks is not so bad. Add that to the fact that the world is becoming more accepting of monsters… Voilà, Morbius will discover self-love,
Harley will be so proud. I am a great therapist.
.........…..
Back to the Space Station.
I am back at being Hector, sitting on my control chair, with Cortana and hundreds of Holo-screens to keep me company.
"It is almost time for another Gacha."
"You probably will gain a lot of monsters and vampire subordinates." Cortana comments
"True… The number of subordinates is finally increasing."
"It is because Master is too strong and has other means of getting stronger." She appears as a hard light construct, sitting on my lap. "You are finally independent of your power."
"Hmm, more or less…" I think it is only natural to seek not to be dependent on your Cheat.
I finally reached a threshold where I have the luxury of not assimilating everyone that I gain.
Power Manipulation, my talent for magic, and Rogue's power also allow me to copy/learn/absorb the abilities of my summons, so assimilation is not entirely necessary.
Especially if it has some drawbacks, or I don't want… like with Tommyrod.
At this point, I will only do it if it is a really good character, with many things I want to add to my arsenal, someone who is a real pain in the ass to have as a subordinate, or just someone I want to be (childish, I know).
"I talked so much about increasing the size of our group, and now a lot of character cards are sitting unused in my collection." I open the tabs with cards; it is like an album.
"Not time like the present." Cortana comments
"Exactly what I was thinking. Better deal with this before another batch comes. Organize the house."
"Who do you think will come next? I can make some assumptions based on data and your memories." She makes a contemplative expression "Almost 100% sure of you gaining another version of Dracula. There are simply too many of them."
"Depending on which version, I can finally gain my Vampire Alt-Form." Hoping for Alucard of Hellsing.
"And of course, some vampire brides too." She smirks
"..." I am not gonna say no to Seras Victoria either. But if I get Alucard, I can use the [Self-Insert Card] to get her anyway. That is also one of the main factors that makes me assimilate some characters, especially protagonists.
"Maybe your most recent fight with a dragon will influence the Gacha, too." Cortana continues. "What Dragon Women exist out there?" She taps her chin like she is thinking hard
"Why does it always have to be a woman?"
"Please, master…" She gives me a long look.
"Okay…" She has a point. And with my luck, it will probably be some loli dragon…
At least bring me a mature dragon like Lucoa so I can learn some magic from her, of course.
...
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