"Me? I'm perfectly fine," Liam said with an easy smile, as if nothing about the situation was unusual.
Between his own energy absorption ability and the passive defense from his vector manipulation, Rogue's power simply had nothing to latch onto. The mechanism that drained others on contact couldn't even begin to function against him.
"This… this is real?" Rogue whispered, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes widened in disbelief.
Ever since her mutation had awakened, she had lived in quiet despair. Her ability made even the simplest human contact dangerous, turning every touch into something she had to fear. The idea of a normal life—a family, closeness, connection—had felt completely out of reach.
She had already resigned herself to isolation.
But now…
There was someone standing right in front of her who could touch her without consequence. Someone she already admired, who had appeared when she needed help the most, and saved her without hesitation.
In that moment, something inside her shifted completely.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop herself, she threw her arms around Liam.
"Hey—easy," Liam said, caught slightly off guard by the sudden hug. "Don't get too excited. I'll take you back later, but for now, just stay to the side."
"Mm," she nodded quickly, wiping her tears as she stepped back obediently. Even so, her gaze never left him, her eyes filled with something bright and unshakable.
"Magneto's been pretty patient," Liam said as he turned his attention forward again, his tone light but deliberate.
Magneto stood a short distance away, no longer attacking, his expression thoughtful as he studied Liam closely.
"I want to know your name," Magneto said, his voice steady, carrying both curiosity and caution.
"Liam Hayes," he replied casually. "Just joined the X-Men. Nice to meet you."
"Liam Hayes…" Magneto repeated, as if weighing the name. "Your abilities are impressive. It seems Charles has found another exceptional student."
Despite Liam interfering with his plan, Magneto didn't show hostility. On the contrary, there was a clear trace of appreciation in his gaze. He had always valued mutants, especially powerful ones.
"Liam, do you understand the situation mutants are facing right now?" Magneto continued, his tone growing heavier. He lifted a hand, pointing toward the distant skyline.
In the distance, Manhattan stretched across the horizon.
"Out there," Magneto said, his voice low, "are the people who fear us. Hate us. The majority of humanity gathers there, and many of them would see mutants wiped out entirely if given the chance."
He paused briefly, his eyes locking onto Liam's.
"If we don't act… then sooner or later, mutants will be driven to extinction."
Liam didn't interrupt.
Because he agreed.
Humanity had already begun developing methods to suppress or even eliminate mutant abilities. In the future, there would be entire programs dedicated to neutralizing mutants, reducing them to something "normal."
And worse.
Plans designed to eradicate them entirely.
Human ingenuity had no limits when driven by fear.
If mutants did nothing, their fate would be sealed.
For that reason, Liam couldn't help but respect Magneto. His methods were extreme, but his reasoning wasn't wrong.
Magneto noticed the subtle shift in Liam's expression, and his eyes lit up slightly.
"So join me," he said, extending the offer without hesitation. "Help me shape the future of mutantkind."
He gestured toward the machine nearby, his voice gaining momentum.
"This device… once activated, it will transform world leaders into mutants. When those in power become like us, they will no longer oppose us. The conflict between humans and mutants will end."
Magneto spoke with conviction, fully believing in his vision.
Liam listened quietly, nodding along as he took in every word.
"I have to admit," he said after a moment, "your plan is solid. If it works, it could resolve the conflict between mutants and humans."
A faint smile appeared on Magneto's face.
"Charles never understood me," he said. "I didn't expect one of his students to see things so clearly."
His tone shifted, becoming more resolute.
"In that case, step aside. The process may cost the lives of your friends, but it's a necessary sacrifice for the future of our kind."
That alone showed how far Magneto was willing to go.
His resolve was absolute.
But Liam didn't move.
Magneto's expression darkened slightly.
"Magneto," Liam said calmly, "I agree with your goal. But there's a flaw in your method."
"What flaw?" Magneto asked, his voice sharpening.
"The machine," Liam replied. "It's incomplete. Do you remember Senator Kelly?"
Magneto frowned. "He was successfully transformed into a mutant. He even escaped."
"He did," Liam said with a nod. "But he died shortly after. Genetic instability. His body couldn't handle the transformation."
"That's not possible," Magneto said immediately, rejecting the idea. "Perhaps he simply couldn't adapt."
Even if part of him considered it, he dismissed it just as quickly. In his mind, a few failures would be acceptable if the majority succeeded.
"Magneto," Liam continued, his tone firm but measured, "you've waited this long. Why not refine the machine further? If you can eliminate the side effects, you won't need to force this outcome. Even Professor X would support you."
"I don't have time for that," Magneto snapped, his patience finally wearing thin. "Move."
With a flick of his hand, several metal sheets tore free from the structure of the statue, launching toward Liam as they twisted into restraints meant to bind him.
Liam didn't even glance at them.
The moment the metal made contact with his body, the force acting on it shifted instantly.
The sheets were repelled, flung backward as if they had struck an invisible wall.
Magneto's brows furrowed.
"What kind of ability is this?" he demanded.
Liam crossed his arms, his expression calm.
"Call it reflection," he said simply. "No matter how strong your attack is, it gets sent right back. So honestly… you're not going to hurt me."
Magneto studied him for a brief moment.
Then, without another word, he raised his hand.
All around them, metal responded.
Panels, fragments, structural components—everything metallic within the statue began to tremble, then tear free from their places. They gathered rapidly in the air, compressing into a massive sphere of steel that loomed above.
And then—
It came crashing down toward Liam.
....
Can't wait to read ahead. Then Join my P@treon and get 60+ chapters.
Even Free members can enjoy 2+ advanced chapters FOR FREE.
Link: [email protected]/Divine_Quill
Join Right Now