[Six Eyes Lv.2 (1/300): Provides a 360-degree long-range field of vision. Allows the user to see the flow of energy with incredible dynamic vision, enabling precise energy manipulation.]
With the upgrade, Aurelius Viremont's 360-degree vision was doubled, expanding from a 200-meter radius to 500 meters.
This was the range for high-definition observation—within this distance, he could track microscopic targets, observe the specific flow of energy, and utilize peak dynamic motion capture. Beyond 500 meters, his vision remained superior to a normal human's, but it shifted into a "blurry" state where he could see shapes but not intricate details.
Furthermore, Level 2 unlocked a new ability: X-ray vision.
His Six Eyes could now penetrate approximately 10 centimeters of steel plate to observe internal structures. Unlike the "Byakugan" from other lores, his vision wasn't limited to black and white; he saw the world in vivid, crystal-clear color.
"So I've basically gained one of the most coveted superpowers from my past life just like that..." Aurelius Viremont muttered, feeling a strange sense of detachment now that the impossible had become easy.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, within his expanded field of vision, Aurelius Viremont spotted several drones streaking toward his location. Further out, he caught sight of a fully armed tactical unit moving in high-speed formation, tailing the drones.
This wasn't Kingpin's revenge, nor was it some street gang. Criminals didn't have access to this level of sophisticated hardware. This was a military force—likely a secret unit dedicated to hunting mutants.
Within seconds, the drones were upon him. Aurelius Viremont looked directly into the camera of the lead unit and flashed a bone-chilling smile. A basketball-sized azure singularity manifested in his palm and swallowed the drones whole.
He didn't stick around. Channeling Cursed Energy to reinforce his body, he vanished from the site.
From the original owner's memories, Aurelius Viremont knew this unit employed "converted" mutants of significant power. Even with his Limitless technique, it was unwise to be cocky when facing unknown, bizarre abilities. He was in his fastest growth phase; there was no need for a head-on collision with the army yet.
What he needed most was to keep absorbing energy and increasing his template integration. Once he awakened the Reverse Cursed Technique—the ultimate healing power—he would truly have nothing left to fear.
In a hidden military base, rows of monitors lined the walls. Suddenly, several screens went black simultaneously.
A middle-aged man with colonel's insignias, a stern face, and predatory eyes barked at a soldier, "Report. What happened?"
The soldier stood at attention. "Colonel Stryker, we encountered a sudden anomaly while pursuing Subject 9527. The target appears to have undergone a secondary awakening. He's manifesting entirely new mutant abilities!"
William Stryker's eyes gleamed with a sharp, dangerous light. He stepped toward the monitors. "Bring up the footage from before the feed cut."
The soldier played the recording on the main screen. The drone feed showed a tall, slender young man with shock-white hair. As the drone stabilized its focus, the man looked right into the lens, smirked, and unleashed an azure sphere of light. The screen went dark instantly.
Stryker watched the other feeds; the result was the same. The speed of the unknown azure projectile was staggering, wiping out the entire drone swarm in a heartbeat.
Colonel Stryker's expression turned solemn. He remembered Subject 9527. The boy's original ability—Energy Absorption—was identical to a terrifying mutant from decades ago, a man who could absorb the energy of a nuclear blast. However, 9527's power had been pathetic, unable to even fully dampen the force of a human punch. Stryker had written him off as a low-level failure.
Now, the boy was back with something new.
Stryker replayed the footage, pausing on the azure singularity. It was clearly a high-output offensive move capable of shredding metal. Additionally, the boy had demonstrated hyper-awareness, sensing the drones long before they arrived. His change in appearance—the white hair and sapphire eyes—only piqued Stryker's scientific curiosity.
Looking at that cold, mocking smile on the screen, Stryker let out a chilling laugh.
"Capture 9527 at all costs. His research value has just skyrocketed. Deploy Experiments 1085 and 1086 to assist. 1086's spatial-type attacks should be able to bypass his defenses."
He muttered to himself, "A provocation? Then I'll give you exactly what you want."
1407 Graymalkin Lane, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Inside a secure laboratory, Jean Grey handed a file to Professor X. "Professor, we've detected a major mobilization within Stryker's unit. They seem to be committing a massive amount of resources to capture a mutant labeled as 9527."
"9527?"
Like Stryker, Charles Xavier remembered the boy. The name brought back memories of his most formidable foe: Sebastian Shaw, the Black King. If not for sheer luck, he and Erik might never have killed him.
But Subject 9527—real name Aurelius Viremont—had always shown a very low power ceiling. He was considered a Level 1 mutant, his abilities nearly decorative. Charles hadn't prioritized him for recruitment because of this.
To see Stryker focusing this much energy on him meant something had changed.
Professor X immediately donned the Cerebro helmet to locate Aurelius Viremont, hoping to reach him before Stryker or Erik did. But then... he stopped.
"Why can't I find his consciousness? I could sense him clearly just days ago..."
Even with someone as powerful as Jean Grey, Charles could always feel the "echo" of her mind. But Aurelius Viremont's mind was... gone. It was as if he had ceased to exist, yet Stryker's movement proved he was still out there.
Xavier's eyes widened as the realization hit him. A change so profound it could block out his telepathic intrusion? A mind he couldn't even perceive?
"Could Aurelius Viremont have the potential of a Level 5 mutant?" Xavier whispered. "Or... has he already become one?"
He turned to Jean with urgency. "Jean, track his physical location through our secondary networks. We must reach him before Stryker or Erik. Aurelius Viremont... might very well be a Level 5—an Omega-level threat."