Far in the northern glaciers of Earth, a submarine pierced through the icy surface. Inside, the Elf scooped up some crushed ice into her wine glass and returned to the cabin.
"Aren't you the least bit worried? Our enemies are recruiting by the thousands." She handed the glass to Sebastian Shaw, giving him a pointed reminder.
"Why worry? A bunch of rabble won't be able to touch us," Sebastian replied with arrogance.
"Even ants can devour an elephant, given enough of them."
"They're no ants, and I am certainly no elephant. I am a god—the new god who will soon rule this world!" Sebastian declared, his voice blazing with triumph as if his plans had already succeeded and the crown of supremacy was firmly on his head.
"Really? Then why are you still hiding in the shadows?" the Elf shot back, unfazed by his growing arrogance. She had no fear of provoking him—her powers countered his quite well, and besides, he still needed her cooperation.
"It's part of the plan. Fools flaunt their power without purpose. We, however, show off both power and wisdom—manipulating the world from the shadows. Don't you think that's far more thrilling?" Sebastian spoke as though he hadn't heard her sarcasm.
"Alright, boss. Whatever you say." The Elf had grown used to his conceit. Though she played along, she never considered herself his subordinate. This was a partnership—and she already had her escape route planned.
"Oh, right. Let me show you something." Sebastian suddenly remembered a recent gift. He took out a case from a cabinet. Inside lay a gleaming silver helmet. Though antique in design, it looked pristine, radiating an eerie, irresistible aura of mystery.
Sebastian carefully lifted the helmet and placed it on his head, sighing in apparent satisfaction.
The Elf frowned, puzzled. It was just a decorative helmet—why such a reaction? Did he have some strange kink?
"Now, try telepathy on me," Sebastian instructed.
Though confused, the Elf obeyed. The moment her mind connected with his, her face turned pale and blood spurted from her mouth.
"Cough… What the hell was that!?"
"Amazing, isn't it? A gift from our polar bear friends—supposedly a divine relic. They couldn't figure it out, so they gave it to me as a welcome present." Sebastian's tone was casual, but it was clearly a warning: Your trump card is gone. Don't get any ideas.
The Elf understood perfectly. Her expression shifted instantly to one of loyalty. Ignoring her injuries, she leaned into Sebastian's chest, gently stroking it.
"Congratulations—your last weakness is gone."
"Indeed. A god's relic, worn by the god-to-be. A perfect match, wouldn't you say?"
"It certainly is."
"Come, I've got another surprise for you."
Without waiting for a reply, he dragged her to a sealed chamber at the rear of the sub. As soon as they stepped in, an overwhelming surge of destructive energy enveloped her.
"A miniature nuclear fusion reactor. With this, I'll never run out of energy." Sebastian's eyes gleamed as he looked at it, like it was his most beloved treasure.
"This isn't all of your plan, is it?"
"Of course not, darling. Just imagine—I absorb enough fusion energy, then stroll through the major cities of the world. What do you think would happen?" he teased.
The Elf didn't answer, only smiled. She knew exactly what would happen. A walking, reusable nuclear warhead wandering through cities—even if he did nothing—would create mass panic and destruction.
"He's insane. I need to find a way out of this." She made her decision right there. Knowing Sebastian's erratic nature, she understood—everyone but him was a pawn. Staying by his side was playing with death.
"Still, you're right. Even if they're weak, flies in great numbers are annoying. I'll take care of them. You handle the polar bears." Sebastian issued his command.
"No problem," she agreed. It was the perfect excuse to make her exit.
Meanwhile, Charles didn't return to the intelligence agency. Instead, he brought his team to an old family estate.
"Whoa, didn't know you were rich," Armando (a.k.a. Darwin) whistled in admiration.
"Sort of. My father didn't leave me much. This estate is one of the few things," Charles replied with a shrug.
"We couldn't get the Cerebro amplifier, but I can build a new one," Hank offered.
"No rush, Hank. This is just a temporary base. What if we move again later? Build one here only to leave it behind?" Charles joked.
"…Fine, no rush then." Hank rolled his eyes in defeat.
Just then, a car pulled into the estate. Moira rushed out.
"Thank God you're back, Charles! These are your new teammates?"
"Yes, Moira. They're all trustworthy."
"We're done cooperating with the agency. Why are you here?" Erik said coldly. It wasn't personal—just his general dislike for authority.
"I want to help. This is my decision, not the agency's," Moira explained.
"But I don't think—"
"Enough, Erik. One more ally is always welcome. Moira's not lying," Charles interrupted.
"…Fine." Erik figured Charles had used telepathy to check anyway, so he didn't press further.
"Thanks, Charles."
"You're welcome. Let's go inside and talk—"
"No time! Charles, I received intel—that woman is in the Arctic zone. The one with connections to the military brass. They must be plotting something. We have to stop them."
"That woman?" Charles frowned. He remembered the Elf vividly—another telepath like himself, and a serious threat. Without her, they would've already caught Sebastian.
"You're sure?"
"Positive."
"Is she alone?"
"Don't know. The report only mentioned her."
Charles hesitated. If she was alone, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. But what if it was a trap?
"You decide, Charles." The others looked to him as their leader.
"…Erik, come with me. We can't miss this chance. Taking her out early could change everything."
"Alright."
"The rest of you stay here and wait for us. Warren, can you help train Raven and Hank? They're not ready for battle yet."
"Of course. We're teammates now." Warren (a.k.a. Angel) grinned. The others nodded.
"Thanks. Hank, do your best—I'm sure you don't want to be stuck in the lab forever. Raven, don't worry—I'll be back soon."
"Worried about you? When have I ever?" Raven teased.
"…Ouch." Charles felt a sting in his heart. She used to be his sweet little sister.
"Haha, come on, Charles. Let's go. Warren, stay sharp," Erik added.
"Don't worry. We might not be as strong as you, but we've got more experience." Warren smirked.
After all, Warren, Calvin (Mimic), and Armando (Darwin) were seasoned patrollers. Elizabeth (Psylocke) was a former assassin, and Shiro (Sunfire) was born into an elite clan—caution came naturally.
"Alright, whatever you say." Erik didn't argue and left with Moira.
"Okay, let's sweep the place and start setting up," Warren said once they were gone.
"Wish we had a floor plan… Damn, forgot to ask Charles. Raven, you've lived here. Know where it is?" Shiro asked.
"Of course, gentlemen. Follow me." Raven smiled, feeling a little thrill—finally, something useful she could do.
The team entered the estate, ready to fortify their new base.
What they didn't know was—danger was already quietly approaching.