Adapting in Marvel

Six hours later, as dusk approached, the setting sun painted the horizon with a golden glow, casting a warm shimmer across the water, making the scene look serene and beautiful.

Brian arrived at the third port of Miami with Raven by his side, both wearing satisfied smiles.

It had to be said, Mystique Raven was every man's fantasy come to life. Brian had just experienced firsthand Raven's kaleidoscopic shapeshifting ability. She could transform into various female forms, not just ordinary humans, but even fantastical figures like an angel with white wings, a succubus with a heart-shaped tail, or a demon with goat horns.

This completely delighted Brian, as Mystique Raven could fulfill any of his wildest desires.

Before they realized it, Brian had been indulging in Raven's shapeshifting abilities for a full six hours.

When they finally arrived at the port, Brian's eyes were immediately drawn to the ultra-luxurious cruise ship anchored nearby. Onboard, Black King Shaw and the other members of the Hellfire Club were celebrating with a lavish party.

Beneath the surface of the water, a man dressed in black silently swam toward the cruise ship.

On the shore, Professor X stood with his right hand pressed to his temple, telepathically communicating with the man in black.

"Eric, don't let hatred cloud your judgment," Professor X urged. "You can't defeat Black King Shaw on your own."

'You're only a Level 3 Mutant right now, while Black King Shaw is a Level 5 Mutant. The gap between you is far too great,' Professor X continued telepathically, trying to reason with him.

"Shut up, Charles!" the man in black snapped, turning sharply in the water to shout at Professor X.

This man was none other than the young Erik Lehnsherr, the future Magneto. But at this point in his life, Magneto was still in his 20s, inexperienced, and only a Level 3 Mutant.

Ever since the end of World War II, Erik had been hunting down Black King Shaw across the globe, seeking vengeance for his mother's murder. His relentless pursuit had helped his metal-manipulating ability grow significantly. However, despite his progress, Erik had not yet reached the strength of a Level 4 Mutant.

Only after undergoing special training with Professor X would Erik evolve into the formidable Magneto, a true Level 4 Mutant. As for reaching Level 5, that would not happen until he encountered the ancient Mutant, Apocalypse.

Brian stood on the shore, watching as the young Magneto, consumed by hatred, swam toward the luxury cruise ship where Black King Shaw and his Hellfire Club were celebrating.

"Charles, it seems you've gained Magneto's trust," Brian said with a smile, walking over and patting Professor X on the shoulder while observing Erik's approach toward the cruise ship.

"Fucking hell, Brian, you finally showed up," Professor X replied, his expression a mix of frustration and admiration. He was still upset over Brian's antics with Raven, but he also couldn't deny the respect he had for Brian's resourcefulness.

There's no doubt that Brian is a role model for men.

"What's going on with Shaw?" Brian asked, his eyes fixed on the luxury cruise ship, seemingly unconcerned by Professor X's complicated expression.

"Black King Shaw has already noticed us," Professor X said, his face turning serious as he filled Brian in on what had transpired during his absence.

While Brian and Raven were... busy, Professor X had arrived at the third port and unexpectedly encountered Magneto, who was also tracking Black King Shaw.

Even though it was their first time meeting, the connection between them was immediate.

Once they realized that both of them were Mutants and shared a common target—Black King Shaw—they quickly bonded.

The two had an in-depth conversation by the shore, discovering that their views on Mutants were shockingly aligned. This mutual understanding allowed them to form a strong friendship within just a few hours.

Now, despite the looming threat of Shaw, Professor X and Magneto had found themselves on the same side, united in their purpose.

Professor X even shared Black King Shaw's insane plan with Magneto, along with information about Brian, Raven, and the prophetic abilities of Darwin.

In return, Magneto opened up about his tragic childhood experience in the concentration camp.

This deeply personal exchange strengthened their bond, and Professor X extended an invitation for Magneto to join his team to take down Black King Shaw. Magneto, driven by his thirst for vengeance, agreed without hesitation.

However, despite their shared goal, the two quickly encountered a disagreement over how to approach the situation.

Professor X, cautious and analytical, believed that Shaw was far too powerful for the four of them to handle on their own. He wanted to gather more powerful Mutants to bolster their strength before confronting Shaw.

On the other hand, Magneto, who had spent over a decade hunting for Black King Shaw, wasn't about to let this chance slip away.

