Adapting in Marvel

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Back at Xavier Manor, Brian couldn't help but smirk after hearing Harold's response through his super-hearing.

He had merely overheard Harold's curses and decided to teach him a lesson using infrasound. What he hadn't anticipated was Harold's exaggerated reaction—believing Brian to be a devil and even vowing to serve him as a loyal "dog."

Pfft~ Harold truly is a high-level manager at Morgan Bank, Brian thought, amused. Even in fear, he doesn't forget to seek benefits for himself.

Initially, Brian had planned to return to Xavier Manor and eliminate Harold with a soundwave attack. But Harold's ridiculous display of loyalty had changed his mind.

"Harold, remember your words," Brian said, controlling a soundwave that traveled several kilometers to reach Harold's ears precisely.

"Yes, Lord Devil! I will remember my words. I'll be a dog that will never betray you!" Harold, still terrified, exclaimed in panic, quickly pledging his loyalty.

Satisfied, Brian let the matter drop and continued into Xavier Manor.

Upon entering the estate, Brian immediately noticed Alex Summers standing on the lawn.

Alex was focused, his fists clenched as red energy circles swirled and gathered in his chest.

Boom!

Once the energy reached its peak, Alex thrust his chest forward, releasing a concentrated, fist-sized red energy shockwave. It shot out with incredible speed and force.

Across from Alex Summers, a solid copper sculpture shattered into pieces under the force of the energy blast.

"The power still isn't improving," Alex muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead with a frustrated expression.

Brian observed Alex silently for a moment. It was clear that Alex was incredibly dedicated. Since joining the X-Men, he hadn't taken a single day off. Outside of eating and sleeping, he spent all his time honing his abilities.

Now a Level 3 mutant, Alex had become adept at projecting energy shockwaves from his chest. Despite this progress, he wasn't satisfied with the power of his attacks.

The strongest energy shockwave he could currently release was comparable to the explosive force of an RPG—a level of power he found underwhelming.

Because of this, Alex had been relentlessly pushing himself to increase the strength of his shockwaves, but so far, his efforts had not yielded any breakthroughs.

"Alex, it looks like you could use some help," Brian said, stepping forward and placing a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder.

"Brian, you're back!"

"Alex, your ability isn't just a tool powered by your energy. It's part of your body," Brian said earnestly. "To truly improve, you need to release your ability with your heart—not just with raw energy."

"My heart?" Alex asked, frowning slightly in confusion. "Umm.. What do you mean by that?"

Brian casually waved his hand, and a massive stone lion hurtled toward Alex Summers.

Seeing the sudden attack, Alex didn't hesitate. He instinctively released his ability.

Boom!

A red energy shockwave, as thick as a bowl, erupted from Alex's chest. The shockwave struck the stone lion, causing it to explode into fragments, with flames licking the scattered pieces.

"This is what I mean by using your heart," Brian said calmly. "From the heart—don't overthink it. Don't try to control it, just let it flow, like how we breathe without thinking."

Brian continued, "Come on, Alex, your ability has immense potential."

Encouraging Alex with a reassuring nod, Brian left the scene.

Having already acquired and mastered Alex's energy shockwave ability, Brian fully understood its mechanics and limits. Teaching Alex came as second nature.

Entering the building of Xavier Manor, Brian spotted Siryn sprawled lazily on the living room sofa, looking completely listless.

"Sean, why aren't you training?" Brian asked with a hint of amusement, noticing Sean's unmotivated demeanor.

Sean glanced at Brian, with confidence. "I've already mastered supersonic flight. I can fly freely in the sky now," he replied smugly. "No need for more training."

Brian glanced at Sean Cassidy with a mix of amusement and pity.

No wonder he was written off after the first major mutant battle. With an attitude like this, who else could be the first to fall? he thought to himself.

"Whatever. Where are Professor X and the others?" Brian asked, deciding to ignore Sean's complacency.

"Oh, Professor X and the others are in the X-Enhancement Room," Sean replied lazily. "Professor X told me to let you know that you should head there as soon as you got back. He seemed pretty serious, so something big must've happened."

Sean's casual tone betrayed his lack of concern.

While Brian had been in Siberia, Professor X had called Magneto and Hank to the X-Enhancement Room for a private meeting. Before leaving, he had left strict instructions with Sean to immediately inform Brian upon his return.

But true to his laid-back nature, Sean hadn't taken the instructions seriously. If Brian hadn't asked, Sean would have likely forgotten about it entirely.

Hearing Sean's explanation, Brian's brows furrowed slightly. Without wasting any more time on Sean, he turned and headed straight for the X-Enhancement Room.

As Brian entered the X-Enhancement Room, his eyes were immediately drawn to the intricate mental projections floating around the space.

It was clear that Professor X was actively using the brainwave enhancer.

Next to Professor X, Magneto and Beast stood with unusually serious expressions.

Brian walked over to Magneto and asked in a low voice, "Erik, what happened?"

Magneto shook his head, his face grave. Clearly, he wasn't in the mood to explain.

"Let Charles tell you," Magneto said in a heavy tone.

Brian nodded and waited quietly.

After about half an hour, Professor X finally removed his helmet. He switched off the brainwave enhancer, and the mental projections vanished.

Looking visibly tired, Professor X stood up and turned to Brian.

"Brian, you're back. Did you enjoy your time in Siberia?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.

"It was fine—pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and good company," Brian replied casually with a shrug. "Now tell me, what happened?" he added, noting the concern etched on Professor X's face.

"Brian," Professor X began, his tone heavy, "while you were enjoying the Siberian storms, the Hellfire Club's Black Emperor, Sebastian Shaw, used his ability to take control of the entire Soviet Union."

He looked directly at Brian, his gaze serious and intense.

"Sebastian Shaw has taken control of the entire Soviet Union?"

"No wonder you all look like someone's died."

That clarified why Professor X and the others appeared so grim.

"Brian, aren't you shocked?" Professor X asked, his solemn demeanor faltering as he noticed Brian's calm reaction.

"Shocked? Why?" Brian said indifferently. "Shocked that Sebastian Shaw controls the Soviet Union? What's so surprising about that? As the strongest mutant, Shaw could easily wipe out the Soviet Union if he wanted to—controlling it is nothing extraordinary, now is it?"

Brian's words left Professor X and the others speechless.

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