Max and the group stepped through the rubble of an ancient Egyptian ruin. The remnants of weathered stones and faded carvings littered the area as they approached a grand chamber, dimly lit by the fading sunlight outside. Amid the debris, a tall figure waited, regal yet ominous, dressed in metal armor and with eyes that seemed to pierce through to one's very soul. It was Magneto.
"Where is Wanda?" Magneto demanded, his voice low but carrying the weight of authority.
Max glanced at the X-Men, uncertain how much to reveal at this moment, but before he could answer, Hank spoke. "We didn't bring Wanda, Magneto. We brought other allies instead—five individuals who can help us confront this threat."
Magneto's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the five "ordinary" humans that Hank had mentioned—Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Mordo, and Max. He scoffed slightly, his voice thick with skepticism. "Five normal humans? What do they possibly expect to accomplish against the N'Garai or Chthon?"
Tony, never one to shy away from banter, grinned. "Well, if you count the time we took on a whole army of aliens, I'd say we've got some experience. Plus," he added, pointing to himself, "I'm Iron Man."
Magneto cast a doubtful glance at Hank before turning to Storm, who stepped forward. "We arrived shortly after the battle in their universe," she explained. "To be honest, a giant ship won most of the fight."
Magneto's gaze shifted to Tony, and Tony waved nonchalantly. "That would be Max's doing," he said casually, as though it were nothing. "The ship, the technology, all his."
Magneto looked at Max with a new level of interest. Before he could respond, he added, "I've also brought along some new machines to help with the situation."
But Magneto wasn't easily impressed. He turned back to Hank. "Apocalypse is struggling," Magneto said, his voice darkening. "He's attempting to fight Chthon's possession. He remains in his pyramid, meditating, but he is prone to bouts of uncontrollable rage. Every time he loses control, he destroys parts of the pyramid, only to rebuild it afterward."
Max's brow furrowed as he absorbed the information. "Do you know where the Darkhold is?"
Before Magneto could answer, Steve interjected, his expression serious. "Max, you're not seriously considering using the Darkhold yourself, are you? You didn't want Wanda to use it because it would destroy her, but now you're planning to use it?"
Max turned to Steve, his voice calm but firm. "I don't plan on using the Darkhold directly, Steve. I intend to use it as a medium."
Magneto raised an eyebrow. "And what good will that do?"
Max began explaining. "Years ago, I built a machine fight the TVA. They never showed up. I later built another version for Dormammu."
Mordo, who had been silent until now, stiffened at the mention of Dormammu. "What did you plan to do with Dormammu, Max?" he asked, his voice tight with suspicion.
Max turned to him, unfazed. "Dormammu is going to attack Earth in a few years. I wanted a plan in place so that the sorcerers wouldn't have to face him alone. I'm not one to rely entirely on mystic forces, so I prepared a backup."
Tony, always inquisitive, raised a hand. "Okay, who exactly is Dormammu, and why do I get the feeling we should be worried?"
Mordo took a breath and began to explain. "Dormammu is a being of immense power from the Dark Dimension. His influence is far-reaching, and his goal is simple: consume dimensions, including our own, and merge them with his own twisted reality."
Tony made a face, clearly not happy with the explanation. "Great, another interdimensional maniac to look forward to," he muttered sarcastically.
Bruce, curious as ever, asked, "So what's this machine you built?"
Max turned to Bruce, his face neutral but hiding a hint of excitement. "I've built a new version of the machine, designed specifically for Chthon. I'd rather not spoil the surprise, but let's just say it'll make things a lot harder for him."
Magneto looked back at Hank, clearly seeking reassurance. "Should I even risk this?"
Hank nodded. "It's worth a try, Erik. We don't have many other options."
Magneto sighed but nodded, his resolve firming. "The Darkhold is inside Apocalypse's pyramid."
Mordo, sensing the growing tension, conjured a portal into the Mirror Dimension. "This way," he said, "we can bypass the N'Garai and get directly to the Darkhold without raising any alarms."
Magneto and a few members of his Brotherhood led the group through the eerie, reflective version of the pyramid, where their movements seemed to ripple through the mirrored landscape.
Upon reaching a vast chamber, the Darkhold rested on a pedestal, bathed in dim light. Max wasted no time, producing a magically enhanced bag from his pocket, much larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside. As he unceremoniously began pulling out machinery, Magneto watched, clearly impressed despite himself. His eyebrows lifted slightly, a subtle gesture of acknowledgment.
Max explained as he worked. "The first machine is based on Hank's design—the one that can suppress mutant abilities within a certain radius. If Apocalypse tries to attack us, at least we can take away his mutant powers."
He pulled out another device. "This is a portable energy-shield generator."
Then came the third machine, a complex array of glowing panels and humming circuits. "This one is a little surprise for Chthon," Max said with a smirk. "Everyone will need to wear these," he added, handing out small bracelets to the group. "They function as receivers for the third machine. Essentially, one of these needs to be near Chthon to work."
Finally, he heaved out a large device, roughly the size of a car. "And this," Max said, patting the machine, "is the final piece. It's going to drive Chthon out and stop the N'Garai from reinforcing their troops."
Magneto, his face now fully serious, looked around the group. "This is the best shot we have. Let's make it count."
With their machines prepared and the Darkhold secured, the group was ready for their final confrontation with Chthon.