Several hours later Michael eventually finished carrying the last piece of equipment to one of his labs. It used to belong to a pharmaceutical company before the kingpin blackmailed the owners into giving it to him so they could produce street drugs. Now it would serve in researching Compound V.
Thinking this Michael couldn't help smiling but at the same time he suddenly found himself lost in thought. He got what he wanted: scientists, labs, and money all so he could research compound V and get stronger but what about after? This question made him realize that he hadn't thought that far.
"What do I even want?" Michael asked himself. Taking a pause he looked back on everything that got him up to this point, from becoming a mercenary, killing kingpin, acquiring his assets, and raiding this facility. Nothing was ever done with some sort of grand plan like some sort of Aizen protagonists and Michael knew he couldn't become that either. Having Compound V did enhance his mind a bit but he doubted it was enough to outpace the likes of Reed Richards, Victor Von Doom, Tony Stark, and many others.
But at the same time, he didn't need to. Those characters all had their own stories to worry about and so did he. So with that, he began to break down what it was he needed to do.
First and foremost he wanted to become stronger for his own safety. Hydra was proving to become worse than an annoyance and had clearly been developing all in an effort to target him. An obvious boost would be further researching Compound V like he had already planned but that wasn't the only way.
Since gaining these powers Michael realized that he hadn't spent a single second on training. Yeah, he used them in fights and messed around with his abilities at home but that wasn't true training. He never pushed himself and neither did Homelander in the show.
"This is obviously a mistake on my part" Michael grumbled. Training should have been something he did from the beginning. But for whatever reason he just never thought of it. "I guess having godlike strength made me a bit arrogant. But not anymore. I've been hurt in two fights already and I'd like to keep to just those two."
Resolving himself Michael planned to talk to Dr Killebrew about this. The man had made many mutants awaken their powers and he was sure that they'd probably developed training plans for them. All in order to see how they worked and to further enhance their capabilities. It was this experience that Michael currently needed because it wasn't like he could just hit the gym.
"Well, working past my limits is an obvious decision along with researching the formula but it's not like my money's infinite…" Michael said with his voice slowing by the end. His finances were definitely high but they would not last, not in the long run at least.
But there was still hope. Having come from a world filled with fiction Michael had a ton of ideas. Yeah, he may not have the know-how to bring them to the real world but his scientists might and if they succeed he's sure that it would bring great profit.
Then there were things like the cold gun that he had brought back. Surely they could break it down to something more practical like fire fighting and that was just one idea from the many items they brought back. Time isn't an issue either because if money really does become tight he could always do some high-level mercenary work to refill his wallet.
"Guess that means I'm making a company. I already figured I'd do something similar but actually saying so feels different" Michael mused. He'd never done anything like this in his past life and lived rather mundane. But that was all in the past. Strangely the thought of making something excited him more than he expected.
"Now I should be figuring out the company's name." Michael could already think of a few right off the bat but he'd run them by some others first.
"Speaking of others, I need to check on my new employees," Michael said as he remembered that all the mutants were just waiting while the scientists set up their equipment.
.
.
On the building's lobby floor, most of the mutants had gathered up and were currently discussing their situation. Everyone present had agreed to come along and follow Michael for varying reasons but there was one question everyone had in common.
What was their job even supposed to be? Now they aren't dumb. They knew why someone would want people with abilities such as theirs and that conclusion was soldiers. The government used them as weapons, the mutant brotherhood had everyone enlisted, and even X-Men were basically soldiers in a sense. But even with this knowledge they still wondered if all they would need to do is fight.
"Sarah you guys managed to convince most of us to come but you haven't even told us about what's going to happen next." A young mutant said, drawing the crowd's attention.
Sarah in response looked around with a rare show of nervousness. She could fight through scores of men and bathe in their blood but being put on that spot in public speaking was not a gift she had. So in an attempt to dodge the question she quickly tossed it to Jack.
"You should ask Jack out of us. I'd say he's the one who understands Michael the most and has even been in his head once." Sarah said, causing the whole room to turn to the said telepath.
