Having perceived the image, I recognized it as a special point of Haki. It had a peculiar trait: the ability to see a few seconds into the future. Mine wasn't advanced enough for full control, but I managed to use it by pure luck and randomness. Recognizing the event, I stood up, stretching my body.
"Immortal?" My aunt, who had already deactivated her power and stopped to rest, looked at me in surprise.
"Relax. Hank, trust me; in a few moments, we'll be attacked. Open an exterior part of the ship and get ready for evasive maneuvers."
Hank gave me a strange look, seemingly unsure of what to do, but the professor spoke up at that moment.
"Do it, Hank." He looked at me intently, and with a smile that sent a chill down my spine, I felt no reason to worry.
The top of the ship opened slightly, and I used my wind power to rise to its roof. My steps were light and silent as I moved to the edge of the ship and drew my wooden staff. My actions were quick and precise, and without hesitation, yellow magical energy from Borg gathered at the tip of my staff. In the series, Aladdin could use Borg with extreme versatility and power, capable of causing massive destruction or providing strong protection. I'm still far from his level, but I had enough control to execute my plan, especially since creation magic had enhanced my overall energy control.
My mental power focused in my eyes and extended for kilometers. I spotted a large cannon on a tank, charged with strong, destructive energy. Without hesitation, it fired with vigor and power.
Holding my staff in my right hand, I took my Wook in my left, although I didn't plan to use it—just in case it came in handy. The blast crossed the ocean and sky, flying directly toward me. I maintained my composure, and as it neared, I raised my staff.
"Borg Protection."
Dense Magoi energy instantly flew to cover the entire rear of the ship. When the destructive energy struck, the barrier didn't even flinch. My internal energy reinforced the shield, allowing it to withstand the attack. After a few seconds, I shifted my control, using Borg as an extension of my body, directing the energy blast to the side with a strong push. The action consumed a significant amount of energy and concentration, but I successfully diverted the blast.
I exhaled deeply as I watched the blast dissipate to the side, while the X-ship swiftly sped away. Relaxing, I noted that the cannon couldn't fire again soon and that our distance made it impossible for it to keep up. The military aircraft had been significantly reduced, preventing pursuit due to our speed. Additionally, we were entering other countries' territories, making us harder to detect. The X-ship activated its disguise and stealth systems, becoming invisible and undetectable, and headed back to the X mansion.
…
A few days later, I was in an arthropod-shaped hideout, my fingers moving rapidly as I analyzed various data with my enhanced intellect. In front of me was a gas I was handling with analytical and testing equipment, some acquired through the system, others built by me, the minions, and droids, with a bit of help from Peter. The equipment was highly functional. The specific gas I was analyzing was the mutant inhibition gas.
"Is it true it could block mutant powers, even from an Omega-level mutant?" Peter, who was reading some data out of curiosity, asked me.
"Yes, though it didn't fully prevent him from using his power, according to Iceman's statement. It also seemed to last less time than it did with the other two."
I didn't really need to conduct these tests, but I decided to anyway and sent the data directly to Hank and Danger. They're looking for a solution to counter the power-blocking gas that can interact with the genetic inhibitor. From our observations, the gas acts on the so-called X gene.
We continued experimenting for a while before I shifted back to human form and went to sit on the couch with my boyfriend. We turned on the big projector and put on a romance movie. My love made salted popcorn while I made sweet, and we enjoyed sodas together. We also didn't wear our uniforms, which meant Daredevil already knew our faces, but I wasn't worried since he had officially revealed himself as Matt Murdock. Besides, unlike him, I have some agency contacts and my Anturian AI for support.
While we watched the movie, I was also playing with my sword, which had a beautiful gold-encrusted handle adorned with a phoenix at the base, and light touches of black and gray. The elongated blade was a rich red with precious black accents, forged from the heart of a powerful Daedric being, giving it resilience and durability. The "imperial dagger" effect was also very useful, as it allowed me to fuse future swords to gain their abilities, enhancing the sword's overall powers.
With just a thought, the large sword transformed into a small dagger, then into a hoe, then into a saber-like sword, before reverting to a beautiful dagger—all in an instant. After toying with the dagger for a bit, I put it away and focused on the movie, snuggled close to my adorable boyfriend, with four minions on the floor watching the film and munching on popcorn while chatting about various topics.
A little after the movie, Daredevil entered the room, standing before me. I looked at him with curiosity and intrigue since he seemed to have something to say.
"Adrian, I need to ask for your help with something."
Finding it interesting, I sat at his table. Peter, also curious, joined us, as Matt assured us it was okay.
"Well... the help is a bit complicated, but it's related to a force that seemed to be cooperating with Fisk. Apparently, they call themselves the 'Hand.' I discovered an interesting individual, someone named Luke Cage, who seems bulletproof but isn't a mutant."
The first part already intrigued me, given my curiosity about this giant criminal organization that seems to have deep ties in New York. I had encountered traces of it before with Danny in the past, and at another time as well.
I was planning to take action, as their attacks on innocent people in my city are blatantly evident and dangerous. As for the second part, I was somewhat interested, curious about the origin of his power, though not entirely focused on it. I looked at him, wondering what he would say next.
"Recently, I discovered that a person allied with the Hand, known as Bushmaster, seems to have had recent conflicts with them. During a brief investigation, I came across this alias in the Hand's documents. My request is for you to help me investigate this Bushmaster and a person named Luke."
After hearing him out, I lightly tapped the table and asked something that had piqued my interest. "Beyond Fisk, are you thinking of trying to take down the Hand as well?"
He paused, then responded after a moment. "I'm not sure… possibly. From what I've seen, they have a significant criminal influence and cause harm in the city… but saving the world has never necessarily been my priority, so I'm not entirely certain."
He paused again before continuing, "But still… I want to help some people, for whatever reason that may be."
I nodded, considering agreeing to his plan. I wanted to investigate the Hand, but I also hoped to bring down the organization itself, though given its size, reach, and influence, it would clearly be a long-term goal. I had also observed some strange details that made it seem like a particularly ancient organization… at the very least, I hoped to reduce its power in New York.
In line with my thoughts, a mission activated, seeming to align with my intentions or perhaps to push me forward. However, it was slightly different from others I had undertaken.