David went back to his rented abode and the evening arrived swiftly, he found himself at the edge of the lecture hall, blending into the crowd of aristocrats, scientists, and investors. The air was thick with the hum of conversations as London's upper echelon mingled, exchanging quiet whispers about Essex's latest "findings."
Just as the hall began to fill, David spotted Fitzwilliam near the entrance. The professor's gaze drifted through the crowd, finally catching David's eye with a small nod. He made his way over, extending a formal hand.
"Mr. Howlett, a pleasure to see you again," Fitzwilliam greeted warmly, his voice hushed but friendly. "Essex will be most pleased to meet you after the lecture. He has a private room prepared."
David nodded, giving the professor a genial smile. "Excellent. I'm looking forward to it."
Fitzwilliam led him deeper into the lecture hall, where Essex himself was preparing to take the stage. The scientist's presence was commanding, his movements precise as he scanned the room, dark eyes gleaming with intensity. The crowd settled as he began his talk.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Essex started, his voice smooth but piercing, "tonight, we stand on the brink of a new age of understanding. One where human potential will no longer be limited by frailty, by illness, by the weaknesses that bind us to the dust of history."
David kept his gaze fixed, observing Essex's every gesture and expression. The man radiated an obsession, almost too much of it that it looked akin to a dangerous hunger to transcend what he considered human limitations.
"Imagine a world," Essex continued, "where evolution is directed, controlled… perfected. A world without suffering, without limits. This is not fantasy, my friends; this is our future, a future that begins with my research."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, some nodding, others exchanging glances of wonder and apprehension. David leaned back, concealing his amusement. 'A world without limits,' he thought, 'and no doubt under your control, Essex.'
After the lecture concluded, Fitzwilliam led him down a corridor lined with marble busts and oil lamps flickering along the walls. They reached a door guarded by two of Essex's men, who gave them only a cursory glance before stepping aside. Fitzwilliam opened the door, gesturing for David to enter.
Inside, Essex awaited him, standing by a grand table adorned with charts and diagrams. His gaze sharpened as David entered, assessing him in silence.
"Mr. Howlett," Essex greeted with a slight, calculated nod, his tone both polite and suspicious. "It's rare that I receive such… enthusiastic interest in my work. Fitzwilliam tells me you're considering an investment."
David met his gaze, maintaining a facade of casual confidence. "Indeed. Your research aligns with my own goals. I'm here because I believe your vision of human evolution… deserves support."
Essex's expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained calculating. "You understand the nature of my work? This is not a task for the faint-hearted."
David gave a small smile. "I wouldn't have traveled this far if I weren't prepared for the task."
Essex's gaze lingered, as if searching for any sign of deceit. Finally, he gestured to a chair across from him, indicating for David to sit.
"Tell me, Mr. Howlett," he began, his tone smooth, "what exactly is it you seek from your investment?"
David leaned forward, choosing his words with care. "You might not know, but I'm a man with certain… resources and connections. I seek to align myself with individuals whose ambitions transcend mere wealth. I believe your research could help us reach a world where weakness is obsolete."
Essex's lips twisted into a faint smile. "An idealist, I see. Well, Mr. Howlett, your timing couldn't be more opportune. I am… working with a new subject. Someone with extraordinary capabilities. Perhaps you would care to meet him?"
David's pulse quickened, but he kept his expression neutral. "I'd be honored."
Essex nodded, pleased. "Tomorrow morning, then. But remember, Mr. Howlett—this is no ordinary business. What you will witness… it may challenge everything you think you know."
David inclined his head. "I look forward to it."
With the arrangement set, Essex escorted him out of the chamber, Fitzwilliam trailing silently behind. As they walked back toward the main hall, Fitzwilliam leaned in, murmuring quietly.
"You must be careful, Mr. Howlett," he warned. "Essex is… unpredictable."
David gave the professor a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I'll keep that in mind."
***
The following morning, David stood in a dimly lit chamber within Essex's estate, waiting. The air was thick with anticipation. His senses sharpened as the doors opened, and Essex entered with a small group of guards, and there, behind him, was En Sabah Nur.
The ancient mutant's presence was overwhelming, radiating an aura of strength and silent authority. He looked directly at David, as if peering into his very soul, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Is this your… investor, Essex?" En Sabah Nur's voice was low and resonant, laced with amusement.
Essex nodded, clearly reveling in the moment. "Indeed. Mr. Howlett here has expressed a keen interest in our cause." He turned to David. "Mr. Howlett, meet Mr. En Sabah Nur... Mr. Nur for short. Mr. Nur is my 'partner' who greatly assisted me in making results and advancements in my research."
David returned En Sabah Nur's gaze steadily, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. He had traveled continents for this encounter, yet even he felt the surge of something ancient and untamed emanating from the mutant before him.
David inclined his head in deference, his voice calm. "It's an honor to meet you, En Sabah Nur... I think I've heard of your esteemed name from Egypt. I personally thought you are a myth. It is my pleasure to meet you Mr. Nur!"
David stepped forward, extending his hand in greeting, intent on maintaining appearances. The ancient mutant reached out, and their hands clasped firmly. In that brief moment, a spark seemed to pass between them, an exchange not of words but of essence.
A flicker of recognition lit up En Sabah Nur's eyes. His grip tightened slightly, his expression shifting from curiosity to surprise. David felt an intense presence pressing against him, as if En Sabah Nur were peering directly into his soul.
"You are not as you seem," En Sabah Nur murmured, his voice laden with revelation. "I can feel it... the latent power, dormant yet strong. You are of my kind."
Essex's eyebrows shot up, his eyes narrowing with keen interest as he watched the exchange. "A mutant?" he murmured, clearly intrigued. "Why, Mr. Howlett… I did not realize."
David kept his expression calm, though he could sense the newfound tension in the ro
om. "I have my gifts," he replied smoothly, "and I keep them close. I find it... prudent."
En Sabah Nur released his grip, his gaze turning appraising. "You have hidden this strength well. Few could mask themselves from me." He stepped back, crossing his arms as he studied David with a new intensity. "Perhaps you are more than just an investor."
Essex's intrigue deepened, his mind clearly racing with the implications. He had already seen potential in David, but now he seemed more eager than ever. "It appears, Mr. Howlett, that we are bound by more than simple ambition," he said, a sly smile forming. "You may be precisely the type of ally we need."
David inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the shift in their dynamic. "Then it seems we have more in common than I initially thought," he replied. "But my interests remain the same. I came to support your work and to help build a future where strength is not bound by weakness."
En Sabah Nur's lips curled in approval. "A world where only the strong survive. Yes… I have walked that path for millennia." He cast a sidelong glance at Essex. "Perhaps he will see what I do."
Essex gestured toward a table laden with blueprints and maps. "Tomorrow, we will meet again to discuss our plans in detail. There is much to prepare."
David gave a measured nod, already planning his next moves. He had gained access, but the revelation of his mutant nature had added a new layer to the game. Now, he was not merely an investor but a player with a stake in a dangerous alliance that demanded vigilance.
Essex looked between the two, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "Tomorrow, we will discuss our plans in full. For now, rest, and prepare yourselves. Great things await."
David left the chamber, his mind racing. His initial plan is to simply come and go but the series of events didn't really go as he had planned. He had successfully infiltrated Essex's inner circle, and now, he stood at the threshold of history. If he played his cards carefully, this investment could let him gain access to more abilities in the future.