The moment Emma stepped into the scene, reality itself seemed to bend. Walls, floor, ceiling—they all twisted like liquid glass, warping and shaking.
Charles knew Juggernaut's memory had been tampered with, but this was his deep memory—the part untouched by outside interference. Still…Emma's power was leaking through. Memories connected to her caused the scene to ripple, distort, as though the world itself feared her presence.
She glided toward Juggernaut, smiling softly. "Drinking alone?"
"Who…are you?" Juggernaut managed, tense.
"Even if I tell you, you won't remember," Emma purred, leaning on the bar. "I know you, your abilities, your Mutant. That's why I came here—just for you."
"Is there a problem?" Juggernaut asked warily.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Her playful smile snapped into cold indifference in a heartbeat, eyes locking on Juggernaut like a predator zeroing in on prey.
In the next instant, the memory shattered like glass under pressure. Charles stumbled, dropping Telepathy just in time. His consciousness tumbled back into his body, drenched in cold sweat. He wiped his brow instinctively.
"Is it…Emma?" Ryuuto asked, voice tight.
"Yes," Charles confirmed. "Her power has grown. Just now, as she toyed with Juggernaut's mind, the memory fractured. I had to pull back, or I might have been trapped in his mind permanently. Ryuuto…Emma's aim is global chaos. You must find her before she strikes again."
"Professor…she used to be part of the Hellfire Club, right?"
"Emma is the White Queen. Xiao was the Black King. The two were the most powerful in the Hellfire Club. Xiao died thirty years ago, leaving Emma likely in control now. The Club recruits Mutants with formidable abilities, many of them social elites. They wield influence in both combat and global finance. Iron Man's father was even once invited to join."
"Enemy with brains, brawn…this is messy," Ryuuto muttered.
"Mostly it's Emma," Charles warned. "She can sense Mutants. Approach her, and she'll know where you are instantly."
Ryuuto didn't even register a shiver. He wasn't a Mutant. Emma's sense wouldn't pick him up—unless he brought others along. Still…once he got close, if he could pinpoint her, he could strike.
Wait. Once consciousness was invaded by Emma…he'd be at her mercy.
Ryuuto frowned, calculating.
"Juggernaut, where's that bar you went to?"
"Viking Bar, Wailoa District. I…destroyed it that night."
"Got it," Ryuuto said, pulling out his phone and stepping into the corridor.
Below, Jean Grey and Arlo were chatting idly. Ryuuto ignored them, dialing Tony Stark.
"I know S.H.I.E.L.D. used satellites to track Loki. Who controls that system now—S.H.I.E.L.D. or you?"
"I've got it under control," Tony replied, voice teasing.
"Good. Find someone for me."
"Who?"
"White Queen Emma."
"She's alive?"
"Suspiciously alive," Ryuuto said. "I think she's behind the Mutant riots. Her last known location—a week ago—was Viking Bar, Wailoa District. Pull the footage. I need a clear image of her current appearance so the system can track her."
"You really know your stuff, Ryuuto."
"Don't praise me," Ryuuto said with a grin. "After I wiped out Abomination, your company got back on track. How about those weapons pulled by the Ministry of Defense?"
"A few pieces left. The rest are confiscated."
"And the research materials?"
"Copied long ago. The Secretary of Defense is dead now. Some things are gone for good."
"That's why I hate the U.S. government so much."
"Don't brood. Come by and have a drink with me sometime. Been ages."
"And Pepper?"
"She's fine. Running her company, her abilities are strong, but she lacks confidence. I don't interfere. She does as she pleases."
"Good. That makes her assertive," Ryuuto said, pausing. "Forget that for now—find Emma. Fast."
"On it!" Tony replied.
Hanging up, Ryuuto returned to room 3.6, letting Juggernaut leave. He then conferred with Charles, gathering every scrap of information about the Hellfire Club. The professor only knew bits and pieces, but it was enough: over thirty years ago, the four most powerful members were White Queen, Black King, Torrent, and Red Devil. New members? Unknown.
An hour later, Tony called back. Emma's location had been tracked.
The game was on.
Ryuuto's lips curved into a grin. Emma…let's see how you handle someone who's exactly the kind of opponent you like.