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After stabilizing his figure, Apocalypse slammed at Clark, but Clark immediately stepped back, gracefully evading in mid-air, prompting him to retreat into the open space.
The phoenix, previously blown away, also returned, diving and spewing flaming fire toward Apocalypse, joining forces with Clark.
An angry roar echoed from General's mouth as his body rapidly swelled, transforming into a ferocious giant with scales, fangs, and claws. He charged in, joining the encircled ranks.
Having pushed Clark back, Apocalypse evaded the phoenix's flames and controlled a stream of yellow sand to attack it. The agile phoenix quickly retreated after a single blow, countering with a punch. Apocalypse, forced to abandon shooting the phoenix, met the punch head-on.
A resounding collision of two huge fists occurred at the center, creating roaring airwaves that forced the surrounding people to retreat. Despite the general's physical inferiority, he compensated through rapid cell division, while Apocalypse, having altered the molecular structure of his body, lagged in physical fitness.
General forcibly halted his retreat, roaring as he rushed for another punch.
Apocalypse's expression changed; as the general approached, he punched but avoided the general's edge, striking the general's head.
Apocalypse's height advantage became apparent; his longer arms prevented general from reaching Apocalypse, who landed a punch and sent the general flying.
Apocalypse sought to capitalize on this opportunity to eliminate him, but Phoenix and Clark attacked anew. Apocalypse turned to face them, raising his hands, unleashing yellow sand that encircled Phoenix and Clark like a dragon.
The fierce battle on the field escalated, making intervention impossible for others. Knowing that the struggling general had been his lifelong protector, Chris had a heavy heart.
"Unfortunately, the energy in the subject's body is insufficient; otherwise, he could grow bigger and stronger, avoiding this predicament," lamented Chris.
Inspired, Kyle suddenly had an idea. "Bro, what if we find a potent energy source for the general? There seems to be a ready-made one now."
"Ready-made, where? If you're referring to the energy nodes under the castle, please don't worry about it. They can't move unless engaged in combat within the castle."
The general evolved from a zombie, with Ivan later integrating the regeneration ability of vampires into it. This enhanced its capabilities in the black and dharma world. In theory, with sufficient energy, it could infinitely increase in size.
"I'm not talking about energy nodes, but Simba. I recall my father mentioning that Simba's unique ability lies in its stomach, forming a different-dimensional space. Whatever it swallows is decomposed into pure energy, stored for body absorption and physical strengthening. If we channel this energy, wouldn't it be a powerful source?"
"Huh!" Kyle's words surprised Chris. He pondered for a moment, finding the idea increasingly feasible. "Yes, it must be possible. Let's try it."
The General, Ivan's chosen bodyguard for Chris, had a spiritual connection with her. Utilizing this connection, Chris called Simba over to give him instructions.
Acting on the idea, Simba swiftly ran to the battlefield. Seizing the opportunity created by Apocalypse's punch, the general jumped back, turned, and ran. Simba arrived just in time. The general grabbed Simba and seemingly swallowed him, but Simba entered his core to provide energy.
Before everyone's eyes, the general's body, having absorbed Simba, expanded from less than 20 meters to 60 meters. Where Apocalypse was once towering over the general, he now resembled a child, while the general stood as an imposing adult.
Feeling a tremendous increase in strength, the general turned around, closing the distance to Apocalypse in three strides. Apocalypse was sent airborne with one punch, creating a massive crater in the desert.
Capitalizing on the successful attack, the general pursued relentlessly. Before the Apocalypse could rise, a colossal foot descended. Though Apocalypse rolled to evade and attempted to trap the general in the sand with his palms, the yellow sand had minimal effect. The scales on the available blocked it, and two mighty fists dispelled the sand.
Realizing his vulnerability, Apocalypse leaped high into the air, floating higher. Despite attempts to grab him, Apocalypse fell short, repeatedly jumping but unable to touch the floating figure. Roaring in frustration, it proved futile.
Observing this, Clark and Phoenix rushed over, aiming to force Apocalypse to the ground. Yet, he was prepared, resisting their attacks without yielding an inch.
Apocalypse was elated upon discovering his generals' inability to fly. He promptly decided to eliminate Phoenix and Clark swiftly, then use long-range attacks to wear down the formidable opponent.
Kyle and Chris exchanged glances, not expecting such an awkward situation.
"Damn it, Apocalypse is so shameless—afraid to face us head-on. He never revealed his flying ability before!"
"It's not flying; he uses mental power to manipulate objects and make himself float. When he flew earlier, he looked stiff and inflexible. It's not true flight, but it's effective."
Kyle focused on the airborne Apocalypse and chuckled, "When there's a will, there's a way. This is a self-inflicted demise; don't blame me for what comes next."
Kyle transmitted instructions to the ghost through spiritual communication. The ghost, receiving the command, shook its form, releasing a dense black mist that condensed into a massive black cloud.
The black cloud circled in the air, reached the generals' feet, lifted them, and pursued Apocalypse.
"So that's how it works. I didn't expect these soul-bodies to be utilized like this. Although their weight capacity is limited, it becomes significant in quantity," Chris remarked, familiar with ghosts. Upon closer inspection, faces intermittently appeared in the black cloud, potentially terrifying for the timid.
Apocalypse was bewildered this time. His advantage of flight had backfired; now, others could fly much faster than him.
Before he could react, the general struck Apocalypse's face. Dizzy and out of control, Apocalypse crashed to the ground.
The general didn't allow him a chance to recover. The black cloud, swiftly condensed from soul bodies, turned the sky into the general's home ground. Grabbing Apocalypse, the general flew from bottom to top, repeatedly kicking him back into the air whenever he was about to land. Apocalypse's continuous screams painted a tragic picture.
"Alright, beat him! Beat him hard!" Clark expressed joy, venting the anger built up earlier.
With victory in sight, everyone relaxed. Magneto and Professor X, reuniting after parting ways due to differing ideologies, exchanged glances, acknowledging the twists and turns of their friendship.
"Charles, I'm so sorry," Magneto apologized, realizing his past actions had nearly cost Professor X his life.
"It's okay. I understand your pain," Professor X forgave his friend, recognizing the impact of Magneto's tragedy.
Upon hearing Professor X's forgiving words, Magneto sighed in relief. Facing his old friends, he felt ashamed, but he quickly adjusted his mood. Glancing at the ongoing battle, he turned his attention to Chris and the others, pondering their significance.
"Where did you find these little powerhouses? They're quite formidable. Without them, we might not have survived this encounter."
"Uh!" Professor X hesitated upon his old friend's inquiry. After a moment, he awkwardly admitted, "Actually, I don't know their origins, but it seems they're connected to Moira's son."
All eyes turned to Moira, making her uneasy. "I understand your doubts. This is the first time I've discovered Chris's incredible abilities. I was unaware before that he's a mutant."
Moira harbored some skepticism at the sudden revelation about her son. In her memory, Chris, her eldest son, was introverted and reserved, rarely speaking. The current assertive and decisive Chris seemed like a different person.
Nevertheless, Chris had always made Moira proud. From a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence, graduating from college at twelve, earning a doctorate, holding patents, and establishing a successful company. He became a renowned scientist in the United States. Unbeknownst to Moira, much of Chris's success was due to Ivan's teachings.