The wealthy man picked up the intercom, unlocked it with his fingerprint, and placed it against his ear. A cold, emotionless voice came through the device.
"Code word."
"Rebirth."
"Code word confirmed... What is the matter?"
The wealthy man explained everything about today's meeting in one breath and asked, "Should I take action?"
"No need."
The voice on the other end grew tense. Those wealthy individuals might not know the true identity of the Demon King, but how could they not? Even if the entire world joined forces, they might still not be his match.
After a moment of silence, the voice continued, "We must not act recklessly. The higher-ups have no intention of opposing the Demon King. However, you can deliver this information to him as a gesture of goodwill."
This intelligence might be of little value to the Demon King, but it could express their good intentions.
The wealthy man, still somewhat nervous, added, "Also, my hospital is on the verge of bankruptcy."
"Understood. The intelligence you provided is valuable. I will report it to the higher-ups and request to transfer you to a construction company."
Hearing this, the wealthy man was overjoyed—his luxurious lifestyle could continue.
"Hail Hydra." Both voices declared simultaneously.
After hanging up, the wealthy man threw the intercom into the fireplace, watching it twist and melt in the flames.
This was the advantage of being backed by a powerful organization. No matter how one played the game, as long as they didn't betray the group or get exposed, they would remain untouchable.
Those struggling at the edge of life and death, scheming and fighting for survival, could never understand the hidden mechanisms at play.
Compared to them, he was undoubtedly more fortunate and secure.
With this thought, a smug smile crept onto his lips as he turned and left the basement.
In a vast, abandoned steel warehouse, Raven gradually reverted to her original form. Her graceful figure moved with light steps as she walked further inside.
This was the Brotherhood's temporary base. On a raised platform stood a figure wearing a steel helmet, silently gazing at the sunlight filtering through cracks, lost in thought.
"Erik, I'm back," Raven's voice broke the silence.
"Raven, you've worked hard," Erik replied as he turned around.
Raven recounted everything that had happened at the conference, including the astonishing fact that Charles had regained his ability to walk.
A flash of guilt and relief crossed Erik's eyes. Although they had parted ways, the bond of their past friendship still lingered deeply in his heart.
However, when he heard that Charles had agreed to let this mysterious Demon King become the new leader of the mutants, Erik fell into deep contemplation.
Although his old friend was soft-hearted, his judgment had always been sound.
"Raven, what do you think of this Demon King?" Erik turned his gaze toward Raven, his eyes searching for answers.
Without hesitation, Raven responded, "Mysterious, powerful. He clearly noticed me, but chose not to expose me. His attitude toward both humans and mutants seems indifferent. I believe he is worth considering."
She had already pondered these questions on her way back. She had little faith in either Charles' idealism or Erik's radical approach. In the past, she had no choice but to follow the more pragmatic Erik. Now, with the emergence of a new hope, she was willing to take a chance.
"Who is there?" Erik's eyes turned cold. Before his words finished, the surrounding metal instantly melted into sharp spears, shooting toward the ceiling.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
A rapid burst of sound echoed as the spears pierced through the ceiling, leaving a series of holes through which sunlight poured in.
The spears did not stop after penetrating the ceiling. In mid-air, they swiftly fragmented into countless fine needles, scattering in all directions like a deadly rain.
"Erik, was someone eavesdropping?" Raven quickly hid in a shadowed corner, preparing for the ensuing battle.
Erik focused for a moment and then said, "They've already left. It seems to be a spatial ability—sudden appearance and disappearance. If not for the metal they carried, I wouldn't have detected them."
"Should we relocate our base?" Raven asked, her body relaxing slightly since their conversation was not particularly sensitive.
Before Erik could answer, a figure burst through the entrance.
The first to arrive was a burly man with golden hair and sharp claws. He clung to the walls, swiftly leaping to Erik's side while remaining vigilant.
Moments later, other members of the Brotherhood also appeared.
"Boss, what's going on?" one of them asked.
The noise from Erik's powers had alerted them, making them think there was an invasion.
"It's nothing. Leave us. I have matters to discuss with Mystique," Erik ordered.
The Toad glanced at the holes in the ceiling—this was called nothing? But since Erik seemed unbothered, he led the others away.
"For now, there is no need to relocate. As for the Demon King, I need to think it over," Erik said, his brow furrowed in thought.
Raven understood that it was unrealistic to expect Erik to abandon his long-held beliefs so quickly. She nodded in acknowledgment.
"This is a gift from the Demon King," Raven said, handing him a small box before turning to leave.
Just as she reached the door, Erik's voice called out behind her.
"Raven, collect some books on architecture for me."
"Understood," Raven responded, a faint smile forming on her lips. She realized Erik was genuinely considering the Demon King's words, and that realization stirred a glimmer of hope in her heart.
Meanwhile, Kino remained unaware of the secret plotting among the wealthy elites—nor did he care. With nothing better to do, he decided to join Venom and Pamela in picking up Damian from school.
Amidst the crowd of parents waiting to fetch their children, Kino stood out like a beacon.
His tall and striking figure, paired with his extraordinary good looks and unique demeanor, made him the center of attention.
As the school bell rang, a group of children burst out of the doors, cheering with excitement.
"Kino, can we sneak two kids home to play?" Venom's eyes gleamed with eagerness.
"No."
"Okay."
"Venom, look! Damian's coming out," Pamela called out, drawing Venom's attention.
Damian emerged from the crowd, walking alongside a little girl. When he spotted the exuberant Venom rushing toward him, a hint of helplessness flashed through his eyes.
"My sweet boy, did you miss me?" Venom's voice was filled with joy, and her face beamed with affection.
"Of course, Venom Mommy," Damian replied obediently. Although his tone held a trace of perfunctory indifference, it was enough to delight Venom.
"Wow!" The little girl beside Damian widened her eyes in surprise, watching the usually cool Damian being treated like a plush toy by the enthusiastic Venom. She couldn't help but giggle.
Kino and Pamela also approached and noticed the girl.
Kino knelt down and extended his hand with a warm smile. "Hello, young lady. Are you Damian's friend?"
The girl, surprised by Kino's striking appearance, shook his hand with a bright smile. "Yes! I'm Damian's best friend."
"You're impressive. I thought Damian's personality would make it hard for him to find friends this semester," Kino teased, his voice light with amusement.
"True power lies not in domination, but in the ability to inspire change."
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