Wanda hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
She dragged her weary body up the stairs. After a moment of hesitation in the second-floor hallway, she chose a guest room closest to Xiao Han's bedroom.
The room was even more luxurious than she had imagined.
A king-size bed was covered with silk sheets. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was a view of a private beach. The bathroom's jacuzzi was large enough to fit three people.
Wanda stood in front of the mirror, almost unable to recognize herself. Her face was gaunt, her eye sockets sunken, and her red hair a tangled mess.
She filled a bathtub with hot water and carefully slid into the water.
The moment the warmth enveloped her, tears finally broke free.
The fear, pain, and despair of the past three years all turned into silent sobs at that moment.
An hour later.
Wanda Maximoff was wiping her wet hair with a towel when she heard a gentle knock on the door.
She gripped the towel tightly, the red glow of Chaos Magic flickering between her fingers.
"Can we talk?" Xiao Han's voice came through the door.
Wanda took a deep breath, adjusting the collar of her pajamas. "C...come in."
The door slid open silently, and Xiao Han entered carrying a tray.
Besides hot milk, there were also several honey-covered waffles on it, and the sweet aroma immediately filled the entire room.
He placed the tray on the bedside table. "You need more calories."
Wanda's stomach rumbled, betraying her. She ducked her head, embarrassed.
Xiao Han simply smiled, settling into a recliner by the window.
Moonlight spilled across his silhouette through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"I can help you," Xiao Han said, his voice low.
He raised his right hand, and a golden light suddenly bloomed in his palm.
Wanda watched, astonished, as a gem, radiating a soft yellow glow, slowly materialized, hovering a few inches above Xiao Han's hand.
Inside the gem, a liquid light seemed to flow, each pulse sending ripples through the air.
"This is the Mind Stone."
Xiao Han gazed at the Mind Stone, its light casting shifting shadows on his chiseled face. "One of the six most powerful Infinity Stones in the universe."
Wanda Maximoff leaned forward unconsciously, the energy of Chaos Magic flickering in her eyes in response.
She felt a strange pull, as if the stone was calling to her power.
"I can feel it..."
She murmured, her fingers reaching out towards the stone, only to retract sharply just before touching it.
"It's talking to me..."
Xiao Han nodded. "Your abilities are unique, Wanda. Not ordinary Mutant genetics, but the embodiment of Chaos Magic."
He turned his wrist, and the stone's light flowed with the movement. "The Mind Stone can help you control this power, and even... become stronger."
Wanda Maximoff's breathing quickened. Three years of imprisonment had left her instinctively wary of any promises. "Why… why would you help me?"
Xiao Han put away the gem, and the light instantly vanished, plunging the room back into darkness.
He walked to the window, his back to Wanda. "Because I've seen those who are controlled, and those who control others. Both are equally pathetic."
"What do you mean?" Wanda clutched the sheets.
"The energy within you is Chaos Magic." Xiao Han gazed out at the night.
"Once you fully master it, it will be easy for you to rewrite reality with your own power."
Wanda's pupils slightly contracted. "Really?"
Xiao Han turned around, the moonlight stretching his shadow. "I can teach you how to control Chaos Magic. Remember…"
His gaze was like a torch, "Power is just a tool, not the answer."
The room fell silent, only the faint sound of waves lapping against the shore was barely audible.
Wanda watched the mysterious man, feeling a spark of hope ignite in her chest for the first time in three years.
"What... should I do?" she finally asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Xiao Han took out a small golden necklace from his pocket, which contained a magical seal to stabilize the mind: "Wear it. It will establish a connection with you and help you sort out the chaotic energy."
Wanda took the necklace with trembling hands. The moment the metal touched her skin, a warm torrent surged into her limbs.
She gasped, seeing her hands enveloped in a mixture of crimson and golden energy. For the first time, Chaos Magic was so docile, following her guidance.
"This... is amazing..." She watched the energy dance at her fingertips, forming intricate patterns.
Xiao Han stood at the edge of the light and shadow, a slight smile playing on his lips. "This is just the beginning. Tomorrow, I'll teach you the basics of energy control. For now, rest."
He turned towards the door, but Wanda called out to him.
"Sir..." She fingered the Golden Necklace at her chest. "Thank you. Not just for this... but also..."
"I know," Xiao Han replied without turning around, and quietly closed the door.
Wanda lay down on the soft bed, the Mind Stone at her collarbone gently warm.
She closed her eyes, and for the first time in three years, the nightmares didn't come.
