[Edited]
Chapter 12: The Awakening
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Spring 1983 – New York City
The world was never truly at peace. Even in times of prosperity, shadows moved beneath the surface, plotting, scheming, waiting for their moment to strike. And today, the shadows were restless.
Golden Enterprise was flourishing, its influence spanning industries and borders. But power always attracted those who wished to take it for themselves. My enemies knew they could not strike me directly, so they sought other means.
I sat in my private study, fingers steepled as I activated Inspect once more. It was time to assess the strength of my most trusted creations and subordinates.
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Inspect: The 12 Homunculi
Name: Leo
Age: 5/∞
Status: Artificial Human
Health: Perfect
Mood: Focused, Battle-ready
Enhancements: Alchemical Reinforcement, Kryptonium Plating
Strength Level: Star-Level
Wealth: None
Property: None
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Personal Guard
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Name: Sagittarius
Age: 5/∞
Status: Artificial Human
Health: Perfect
Mood: Restless, Alert
Enhancements: Alchemical Speed Reinforcement
Strength Level: Star-Level
Wealth: None
Property: None
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Personal Guard
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The remaining ten homunculi bore names befitting their divine counterparts: Taurus, Scorpio, Virgo, Gemini, Cancer, Aries, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each had been created with a specific purpose, specializing in different aspects of combat and defense. All were at Star-Level Strength, just a step below William.
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Inspect: My Most Loyal Subordinates
Name: Jackie Wu
Age: 49/85+200
Status: Enhanced Human
Health: Excellent
Mood: Steady, Loyal
Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (200 years), Alchemically Enhanced Physique
Strength Level: Disaster-Level
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million
Property: Personal residence, luxury assets
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Chief Strategist
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Name: David Chen
Age: 48/85+200
Status: Enhanced Human
Health: Excellent
Mood: Focused, Cautious
Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (200 years), Alchemically Enhanced Reflexes
Strength Level: Disaster-Level
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $12 Million
Property: Private estate, investment holdings
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Head of Security
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I was satisfied. They were all progressing as expected. But something in the air felt... wrong. A disturbance beyond my immediate understanding. Then, a few days later, the phone rang.
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~The Awakening of Apocalypse~
Elsewhere in Cairo, something ancient stirred. A force not seen for millennia. A legend whispered among the oldest of the supernatural. En Sabah Nur, the First Mutant—Apocalypse—had awoken.
His presence was like a beacon, and he immediately sensed something... someone. A perfect vessel. A mutant of limitless potential. William Lin.
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~The Battle for William Lin~
William had been overseeing a critical Golden Enterprise transport—rare alchemical materials essential to future research. He was not alone; Jackie Wu and David Chen accompanied him, along with three of the homunculi.
The ambush came without warning. A vortex of sand erupted in the night sky as Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen descended.
William stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
"You must be Apocalypse," he said, eyes scanning the ancient mutant. "And these must be your followers."
Apocalypse regarded William as one might a prized jewel. "You are strong. A body such as yours is wasted on fleeting ambitions. You should serve a higher purpose."
William smirked. "Let me guess—you want me to join you?"
Apocalypse nodded. "I offer you true power, beyond what your father has given you."
William cracked his knuckles. "Tempting offer. But I prefer making my destiny."
The battle erupted.
Lightning crackled as Storm summoned a tempest, winds strong enough to shatter trees. Magneto raised his hands, tearing steel beams from nearby structures. Psylocke and Archangel moved like phantoms, their blades and wings cutting through the air.
William, undeterred, absorbed the raw energy around him, his body glowing with power.
The fight was brutal.
Jackie Wu engaged Psylocke, their blades clashing in rapid succession. David Chen maneuvered around Archangel's aerial strikes, using alchemically enhanced reflexes to evade lethal blows. The homunculi fought like machines of war, their alchemical bodies withstanding Magneto's attempts to crush them.
But Apocalypse himself was different.
William launched an energy-infused strike, but Apocalypse simply raised his hand, absorbing the impact. "Impressive," the ancient mutant mused, "but not enough."
Then, Apocalypse moved.
His speed was unnatural. His fist crashed into William's chest, sending him hurtling through a building. Before William could recover, Magneto encased him in twisted metal restraints. Storm sent arcs of lightning surging into his body.
William roared, breaking free, his eyes burning with power. He grabbed Magneto by the throat and slammed him into the ground, then spun to deflect Psylocke's blade with sheer force.
But then—Apocalypse struck again.
A single moment of hesitation. A lapse in defense.
Everything went dark.
Jackie and David rushed forward, but a barrier of energy blocked them. The homunculi fought desperately, but it was too late.
William was gone.
Apocalypse had taken him.
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~Aftermath~
The battlefield was in ruins. Jackie Wu knelt amidst the wreckage, fists clenched. David Chen, breathing heavily, surveyed the damage.
Leo, battered but still standing, spoke first. "Orders?"
Jackie's gaze darkened. "We tell the boss."
And so, the world shifted once more.
Apocalypse had taken William Lin.
But the Lin Family would not let this stand.
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To be continued...