Sandy Brandenburg ended her call, the smile fading from her lips. The press conference playing on the TV concluded, leaving a tense atmosphere in the air. "The war has begun," she muttered. The conflict between humans and mutants had taken a new turn, and many mutants, especially those with weaker abilities, sought refuge under powerful figures to ensure their safety. Sandy and Inez, once part of the X-Agent mercenary corps, had joined forces with Ethan Hayes, the Ice Demon, hoping to secure a more stable future.
Sandy knew that many in the world didn't realize the true identity of the Ice Demon. But she had witnessed his overwhelming power firsthand—his ability to sink an aircraft carrier fleet and bring down a devastating tsunami that claimed over a hundred thousand lives. The government might have tried to downplay it, but smart people saw through the ruse, understanding that these events were warnings against those who would challenge mutant-kind.
"Inez, get ready. Ethan is coming over tonight," Sandy called out to her companion. Inez, the outlaw, scowled at the thought. She had been drawn into a world she never wanted to be a part of, bound to a man whose power she both feared and resented. Yet, she knew that walking away wasn't an option.
Sandy, sensing her hesitation, approached Inez. "Look, I know you think we're just playthings to him, but the world out there is a lot harsher. The government is going to clamp down on mutants, forcing those they capture to take the so-called cure. Do you really want to lose your abilities and be at the mercy of everyone who holds a grudge against us?"
Inez's fierce gaze softened, replaced by a reluctant understanding. "I know what's at stake, Sandy. But I hate being treated like a disposable pawn."
Sandy sighed, giving her a knowing smile. "Then let's not be pawns. Let's make ourselves indispensable. Ethan is ruthless, but he's fair in his own way. He doesn't start conflicts, but if someone brings the fight to him, he will end it. That's why I chose to stay and work with him. I see a future for myself here."
Inez remained silent, but she didn't leave. Instead, she prepared herself for Ethan's arrival, realizing that she would have to play the cards she was dealt.
Later that evening, Ethan Hayes returned from his Long Island villa to the Osborn Group headquarters, where he found an unexpected visitor waiting for him—Harry Osborn, the former heir of the company. Harry's expression was conflicted, a mixture of desperation and determination.
"Ethan, I need your help. I need to find Peter," Harry began. He had searched everywhere, using every resource he could muster, but Peter Parker remained elusive.
"He's in London," Ethan replied with a smirk.
"London?" Harry repeated, stunned by the casual revelation.
"Yes, studying at the University of London," Ethan added. With his mastery over mystical runes, tracking Peter had been a simple task.
"Thanks. I need to go see him right away," Harry said, turning to leave.
But Ethan stopped him. "Did you know that Peter injected himself with more than just the spider serum? He also used the lizard serum. He's stronger now, perhaps even stronger than you'd imagine."
Harry froze in place, the weight of Ethan's words sinking in. "He's risking everything by combining those serums… he's crazy!"
Ethan chuckled softly. "He's not crazy, just determined. Dr. Connors helped him stabilize the process, blending the genetic modifications into something new. That's why he's so powerful now. And you, Harry… you could become even stronger."
Harry turned back to face Ethan, suspicion and curiosity in his eyes. "Why would you help me? What do you gain from this?"
Ethan leaned back, his smile never fading. "You want revenge on Peter, and I want to see how far you can go. The serum will push you beyond your limits. And besides, competition drives people to new heights."
Harry considered Ethan's words, then nodded. "Alright. I'll take the serum."
Ethan pressed a button on his desk, summoning Raven and Dr. Otto Octavius to join them. Raven, now an executive within the Osborn Group, entered with a small smile, while Dr. Otto followed closely behind, his mechanical arms extending from his back like the limbs of an octopus.
"Dr. Octavius will oversee your injection. Trust me, Harry, you're in good hands," Ethan assured, gesturing to the machinery.
Harry eyed Dr. Octavius warily. "Why are you doing this, Otto?"
The scientist smirked, adjusting his glasses. "Because innovation never stops, and your transformation could be the key to pushing the limits of genetic research."
With a deep breath, Harry lay down on the metal chair. The injection began, and the serum—derived from a blend of the Black Widow and spider genes—coursed through his veins. As the transformation took hold, Harry clenched his fists, feeling his body change, his strength multiplying.
Dr. Octavius watched with interest as the process unfolded, his mechanical limbs moving with the precision of a surgeon. "Welcome to a new era, Mr. Osborn. Let's see how far you can push yourself."
In the shadows of the Osborn building, Sandy and Inez discussed their uncertain futures. "Maybe this is our chance, Inez," Sandy whispered. "We stick with Ethan, and we might come out of this stronger than before. He's not the villain people think he is. He's just… practical."
Inez looked up at the night sky, her mind filled with doubts. But she knew one thing—surviving in this new world meant adapting. And if that meant aligning with a man like Ethan Hayes, she would do whatever it took.
Meanwhile, in Ethan's office, Harry's transformation was complete. He rose from the chair, feeling power coursing through his veins like never before. "I'll be ready, Ethan. I'll make Peter pay for what he's done."
Ethan simply nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Good. Let the game begin, Harry. But remember—strength is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in controlling it."
Harry left the room, determination etched into his features, while Ethan turned his attention back to his expanding empire. The pieces were falling into place, and soon, the world would see the true power that lay within the shadows.
READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD OF EVERYONE FOR ONLY $7!
LINK: patr eon.com/SenatusPopulus
ALSO CHECK MY OTHER PROJECTS!
Naruto: Masters of Strategy?