John POV
Honestly, I thought Toad would lose it after seeing the room. But aside from that first reaction, he didn't really care much. He said a few things, sure, but then just… moved on like it wasn't a big deal.
Maybe this is normal for them. Mutants losing control, things getting wrecked.
I grabbed a Coke from the fridge and leaned back, thinking about everything going on right now.
Mystique and that other guy still haven't come back. According to Toad, they're busy trying to track down whoever's behind that facility.
Which means it's just me and him here for now. And once he gets called for something, I'll probably be alone in this whole manor.
"Sip... Brotherhood of Mutants, huh…"
Even though I joined them, I'm not expecting to change anything big in this world.
For one, they don't really have a long-term plan. They're good for short-term stuff like raids or rescuing mutants, but beyond that? They don't have any plans. Mutants vs human is a cycle that's never going to end. The "bad side" always gets pushed back by the "good side."
And it's not like they're the only players out there.
There's the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, S.H.I.E.L.D., and a bunch of other groups. None of them are just going to sit back and let some kind of mutant supremacy take over.
Even if mutants tried to wipe out or enslave humanity… yeah, in theory it might be possible with perfect planning.
But reality isn't that simple.
Too many variables.
What if someone like the Sorcerer Supreme steps in? That's magic on a completely different level. Or humans come up with some kind of virus that only targets mutants.
And even if, somehow, mutants win…
Then what?
Earth isn't exactly a quiet place. It attracts way too much attention. Aliens, other worlds, cosmic stuff…
Whoever's left standing would just have to deal with invasions or straight-up extermination attempts next.
So unless it's absolutely necessary, killing superheroes is out of the question. They handle too many big threats. Removing them would just make things worse later.
But at the same time, living peacefully with humans isn't really an option either… not unless they actually start accepting mutants.
"Slurp..."
So what's the solution then?
Having our own place like Krakoa sounds good at first. A separate country where mutants can live freely without dealing with human fear or politics all the time.
But realistically, humans aren't just going to leave something like that alone. There'll always be pressure, spying, conflict…someone trying to interfere.
Then there's Mars.
Terraforming it actually sounds like a solid idea. Start fresh, no interference, no history dragging things down. But building a real civilization isn't that simple.
Water, food, basic utilities… that part can be managed, especially in a world like this. But a proper society? That's a whole different problem.
Things like markets, jobs, education, normal daily life… systems that make things feel stable. You can't just create all that instantly. Even if you move people there, it won't feel like Earth anytime soon.
And then there's the real issue.
Who's actually going to do it?
Terraforming a planet isn't about money. It's about people. The kind of mutants who can actually pull it off.
Omega-level ones and more than one if we ignore the use of technology.
And even then, getting them to work together? That's not guaranteed. Some won't agree, some won't care, and some might straight up oppose the idea of separating from humans.
And even if they do agree… someone still has to lead.
No one's going to follow unless you're strong enough to stand at the top.
But even that doesn't really solve everything. Humans will keep having mutant children over time. And mutants can still have human kids too. It's not like you can completely separate the two sides forever.
Even if you somehow make a perfect mutant society… the same problems will just show up again, just in a different form. Discrimination won't disappear. It'll just change.
Instead of humans vs mutants, it'll turn into something like strong vs weak. Or useful vs useless.
People with small changes, like slightly pointed ears or different skin colour, might be treated normally. But those with extreme mutations, like looking like animals or having unstable powers… they might get pushed aside.
It's the same pattern. Different reason, same result.
Sigh...
Forget it. I don't need to think that far ahead right now. For now, I should just focus on getting stronger. If I ever want to pull something like that off on my own, I need to reach at least a level where I can stand on my own without depending on anyone.
Continental level at minimum… anything less and I'll just end up getting dragged around by bigger players. I can't rely on others for something like this. People mess things up. Plans fall apart. Even I probably will at some point. But still… I trust myself more than I trust anyone else here. Maybe that's arrogance. Maybe it's just because I know how things are supposed to go in this world.
Either way, it doesn't really matter. What matters is getting strong enough first.
Until then, I need to focus. Train, get better control over my powers, gather information, build resources. There's a lot out there in this world, tech, weapons, knowledge… I can't afford to ignore any of it.
And eventually… I'll need my own team too. Not to depend on, but to use when needed. People who can handle tasks, gather intel, do the groundwork. It'll save time.
I'm not planning to rely on anyone. But I don't have the luxury to do everything alone either. That's also why the idea of a mutant sanctuary makes sense.
Not some idealistic "perfect society" right away… but a controlled base. Somewhere I can fall back to when things go wrong.
Because they will go wrong.
Aliens, gods, demons, cosmic-level threats… this world isn't stable. And when something big shows up, there's no way I'm surviving that alone.
"Argh…" I rubbed my forehead, letting out a frustrated breath. "I seriously need to stop going that far ahead."
All that thinking was just piling pressure on me for no reason.
"Whew…"
I took a slow breath and forced myself to settle down.
Right now, none of that matters if I can't even control what I already have.
My eyes shifted back to my hand. Blue flame on it.
Let's focus on my powers first.
_______________
I looked at the blue fire burning on my palm and brought it closer to my face. Just how I wanted it. I wasn't feeling anything.
Of course, that didn't mean it wasn't hot. It was. The only reason it wasn't burning me was because I was controlling it.
That's the key.
What I'm doing right now isn't just basic fire control. I'm using Dabi's quirk to generate the flames, and at the same time using my own ability to keep them stable. Both at once.
