The system interface floated in Locke's vision, rectangular and crude, with a distorted sci-fi background. A few simple lines of text filled the screen.
『Ultimate Evolution Module』『Card Slot "1": Empty』『Points: 60』『First Card Slot: "None (can copy all abilities accessible to the user)"』『Note: "200 points required to unlock the second card slot"』『…』
That was it. Just as Locke had predicted.
Activated two years earlier on the eve of his Harvard graduation, this system looked almost unfinished, like the god of time travel had suddenly remembered to send him a plug-in at the last minute. Locke had figured out how to use it entirely on his own. Despite its simplicity, the power it granted was extraordinary.
In short, this plug-in allowed him to copy the abilities of any supernatural being for his own use. No restrictions—only the limitation of available card slots. Opening the first card slot required a hundred points, which could only be earned by killing extraordinary beings, with stronger creatures granting more points. This was why Locke had joined the Sentinel Secret Service, the only agency legally allowed to hunt such creatures.
Even so, it had taken him two years to accumulate enough points to unlock the first card slot. Mutants in the Federation, after decades of marginalization since the 1973 "Mutant Freedom Act," were treated worse than terrorists. The effort had been worth it.
But Locke didn't rush to copy the abilities of some low-level mutant. Preparation was key. He had already envisioned his ultimate goal: to become the closest thing to Superman in this American comic universe.
Superman.
His system could plunder abilities infinitely. Heat vision? Cyclops' mutant powers could stand in. Colossus' impenetrable steel skin? Covered. Super-speed? Quicksilver's mutant reflexes would suffice. In other words, he could become Superman—and then some, potentially far surpassing the Man of Steel.
He had reserved the first card slot for defensive powers, ensuring his survival as he climbed the ladder of strength.
"There is just one problem…" Locke murmured, staring at the empty first card slot. He closed the system panel and refocused on the real world, glancing at Debbie, the blonde in the front passenger seat, dressed in a tight Sentinel combat uniform.
As a senior agent, Locke led a small team with independent enforcement authority. Debbie and Jack, the driver, were his only team members.
"Debbie," he called.
"Yeah?"
The ponytailed agent turned to him, her youthful face contrasting with her fit body. "Boss, what's wrong?"
"The missing mutant Colossus," Locke asked. "Any leads?"
Debbie shook her head. "Still looking."
Colossus had been exposed three months prior—but in New Jersey, not New York. Locke had rushed there immediately, only to arrive too late. The mutant had escaped the net. Three months later, his whereabouts remained unknown.
If nothing unexpected occurred, Colossus may already have been taken in by Professor Charles Xavier, retreating to the famed Xavier Manor—a safe haven for mutants. The address was widely known, thanks to Xavier Investments being a Wall Street staple. Yet knowing the location and reaching it were entirely different matters.
Sentinel leadership had promised anyone who could infiltrate Xavier Manor and eliminate the mutants within a five-rank promotion. Many agents were eager, Locke included, but no one could locate a viable entry. Xavier Manor was protected by mutants with large-scale shielding abilities. Any attempt would require a missile strike—impossible in New York, and even suburban attacks were politically and financially unfeasible.
Infiltrating the manor to confront Colossus directly was suicide. Tens of thousands of mutants likely resided within, and Locke shuddered imagining being overwhelmed the moment he stepped through the gates. Copying Colossus' power was therefore unfeasible for now.
So whose ability should he target first? He couldn't risk the powers of those imprisoned monsters. Locke frowned, weighing options.
Jack, the square-faced, tank-like driver, stepped on the brakes, pulling the car to a halt.
"We're here, boss!"
"…"