In addition to Energy Absorption, the Six Eyes was also accumulating experience at a rapid pace. Both skills were in a permanent "active" state, consumed the least amount of energy, and were thus the easiest to level up.
While Aurelius Viremont was busy absorbing energy, practicing his techniques, and strengthening himself, the world outside was undergoing cataclysmic changes.
First, Tony Stark, who had been missing for two months, made his triumphant return. His first order of business was to announce the closure of Stark Industries' weapons division, causing the company's stock to plummet and sending shockwaves through the global economy.
Next, a terrifying green monster appeared at Culver University. The military attempted a capture operation but was utterly outmatched. After a display of wanton destruction, the green giant made a clean escape.
Under normal circumstances, either of these stories would have dominated the headlines for weeks. However, they were both forcibly shoved aside by a third piece of news—news that fundamentally reshaped the public's perception of mutants.
On this day, the world was reminded of the terror of being dominated by mutants.
The story was broken by a reporter for the Daily Globe named Eddie Brock. According to his report, he was on the scene and witnessed the battle between two powerful mutants firsthand. He described the "White Demon's" near-invincible abilities and his overwhelming, suffocating presence.
"The mutant with the physical enhancement was powerful enough—I believe he would have given that green monster a run for his money. Yet, in the face of the White Demon, he didn't have a single chance to strike back," Eddie Brock wrote.
In his article, Brock detailed the concept of mutant power levels and boldly asserted that the White Demon was undoubtedly a Level 5 Mutant.
He concluded the report with a chilling description:
"That terrifying black-red singularity... even its residual discharge was enough to tear anything apart. If struck directly, no known substance could withstand it. It is clear that the White Demon has not yet mastered this power, which only means he has even more room to grow. Once he fully adapts, he will have an existence far more terrifying than Magneto."
Once published, the report fermented rapidly within society.
Some citizens voiced their outrage: "The government said mutants weren't a threat! Why does someone this powerful exist?"
Others were consumed by fear: "If he keeps getting stronger, he could kill us all with ease. The government must capture him immediately!"
There were even those who began to worship him: "He is a god! An angel descended to earth! We should serve him as our Lord!"
But there were other voices as well—oppressed mutants speaking from behind hidden IPs on social media:
"He is the savior of mutantkind! Our true leader! The government oppresses us, uses us for inhumane experiments... Our Leader will lead us in the revolution!"
"That's right! We will follow him forever!"
Inside a lavish, hidden room in Hell's Kitchen, Kingpin stared at the newspaper with a grim expression. His eyes were fixed on the photo of the terrifying black-red singularity and the kilometer-long trench it had carved through the city.
They told me he was just a common mutant... Why is he this strong?
As time passed, his unease grew. Bullseye had not returned. Kingpin had sat in his chair for an entire day and night without rest. As the dawn broke, he finally accepted the truth: Bullseye had failed. He was dead.
The Kingpin of Crime had sat on his throne for decades; he couldn't remember the last time he felt this way—this sense of helplessness... of fear. Even an Emperor is still a mortal. How can a mortal stand against a God?
Tens of thousands of feet in the air, inside a massive Helicarrier.
Nick Fury stared at the files on his desk, motionless. Phil Coulson stood silently to the side; his boss had been in this trance for a long time. Suddenly, Fury slammed the file shut and looked up at Coulson with sharp, piercing eyes.
"Agent Coulson, use every resource we have to find him. Recruit him. He will be the most important pillar of the Avengers Initiative."
"Yes, sir!"
A simulated breeze from the ventilation system caught the edge of the file, revealing high-definition photos: an azure black hole, a black-red singularity, a mysterious spatial defense, and finally—the white-haired demon laughing with arrogant abandon.
After Coulson left, Fury's voice echoed in the empty room. "A mutant this dangerous... must be kept under S.H.I.E.L.D. surveillance."
In a hidden office, the faint, distant screams of mutants being experimented on echoed through the halls. Colonel Stryker looked at the reports, his face livid.
"Damn it! Damn it all! Gather more forces! Bring that mutant half-breed to me at all costs!"
In a remote corner of New York, the two most powerful factions of mutants had gathered. If the government knew the X-Men and the Brotherhood were meeting in secret, the threat level of the X-Men would be upgraded instantly.
Magneto, wearing his iconic helmet, sat across a conference table from Professor X.
Magneto spoke first. "Charles, if we can harness his power, we can eventually eliminate all of humanity. We can forge a peaceful world where only mutants exist!"
Professor X shook his head, his expression solemn. "Erik, you are too radical. Humans and mutants can coexist peacefully."
"Peace? You mean the 'peace' of the government hunting us down and performing sadistic experiments every hour of every day?"
"I will make them change!"
Looking at his old friend, Magneto's eyes filled with disappointment. "You are too naive. Blood must be repaid with more blood!"
Behind him, the Brotherhood members looked at Magneto with adoration—their leader who would lead the resistance.
"Your thinking is flawed, Erik. Those are just a few bad actors. You cannot condemn all of humanity because of the sins of a few!" Xavier countered.
The X-Men stood behind the Professor, sharing his conviction. Only the benevolent Professor X could lead them to a better future.
Finding no common ground, Magneto stood up and headed for the door, followed by his disciples. "I will find him. I will lead him to the truly correct path."
"Erik, I will stop you."
"Charles, you will regret this."
Aurelius Viremont was oblivious to the chaos brewing outside. He was currently planning his future. Unlocking templates required energy. Using skills requires energy. Everything boiled down to one problem: he didn't have enough.
Relying on siphoning electricity from the grid wasn't a long-term solution, and it was bound to get him caught. He needed a stable, high-output energy source.
He considered the Infinity Stones, but he was currently too weak; the risk of pursuing them was too high. That left only one viable option:
The Arc Reactor.
At that moment, after hours of continuous electrical siphoning, the system chimed again:
[Congratulations! Energy Absorption has leveled up!]