Tony grinned through the holographic call. "You know, you should really be afraid of Natasha Romanoff."
Ryuuto snorted. "I don't know why you're scared of her. I'm not."
"Yeah, because she actually likes you. Me? She'd shoot me through the chest if I so much as breathe wrong." Tony leaned back in his chair. "Anyway, Oxford's got a science and tech expo tomorrow. I'd tag along, but compared to Stark Industries' annual expo, theirs is basically a high-end flea market."
Ryuuto raised a brow. "Pass. I'm not big on staring at shiny machines that break when someone with powers shows up. Tech means nothing once real Ability hits the field."
Tony shrugged. "Suit yourself, Red Mirage. Just thought I'd mention it."
"Noted."
With that, Ryuuto ended the call.
Later that night, Tony did as promised—he uploaded the "olive oil method" for neutralizing the control chips. The internet caught fire instantly. Military channels lit up, government servers jammed. The Ministry of Defense was losing its mind trying to confirm that olive oil, of all things, rendered their tech useless. But since the chips had already been mass-produced, there was no way to recall or upgrade them.
Somewhere across the Atlantic, Ryuuto was packing.
People might think it strange—a known Mutant ally casually enrolling in university while global tensions brewed—but Ryuuto had his reasons.
To him, the war between Mutants and humans wasn't something you "solved." It was inevitable. The clash would burn until it reached a breaking point. That's when he'd step in. Until then? He'd rest.
After all, he was still on the Mutant side. And when the time came, even toppling a government wouldn't be out of the question.
Oxford University – 8:30 A.M.
Ryuuto stood outside the massive gates, taking in the campus air.
"So this is Oxford, huh? World-famous… and still smells like overpriced cafeteria food."
His purpose today was simple—live like an ordinary student for once.
In his old world, he'd always dreamed of having powers. The system had granted that wish… and it came with endless fights, betrayals, and gods with superiority complexes.
Maybe pretending to be normal wouldn't be so bad.
Of course, he couldn't just walk in as himself. The "Red Mirage" was too recognizable now. So, with a quick set of hand signs, Ryuuto performed a minor transformation jutsu. His features shifted—just enough to fool strangers, but not close friends.
"Perfect. Discount face: activated."
Tony had arranged for the principal to meet him at the gate—but late last night, Stark had called again. Apparently, the principal got roped into the science expo.
So much for the warm welcome.
Instead, Ryuuto's enrollment got pushed through automatically. He was now "Ryuuto, exchange student from Japan," majoring in microbiology.
As he entered the campus, a guard stepped in front of him.
"Hold up, student ID, please."
"Just transferred. Haven't received it yet."
"Then step over to the scanner," the guard said flatly. "University policy. No Mutants allowed without verification."
Ryuuto tilted his head, amused. "So you're telling me Mutants aren't allowed? That's… ironic, considering how many of your professors probably are one."
"Not my business," the guard muttered. "Rules are rules. Come on—scan."
Ryuuto shrugged and stepped forward. "Sure, why not? Let's see what the machine thinks I am."
The scanner pulsed blue, analyzing him from head to toe.
No alarm. No beeps.
The guard relaxed. "You're clear. If you were a Mutant, I'd have already hit the panic button."
"So I'm not one?"
"Guess not."
"Good to know," Ryuuto said, smirking. "By the way, where's that tech expo happening?"
"Through the hall, fourth floor," the guard replied. "Big banners—you can't miss it."
"Appreciate it."
As Ryuuto walked off, he thought to himself, So, officially not a Mutant. Guess I'm just a supernatural anomaly then. Great.
That's when the familiar chime hit his head.
[Ding! Mission Released!]
[Objective: Locate and eliminate the Mutant hiding at Oxford's Tech Exhibition!]
[Reward: Hokage Data Package!]
Ryuuto blinked. "…The hell, Shion?!"
[What? Don't yell at me, Host. That mission wasn't my idea—it's from the main system.]
"I'm on the Mutants' side, remember? Why would I kill one?"
[Relax, idiot. You said it yourself—there are good and bad ones. Maybe this one's the type that blows up science fairs.]
"…Fair point. Killing for fun's not exactly noble."
[Exactly. So quit whining and start moving, Red Mirage.]
Ryuuto sighed. "You're getting sassier every update, you know that?"
[A system must evolve. Unlike its Host.]
"...I'm uninstalling you someday."
[You wish.]
He entered the exhibition hall. Rows of student projects gleamed under white lights—mechanical limbs, AI drones, weird energy converters. None of it impressed him.
"Science is cool and all, but one Rasengan would vaporize this whole floor."
Still, he strolled casually between booths, pretending to be interested. He had no way to detect Mutants—telepathy wasn't his thing.
So he waited. The moment someone made a move, he'd know.
And then he saw her.
A girl across the room, bright-eyed, with a name tag that read: Gwen Stacy.
Ryuuto froze.
"You've gotta be kidding me," he muttered under his breath. "That Gwen Stacy?"