Smack!
Zero grabbed Sabretooth's wrist and whispered,"Victor, not now. There are too many people in the amusement park."
"What does that matter?" Sabretooth sneered, completely unconcerned.
"You think any of them can stop me?"
Zero said nothing.
Of course, no one could stop him—that wasn't the point. He just didn't want Sabretooth making a scene. Killing someone in front of so many witnesses would create a huge mess.
"If anyone tries, I'll just kill them too," Sabretooth added, his voice low and laced with malice.
"Victor, don't complicate things," Zero said, rubbing his throbbing temples.
"You know how much the Commander values the plan. Let's wait until later tonight, when the crowd thins out."
"You trying to use Stryker to threaten me?"
Sabretooth's eyes narrowed as he suddenly grabbed Zero by the neck and lifted him off the ground.
Zero's breath hitched. His face turned red as the pressure tightened around his throat. With great effort, he choked out,
"Don't… misunderstand… It's just… a suggestion…"
Sabretooth stared at him for a few seconds before finally dropping him.
Cough! Cough!
Zero staggered back, coughing violently.
"Damn it… That really takes the fun out of it," Sabretooth muttered, though he didn't press further.
After all, it was already getting dark. The amusement park would be closing soon.
In America, many businesses shut down early at night. People rarely wandered around late. Freedom or not, the amusement park was no exception.
About an hour later, guests began leaving in waves, and vendors started packing up their stalls.
---
Creeeak…
A black sedan pulled up outside the amusement park.
Erik and Leon stepped out one after the other.
"This is the place, right?" Erik asked, scanning the area before double-checking the address in his file.
Confirmed.
The two headed into the park.
It was near closing time. Aside from vendors tidying up their booths, the place was almost deserted.
"Excuse me, sir—do you know where Bradley is?" Erik asked an older man locking the gate near a roller coaster.
"What do you want with him?" the man replied cautiously, giving them both a once-over.
Erik's eyes lit up. Finally—someone who knew Bradley.
"I'm from his hometown. I just need to talk to him," Erik said smoothly.
"I see. Just head east. His place is all the way at the end."
"Thanks."
Following the directions, Erik and Leon moved through the quiet park. Soon enough, they spotted a short man packing up some props.
It matched the photo. Bradley.
Leon thought, Lucky. Looks like Sabretooth hasn't gotten to him yet.
But then—
Both Erik and Leon suddenly stopped.
Their gazes sharpened as they turned to the left.
Two burly men stood near the carousel, smoking.
Sabretooth.
And Zero.
Erik didn't recognize them—but Leon did instantly.
There was no doubt. They were here to kill Bradley.
Well… scratch what I said about luck.
Even so, Leon remained calm. He didn't consider them a real threat.
With his current strength, Sabretooth was nothing.
"Erik, those two don't look like park staff," Leon said in a low voice.
"And I'm pretty sure they're mutants."
"Mutants, huh?" Erik replied calmly.
"I'll call Charles after we talk to Bradley. Let's keep moving."
As far as he was concerned, unless they interfered, they didn't matter.
They approached Bradley.
"Excuse me, Mr. Bradley? I'm Erik, and this is Leon. Mind if we talk?"
Bradley paused, eyeing them warily.
"Do I know you?"
"We haven't met," Erik said with a faint smile. "But that's not important."
At the same time, his power activated. He gestured slightly, and a prop in Bradley's hand lifted into the air.
"You… you're one too?" Bradley asked, startled.
"That's right," Erik replied firmly. "I'm a mutant."
"Another one…?"
From a distance, Sabretooth raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Then a cruel grin spread across his face.
"Zero… looks like we hit the jackpot. Luck's on our side tonight."
Sabretooth's recent mission had been simple—help Stryker find and capture mutants, dead or alive.
And now, just as he was taking a break, two more had practically walked right into his hands.
No—make that two.
If the tall one was a mutant, then the younger one probably was too.
Perfect.
Once I finish this cigarette… I'll kill them all.
His grin widened, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
---
Back at the booth, Erik remained unaware. His focus was entirely on Bradley.
Seeing Erik's ability, Bradley's expression softened slightly.
"Come in."
After a brief hesitation, he stepped aside and invited them in.
"Didn't think I'd meet one of my own in a place like this," he said, gesturing for them to sit.
It had been nearly five years since he last saw another mutant—ever since he escaped from Stryker.
"There are more of us where I come from," Erik said immediately.
"And we'd be glad to have you. We want mutant brothers and sisters to stand united."
"You mean… you're part of a mutant organization?" Bradley asked, his tone shifting subtly.
Mutant organizations…
He had gone through hell to escape one.
There was no way he was walking back into that life again.
To be continued...
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