Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm all wore neatly tailored black suits. The only subtle distinction was that Johnny's suit carried the unmistakable cut and detailing of a high-end international brand, while Reed and Ben opted for understated, conventional designs. Susan Storm, like Clarice, wore a fitted black dress that was elegant without being ostentatious.
After paying their respects at Professor X's tombstone, the four of them located their assigned seats in the front row. They were positioned more than ten seats away from Richard and Clarice, but still close enough to be part of the primary circle of attendees.
Clarice leaned slightly toward Richard and lowered her voice. "Have you had any contact with them before?"
Richard shook his head calmly. "No. I've only seen Johnny—the Human Torch—a few times at formal dinners."
Among the Fantastic Four, Johnny was the most flamboyant by far. In temperament, he was remarkably similar to Tony Stark before becoming Iron Man: charming, reckless, and unapologetically indulgent. After exposure to cosmic radiation granted him the ability to generate and manipulate fire, that personality only intensified.
He was, notably, the only member of the team who accepted brand sponsorships on his uniform. Compared to Reed's methodical scientific focus and Ben's grounded, dependable humor shaped by his Marine Corps background, Johnny was synonymous with unpredictability.
Still, one fact was undeniable. Johnny Storm was a textbook American heartthrob. His features even bore a striking resemblance—perhaps seventy percent—to Steve Rogers, whom Richard had personally eliminated.
While Clarice asked about Johnny, Susan Storm was quietly asking her brother whether he had interacted with Richard. She knew Johnny's habits well. He rarely declined an invitation to an elite gathering.
"I've seen him a few times," Johnny said casually. "Never dealt with him directly. Though this is the first time I've seen the girl with him."
His gaze lingered openly on Clarice.
Clarice was not yet twenty. Her figure was more delicate than that of many Western women her age, but her refined features and composed demeanor gave her a distinctive charm. She drew attention without trying.
Susan sighed softly. "Be serious. This is Professor Xavier's funeral."
"Am I not serious?" Johnny countered.
"You're playing with fire," Susan said flatly. "Do not provoke Richard Wesley. He is not someone you casually offend. In the past six months alone, he has killed more people than you've dated. If you irritate him, it will not end well."
Johnny frowned. "I know he's strong. Omega-level, sure. But I'm not weak either. If we fought, I wouldn't necessarily lose."
Before Susan could respond, Reed's calm voice cut in.
"You might not lose," Reed said evenly, "but the probability of you defeating him is no greater than 0.036 percent. Even if he stands still and does not retaliate, your chance of victory rises only to 2.45 percent."
Johnny stiffened. "I'm not that weak."
"My calculations are precise," Reed replied without emotion.
Johnny exhaled sharply. He knew Reed's mind was unparalleled. The numbers were likely accurate, but that did not ease the sting.
"Maybe that's why you've never managed to win my sister over," Johnny muttered. "You're just a nerd."
Reed fell silent, his expression tightening.
"Enough," Susan said firmly.
Though seated more than ten chairs away, Richard heard every word. His Alpha-level enhanced senses made their conversation as clear as if they were beside him.
When he realized that Reed and Susan were not yet together in this universe, his interest sharpened.
In Earth-616, Reed Richards and Susan Storm were husband and wife. Their son, Franklin Richards, was one of the most powerful beings in existence—a mutant capable of reality manipulation, time-space control, and even universe creation.
But this was not 616.
In many alternate universes, Reed and Susan were merely teammates. Yet Franklin Richards still existed in every timeline. The identity of his father was rarely clarified.
A thought formed.
If Franklin must exist… and this is not 616… then nothing mandates Reed as his father.
Richard's expression remained neutral, but internally he reached a decision.
He would pursue Susan Storm.
Even Galactus, Eternity, or Infinity could not interfere with that ambition.
After the funeral concluded, Richard did not approach Susan. There was no need for haste. Certain goals required patience.
As he prepared to escort Clarice back to the Rolls-Royce, Reed Richards approached alone.
"Mr. Wesley," Reed said politely, despite being older. "May we speak privately?"
"Of course."
Richard turned to Clarice. "Wait for me in the car."
She nodded and left quietly.
Reed led him aside. "Charles asked me to deliver this to you after his funeral."
He produced a sealed envelope from inside his jacket.
So Reed was the messenger.
Richard opened it immediately and read.
The contents confirmed his suspicion.
Professor X had invited him to join a certain organization as the mutant representative in Charles' stead. Though the letter never explicitly named it, the implication was unmistakable.
The Illuminati.
Richard folded the letter and slid it back into the envelope.
"I'm sorry," he said calmly. "I have no interest in joining any organization."
Reed nodded. "No need to apologize. I'm only the messenger."
He returned to his team without further comment.
Richard was about to rejoin Clarice when he sensed it.
A powerful magnetic fluctuation approached at tremendous speed.
He looked up.
Magneto.
Erik Lehnsherr descended from the sky at nearly Mach three. He removed his helmet upon landing and carried a metal chess box in his hand.
Without acknowledging the crowd, he approached Charles' tombstone.
"Old friend," Magneto said quietly, "leaving before the game ends is unlike you."
The chess box opened midair. Pieces rose and arranged themselves. Only two kings and a single black knight settled on the board. The remaining pieces drifted aside.
The board lowered gently before the tombstone.
"This is a draw," Magneto said softly. "I will not let you win again."
He bowed deeply.
After replacing his helmet, he turned to Richard.
"Walk with me."
"Very well."
They flew to the nearby forest—Magneto via magnetic propulsion, Richard using flight.
Once alone, Magneto spoke.
"Charles and I believed Jean Grey would lead our people. We were wrong."
He paused. "For using your name at the press conference without consent, I apologize."
Richard raised a hand before Magneto could bow.
"Just do not repeat it."
"There will not be a next time."
Magneto continued, "Are you truly unwilling to lead mutantkind? With your strength and reputation, more than half would follow you immediately."
"My answer remains unchanged," Richard said. "I have no interest in leadership."
Magneto nodded slowly. "If you find time, visit the Brotherhood. Wanda and Pietro wish to see you."
"I will."
Magneto departed without looking back.
Richard returned to the manor and resumed his routine.
Three days later, news broke.
The Department of Mutant Affairs and the U.S. military had launched an operation against Xavier's School. Despite extensive preparation, the effort yielded nothing.
The X-Men had evacuated every student in advance. Cyclops and Wolverine cleared the underground facilities, including the Cerebro unit and accumulated research archives.
The school was empty.
Richard paid little attention.
His focus had shifted to something else entirely.
Ghost Rider had appeared in New York.
.....
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