Ethan's expression faltered. He recognized that damn name.
'Subject 18…'
His mind swirled with the weight of that designation. 'That was the codename this body had before I transmigrated. Only one man ever called me that. The one who ran the experiments. The one who imprisoned me...'
"You," Ethan whispered coldly. "You're the one who experimented on me. The one who locked me away…"
Stryker's smirk widened, eyes glinting with a strange mix of pride and madness. "You've evolved far beyond anything I could have imagined. Even I didn't foresee this. You were my greatest experiment, and now—look at you. A god sitting on a throne of your own making." He paused, glancing at the mountain of unconscious soldiers beneath Ethan's throne. "Quite dramatic. Almost poetic."
Yuriko growled lowly beside him, her adamantium claws twitching. But Ethan didn't even look at her. His eyes were locked onto Stryker.
Raising his hands in a mock gesture of peace, Stryker stepped forward. "I didn't come here to fight. You've made it clear that would be… unwise."
He stopped a few meters from the base of the throne. "Don't you want to know the truth?" he asked. "About how you got these powers? About your origin?"
Ethan leaned back slightly, resting his chin on his knuckles with an unimpressed expression. "Nah," he said flatly. "I'll find out myself."
With a flick of his fingers, Stryker was ripped from the ground by an invisible force and floated up before the throne. His limbs flailed uselessly, suspended by Ethan's telekinesis. Before Yuriko could react, she too was lifted into the air and held immobile.
"Be a good girl," Ethan said without emotion, sparing her only a glance. "I'll deal with you later."
Stryker grit his teeth and tried to fight the invisible grip, but it was useless. A sharp pain shot through his skull as his neural implant misfired under Ethan's psychic pressure, sending rivulets of blood from his nose.
Ethan sighed. "Honestly, those neurochips are pathetic. All they do is cause harm to you guys without stopping me."
But the truth wasn't that the chips were flawed—it was that Ethan had grown strong enough to fry them without harming the host. Not even the likes of Jean Grey, Charles Xavier, or Emma Frost had such precise control over the mind.
Stryker blinked in pain, cursed beneath his breath—but it was too late. Ethan had already dug through the recesses of his mind, extracting every last drop of information he wanted.
It turned out that Stryker had been the one to originally capture him—before the transmigration. He and his team had been running a secret project to create a perfected version of the Super Soldier serum, using data from captured mutants. The project had many high-ranking officials behind it.
Years ago, when one of their remote labs was destroyed, Stryker believed Ethan had perished in the explosion. He had reviewed the final moments from the CCTV feed—the scene where Ethan confronted the lead scientist, moments before the lab self-destructed.
Stryker had written Ethan off as a failed experiment… until Aeon Biotech rose from the ashes, stronger than ever.
It was then he assumed his experiment had triggered a mutation in Ethan—one that gave birth to the powers he now wielded.
Ethan scoffed at the delusion. "You really think you made me?" he said before chuckling darkly. "You think your lab rats and dirty syringes created me?"
Stryker gave a defiant look. "Even if I die here, I'll die with pride, knowing I was part of your evolution."
"Oh, and let me tell you this," Ethan said, "You're not the one who made me like this." He chuckled before continuing, "And here's the best part... I'm not even a mutant anymore."
Stryker's eyes widened with veins bulging in fury. "Bullshit!" he roared, "You're lying!"
Ethan's smile faded, replaced by cold disdain. "Am I? And Who said anything about killing you?"
He stood from his throne, eyes glowing with a fierce, burning orange. "I want you to suffer. To understand the agony of every mutant you dissected, every innocent life you ruined."
Stryker blinked, and suddenly, the world around him twisted. He found himself strapped to a metallic table in a cold, sterile lab. Bright lights blazed overhead.
But what chilled him to the bone was the team of scientists surrounding him—each one bearing his exact face, down to the last detail. "No…" he gasped.
