Blood dripped from Pyro's lips as he staggered back. His cocky smirk was gone, replaced by sheer panic."We—we're classmates, Ryuuto. You don't have to go this far…"
Ryuuto's gaze was cold. Ten years of humiliation burned behind his eyes, but his voice was steady, almost mocking."A man stands by his word. You made the bet. What now—planning to whine your way out? Don't have the guts to cut it yourself? Fine. I'll do it for you. But listen closely—no one here can save your finger."
The courtyard went silent. Wolverine's brows knitted, but he didn't move. He was here to escort Rogue to Professor X, not babysit squabbling kids. With a sharp look at her, he turned and left, letting the scene unfold.
Pyro's face twisted in fear. He hadn't expected the academy's "Powerless Freak" to crush him so utterly. Desperation flared—literally. Snatching his lighter from the ground, he conjured another fireball and hurled it at Ryuuto with trembling hands.
The attack was pitiful.
Ryuuto sidestepped, fluid and precise, then drove a kick into Pyro's chest. The arrogant firestarter flew across the yard, skidding until he slammed into the wall, coughing blood.
Slowly, deliberately, Ryuuto walked toward him. Along the way, he plucked a fruit knife from a nearby tray, its edge gleaming.
The crowd held its breath.
Ryuuto crouched before Pyro, eyes like ice. Without hesitation, the blade came down.
A scream ripped through the campus.
Students bolted, terrified. Only the boldest stayed to witness the boy once mocked as powerless carve reality into their minds.
Ryuuto wiped the bloody knife against Pyro's cheek, voice low and cutting."Remember this lesson. The weak aren't always weak. One day, they might become the monster you can't stop."
He tossed the knife aside, letting it clatter against the stone.
By the time Dr. Jean Grey rushed onto the scene, it was too late. She immediately ordered nearby students to carry Pyro to the infirmary, hoping to reattach his severed finger.
Meanwhile, Ryuuto walked off, adrenaline still pumping. Damn… I didn't know it'd feel this good. This strength—it's real. If I don't sharpen it, I'll just be wasting it.
He was already thinking of training when Storm intercepted him in the hall.
"Are you expecting me to lecture you?" Ryuuto asked flatly.
Storm's lips curved in a faint smile. "Pyro had it coming. Still, you went a bit too far. The Professor wants to see you."
With a shrug, Ryuuto followed her.
On the outskirts of the school, a figure vaulted the wall with ease. Midair, her body twisted, features rippling like water. By the time she landed, she wore the face of a woman from a poster.
Mystique.
Rolling her shoulders, she flipped open a communicator."Magneto, I spotted Rogue today, but Wolverine's shadowing her. Couldn't snatch her. However… I also found something interesting. A boy. Ordinary on the surface, but his combat ability is absurd. His speed is nearly Quicksilver-level, his leg strength insane. With movements like that, he could slip through most mutants' abilities and deliver fatal strikes."
The voice on the other end was deep, commanding. "I have no interest in anyone but Rogue."
Mystique's tone sharpened. "Ignore him, and he'll be your enemy tomorrow."
Magneto chuckled coldly. "I am Magneto. I have no equal in this world."
"Then why chase Rogue?"
"You know why," Magneto said. "Her ability can drain mutant powers, weaken them. If I extract it, even the Hulk and Deadpool fall to me. Those who won't kneel… will die."
Mystique exhaled. "So my job is clear. Take Rogue, quietly, before Xavier's dogs notice."
"Exactly."
"Fine. I'll report back after I move."
She ended the call, slipping into a café as if she were any other woman.
In Professor X's office, Storm ushered Ryuuto inside. Wolverine leaned against the wall, Rogue standing uncertainly beside him.
The Professor's gentle smile met Ryuuto's defiant stare."Ryuuto. When I first sensed you, I believed you to be a mutant. That's why you were admitted. But for ten years, you showed nothing—nothing at all. I began to doubt myself."
He leaned forward slightly."Yet today, you revealed power. So tell me—why only now?"