Chapter 121: Deadpool, the Fourth Horseman
"Retreat!"
The two Symbiotes didn't hesitate for a second upon seeing Apocalypse arrive—they immediately chose to flee.
At the same time, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents turned and ran, many of them leaping straight into the sea.
The mutants didn't pursue. Instead, they looked toward Magneto, who was still shaken.
Just now, he had genuinely felt he was on the brink of death—so close to dying right then and there.
Technically speaking, Magneto was indeed a Level Four mutant, but there was a vast disparity within that level. Apocalypse, strong as he was, was still classified as Level Four.
In truth, it was only because Apocalypse didn't know the Symbiotes' weaknesses. Had he known they feared loud noise and fire, he could have easily smashed two steel pipes together to create a resonant clash and left them completely defenseless.
Apocalypse's energy wave attack mainly had a high-temperature effect, which is what scared them off.
Of course, Allen had recognized them at a glance.
No surprise—it was Steve and Peggy Carter.
He'd seen the pair with black and white Symbiotes bonded to them during a video call from Arkham Fortress but chose not to expose them at the time.
"Allen."
Wade retracted his dual swords and marched up, glaring at him.
"Damn, you recognized me even dressed like this? What gave it away—my irresistible aura?"
Allen, wearing the Hydra uniform, struck a Captain America-like pose.
"Your voice is way too sleazy. I knew it was you the moment you opened your mouth," Wade replied bluntly, mocking him without reservation.
"As expected! Being this handsome really does breed jealousy. I totally get your twisted psyche. I mean, good looks are such a burden."
Allen slung an arm around Wade's shoulders and said playfully, "I'm helping the big boss, Apocalypse, build a mutant empire. We're recruiting, and you'd be perfect as the Fourth Horseman."
Wade swatted his hand away in outrage. "I'd never join an evil organization."
"Evil?"
Allen scoffed indignantly, "We're a principled, idealistic organization! If we were really evil, not a single person on this island would still be breathing."
"…"
Wade fell silent.
Judging by how Apocalypse had casually released that energy wave, he could've easily slaughtered a horde of ordinary people. Yet he hadn't. He let them go.
"Come on, let's give the bosses some privacy."
Allen motioned for Wade to step aside. From under his armpit, he pulled out a carrot. "Smoke a cigar?"
"Don't gross me out," Wade said with a face full of disgust.
Meanwhile, Apocalypse was having a cordial conversation with Magneto, carefully building a positive image as planned.
The meeting was remarkably harmonious.
After all, the man had just saved his life—Magneto couldn't very well strike a smiling face.
He actually agreed with Apocalypse's ideology. As for cooperation? That was a no-go.
Because who would be the one in charge?
Magneto giving up his position was out of the question. He'd worked hard to build his faction, and surrendering it wasn't something he could accept, even in theory.
Thankfully, Apocalypse showed no sign of being overbearing. In fact, he even offered to enhance Magneto's powers.
"Why?" Magneto asked, puzzled.
"For the future of mutants," Apocalypse replied.
As he said it, he couldn't help but feel a little awkward. If his skin weren't already gray, he would've blushed with embarrassment.
Still, the line elevated Magneto's impression of him.
Truthfully, Magneto was tempted.
If his powers were enhanced, he'd finally stand a chance against Black King. His long-awaited revenge might actually become reality.
But he didn't lower his guard. If Apocalypse planted something inside him during the upgrade, he'd be under someone else's control.
"I have a gift for you."
Apocalypse raised his hand. Sand and dirt gathered from the ground, forming into a pitch-black helmet in his palm.
"I know Professor X often invades your mind. This helmet blocks psychic abilities."
Magneto couldn't take his eyes off it.
Black King had a similar helmet, which rendered Charles powerless. Moreover, the White Queen beside Black King also possessed psychic powers and often preempted Magneto's sneak attacks.
With this helmet, not only could he block Charles' constant mental rambling, but he could also surprise Black King in an ambush.
Meanwhile, from a distance…
Allen and Wade stood side-by-side, watching them.
"Looks like they're hitting it off. Apocalypse even gave him a token of affection," Allen grinned.
"A match made in hell," Wade nodded in approval.
"How could you say such a thing?" Allen scolded, then added mischievously, "At least call them a pair of shameless, horned-up lovebirds."
"Not sure who's on top."
"They could switch off."
"Keh keh keh…"
"Keh keh keh…"
Everyone nearby shivered as they saw a lunatic and a maniac giggling creepily together. It sent chills down their spines—like ants crawling across their skin.
Sure enough, crazy people do seem to find each other.
The rest of them wouldn't even know how to chime in.
"Hey, Little Nutcase, I'm doing pretty well for myself now."
Allen spun in a circle, showing off his uniform. "I'm the Hydra Commander now. Controlling the entire organization. Also the Third Horseman under Apocalypse. But I'm missing someone who really gets me."
"I don't want to be a villain. It'd ruin my popularity," Wade hesitated.
It was clear he wanted to team up with Allen—after all, the two got along absurdly well.
"That's a shame," Allen said mysteriously. "What comes next is going to be so much fun. Don't say I didn't invite you."
"How fun are we talking?"
Wade's eyes lit up with interest.
When it comes to fun, morals can be renegotiated.
"If I told you, it'd ruin the surprise. But I promise—it'll be something you never saw coming," Allen said smugly.
"I'm in. Count me in!" Wade immediately agreed.
And just like that, Allen tricked him onto the metaphorical pirate ship.
Back at Apocalypse's side, Allen made the introduction.
"Boss, I want to recommend Deadpool as our Fourth Horseman."
"I trust your judgment," Apocalypse replied.
He gave Wade a quick once-over but didn't question Allen's decision. His trust in Allen was evident.
"Congratulations, Boss. You've now secured both a crouching tiger and a hidden dragon. Your grand ambitions are just around the corner," Allen congratulated enthusiastically.
"Boss, give me all the suicide missions—I'm your guy! I literally can't die," Wade added proudly.
Hearing such loyalty from his new subordinate, Apocalypse's satisfaction visibly grew.
Ultimately, Magneto agreed to the power upgrade.
With Apocalypse's help…
Moments later, everyone witnessed Magneto's terrifying potential firsthand.
The entire island erupted with waves of magnetic energy, pulling metal from the soil. The island felt like it was turning into a volcano ready to blow.
Buildings disintegrated into dust. A precision instrument crumpled like tin foil in Magneto's grip and returned to elemental particles when he released it.
Even Apocalypse was visibly shaken—Magneto had just ascended to the very peak of Level Four.
Apocalypse could enhance abilities, but the final outcome always depended on the individual's innate potential.
Even so, the pinnacle of Level Four could unleash city-wide disasters. Still, it wasn't Level Five—world-ending power.
Level Five mutants, like the Scarlet Witch saying "No more mutants" and rewriting reality with chaos magic, or Phoenix Force Jean Grey erasing life as she passed—those were entities even Apocalypse avoided.
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