Jack couldn't help but glare at Sarah at this moment but knew there was no way he was getting out of this one without easing the people a bit. So with a sigh, he thought back to his first encounter with Michael.
The man could hardly be considered human… and was more like a mortal god. Normally this would scare off anyone and push them to join another group like the X-men but his peak into Michael's mind while short did show him enough to change his mind.
Suffering
Years and years of suffering, experimentation, torture, and finally freedom. Michael understood them more and this understands what made Jack believe he wouldn't abuse them. It may be naive but one who has experienced suffering usually tends to withhold from causing said suffering to others. Though there are exceptions to this but Jack sincerely hopes this isn't the case… for their sakes.
"I don't know his plans. I wasn't in his head nearly long enough to figure that out but Michael didn't lie when he said he was like us. He really did experience experimentation. Much of it is like ours… some of it worse." Jack said while thinking about how Michael was the only survivor. At least in Weapon X, there were survivors in each batch but Michaels's group? He was the only one.
'What a horrible success percentage and for them to create three more after he left. Just how many did they kill?' He wondered with a solemn look.
Some of the tension eased with Jack's reassurance and the room atmosphere naturally improved as a result but the question still remained. What was next?
.
Michael stood outside the room, his enhanced senses picking up every word. When he heard Jack talk about the brief connection they'd shared, something twisted inside him. He knew that a telepath getting into his mind, even for a moment, would expose parts of himself. But hearing Jack speak about his life so openly felt like a violation. His thoughts and memories were his own, and the idea that someone else had glimpsed them, however briefly, filled him with a sense of unease.
It wasn't just the exposure—it was the invasion of privacy. Michael had always been a private person, and now more than ever, with him being a transmigrater. This only added to the growing list of reasons why he needed to protect his mind. If someone like Jack, who isn't even at Xavier's level, could pull that much from his thoughts, what could someone of a higher caliber do? He needed to find a way to shield himself, to ensure that no one could pry into his mind again.
Pushing those thoughts aside for now, Michael focused on the situation at hand. As much as he disliked what had just happened, he had to admit that Jack did manage to calm the situation. Leaving the group to themselves for too long would have been a mistake. Some of them were too jumpy, too unstable after everything they'd been through. They needed guidance, structure, and something to focus on other than their trauma.
And then there was what they'd been discussing—what their role would be moving forward. Michael hadn't given it much thought until now. He had only just decided to make a company and didn't even have a full layout mapped in his mind yet but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing… Mutants have unique abilities and are flexible.
"This might just work" Smiling at the ideas that just formed he confidently walked into the room.
The mutants who had just calmed down immediately went on high alert again and Michael was aware of this. So he did his best to appear friendly and walked towards the few he was familiar with.
"Michael your back," Sarah said in a welcoming tone which surprised some of those around. "You probably heard our conversation right?" Her question instantly froze the room and even Michael looked at her with subtle surprise due to her lack of tact. But this was simply how she was.
"I did and there's no need to worry about how I'll react to your questions. You all do deserve answers. Everyone here willingly followed me even without knowing the full road ahead and for that I am thankful. Now unto what you all want to know… Some here believe I plan to use you all as weapons and this isn't true."
Michael's words and way of speaking had managed to make those present believe that Jack may just be right but when Michael mentioned that last part they were left utterly confused. Why wouldn't he use them as weapons? What else are their abilities good for besides that?
"At Least not in the full sense. Obviously, if our group is attacked we'd work together to handle the threat but that one be your main concern. Instead, I plan on placing everyone where they fit best. Those with strength-based powers will help in transport/heavy lifting. Others who perhaps have mental abilities that increase their intelligence can help in building up the company I plan to create and this will go for everyone here. No matter what your power is, I plan on finding the proper position for it."
"Using our powers for work?" One mutant muttered with a blank face.
"He also said a company. I thought we were going to become some sort of freedom fighters?" Another shared as murmurs began to spread.
Mutant abilities being used for normal work weren't really done often. Even in places like Xavier's academy, the use of abilities was usually restricted only to practice. While others like the brotherhood only thought with a one-track mind of fighting.
But as the Mutants began to think about it they couldn't deny that it was appealing. Some even wondered why others had yet to do so and if this became more common maybe society wouldn't hate them so much.
