One with all

Enjoy the chapter

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Location: Gotham

POV: Cyrus Mercer (Second Body)

After my first body leaves the house and boards the Blackbird, I climb up the stairs, humming a tune to myself. I'm truly happy right now—I've gained an incredible new power, and this is just the beginning. My expansion is only going to accelerate, and the best part? Creating clones is now much easier. No more complications.

The most important task right now is creating a biomass generator. How will I do this? Simple.

Once inside, I close the door and form a small puddle of biomass on the ground. Then, I imbue it with Wolverine's regeneration ability. Immediately, the puddle begins to grow, forming an entire body. It lacks any features—no brain, no eyes, no mouth, nothing.

Next, I reshape the body into a massive cube—an oversized block of biomass. As I absorb from it, the cube replenishes itself with more biomass, effectively creating an infinite supply.

Now, it's time to set my other plans into motion. The first step is taking control of Gotham—completely. That includes Batman. But before I challenge Gotham's protector, I need to dominate its criminal underworld.

First, I'll take over the general criminal population. Then, I'll go after major players like The Penguin, the Court of Owls, the Falcone family, and any other criminal organizations lurking in the shadows. Nobody is safe.

For now, I've deactivated most of the mutant abilities I've copied. Controlling them all at once is overwhelming. Once I have more time, I'll refine my control over them. Some abilities, like Cyclops' optic blasts, require special handling. I plan to create a mental switch, allowing me to activate and deactivate abilities at will.

That's enough for now. I teleport to the warehouse, where my subordinates are waiting. They immediately snap to attention and line up in front of me.

Subordinates: "Boss, what can we do for you?"

Cyrus Mercer: "I'm planning to take over Black Mask's criminal empire completely—and then, slowly, all of Gotham. Your task is simple: infect as many criminals as possible. It doesn't matter who—just do it."

Subordinates: "Yes, sir!" × 52

"But before that, I'm giving you all some power. First, super regeneration—you'll be able to regenerate from a single blood cell. Next, bone claws that extend from your knuckles for combat. Finally, superhuman strength and speed."

They all stare at me, completely shocked. None of them ever imagined gaining this kind of power.

Subordinates: "Thank you, sir! We will serve you well!"

Cyrus Mercer: "Good. Now go—infect as many criminals as you can."

With that, I leave the warehouse and teleport back home.

For now, I'll keep the infections contained within Gotham—I don't want outside attention just yet. First, I need absolute control over this city. Then, I'll expand to the rest of the world.

I reach under my bed, where the biomass cube sits, and pull out a duffel bag stuffed with cash.

Cyrus Mercer: "Time to buy myself a proper house."

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POV: The First Body

After 20 minutes of flying in the Blackbird, we finally arrive at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

Beast: "We're here."

Charles Xavier: "Perfect. Let's go."

We slowly descend onto the basketball court. The ground opens up, revealing an underground entrance, and we land smoothly in the hangar.

Cyrus Mercer: "Wow. You guys must be really rich."

Kitty Pryde: "Yeah, the professor has a lot of money."

Cyrus Mercer: "I figured as much when I saw the jet. But the mansion and underground base? That really seals the deal."

Charles Xavier: "Alright, who wants to give our new student a tour?"

Jean Grey: "I'll do it." (I need to figure out why I can't read his mind...)

Charles Xavier: "Alright. After the tour, show him to his room."

Jean Grey: "Yes, Professor. Come with me."

Cyrus Mercer: "Okay, I'm coming."

Jean leads me through the school, showing me the cafeteria, library, training rooms, outdoor fields, and other key areas. Since it's already nighttime, the halls are mostly empty.

Finally, we reach my assigned room.

Jean: "Cyrus, I have a question—if you don't mind answering."

Cyrus: "Sure, ask away."

Jean: "Why can't I read your mind?"

She blushes slightly, looking a bit embarrassed.

Jean Grey: "Not that I want to read it! It's just... I've always been able to hear people's thoughts. It happens involuntarily. But with you, there's nothing—just silence. I was wondering why."

Cyrus Mercer: "Honestly? I have no idea. Must be another part of my ability."

Jean Grey: "Yeah, I figured as much..."

She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Is it hard for you to control the abilities you copy?"

Jean Grey: "Because I struggle with my telepathy, and Scott—well, he always has to wear his glasses because of his optic blasts. But you don't seem to have any issues handling different powers."

Cyrus Mercer: "That's because I can deactivate abilities whenever I want and reactivate them when I need to."

Jean Grey: "That's... really convenient."

She stares at me for a second, lost in thought. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, she snaps back to reality.

Jean Grey: "A-Anyway! This is your room. Goodbye!"

Without another word, she runs away.

Cyrus Mercer: "Wait... why did she run?"

I pause for a moment, genuinely confused.

Cyrus Mercer: "Am I that bad at talking to girls?"

I shake my head and enter my room. It's well-furnished with a bed, work desk, computer, and all the necessities. There's even an attached bathroom and shower.

I sit down on the bed and let out a deep sigh.

Cyrus Mercer: "What a crazy day..."

I woke up in another universe, gained superpowers, and now, I'm sleeping in a mansion with the X-Men.

Haa... what a life.

With that thought, I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.

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Meanwhile...

Nick Fury: "Have we found him?"

Agent: "Unfortunately, no, sir. It seems he—or she—has disappeared. The only lead we have is that they were last seen in Gotham."

Nick Fury: "Send a team to search Gotham. An Omega-level mutant is no joke."

Agent: "Yes, sir." (He exits the office.)

Nick Fury leans back in his chair, deep in thought.

"I just hope this doesn't spiral out of control..."

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