As the group arrived at the X-Men Villa, the sight was haunting. The once bustling home to many young mutants and their teachers now stood eerily quiet, its halls echoing with an unsettling stillness. Hank McCoy led them inside and quickly handed Max a small device.
"This machine," Hank explained, "can detect mutants within a short range and, if needed, suppress their powers temporarily. It's old tech but reliable." He handed the device to Max, who examined it, nodding in approval.
As they walked deeper into the villa, Tony Stark couldn't help but ask the question lingering in the air. "So, where is everyone? All the kids and teachers?"
Storm, walking ahead with her usual grace, glanced back at Tony. "We moved them to a safe location," she explained. "With the N'Garai attacks escalating, it was too dangerous to keep anyone here."
Tony nodded, though his expression was serious. "Probably a smart move."
Suddenly, without warning, the group was ambushed by a horde of N'Garai demons—19 in total, their grotesque forms lumbering out from the shadows. They were monstrous, sharp claws, and glowing red eyes, resembling a nightmarish fusion of a gargoyle and a demonic creature from the depths of hell. Their mouths stretched open with a low growl, revealing rows of jagged teeth.
Tony immediately activated his Iron Man nanite suit, the metallic liquid swirling over his body and forming his red and gold armor in seconds. "Time for action," he muttered before unleashing a barrage of repulsor blasts. Steve Rogers leapt forward beside him, shield raised, cutting down three of the advancing demons with well-aimed throws and swift strikes. Tony followed up with repulsor beams, blasting through two more demons, while Steve deflected a claw strike from another.
Logan, in his element, let out a feral growl as he charged straight into the fray. His adamantium claws gleamed in the dim light as he tore into the N'Garai with savage precision. The first one fell to the ground, its torso slashed open. Logan spun, decapitating another with a clean slice before quickly dismembering a third demon, severing its limbs with a brutal efficiency. The fourth N'Garai leapt at him, but Logan's reflexes were faster. He impaled the creature with both claws, lifting it before tossing it aside like a ragdoll.
Kitty Pryde darted through the chaos, phasing through walls and furniture, using her intangibility to confuse the demons that tried to chase her. Four N'Garai were focused on her, but as she kept them distracted, Logan swiftly dealt with them, his claws cutting through their twisted bodies with ease.
Storm, hovering above the battlefield, called down lightning from the storm clouds that began to gather overhead. Two bolts struck down with thunderous force, electrocuting two N'Garai where they stood. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as the charred remains of the demons fell to the ground, lifeless.
On the far side of the room, Illyana Rasputin wielded her magical sword, the Soulsword, with deadly grace. She cleaved through one of the N'Garai with a single, powerful stroke, its dark essence dissipating into the air. Beside her, her brother Piotr—Colossus—used his metal fists to pulverize the remaining demons. Each punch from Colossus was a thunderous blow, crushing bone and flesh as he tore through the creatures with raw strength.
Amidst the battle, Hank McCoy—Beast—stood close to Max. He eyed Max, curious as to why he hadn't joined the fight. Max, dressed in his Crysis nanite suit, stood still, observing the fight with a calculating expression. Though he didn't lift a finger to engage in the combat, it was clear his mind was constantly assessing every move and possibility. Hank understood now; Max was a strategist, not one to waste energy on unnecessary action.
Once the last N'Garai had fallen, Max walked calmly over to the bodies of the slain demons, kneeling to inspect them. "More of them will come," Hank warned, stepping up beside Max, his voice filled with concern. "We should leave the villa before we're overwhelmed."
Max didn't argue, but instead, he asked, "Where is the Darkhold?"
Hank hesitated for a moment before answering. "I contacted Professor Xavier just before we left. He informed me that Magneto is currently near the Darkhold… in Egypt."
Max's eyes narrowed in thought. Egypt. That complicated things slightly but not enough to slow him down. He stood, his decision already made. "Then we go to Egypt," Max said, his voice calm but determined.
Tony, hearing this, turned to Max. "Egypt, huh? Alright, let's get this show on the road. I'll fire up the jet."
Max smirked beneath his helmet. "Who needs a jet when we can use portals?"
With a flick of his wrist and the Sling Ring Mordo had given him, Max summoned a shimmering portal, its swirling energies revealing a glimpse of the Egyptian desert on the other side. The group, without hesitation, stepped through, ready to confront Magneto and whatever else awaited them in the land of the Pharaohs.