It sounds simple, but it's not. I can't lose focus for even a second. If I do, the flames will turn on me immediately. And at the same time, I have to balance both sides properly. If I focus too much on control, I might stop generating the fire altogether. If I lean too much into the creating, the flames will get out of hand.
It's like juggling two things in my head at once.
"I'm leaving."
Toad's voice came from the hallway, followed by the door slamming shut.
BANG.
Finally I'm alone in the manor now. Toad is going out to have fun. I asked doesn't he not need to hide to which he responded just hide your face and do whatever you want. Tell me to not go out is actually to prevent from some mistakes new comers make like attracting attention using power openly and leading someone back to the back to the base.
Given my experience he just want's me to calm down and don't do anything stupid.
I managed to talk to him properly after that. Got some answers too.
He said we'll start training once my body recovers fully. Actual combat training. Not just powers.
And about the "evaluation"… it's up to him. He decides what role I fit into. Fighter, support, whatever.
Doesn't really matter.
The moment I said I wanted to join them, I was already in.
I also asked what happens if I leave. His answer was simple. Nothing.
According to him a lot of mutants join the Brotherhood, then leave later. Some go to Xavier's school, some just stay independent. As long as you're not causing massive trouble, Magneto doesn't really care.
…good.
Because I don't plan on staying here forever.
I joined them on impulse. Between the two options, it just felt like the better choice for now. But thinking about it properly… it's too noticeable. Anyone siding with Magneto is bound to get attention. And not the good kind.
I'm pretty sure S.H.I.E.L.D. keeps an eye on people like that. They'd probably mark me as someone to watch. Maybe even a priority target if I stand out too much. That's the last thing I want. I don't want to end up on their radar. In fact, I don't want attention from anyone right now.
Sigh~
I stopped generating the fire and let it fade out completely before opening the system.
[Points: 3]
Let's see what I get today…
I used the points and as the number dropped to zero, a card appeared in front of me.
Exchange Mode
Allows user to exchange USD or any other currencies for points. Current exchange limit is 30 points per month and the exchange rate is 1 USD (or equivalent) for 1 point.
"Wait a minute…" I stared at it.
Does that mean I can just buy points? I need money… I need to test this immediately.
I turned toward the table and picked up the wallet. Toad had given me some cash earlier, just in case of emergencies. There was also a phone with a SIM card in it, probably set up under some else identity.
I focused on the cash in my hand and thought about exchanging it. The next second, the ten dollar bills vanished. On the screen, the number changed.
[Points: 30]
"…holy shit." So it works. A grin slowly formed on my face. Now I can actually get more cards. It means getting stronger more quickly and means take my revenge in less time.
Pleased with the card I quickly do the maths.
If 1 dollars equals 1 point, then 30 dollars means 30 points per month limit. That gives me roughly 10 cards. Depending on the month, that's around 20 cards every month and 21 every third month.
That's… really good.
Although it's may seem small but the actually my chances of becoming a ROB just got double every month and it may even increase in future.
Be Positive in gambling.
Taking a deep breath, I used thirty points for ten cards. I want to test something. If pulling multiple cards at once improves the chances of getting something good. Last time, it took me eleven spins just to get one proper character card.
As the points dropped to 0, ten new cards appeared in front of me.
Come on… give me something good.
1. Jason Todd (DC Arkham Knight)
The character card of Jason Todd, aka the Red Hood. A former Robin trained by Batman himself, he has a wide range of combat skills and experience. Master Strategist, tactician, martial artist, good at stealth, infiltration, sabotage, espionage and more. There's no doubt I am going to assimilate him. With his template, my weakness in close combat without powers will be solved.
2. Stack of Gold Bars
Just like the name says, it's a stack of gold bars weighing around 33 kilograms. Not immediately useful but definitely not a waste either.
3. M67 Grenade (Call of Duty) ×20
Old but still functional. Good.
4. Peter Griffin's Dirty Underwear (Family Guy)
…yeah, I don't think this has any use for me.
No doubt about it.
5. Naruto Headband (Naruto)
At least it has some sentimental value, so it's not completely useless.
Well a nice way of saying it's a trash too.
6. Template Slot ×1
Now this is something I really wanted. The system only gave me one slot before, and I was wondering if I had to finish Dabi's assimilation before using another template.
At least now I can run two assimilations at the same time. That's a big advantage.
I didn't equip Jason immediately though, just in case I get something better later.
7. Cloak of Billowing
It's an item from DnD, a cloak that can billow dramatically even without wind. Honestly, I would have loved something like this years ago when I used to stand in front of a fan with a curtain pretending I was flying like Superman.
Now that I think about it… I still want it. It's just cool. And well, I already have it now.
Hmm. The fact that I can still think like this means I'm still a man of culture. They didn't completely break me.
'Phew~' What a relief.
8. Frost Pain (Overlord)
It's the blade used by the Lizardmen. It releases a frosty white mist under the user's control and has three abilities.
First, it carries cold energy that deals ice damage with every strike. Anyone hit by it suffers frost injuries that slowly worsen over time.
Second, it has a skill called Icy Burst, which can be used three times a day. It releases a powerful slash that can freeze everything in its range and deal heavy damage.
Third, it grants resistance to ice damage to its user.
Not a bad weapon. Though I would have preferred something related to fire. Still, the next card kind of makes up for that.
9. Miyagawa (Mob Psycho 100)
I don't really remember this character, but the description gives a clear idea. It's a character card of a pyrokinetic esper.
It seems doing multiple spins together really increase the chances of getting better cards.
10. Omniverse Travelling Gate (Quanzhi Fazhi – Three Years)
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Darkseid vs Marvel