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Wanda Maximoff jolted awake, bolting upright. Crimson light from her Chaos Magic instantly coalesced in her palm.
"Good morning, Miss Maximoff."
A gentle, mechanical voice echoed from the ceiling. "The indoor temperature is 22 degrees Celsius, humidity is 45%, and the air quality is excellent."
Wanda warily looked around. "Who's speaking?"
"I am the intelligent house management system for the villa. Mr. Xiao named me Turing," the AI's voice held a hint of humor.
"Based on your physiological data, I recommend you have breakfast before beginning your training."
Wanda's tense shoulders slowly relaxed. "You're an artificial intelligence?"
"Yes, Miss. Would you like me to open the curtains for you?"
As Wanda nodded, the blackout curtains silently slid open, revealing a stunning view of the azure sea.
She walked to the window, drawn by the sight, and lightly touched the glass with her fingers.
"Mr. Xiao went to Washington D.C. this morning to attend the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing," Turing continued.
"He has prepared a training schedule and breakfast for you."
A holographic projection unfolded beside the bed, displaying a detailed itinerary.
Wanda curiously touched the projection, and the screen immediately switched to a live news broadcast.
Tony Stark's face suddenly appeared in the projection. He was sitting in the witness stand of the hearing hall, impeccably dressed but with a look of impatience.
Wanda's breath hitched instantly, and she unconsciously clenched her fist.
"...Mr. Stark, you must admit that these armor technologies pose a threat to national security..." a senator was speaking.
The scene awakened Wanda's deepest memories.
The explosion when she was ten, her parents' final embrace, and her and Pietro shivering in the rubble for two days and two nights.
The shattered Stark Industries Shell landed less than a meter away from them.
"Ms. Maximoff, your heart rate is abnormally elevated," Turing's voice was concerned. "Do you require medical assistance?"
Wanda took a deep breath, forcing herself to unclench her fists. "No, I'm fine. Why is Mr. Xiao going there?"
"Based on analysis, there's a 99.7% probability that it's to support Mr. Stark." The projection switched to an overhead shot, showing thousands of people outside the Capitol Building, holding signs that said "Support Superman."
Just then, the live broadcast suddenly became chaotic.
The senators all stood up, pointing towards the doors of the Senate.
Wanda narrowed her eyes as a dark figure pushed open the doors and entered the chamber.
"He has arrived," Turing said calmly.
The scene in the Senate instantly erupted into chaos.
The guards fumbled with their weapons, but dared not actually open fire.
Senator Stern, his face ashen, slammed his hand on the table. "This is a Senate meeting. Uninvited guests are not welcome."
Xiao Han slowly walked to the seat behind Tony and sat down. He wasn't wearing his armor, just a well-tailored black suit, but everyone knew the power contained beneath that fabric.
"Sorry I'm late."
Xiao Han nodded at Tony, his voice soft but causing the entire Senate hall to fall silent instantly.
"Dealt with a few problems on the way."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Like?"
"Gang warfare in Los Angeles, and some terrorists trying to launch an attack." Xiao Han shrugged.
"I sent them safely to the Arctic to help the scientific expedition dig ice."
"Dig ice?" Tony's expression was a little strange.
Senator Stern suddenly stood up. "Superman! You have no right…." "Senator."
Xiao Han turned to look at him, a glint of gold flashing in his eyes. "According to the First Amendment of the US Constitution, I have the right to attend any public hearing.
Or do you want to explain to the public on behalf of the federal court why you're speaking for a criminal?"
The scene fell silent. Stern's lips trembled, and he finally slumped back into his chair.
Wanda watched Xiao Han's calm figure in the projection, and the knot in her chest unknowingly loosened a little.
She gently touched the Mind Stone necklace on her collarbone, feeling the steady energy pulsing within it.
"Turing," she said suddenly, "I want to start training."
"A wise choice, Miss. The gym is ready. Also..." The AI paused.
"Mr. Xiao left a message saying that he will personally tell you the truth about the Stark Industries Shell when you are ready."
Wanda Maximoff suddenly looked up. "What truth?"
"My permissions are insufficient to answer that question," Turing said gently.
"However, I suggest you first complete the beginner energy control course. According to Mr. Xiao's assessment, your potential far exceeds that of ordinary Mutants."
Wanda looked at Xiao Han in the projection, who was currently dealing with the senators, then looked down at the scarlet energy dancing in her palm. For the first time, she felt that the steering wheel of fate was in her own hands.
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