Support me and be 30 chapters ahead of webnovel:
patreon.com/Draco_
*****
Just as the Hellfire mutants fell into silence, Erik said calmly, "I'll go."
"No, you can't go. Let me do it!"
The wounded Fire Venom stepped in front of Erik.
"I'll go too!"
"I'm going!"
One after another, the others spoke up in support.
Erik smiled faintly and said, "Do you really think we should help her?"
As soon as he spoke, everyone fell silent, their expressions turning incredibly complex.
Fear. Anxiety. Resentment...
Their faces were filled with negative emotions, yet not one of them dared to give an honest, affirmative answer.
Seeing this, Erik said emotionlessly, "Then I'm not going to help her—I'm going to stop her from coming back. I'm going to make sure she stays there forever."
Everyone was stunned, their eyes wide as they looked at Erik in shock.
Did he mean... to kill the Black Queen?
"That's right—exactly what you're thinking," Erik said, eyes fixed on the distant battlefield. "If she returns, she'll bring us nothing but fear. She'll treat us like tools—draining our life force and discarding us at will!"
"I will not allow her to harm my people like this!"
"She is completely unfit to be our leader!"
Every word Erik said hit them like thunder, striking deep into their hearts.
"That's why I'm going back. Even if it means cooperating with those people—even if I have to risk my life—I will stop her from returning and win back everyone's freedom!"
His eyes were firm as he looked around at them all. In the midst of their stirred emotions, his body slowly rose into the air. He gave them a bitter yet warm smile and said, "Leave this place quickly, my brothers and sisters. If I fail and the Black Queen returns... just put all the blame on me."
With that, he soared into the sky and vanished swiftly from sight.
As they watched Erik disappear, the group stood in silence, their gazes complex—filled with admiration, respect, and even a spark of excitement.
If Erik succeeded, they would no longer have to live in constant fear of having their life force drained.
"Smack!"
Fire Venom suddenly slapped himself across the face.
The sharp sound caught everyone off guard as they turned to look at him.
Clenching his teeth, he glared at the others and said, "I can't believe I was actually hoping… Damn it!"
"Why should he go and stop her alone? Why should we place the hope of all of us on just one man?!"
"The Black Queen—I don't want her to come back either!"
With that, he turned and strode back toward the battlefield.
The others from Hellfire stared at his back in silence.
"I'm going too," said Soundwave with a grin, chasing after Fire Venom. "Haha! The Black Queen must not return! We don't need her!"
Stone Golem followed behind silently.
Then came the fourth, the fifth...
One by one, they all rushed back toward the battlefield.
As the Hellfire members ran, Erik had already flown back, returning to the front lines.
When the others saw Erik reappear, they were shocked and immediately prepared to attack—but Erik was the first to speak: "I'm here to cooperate—with the goal of taking down the Black Queen."
The entire battlefield fell silent.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stared at the mutant who had just struck terror into their hearts, unsure of how to respond.
Maria Hill's expression shifted repeatedly. Could she trust him?
"Why?" Charles asked softly, raising his head.
"She betrayed us," Erik said, voice calm but burning with anger. "She treats our lives like disposable trash. She's unfit to lead us!"
Everyone exchanged glances. Charles suddenly turned to look at the battlefield and said, "That person won't be able to hold off the Black Queen much longer."
The others looked too—and were stunned.
Sure enough, the mighty armored giant who had looked so powerful just moments ago had vanished. Only the faint sound of the Black Queen's maniacal laughter echoed from the distance.
What should they do? Just let the Black Queen go?
But if they did, the consequences would be unimaginable.
So… should they cooperate?
Could this mutant really be trusted?
Just then, Charles suddenly said, "If I'm not mistaken, it's your helmet that's blocking my abilities, isn't it? If you want to work together, then take it off."
Everyone's eyes lit up at those words.
That was a great idea.
As long as the helmet was off—and with Charles present—they wouldn't have to worry about betrayal.
Without hesitation, Erik tossed his helmet aside and said calmly, "Is that good enough?"
Charles's eyes flickered slightly as he turned to the others. "He's sincere. I just confirmed it with my powers."
Logan and a few others nodded, then all turned to look at S.H.I.E.L.D. Commander Maria Hill.
Maria Hill hesitated for a moment—then suddenly heard Nick Fury's voice in her earpiece.
"Agree to it."
That was all she needed. Without another second of doubt, she said, "Alright. We'll leave it to you."
Then she raised her hand and commanded, "All S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, fall back!"
The battle that followed…
was no longer one they could be part of.
The Black Queen—
They couldn't take her on. That task had to be left to Charles and the others.
"You two stay here," Charles said to Jean and Ororo.
"We can fight!" they said stubbornly.
Charles looked at them gently and said, "I know how brave and determined you both are. But please, think about your teacher for once."
He was truly worried about the two of them.
The girls nodded—reluctantly and unwillingly.
Charles turned and looked toward the distant battle, his gaze flashing. He raised his hand to his temple, and a terrifying wave of psychic power burst forth like a physical force.
Standing beside him, Jean felt the sheer magnitude of Charles's mental strength. Her heart trembled in shock—and even fear.
Was this the professor's true power?
Of course…
Not even close.
This was still only a fraction of Charles's full strength.
He used his ability to connect with Mike, linking his mind to his father's, and said, "Dad, thank you. Leave the rest to me and Charles."
Mike gave a brief reply, the corners of his mouth curling into a small smile.
This battle had really worn him out—it was clear he wasn't cut out for acting.
"You're still smiling?"
Seeing Mike's grin, the Black Queen sneered.
She was about to defeat Mike—about to drain his life force.
His power was strong, sure—but still no match for her. Even so, he'd stalled her for quite some time, throwing her entire plan into chaos.
Those foolish subordinates of hers had retreated on their own—without her orders.
Once she dealt with this annoying man in front of her, she'd make sure those idiots paid the price for disobeying her commands!
Hearing the Black Queen's words, Mike's smile grew even brighter.
This was the final boss for his two kids.
Finally—he could step off the stage.
A card appeared in his hand. A cluster of light burst forth—and in the blink of an eye, Mike vanished.
Seeing this, the Black Queen let out a furious scream.
Damn it—spatial ability again!
"Huh?"
Suddenly, her expression shifted. Eyes narrowing, she turned—and saw a group approaching her, step by step.
Her face twisted into an ugly scowl.
(End of Chapter)