"Steel and Bobby have already rushed over. They should be able to back you up. But Ryuuto… there are dozens of brutally powerful Mutants around Gillian. Be careful!" Charles' voice crackled over the comm.
"Don't worry. That lunatic won't get away with his little scheme—not while I'm alive!" Ryuuto's grin was sharp, almost predatory.
The red location marker blinked on his phone. His eyes lifted, locking on the overpass stretching across the river ahead. The aura radiating from the site was pure malice—feral, cruel, and thick with deadly intent. A violent confrontation was inevitable.
"Gillian, you've pushed your luck too far! I'll personally send you to hell!"
Without hesitation, Ryuuto surged forward, leaving a streak of scarlet energy in the air as he rocketed toward the overpass. Below, the scene was chaos incarnate.
Under the massive concrete bridge, Gillian marched confidently, gold-rimmed glasses glinting, clutching a heavy suitcase tightly. Dozens of hulking Mutants flanked him, radiating murderous intent.
"Stop them! Kill them! Don't let them escape!" Gillian barked orders, a sinister smile curving his lips.
Suddenly, a violent explosion ripped through the damp air beneath the overpass. From the debris-strewn battlefield, soldiers in specialized combat suits charged—Wolverine and Tony leading the pack. Their faces pale but eyes ablaze, ignoring wounds and pain, they lunged toward Gillian and the Extremis-packed suitcase with lethal precision.
Mutants at the tail of Gillian's entourage didn't hesitate. Eyes glowing with bloodlust, they threw themselves into battle like deranged automatons. Every second was carnage, every breath thick with violence.
"Heh. This group of overpowered trash actually thinks they can stop me?" Gillian sneered, pausing mid-stride to mock Tony and the others. "Pathetic."
"Fine. Let them die, then! Kill them all—I don't want survivors!"
A casual flick of his finger sent the nearest Mutant into the fray, charging Tony, Wolverine, and the others with relentless ferocity. Meanwhile, Gillian, protected by the strongest Mutants, continued advancing toward central New York, Extremis ready to be unleashed, its world-shaking potential barely contained.
"You won't get away!"
A sharp, commanding voice cut through the chaos. Lightning-fast webs shot from above, ensnaring Mutants flanking Gillian. They were immobilized before they could react, bodies tangled in the impenetrable strands.
"Spider-Man!?" Gillian's confidence wavered, surprised at the sudden interference.
In a flash, Gwen appeared, standing proud in her superhero costume, eyes locked on Gillian with icy resolve. "Surrender now! Hand over the Extremis! This is your only way out!"
Gillian laughed, a sound devoid of fear. "You? Alone? Thinking you can face dozens of powerful Mutants? How laughable. Do you enjoy embarrassing yourself?"
Before he could finish mocking, two more figures dashed in with lethal speed, their aura so intense even seasoned Mutants hesitated. The newcomers radiated unstoppable energy, leaving the attackers on edge.
"X-Men!"
Gillian's sneer faltered. Recognition and panic flickered in his eyes. His plan, precise and cruel, was unraveling.
"Gillian! Your crimes end here! The X-Men will destroy you and your Extremis!" Steel shouted, blocking escape routes, while Bobby moved to intercept, cutting off any chance of retreat.
Gillian spat on the ground, scowling at the new arrivals. "Trash? Even if Ryuuto showed up, I'd make him look good today—he wouldn't leave alive!"
A playful chuckle cut through the tension. Ryuuto appeared effortlessly, a relaxed smile gracing his face, Haki flaring as he casually pointed at Gillian's nose.
"Now I'm here. You do it, I'm watching. Let's see who ends up looking good, huh?"