Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 21: Breaking Chains

Spring 1983 – Various Locations

The echoes of Apocalypse's fall still resonated across the world, but Edward Lin had no interest in allowing his legacy to fester. The Four Horsemen—his most dangerous enforcers—were no longer bound by the will of an ancient tyrant. It was time to let them go.

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Magneto's Return to Power

Erik Lehnsherr stood on the cliffs of Genosha, the wind sweeping through his silver hair. Apocalypse had given him power, but it had never been his to wield. Now, free from servitude, Magneto turned his gaze to the future of mutantkind.

A figure approached from behind—Edward Lin.

"The world still fears you," Edward said. "But they also respect you."

Magneto's eyes narrowed. "And what do you want, Edward Lin?"

"Nothing. Just to make sure you understand that your war isn't over."

Magneto chuckled darkly. "It never is."

With a final nod, Edward left. He had no interest in controlling Magneto's path—only ensuring it no longer threatened his own.

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Storm's Homecoming

Ororo Munroe had always been a goddess in the eyes of her people, and now, as she stepped onto the soil of Wakanda, she felt a sense of belonging that Apocalypse had stolen from her.

Edward watched from the shadows as she reunited with T'Challa. The Black Panther studied him cautiously, knowing of his reputation.

"What do you want with Wakanda?" T'Challa asked.

Edward smirked. "Nothing. I simply return what was lost."

Storm met his gaze, gratitude flickering in her eyes. "Then this is where we part ways, Edward Lin."

He nodded. "For now."

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Psylocke's New Path

Betsy Braddock stood at the ruins of a Hand stronghold in Madripoor. The psychic blades she wielded hummed with deadly energy. Without Apocalypse, she had no master. Only purpose.

Edward approached cautiously. "You could join me."

She shook her head. "I need to find my own way."

He respected that. "Then let's not meet as enemies."

She smirked. "No promises."

With that, Psylocke vanished into the neon-lit streets, forging a destiny entirely her own.

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Angel's Flight

Warren Worthington III had spent too long in the shadows of others. Apocalypse had twisted him into something unrecognizable. Now, free at last, he soared above San Francisco, the city lights below nothing more than fleeting memories.

Edward watched from a rooftop, unseen. He had given them all freedom, and in return, removed another piece from the board.

It was time to turn to the real war ahead.

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A New Battlefield

Back in New York, Evelyn Lin was waiting when Edward returned. "The Hellfire Club is making their move. And S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't backing down either."

Edward cracked his knuckles. "Let them come."

With the Four Horsemen gone, the game had changed. Now, it was time to consolidate power, eliminate threats, and carve out an empire that no one could challenge.

The world had underestimated Edward Lin.

That was about to change.