A few days ago, she broke up with him for no apparent reason. At first, he couldn't understand why Susan suddenly ended their relationship just days after they had started dating.
Richard considered himself an exceptional man—perhaps the most gifted among humans in both intelligence and talent.
After several days of deep contemplation, and observing Susan's attitude toward Isaac Leclerc, Richard—despite being at the peak of human intellect—had no idea he was being deceived.
He hated Isaac Leclerc, that damn devil, with all his being. After all, he couldn't stand the fact that the girl he loved had been taken away from him.
So, whenever he heard Susan speak about that man, his emotions would spiral out of control.
Susan: I never said Isaac was right. I just asked him not to spout nonsense at my brother. After all, we don't want the president replaced either.
[Obama: ...]
Upon hearing this, Obama chose silence. After all, the former president of the neighboring world was already gone, and he had no intention of becoming the next target.
As you all know, Isaac Leclerc still holds the pass to their parallel universe. So killing any world leader doesn't seem difficult for him.
Especially in his own world, where there aren't many individuals with superpowers, his sense of security as a president plummeted to absolute zero.
Whitehall: Being president is a dangerous job. You think you're at the top of the power pyramid, but you're just a target. Hydra forever!
[Dreykov]: In reality, the president is a disposable asset. And some people are oddly proud of that.
Magneto: Sometimes, I envy that man... He does as he pleases, kills whoever he wants, whenever he wants. It would be incredible if someone like him appeared among us mutants.
Professor X: Erik, that's a dangerous thought. If such a person were to rise among the mutants, it would be a disaster. It would pit us directly against humanity.
Magneto: Nonsense! If we had someone like him among us, would humans dare treat our people like second-class citizens? Charles, you're far too kind.
[Stryker]: Don't be ridiculous! How could a filthy race like the mutants produce someone that powerful? Stop dreaming!
[Wolverine]: Warning! Phoenix Girl is with us.
[Stryker]: That woman... I strongly recommend the government keep her under control. She's a mobile nuclear weapon—extremely dangerous! She could cause global devastation at any moment.
Speaking of Phoenix Girl, Stryker couldn't help but recall the terrifying energy fluctuations that had occurred a few days earlier. The energy registered was hundreds of times greater than a nuclear explosion!
When he witnessed that massive energy surge, he nearly wet his pants.
If such energy were to detonate, not only the United States, but the entire planet could be destroyed.
After some investigation, Stryker learned that the source of that energy was a woman teaching at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters—code-named "Phoenix Girl."
And in the face of such a ticking time bomb capable of annihilating the planet at any moment, there was not a single country in the world that didn't tremble in fear.
In such a situation, Stryker had no choice but to treat her as if she were his president.
At the very least, no one would dare provoke Phoenix Girl without absolute certainty. Even if the chance of failure was 1 in 10,000, no one would risk it.
Especially some members of the U.S. Congress, who, when they remembered their previous sarcastic remarks during Phoenix Girl's speech, felt as if they were knocking on the gates of hell.
At the base, Isaac Leclerc was currently contemplating his next moves.
Next, we could try recruiting Dr. Banner. He has a side-effect neutralizer, but I doubt he'd agree to follow someone seen as a villain, right?
Isaac pondered, doubtful.
For a villain, recruiting a superhero to serve under them is an immensely satisfying achievement.
Alright, there's also the Extremis Virus. Though it has side effects, I can handle it.
He thought more deeply. Was there anyone else worth recruiting? Oh, yes... Dr. Pym—the original Ant-Man.
With those thoughts in mind, Isaac Leclerc opened the chat channel and messaged Dr. Banner.
[Isaac]: Dr. Banner, would you like to make a deal?
At that moment, Dr. Banner was hiding in the slums of India. When he saw Isaac Leclerc's message, he looked genuinely confused.
Of course, he was well aware of this world-famous terrorist.
[Dr. Banner]: Isaac Leclerc? What do you want from me?
[Isaac]: Do you want to return to your normal life? Want to sleep with your lover again? Want to reach the peak of your existence?
Dr. Banner: "..."
Banner was speechless, frowning deeply. If it hadn't sounded like a brainwashing commercial, he might have actually been tempted.
[Banner]: Even though I'm a wanted man, I have no interest in becoming a terrorist. Sorry to disappoint you.
Banner rejected Isaac's offer without hesitation.
He simply couldn't—and didn't want to—sell his soul for a normal life.
[Isaac]: What a shame! My offer stands forever. When you're ready to see the truth, come find me.
Isaac exited the chat channel, a trace of disappointment on his face.
But in truth, he had already expected Banner to refuse.