Ethan stood just a few feet away with arms crossed. "Welcome to Tsukuyomi," his voice echoing through the illusion. "Your own personal hell. A nightmare crafted just for you."
He leaned closer. "You'll fear your own face by the end of this session."
And so the torture began.
It lasted for weeks—at least, in Stryker's mind. Every procedure he had once inflicted on others was now mirrored back onto him. He screamed, begged, cursed, but it never stopped. Ethan made sure he healed after every session, just enough to start all over again.
In the real world, only a few minutes had passed.
Stryker still floated midair, his eyes rolled white, drool dripping from his mouth—completely comatose.
Diana and Anna stepped into the hall at that moment, taking in the surreal sight. Anna's eyes widened. "This… this is horrifying," she murmured and Diana had no words.
"They're not dead," Ethan said casually. "Just… asleep."
He released his telekinetic hold, letting Stryker's limp body fall onto the pile of soldiers below.
Descending slowly from his throne, Ethan hovered down to meet the two women. "I believe you've finished saving the captured?" he asked.
Anna nodded. "I've already sent them to Xavier's. I'll go explain the situation—it's night, and it'll take time."
"Good," Ethan replied.
Diana glanced at Yuriko, who still floated unconscious, suspended mid-air. "What about her?" she asked.
Ethan looked at Yuriko and went silent for a moment. "I'll help her. Free her from the brainwashing Stryker put her under."
He gently put her to sleep and gave a nod to Anna. She opened a portal to the Xavier Institute to inform them of the night's events and arrange for the rescued mutants to be sheltered there.
Ethan remained behind for a moment longer, extending his telepathy across the region until he located Stryker's son. A living weapon—emotionless, inhuman, shaped by his father into a hollow tool.
Ethan didn't hesitate. With a precise mental strike, he shattered the boy's consciousness, ending him painlessly. It was the only mercy he could offer.
Turning back to Diana, Ethan exhaled. "Let's go home."
He conjured a glowing portal in the air and stepped through it, taking Diana and Yuriko with him—leaving behind the wreckage of a legacy built on suffering, and a throne stained with justice.
---------------
The next day unfolded like any other—calm on the surface, though the storm of recent events still lingered in Ethan's mind. Over breakfast, he informed Jean of the confrontation with Stryker, though he glossed over the more horrifying details. She didn't press—at least not yet.
Anna was still at Xavier's, handling the aftermath. She'd called earlier to let them know she'd be back by evening.
Today, however, had its own significance.
Ethan and Jean were headed to Aeon Biotech's headquarters to attend a scheduled business meeting with none other than Emma Frost, the CEO of Frost Industries. She had reached out days prior with a proposal for collaboration in the field of biological research.
They arrived mid-morning, moving through the gleaming lobby with the practiced ease of those who owned the place. Chloe, ever efficient, met them by the executive elevator with a tablet in hand.
"Miss Frost has arrived," Chloe said. "She's waiting in the main conference room. I personally escorted her there."
"Thanks, Chloe," Jean replied.
Ethan gave a brief nod and followed Jean into the elevator. He said nothing during the ride up, but his thoughts were sharp. Emma Frost was powerful—telepathically, politically, and financially. And she always had a hidden angle.
As they stepped into the glass-walled conference room, Emma was already seated at the head of the table. She wore a flawless white suit that gave her an ethereal, almost regal presence. Her posture was elegant, confident and composed.
Standing just behind her was a younger woman—tan skin, dark hair, golden eyes—her secretary, Amara.
"Ethan Carter and Jean Grey," Emma said with a smooth, velvet tone. "It's an honor. I've heard much about your work—and your... other talents."
Jean offered a professional greeting, while Ethan returned the gesture with a measured smile. He had to admit—Emma Frost was stunning. But there was a chill to her beauty, like a winter storm behind glass. Dangerous. Calculated.
They exchanged brief introductions before taking their seats at the long obsidian table, and the meeting commenced.
