----
"If you can present more data to support your theory," Xavier said evenly, "then perhaps I'll consider backing your research. But right now, you're grouping mutants and enhanced individuals under one umbrella claiming it's all just dominant and recessive expressions of the X-gene. I can't endorse that."
His interest was clear, but so was his skepticism.
"I never expected your endorsement, Professor," Nolan replied calmly. "Just a small concession."
"That depends. What kind of concession?"
"I want to make a trade. I return Logan to you—in exchange, I need genetic material from you, Scott Summers, and Erik Lehnsherr."
Xavier hesitated.
"You can have mine and Scott's. He's my student he'll listen. But Erik is… different. He's a friend, not a subordinate. And he'd never agree."
"Stubborn as always."
"Principled," Xavier corrected. "There's a difference."
"Fine. Then I'll take samples from Ororo Munroe and Bobby Drake instead."
Xavier studied Nolan's face. Neither man backed down.
After a moment, he finally said, "Alright. But only once. If you fail to extract what you're looking for, don't expect another opportunity."
"Deal."
A rare smile crossed Nolan's face. So what if he didn't get Magneto's DNA? Cyclops, Storm, and Iceman offered more than enough.
Cyclops: high-energy optical blasts.
Storm and Iceman: elemental manipulation. With the right research, he could simulate super-breath, extreme thermal dynamics, and atmospheric control.
All that in exchange for Logan? Worth it.
Nolan never killed heroes for the sport. He used them. Just like he'd leveraged Matt Murdock. Had the Chaste approached him like Xavier had, he would've struck a deal with them too.
"I'll have the samples delivered," Xavier said. "I expect you to hold up your end."
"I will."
As the psychic link faded, Logan's posture shifted. His usual savage glare returned Xavier was gone.
"You're free," Nolan said. "You've got someone who still believes in you."
Logan didn't reply. But Xavier had already shown him everything that was said, what was promised. He knew now wasn't the time to fight.
Xavier had urged him to prioritize the future of mutant-kind. Even if Nolan's theory proved right, outcomes could never be guaranteed. He had to regain his freedom and find Xavier and Erik.
Nolan saw it the caged wolf had been commanded to sit. Only Xavier could've done that.
He tapped the intercom. "Bring Logan back to his holding cell. Restore standard living conditions."
He was no longer a frozen specimen he was a bargaining chip. Cryogenic containment was no longer necessary.
---
"Boss. Black Sky and Iron Fist are awake."
Curt Connors's voice came through the comms. Nolan's eyes lit up.
Perfect. This was his entry into the occult side of the world.
He made his way quickly to the secondary lab.
"Have you dissected them yet?" he asked on entry.
Connors shook his head. "No, but we've drawn blood and begun preliminary scans."
He handed Nolan the report.
Nolan scanned the data and filed it away in his mind. "Nothing unusual in Black Sky's blood?"
"Some irregular red and white cell counts—but we haven't begun structural analysis."
"Bring her in. I'll perform the autopsy myself. And fire up the electron scatter cameras—I want every detail recorded."
He was deeply intrigued. The Hand's god, The Beast, wasn't just a myth. Even if Black Sky seemed weak, she was its chosen host. Any entity connected to demons couldn't be underestimated.
Moments later, Black Sky was wheeled in, still sealed in her sarcophagus. Her pure black eyes locked onto Nolan.
"You defile the Beast," she growled, her voice distorted no longer girlish, but guttural and grim.
The sarcophagus likely served one of two purposes: either to restrain the Beast's possession or to anchor its influence in the physical world.
Nolan wasn't fazed. He raised his scalpel and made his first incision into her skin and muscle.
"You seek to dissect a demon?" she taunted, showing no signs of pain. "Try it. See what you find."
She wasn't reacting to the lack of anesthetic. It was as if her body wasn't even hers.
"Begin scanning for reactive cell responses under all frequency bands," Nolan ordered, eyes locked on the monitor.
"You'll never understand the Beast's power," she hissed. "But I can show you. Let me in. Let me possess you. Feel it firsthand."
"I can offer you power magic secrets of the unknown… immortality."
"I already have all of that," Nolan said flatly. "Sew her mouth shut."
Norman Osborn stepped into the lab, suited up and ready. He'd rushed over, leaving Harry to manage Oscorp alone for now.
Norman picked up the surgical thread and stitched her mouth closed with clinical precision.
"This Beast—what if it functions like the Green Goblin persona? A kind of split identity? Psychological mutation?" Norman mused.
"Extract her brain tissue," Nolan ordered. "Connors, run every radiation test we have. Try every frequency and hybrid combination."
Then, without missing a beat, he turned to the next table.
"I'll begin dissecting Danny Rand. We need a comparison case."
"Understood."
The Iron Fist was wheeled in restrained but burning with defiance.
"You know who I am?" Danny spat.
"Oh, I know exactly who you are," Nolan said coolly. "CEO of Rand Enterprises. 66th Iron Fist. Thief of K'un-Lun's power."
Danny scowled.
Nolan stepped forward, eyes gleaming with conviction.
"Now I'm stealing it from you."
----
[Support with 100 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter]
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon:
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!