A few days earlier in Mexico, a man with wet skin walked out of the water. Standing before him was a guy dressed like a member of a biker gang.
"Kent, join us! We are the kings of this world!!!" Ron's face was full of enthusiasm. Since becoming a member of the Hellfire Club, he clearly understood the organization's purpose.
People like him and Kent who were born with special powers were advanced humans, destined to rule the world.
His fanatical expression left Kent slightly stunned. He couldn't understand why Ron had just gone away for a trip and returned seeming like an entirely different person.
"Ron, what are you talking about..."
"You know what? I met a guy with powers like us. He just waved his hand and created a tornado..."
Ron excitedly described to Kent the spectacular scene he witnessed when he encountered Riptide.
Compared to the massive storm Riptide could summon, the flames Ron controlled seemed so insignificant.
"...Just like that, I went to a place called the Hellfire Club with Riptide, passed their test, and became a member. Riptide told me that we're mutants—advanced humans—and the Hellfire Club's goal is to build a world ruled by us!"
Ron's words made Kent's blood boil. He was tired of hiding in the water every day, avoiding human contact. He wanted to join the organization behind Ron and become one of the kings who ruled the world.
"Say no more. I'm in!"
Kent stood under the moonlight, fins extending all over his body. As he trembled with excitement, he looked almost monstrous.
"Great. Let's go find others. The boss wants us to make some noise in the world."
Ron smiled, looking crazed, and Kent seemed even more fanatical than him. He wanted to show everyone who had ever laughed at him that he was a superior being!
People with special powers like them had their own small circles, which made recruiting surprisingly easy.
Soon, several troublemakers with special abilities quickly formed a team under their leadership.
"Brothers, we shouldn't live like this! We are the superior humans, and those normal people are only worthy of being our slaves!"
Ron stood on an elevated platform, shouting to the crowd gathered below.
His words resonated with many of them.
Despite having incredible powers, they lived like rats, hiding in dark corners, while ordinary humans enjoyed life freely.
They resented this reality. That privileged lifestyle should be theirs by right, with ordinary humans serving as their slaves.
Everyone stared at Ron, waiting for him to continue.
"Now the time has come! The Hellfire Club will be our support. We will destroy the human establishment and make the world surrender to us!!!"
Ron roared, his emotions running high. His hands burst into blazing flames, illuminating everything around them.
"Find more of our kind! Get them to join us! Let's throw this world into complete chaos!!!"
"YEAH!!!"
The crowd's emotions were ignited. Watching the flames dancing from Ron's hands, they excitedly unleashed their own abilities.
Almost instantly, the place transformed into something like a demon's cave, with powered beings dancing wildly.
Following Ron's instructions, these people scattered across America, searching for more mutants while using their abilities to cause havoc and announce their existence to the world.
As they acted, chaos erupted everywhere. They operated without restraint, using their abilities recklessly.
Some used their powers to rob banks, while others returned to their hometowns seeking revenge. Their actions were soon discovered by CIA agents who reported back to Charles.
After ending his call with Moira, Charles returned to the group.
"Our special training is over!" Sensing the surprised looks from everyone, Charles continued: "Our kind are rioting across the country. I believe Shaw must be behind this. We have to stop them."
Mutants rioting nationwide? Marcus raised his eyebrows and asked with interest: "Do those agents want us to handle it?"
"Yes!" Charles nodded. "Only we can fight against those individuals, and they're hunting for other mutants. Many young ones have been forcibly captured by them."
The mentions of destroying cities and forcibly capturing mutants triggered memories from Erik's childhood.
The metal objects surrounding them began to shake violently with his trembling body as deeply buried memories resurfaced.
"Take a deep breath, Erik." Charles pressed his fingers against Erik's temple, soothing his volatile power. "Take a deep breath, it's over now!"
With Charles's comfort, Erik's heart finally calmed. He opened his eyes and gave Charles a complex look.
"Thank you!"
If not for Charles, his power might have spiraled out of control. He never wanted to experience that feeling again.
"Don't mention it. But we need to go—we must stop these people!" Charles looked up at everyone. "We'll split into three groups. We need to neutralize them as quickly as possible!"
Hearing this, Marcus glanced at Logan.
"Looks like you'll have to babysit a couple of kids!"
Not just Logan, but himself too. Everyone here was still inexperienced, and accidents could easily happen. With the two of them leading teams, they could avoid many potential pitfalls.
The teams were divided easily. Charles and Erik formed a group with the two women, Logan took Darwin and Sean, and Marcus teamed up with Hank and Alex.
After the teams were organized, Charles led everyone to the aircraft waiting on the tarmac, and they flew toward the nearest mutant disturbance.
On the plane, everyone changed into their equipment and combat uniforms, while Logan and Marcus put on their tactical gear.
Arriving above their target city, Marcus turned to address the group.
"Well... see you all in a few days!"
He laughed as he kicked Hank and Alex off the plane, then waved to everyone, leaned backward, and jumped after them.
Skydiving was routine for Marcus, but for Hank and Alex, it was terrifying.
"AAAHHHH!!!!"
Their screams echoed through the sky, making Marcus laugh even harder.
Pressing the comm device in his ear, Marcus said:
"Hahaha, relax! Skydiving isn't as scary as you think!"
Hearing his voice through their headsets, the two stiffened their bodies as they experienced the sensation of freefall.
"Grab the parachute cords on your straps. We need to prepare for landing!"
Following Marcus's instructions, the two frantically felt for the parachute cords on their harnesses, straightening their bodies as they awaited further direction.
"Get ready..."
Puff!
Before Marcus could say "open your parachutes," Alex had already pulled his cord out of excessive tension, with Hank immediately following suit.
Seeing their figures suddenly jerk to a halt midair, Marcus couldn't help but shake his head before opening his own parachute.