If Syd were here, he would immediately recognize the blue-skinned man. This was Apocalypse, the oldest and first known mutant, revered as a deity during ancient Egypt.
In ancient Egypt, Apocalypse was even worshiped as a god and ruled over the land.
His abilities were numerous, including telekinesis, super strength, matter transmutation, spatial teleportation, and the enhancement of other mutants' powers, among others.
The reason for his vast array of powers was his ability to transfer souls—or energy. Through rituals, he could seize another person's body and permanently gain their abilities. Each time he possessed a new mutant, he gained a new power.
Over three thousand years ago, when the Egyptians became dissatisfied with his rule, they revolted during his attempt to possess a mutant with super-fast healing abilities. This led to an interruption of his transfer ritual.
Eventually, the pyramid where the ritual was conducted collapsed. His body, protected by his followers, the Horsemen of Apocalypse, avoided major issues and remained dormant until now.
Cairo, Egypt.
On the yellow-tinted streets, Apocalypse, also known as En Sabah Nur, was walking.
Suddenly, a car nearly hit him.
Unfazed, Apocalypse ignored the driver's angry shouts, casually touched the car, and continued on his way.
At that moment, he saw a mutant child receiving harsh treatment.
On a nearby street, a boy in tattered pants and a bare, tattooed upper body was crouched on the ground. Around him, a group of bullies were tormenting him.
"You disgusting freak, mutant germ…"
The children punched and kicked the boy, ignoring his cries and pleas.
Apocalypse approached and intervened. "Stop."
The bullies instinctively halted and stared at the strange adult before them. His peculiar clothes and words only added to their confusion.
A sturdy child stepped forward, hands on hips, and said, "Who are you? Stay out of our business!"
Without further discussion, Apocalypse grabbed the child by the collar and tossed him several meters away.
"Ah…"
The bullies were terrified and screamed, quickly fleeing the scene.
"Child, you're safe now."
Apocalypse knelt beside the bullied mutant boy.
As they tried to communicate, Apocalypse used his rapid learning abilities to quickly pick up the local language. Within ten minutes, the sound of approaching footsteps was heard.
Apocalypse and the boy looked up to see four adults armed with sticks and other objects.
"Is this the one who bullied our child?"
"You weird-looking clown, do you want to die?"
The adults were accompanied by several children, who looked on with glee.
One of the burly adults raised his stick, ready to deal with this "clown."
However, they watched in astonishment as the blue-skinned figure slightly raised his hand. A nearby yellowish wall turned to sand, which swiftly sliced through the adult's head.
"Ah…"
The sight of the severed head sent the onlookers into a panic, and they began to flee in terror.
The street descended into chaos. The boy, still on the ground, was stunned and stammered, "You… you killed someone…"
Apocalypse said nothing, pulling the boy up and walking away.
As they moved along, Apocalypse continued to learn the modern language while making halting conversation. "They betrayed me, forgetting their god. Punishment is only right."
He glanced at the boy. "What's your name?"
The boy hesitated before replying, "My name is Todd."
The two continued along the dusty road, discussing mutants.
"Is it so hard for you all now?" Apocalypse asked, puzzled.
"What do you mean?" Todd looked confused. "Do you mean mutants like us?"
Seeing Apocalypse nod, Todd lowered his head in despair.
"Yes, sir. Our situation is very bad. Since the Light Event, things have gotten worse. People like me, who are only bullied, are among the better off…"
The Light Event?
Apocalypse's curiosity was piqued, but he didn't interrupt Todd, listening attentively.
Todd continued, "Some have it worse. I've heard they are captured and subjected to inhumane experiments!"
After Todd finished, Apocalypse asked, "Has no one resisted?"
Todd lowered his head, sadness in his eyes.
"There have been resistances, but they've been ineffective. They can't compete with the armed forces. Everyone who resisted has died."
Apocalypse inquired further, "Child, are there no powerful individuals among you? Are they all as weak as you?"
"Uh, weak?" Todd looked uncomfortable.
Apocalypse nodded.
To him, whether it was Todd or someone slightly stronger, they all seemed weak— a reflection of his confidence as the strongest mutant of his time.
Are mutants in this era all so weak?
Todd, seeing Apocalypse's nod, thought of something and said, "There are some, like the Messiah…"
Before he could say more, distant footsteps were heard again.
Apocalypse and Todd turned to see a group of modern soldiers armed with guns.
"It's the military, we have to run!" Todd's eyes widened in fear.
He tried to pull Apocalypse away, but couldn't move him. Apocalypse remained standing still.
Todd, nearly in tears, looked at the approaching soldiers and their black guns, his legs nearly giving way from fear.
The lead soldier, a burly man with a thick black beard, aimed his gun at them and sneered.
"Two mutant scum, don't you know where you are? This isn't a place for your arrogance!"
"Relying on a bit of mutant power to act recklessly, you really have some guts!"
"Do you think you're the Messiah? You're asking for death!"
Todd was terrified, but Apocalypse's mind was stirred by the mention of the Messiah.
The Messiah?
End of Chapter