Beyond Energy Absorption, the Six Eyes also gained experience at an extraordinary rate. These two skills were permanent, consumed minimal energy, and leveled fastest.
While Leon continued absorbing energy, practicing techniques, and growing stronger, the outside world underwent seismic shifts.
First, Tony Stark—missing for two months—returned and immediately announced closure of Stark Industries' weapons development division. The company's stock plummeted, triggering widespread uproar.
Second, a terrifying green-skinned monster appeared at Culver University. Military forces attempted capture but proved no match. After the green monster rampaged freely, it departed at leisure.
Yet these two stories—either worthy of front-page headlines—were displaced by another piece of news.
Because this news fundamentally reshaped public perception of mutants.
On this day, people remembered the terror of mutant domination.
The exclusive report came from Eddie Brock of the Daily Globe. According to him, he'd witnessed firsthand a battle between two powerful mutants, observing the White Devil's nearly unstoppable abilities and overwhelming presence.
"The mutant with body enhancement capabilities was already formidable—likely comparable to that green monster. Yet against the White Devil, he had no chance whatsoever."
Eddie Brock's article explained mutant classification levels in detail, concluding the White Devil was definitely Level 5.
The report's conclusion read:
"That terrifying crimson singularity—even its scattered discharge can tear through anything. A direct hit? Nothing could withstand it.
Clearly, the White Devil hasn't mastered that ability yet. Which means he has tremendous room for growth. Once he fully adapts, he'll surpass even Magneto in destructive potential."
After publication, the report spread through society like wildfire.
Some demanded: "Didn't the government claim mutants weren't threats? Why do such powerful mutants exist?"
Others voiced fear: "If he continues growing stronger, he could exterminate humanity easily. The government must arrest him immediately."
Some even worshipped him: "He is God! An angel descended to Earth! We should worship him as our Lord!"
Different voices emerged too—oppressed mutants using hidden IPs to post on social platforms:
"He is the mutant savior! Our leader!
The government indiscriminately oppresses mutants and conducts inhumane experiments. The leader will guide our resistance!"
"Yes! We'll follow him always!"
In a hidden luxurious room in Hell's Kitchen, Kingpin stared at the newspaper with an ugly expression, focusing on the terrifying crimson singularity and the kilometer-long devastation it left behind.
They said he was just an ordinary mutant.
Why is he so powerful?
As time passed, unease intensified. Bullseye never returned.
Kingpin didn't rest for an entire day—sitting in his chair, waiting until dawn broke and sky lightened. Finally, he accepted the truth: Bullseye had completely failed. Was likely dead.
After sitting on the underground emperor's throne for decades, Kingpin hadn't experienced this sensation in ages—this feeling of powerlessness and dread.
Even as emperor, he remained merely mortal. How could mortals resist gods?
Tens of thousands of meters above ground, inside a massive helicarrier...
Nick Fury stared at the intelligence file before him, motionless. Coulson stood nearby carefully. The director had maintained this posture for an extended period.
Suddenly, Fury closed the document, raised his head, and fixed Coulson with his sharp gaze.
"Agent Coulson, use every resource to find him and recruit him. He'll be the Avengers Initiative's most critical asset."
"Yes, sir."
Simulated breeze swept through the cabin, lifting the file's corner to reveal several high-definition photographs.
The azure sphere. The crimson singularity. The mysterious spatial defense. Finally, the White Devil laughing wildly.
After Coulson departed, Fury's voice echoed through the empty room: "Such a dangerous mutant must remain under S.H.I.E.L.D. surveillance."
In a concealed office, faint screams occasionally drifted from outside—the agonized wails of mutants subjected to laboratory experiments.
Colonel Stryker reviewed the intelligence, his face livid.
"Damn it! Mobilize additional forces and capture this mutant bastard!"
In a remote New York location, the two most powerful mutant factions convened. If the government learned of this secret meeting between X-Men and Brotherhood, the X-Men's threat assessment would increase dramatically.
Magneto, wearing his distinctive helmet, and Professor X in his wheelchair faced each other across the conference table.
Magneto spoke first:
"Charles, if we harness his power, we could eventually eliminate all humans and create a peaceful world for mutants alone."
Hearing Magneto's words, Professor X shook his head, regarding him seriously:
"Eric, you're too extreme. Humans and mutants can coexist peacefully."
"Peace? You mean the government's relentless persecution of mutants? The cruel experiments conducted constantly?"
"I will make them change."
Hearing his former friend's words, Magneto looked at him with disappointment:
"You're naive. Blood demands blood."
Brotherhood members behind him gazed at Magneto with admiration—their leader who guided their resistance.
"Your ideology is flawed. That's only a minority. You can't condemn all humanity for partial sins."
X-Men members, like Professor X, regarded Magneto gravely. Only the compassionate Professor X could secure mutants' better future.
Without resolution, Magneto stood angrily and walked toward the exit. Brotherhood members followed.
"I will find him and guide him to the correct path."
"Eric, I will stop you."
"Charles, you'll regret this."
Leon remained unaware of external developments. He was currently planning his future.
Unlocking template progression required energy. Using techniques required energy. Ultimately, everything hinged on energy.
Relying solely on electrical absorption wouldn't suffice long-term and risked detection by authorities.
The most critical priority: finding a stable energy source.
Regarding Infinity Stones—he was too weak currently. The risk of obtaining them far too great. Only one viable option remained:
The Arc Reactor.
Meanwhile, after prolonged electrical energy absorption, the system chimed again:
[Congratulations! Energy Absorption has leveled up!]