Despite Professor X's explanation of the Mutant classification system, which highlighted Shaw's immense strength, Magneto remained undeterred.

His determination to face Shaw head-on was unwavering, even if it meant going at it alone.

This led to the tense situation that Brian had just witnessed.

"Hit it off at first sight, huh? A confidant?" Brian muttered, feeling slightly uncomfortable with Professor X's overly fond expression.

He subtly shifted a little further away from him, trying to distance himself from the "auntie-like" smile Professor X was wearing.

"Brian, we have to stop Erik. He's not ready to face Black King Shaw," Professor X urged, his eyes fixated on Magneto, who was steadily approaching the luxury cruise ship.

Brian, unfazed, shrugged and replied, "And how exactly are we supposed to stop him? You said it yourself, Charles—Magneto is consumed by hatred. He's not going to listen to reason."

Raven, still basking in the afterglow of their earlier activities, chimed in with a confused expression. "Charles, can't you just use your telepathy to make Erik abandon his revenge? You could easily change his mind."

She knew how powerful Professor X's mental abilities were, and convincing Magneto to give up on his plans seemed like a simple solution.

Professor X sighed and shook his head gravely. "Raven, I can't do that. If I manipulate Erik's mind like that, I'll lose him as a friend, and he'll turn against us. I.. I can't betray his trust."

Raven gave him a look that was a mixture of skepticism and resignation. "Alright, Charles, whatever makes you happy."

She then glanced over at Magneto, who had already boarded the cruise ship, showing no further interest in stopping him.

Brian continued to ignore Professor X, his attention fixed on Magneto, eager to witness the rare spectacle of Magneto being beaten like a dog.

Meanwhile, on the deck of the luxurious cruise ship Victoria, members of the Hellfire Club gathered in celebration.

"Cheers to the dawn of the Mutant era," Black King Shaw said, holding a glass of champagne aloft.

"Cheers," echoed White Queen Emma, Riptide, Red Devil, and Colonel Henry, who had just officially joined their ranks, each raising their glasses.

Just as Black King Shaw took a sip of champagne, a voice filled with hatred and rage echoed across the deck.

"Sabastian Shaw!"

Black King Shaw paused, looking toward the source of the furious voice. There, standing on the deck, was Magneto, clad in black and gripping a pure steel dagger engraved with the words "bloodline and honor."

Shaw raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised, then broke into a genuine smile.

"Ah, dear Erik~ Come closer. Let your teacher embrace you once more," Shaw said, his voice filled with sincere excitement and even a strange sort of affection.

Magneto's expression was conflicted as he stared at Shaw.

He couldn't deny that Shaw had played a pivotal role in shaping him into the man he had become, but that didn't erase the fact that Shaw had also murdered his mother.

Magneto's hatred and complex emotions simmered, ready to explode.

"Go to hell."

Magneto glared at Black King Shaw with fury, no trace of sentiment for their past. He raised his hand, and the pure steel dagger he held shot through the air toward Shaw at lightning speed.

"Too slow, so slow it doesn't even tempt me to respond."

Shaw frowned slightly as the dagger sped toward him, his expression filled with disappointment at Magneto.

Clink.

With a casual motion, Shaw reached out and caught the dagger effortlessly. The moment the steel touched his hand, the kinetic energy and magnetic charge within it were absorbed completely by Shaw's mutant ability.

"Little Erik, my most promising student, you're squandering your potential. Clearly, the pain I inflicted on you wasn't enough," Shaw said, almost wistfully, as he twirled the dagger in his hand.

Then, without hesitation, he spun the dagger around and released it.

Whoosh.

The dagger flew back, faster than before, piercing Magneto's shoulder and pinning his scapula. Blood streamed from his wound, but Magneto, undeterred by the pain, roared in fury like a wounded lion.

"Fuck you, Shaw!"

The hatred in Magneto's heart had reached a boiling point.

The searing pain only fueled his powers further.

With his left hand outstretched, Magneto reached toward the shore, causing the parked vehicles and containers to tremble violently.

In an instant, they lifted into the air, forming a torrent of steel that surged toward the deck of the cruise ship like an unstoppable tidal wave.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, such a drama king," Brian remarked with a smirk.

"He is indeed a scene man. Sure enough, he made a big scene with one move."