Emma didn't waste time. "Let me be direct," she said. "Your company is exploring advanced human biology—specifically immunity enhancement, regeneration, and adaptive resistance to mutagenic factors. Our company has been trying to enter the field of human biology research, but we haven't found the right partners—until now."
She leaned back slightly, "Given Aeon Biotech's recent advancements, I believe a partnership would be mutually profitable."
She glanced meaningfully at Jean. "Especially given the fact that many in the upper circles already know about your… unique status. I'm sure you understand the value of solidarity among our kind."
Ethan leaned back in his chair with fingers steepled. "And what exactly are you offering?"
"Funding. Resources. Political shielding. And connections in the pharmaceutical sector that can't be bought with money alone," Emma replied smoothly. "In return, I'd like access to specific non-sensitive research data—especially your recent breakthroughs on cellular immunity and regenerative triggers."
Jean watched her carefully, her expression neutral but thoughtful.
Ethan didn't trust Emma. Not fully. Her proposal was wrapped in layers of strategy and concealed ambition. But the offer was tempting. Her influence, funding, and network could be of great use. And Aeon Biotech needed those channels if they were to continue growing in both the scientific and superhuman spheres.
He studied her for a moment longer before replying, "Fine. We'll enter a partnership—provisional, and strictly monitored. Our legal team will draft a limited collaboration agreement. Cross any lines… and the deal ends."
Emma smiled, cool and confident. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Amara took notes quietly as Chloe reentered the room, handing over preliminary documents for Emma to review and sign.
The meeting concluded shortly afterward, formalities handled, intentions noted—but beneath the handshakes and polite farewells, the air felt charged. Something had begun. Whether it would bring prosperity or peril… only time would tell.
As Emma and Amara exited the building, Jean remained behind with Ethan with her arms crossed. "She's hiding something," she said.
"She's always hiding something," Ethan replied. "But that's fine. If she wants to play the game… I'll play it better."
Jean turned to him with her eyebrow raised. "You sure this is wise?"
"No," Ethan admitted. "But I think I can handle her."
---------------
Later that evening, Ethan's office was quiet, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun filtering through the tall windows.
Jean and Anna sat on either side of Ethan, their expressions unreadable, but there was something strange—some subtle shift in the atmosphere. An edge in their eyes that hadn't been there before.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in, Natalie," Ethan said with a faint smile, already knowing who it was.
Natasha stepped inside, dressed in her usual sleek secretary outfit—professional, composed, the picture of efficiency. She closed the door behind her and walked toward the desk, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "You asked for me, Dr. Carter?" she inquired, keeping her voice smooth and neutral.
Ethan didn't drop his smile. Instead, he reached into his desk drawer and placed a crisp, sealed letter on the surface between them. "You're fired."
Natasha blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me right, Miss Romanoff." Ethan's tone was still casual, but it held a sharp undertone. "You can drop the act. I already told them"—he motioned to Jean and Anna—"about your real identity."
There was a beat of silence. Natasha's professional mask cracked just slightly as she processed his words. Her gaze flicked to Jean, then Anna.
Anna leaned forward, "I trusted you, Natalie… No, I should say—Agent Natasha Romanoff."
Jean's eyes narrowed, betraying a mix of disappointment and disbelief. "I should've seen it… but you played your part well."
Natasha sighed before dropping all pretense. "May I ask… why now?"
Ethan stood up slowly and walked around the desk, hands clasped behind his back. "It was entertaining, watching you dig through my systems, trying to piece things together. And now that you and your one-eyed pirate boss know about my powers…" He paused, leaning in slightly. "I'm doing us both a favor by relieving you of your duties."
Suddenly, Natasha winced. A sharp pain lanced through her head. She stumbled back a step, and a thin trickle of blood slid from her nose.
Her eyes widened. "What—?"