It was these exact thoughts and ideas that Michael wanted and was also the reason why he made the suggestion. Unlike the mutants of Marvel who are persecuted, Michael is aware of other worlds where those that have powers aren't. Specifically My Hero Academia. That world's situation could be seen as a possible path for the mutant kind where those with abilities could just live normal lives.
"That's right, I'm offering to hire everyone here. Once I have your powers figured out and have placed you in your right job I'll begin paying you fair wages just like any other company. Your housing will also be handled by me"
Great joy began to spread through the room as they began to feel reassured of their decisions. Most who were here hadn't been mutants long and just wanted to go back to normal life. They didn't want to fight some mutant war so learning that they could do exactly that was a miracle.
.
.
Off to the side, two familiar mutants were looking at each other with excited expressions. They didn't really want to join this group and had only stayed so they could have a safe way back home but hearing all this they couldn't help but wonder if this was actually a great opportunity.
"Sally, did you hear, did you hear? He's going to accept everyone here and we don't even have to fight!"
"I know and have you noticed Leech? He doesn't even mind your appearance or that of some of the other mutants here"
Leech's eyes suddenly widened, realizing that Sally was right. Since arriving Michael hadn't looked at any of them with difference or treated them badly. When he talked to the group he truly talked to them all.
"Maybe we should tell the others about this place?" Leech suggested feeling that this was a good place for their family.
Sally liked the idea but her face soon looked down. "I don't know leech… The others might be happy about this place but you know Callisto. She'd never let a bone mutant lead us, especially one with scientists."
Leech also looked down but he didn't want to give up on this. Here they clearly had proper places to sleep than those nasty sewers. Michael offered jobs and housing so he probably had plenty of food for them too.
"I still think we need to try."
The two didn't speak anymore about this after but the idea had already entered their minds.
.
.
"Hey Michael, what about me?" Sarah asked as bones came out of her shoulders. "Unlike some people here I actually like fighting. You won't give me some desk job right?"
Michael smiled at seeing her lack of fear or worry in his presence and nodded back at her. "That's right you don't need to worry about that sort of job. Like I mentioned I plan on placing everyone in a position they fit in. For someone like you, I'd probably place them in security or as one of my bodyguards. Not that I need it but it looks good appearance wise"
"Hmm make me a bodyguard. I doubt you're someone who's going to stay out of trouble, not after what you did back at weapon X." She said with a smile already imagining the future fights she could help in.
"You're way too reckless, you know that right?"
"Shut up John I don't need you babysitting me and we don't even know each other that well" Which was true considering their group was put together solely to fight Michael before that none of them had ever met.
"Ugh you got a point but we're friends now and that's what matters so count me in that bodyguard thing."
Michael raised an eyebrow at him but accepted his new bodyguard as well but he didn't really expect much. Hydrokinesis might be impressive to a regular person but for Michael, it would be like shooting him with a water gun.
'Though maybe I could have him be my personal water bottle…'
"How about you Jack want to join us as bodyguards?"
Jack looked thoughtful as he really pondered Sarah's suggestion but decided otherwise. He wasn't physically fit and was only good with his mind. Being a bodyguard just didn't fit him.
"Actually I have something else planned for you Jack" Following this Michael proceeded to explain how he wanted to find a way to weaken telepathy used against him or even outright block it.
Jack didn't expect this to be the first thing on Michael's mind but he could understand why. If there was someone who got in his head he'd probably feel uncomfortable as well and even try to find ways to stop it.
"Don't worry that won't be all you're going to do. Your telepathy is too useful for that." Michael didn't bother to explain further with there being people around but what he had in mind was to create his own information-gathering team.
One that could get information out of anyone he may come across in the future. Whether they are from Hydra, Shield, or even aliens. He'd thought of this after remembering the Yamanka clan from Naruto who also specialized in gathering information.
"We'll Everyone here must be Hungry. How about I take you guys to the mess hall and from there I can continue distributing everyone to their temporary positions
—-
Been writing again 😁 and have made a good amount of chapters for this book. Its nice to be back