Horizon University – Athletics Complex
Jake hadn't expected gym class to be mandatory at a science-heavy super-university, but here he was — standing in a sand pit, staring at the man who looked like he'd walked straight out of an old pulp novel cover.
The new instructor wore leather bracers, a fur-trimmed vest, and boots that looked way too heavy for sprinting. His accent was thick, his grin sharper than steel.
"I am Sergei Kravinoff," the man announced. "But you may call me Kraven. Here, I will teach you the art of the hunt. Strength, speed, instinct. If you cannot master your body, you will never master your gift."
Deadpool meta-cut:
"Ohhh, this is rich. Horizon University, folks — where your physics professor might be a supervillain, your biology teacher might be cloning your DNA in his basement, and your gym teacher? Yeah, he once stalked Spider-Man across three continents. A+ hiring committee!"
Jake glanced at Rogue. She shrugged. Better than dodgeball.
Training Grounds – Later
Kraven's drills weren't normal. Students were told to "hunt" each other in obstacle courses, chase simulated prey drones, and, in one horrifying twist, outrun mechanical panthers.
Jake's turbo energy flared when the drones cornered him. He darted across the field, sparks kicking off the sand. Kraven's eyes lit up.
"Good! The prey within you rises!" he roared, clapping his hands. "But you lack restraint. You must sharpen instinct, not drown in it."
Jake stumbled to a stop, chest heaving. Is this guy teaching me… or sizing me up?
Alloy buzzed over comms. "Spoiler: both. And ten bucks says he's already got your power levels jotted down in a leather-bound journal titled Exotic Hunts."
Scott Summers muttered as he passed, visor glowing faintly. "This guy's insane."
"Insane," Alloy replied loud enough for Scott to hear, "but still less uptight than you, Laser Eyes."
Scott's jaw twitched.
Deadpool meta-cut:
"Somewhere out there, the fanbase is cheering. Alloy vs. Scott, round two! Ding ding ding!"
Faculty Observation Deck – Same Time
From above, Steel leaned on the railing, watching Kraven with narrowed eyes. Beside him, Essex stood with that perfect, unreadable smile.
"An unusual choice for physical education," Steel said flatly.
"Unusual, yes," Essex replied smoothly. "But effective. Horizon needs teachers who understand the… primal aspects of evolution."
Steel didn't look at him. "Evolution, huh? Guess we'll see."
The two men watched Kraven bark orders on the field below, students scattering like prey.
Steel's unease deepened. Essex. Kraven. What the hell is Horizon really building here?