"You didn't really think those little chips in your brain could protect you, did you?" Ethan said, "Tell Fury and his precious S.H.I.E.L.D.—which, by the way, is infested with Hydra—that if they make a single move against me or my family…"
He took a step forward, eyes glowing faintly with power. "They'll be wiped off this planet within minutes."
Natasha stared at him, truly stunned now. Not just by the threat—but by the absolute certainty in his voice. And the information that S.H.I.E.L.D is filled with Hydra.
Before she could speak, Ethan raised his hand and gave a dismissive wave. "This conversation is over."
In a blink, Natasha found herself no longer in Ethan's office—but standing in front of Director Fury's office inside S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
Fury, caught off guard by her sudden appearance, instinctively drew his gun. "Romanoff?! What the hell— Did you just teleport?"
She let out a heavy sigh, wiping the blood from under her nose. "I'm afraid we've got a problem, Director."
Fury's eyes narrowed. "Talk."
And so she did. She began explaining everything—Ethan's words, his knowledge, his power… and the terrifying message he sent with it.
-----------------
Back at Aeon Biotech, the office felt heavier in Natasha's absence.
Jean then leaned back while staring at the spot where the spy had been standing moments ago. "I still can't believe she fooled us all."
Ethan chuckled. "She fooled you all. I knew who she was the moment I saw her profile."
Anna raised a brow. "Oh really, Mister Sherlock? And how did you figure it out?"
Ethan grinned and looked at her sideways. "If I told you everything, what would be the point of your pretty little brain? Try figuring it out yourself."
Anna rolled her eyes and lightly kicked his leg. "Ass."
Ethan laughed and pulled her into his lap. She let out a playful squeak but didn't resist, snuggling into him as Jean watched them with a faint smile and eventually asked, "Then why let her stay at all? Why not reject her from the start?"
Ethan's face turned serious. "Because, as I told you before—there are a lot of organizations in this world that claim they exist to protect humanity. But in reality, they just want control. They see people like us as threats, and S.H.I.E.L.D. is no different."
He glanced out the window, "If we'd rejected her, they would've tried other methods to dig into our secrets—more covert, more invasive. While I'm sure all their efforts will ultimately be in vain, they could still become an annoyance. That's why I allowed her in—and, just as I expected, she got the information about us from a drunken Kitty and Angelica."
He then turned to Anna in his lap, "This way, we let them get just enough to feel like they uncovered something… to satisfy their curiosity. And they needs to understand—we're not some street-level thugs to be monitored or controlled."
Jean tilted her head. "And if they still come after us?"
Ethan smirked, "Then, as the old saying goes—they're courting death."
Jean and Anna exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They both had the same thought—they let a spy into their company... and worse, into their home. The realization settled heavily in their chests, not with panic, but with a cold and calculated calm. This world wasn't as straightforward as they'd hoped. Trust was a luxury they could no longer afford easily. From this moment on, they would move carefully—because now, they understood how the world really worked.
Just as the tension in the room began to settle and Jean leaned her head against Ethan's shoulder with a soft sigh. Anna who is comfortably perched on his lap, reclined back and nestled closer with a playful smirk, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on his chest.
Then—BANG!
The office door burst open with such force it ricocheted off the wall. Diana stormed in and her eyes blazing with disbelief, confusion, and a touch of anger. In her hand, she clutched something tightly.
Everyone turned toward her as she marched up to Ethan's desk and slammed a colorful paperback down onto the polished surface.
It was a Superman comic.
"You!" she shouted, pointing at Ethan. "Explain this to me!"
Ethan blinked, then slowly leaned forward to glance at the comic cover. Clark Kent, cape billowing, stood heroically with his iconic "S" on his chest. Ethan raised an eyebrow, already guessing where this was going.
Diana stabbed a finger at the book. "Superman is a book character in this world?!"
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Author's Note:
As I've said before, your reviews, suggestions, and shared knowledge are always appreciated. They help me grow this story and make it even better. So don't hold back—drop your thoughts below!