While Su Mu continued absorbing energy and honing his skills, both of which were advancing rapidly due to their constant, minimal energy consumption, the outside world was experiencing a significant shift.
Firstly, Tony Stark, missing for two months, had returned and immediately announced the closure of the weapons development division of Stark Industries. This decision led to a dramatic drop in the company's stock price and sparked widespread controversy.
Secondly, a terrifying green-skinned creature had appeared at Culver University. The military attempted to capture it but was utterly defeated, and the creature left after causing massive destruction.
These two news stories, which should have been headline material on any given day, were completely overshadowed by an even more shocking development that changed public perception of mutants. On this day, people felt a new level of fear towards mutants.
This latest report came from Eddie Brock, a journalist at *The Daily Globe*, who claimed to have witnessed a battle between two powerful mutants and personally saw the overwhelming abilities of the "White Devil," along with the tremendous pressure his presence exuded.
"One of the mutants had immense physical strength, strong enough to rival the green-skinned creature. Yet, in front of the White Devil, he stood no chance," Eddie Brock wrote. His report introduced the concept of mutant power levels, asserting that the White Devil was undoubtedly a Level 5 mutant.
At the end of the article, Brock concluded, "The terrifying black singularity, whose fragments alone can tear apart anything, is unstoppable if it hits directly. The White Devil may still be unfamiliar with this ability, which suggests he has even more room to grow. If he ever masters it, he could surpass even Magneto as a threat."
The report sent shockwaves through society.
Some citizens questioned, "Didn't the government say mutants aren't a threat? How is there a mutant this powerful?"
Others were terrified, saying, "If he keeps growing, he could easily wipe out humanity. The government must capture him quickly."
Some, however, began to worship the White Devil: "He is God! An angel come to Earth; we should honor him as our lord!"
Among these voices, persecuted mutants also spoke out, using hidden IPs across social media:
"He is the savior of mutants, our leader! The government has always oppressed us, using us for inhumane experiments. Our leader will lead us to freedom!"
"Yes, we will always follow him!"
---
In a concealed, luxurious room in Hell's Kitchen, Kingpin sat with a dark expression as he read the newspaper, focusing on the terrifying black singularity and the thousand-meter-long rift it had left behind.
"Wasn't he supposed to be an ordinary mutant? Why is he this strong?"
As time passed and Bullseye still hadn't returned, Kingpin grew increasingly uneasy.
He stayed in his chair all night, anxiously waiting until dawn, finally concluding that Bullseye had completely failed—perhaps even died.
Sitting on his underground throne for decades, Kingpin hadn't felt this kind of powerlessness and fear for a long time… He might be a king, but he was still just a human. How could he oppose a god?
---
Meanwhile, aboard a massive aircraft carrier hovering thousands of meters above the ground, Nick Fury was intently examining a file, while Agent Coulson stood by, waiting. Fury had been sitting in this position for quite a while.
Abruptly, Fury closed the file, looked up, and fixed his sharp gaze on Coulson.
"Agent Coulson, use every resource we have to find him. Recruit him—he will be a cornerstone of the Avengers Initiative!"
"Yes, sir!"
As Coulson left, the breeze in the cabin lifted a corner of the file, revealing several high-definition photographs: a blue vortex, a black-and-red singularity, mysterious spatial defenses, and, finally, the fierce smile of the White Devil.
Once alone, Fury muttered, "Such a dangerous mutant must be kept under S.H.I.E.L.D. surveillance!"
---
In a hidden office filled with faint, distant screams—the tortured cries of mutants undergoing experiments—Colonel Stryker scowled as he looked at his files.
"Damn it, damn it! Mobilize every resource and bring that mutant scum to me!"
---
In a remote New York location, two of the most powerful mutant factions met secretly. If the government knew about this meeting between the X-Men and the Brotherhood, the threat level of the X-Men would undoubtedly be raised.
Magneto, wearing his distinct helmet, looked across the table at Professor X, who sat in his wheelchair.
Magneto was the first to speak:
"Charles, if we can harness his power, we can eliminate humanity and create a world of peace for mutants."
Professor X shook his head and replied seriously, "Erik, you're too extreme. Humans and mutants can coexist peacefully."
"Peace? Are you talking about the ruthless persecution and inhumane experiments mutants face from the government?" Magneto responded.
"I will make them change!" Professor X asserted.
Disappointed, Magneto looked at his old friend. "You're naïve, Charles. Blood must be repaid with blood!"
Behind Magneto, members of the Brotherhood looked at him with admiration, seeing him as their leader in rebellion.
"You're wrong. It's only a minority of humans. You can't condemn all humanity for the sins of a few," said Professor X, with the X-Men members standing behind him in silent support, firmly believing in his vision of a better future for mutants.
Seeing they couldn't reach an agreement, Magneto stood up and walked towards the door, his Brotherhood followers trailing behind.
"I'll find him, and lead him on the right path!" Magneto declared.
"Erik, I will stop you!" Professor X replied.
"Charles, you'll regret this!"
---
Unaware of these events, Su Mu was busy planning his next steps.
Unlocking templates required energy, and using his abilities required even more. Ultimately, he needed a sustainable source of power.
Relying on electric absorption alone wasn't viable long-term and risked exposure to the authorities.
Thus, his immediate priority was to secure a stable energy source.
As for the Infinity Stones, he was still too weak to pursue them now. So, he had only one option: the Arc Reactor.
At that moment, as Su Mu absorbed energy from electric sources, the system delivered an update:
**[Congratulations, Energy Absorption has leveled up!]**