Beside him, Storm spoke up, her voice tinged with unease. "It's terrifying. If the White Demon's growth truly has no ceiling, will there really be no one left who can stop him in the near future?"
At Storm's question, Professor X fell into a long, heavy silence. He didn't know how to answer her directly. Eventually, he spoke softly: "That is precisely why we must bring him back to the right path."
Cyclops suddenly interjected, "And how exactly do we do that?"
The question hung in the air, leaving the group in absolute silence.
High above, Aurelius Viremont paced through the air, covering hundreds of meters with every stride. Back at the confrontation with the X-Men, there were two reasons he had chosen to stop and leave.
First: Jean Grey possessed the Phoenix Force. The Phoenix Force is one of the most feared entities in the Marvel Multiverse—the incarnation of all life and passion. As an ancient primordial power, a complete Phoenix Force can decompose, transform, restructure, create, and destroy all things at will. It can warp causality and timelines and traverse any dimension or universe without restriction. A complete Phoenix Force is a Great Being beyond the Omniverse.
Even if the portion within Jean was merely a tiny fragment, it was still a terrifying power that easily elevated her to Level 5 and made her a powerhouse even among her peers. Since Aurelius Viremont wasn't yet certain if his Limitless Technique could block molecular decomposition, or if his Reverse Cursed Technique could regenerate faster than the Phoenix could unmake him, he chose not to gamble just yet.
Second: The X-Men and Colonel Stryker were destined for a collision. He had previously asked Tony Stark to locate Stryker, but the Colonel, likely anticipating the White Demon would target him, had hidden himself exceptionally well. Even Tony couldn't find a trace. Aurelius Viremont had asked SHIELD as well, with the same result.
Therefore, he planned to use the X-Men as bait to lure Stryker out. Stryker's hatred for mutants was so deep that he would inevitably strike at the X-Men once they made a move. The hook was set; now he just needed to wait for the fish to bite.
In a small, remote town in New Mexico, patrons in a diner were staring at a strange table of customers. One of the men had just slammed a glass onto the table, shattering it. Although his companions apologized immediately, the outburst had drawn everyone's attention.
However, a moment later, the diner's bell chimed. A slender figure walked in, instantly shifting the focus of every customer away from the rude blonde man.
"Hey man, are you cosplaying the White Demon?"
A chubby kid sitting near the door, whose hair was also dyed white, turned around and stared at the newcomer. He was all too familiar with the look—white hair, dark sunglasses, and an air of cool detachment. It was the signature look of the Level 5 mutant, the White Demon.
Because the White Demon's abilities and style were so flashy and his global fame was skyrocketing, many young people had taken to cosplaying him. This kid was no exception, though his short, round stature failed to capture even a hint of the Demon's aura, forcing him to give up on the attempt.
Seeing the handsome man who had just walked in, the kid was green with envy. This guy had the height, the build, and even the facial features that were a dead ringer for the real deal. If he didn't know for a fact that the White Demon was currently in New York, he would have thought the real one had just walked through the door.
Aurelius Viremont blinked as he looked at the white-haired kid staring at him with admiration. Hearing the kid praise his "accuracy," Aurelius Viremont realized what was happening. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes as he replied:
"Thanks, kid. Your hair looks cool too!"
Beaming at the validation from a "pro cosplayer," the boy turned to his reflection in the window, preening himself. "I knew it! Tom and the others were just jealous of my looks. That's why they made fun of me!"
Aurelius Viremont: "..."
Bypassing the narcissistic child, Aurelius Viremont walked over to the strange group at the table where the glass had broken. Under the confused gazes of Thor and his companions, he took a seat.
Using the events of Thor 1 as a guide, with a little assistance from SHIELD's records, Aurelius Viremont had easily located this town. After resting for a day at a hotel, he had spotted Thor's group heading to this specific diner and decided to introduce himself.
As Thor and the others looked at him with bewilderment, Aurelius Viremont flashed a brilliant smile.
"Hi everyone. My name is Aurelius Viremont. Though, most people prefer to call me the White Demon. Mind if I join you?"
Upon hearing the introduction, everyone except Thor burst into laughter. Jane Foster, Thor's future girlfriend, chuckled.
"You're the White Demon? What a coincidence! We have a God of Thunder from Norse mythology right here too. Right, Thor?"
Faced with Jane's teasing, Aurelius Viremont didn't try to prove anything. Instead, he looked at Thor with "shock."
"My god! You're the God of Thunder? The legendary son of Odin, the future King of Asgard?"
Since falling to Midgard and losing his powers, Thor had been repeatedly snubbed. No one believed he was Thor Odinson. To be suddenly recognized and validated made this "weak" human seem incredibly likable to him.
"Exactly! I am Thor Odinson, Prince of Asgard! You have a keen eye, mortal. Once I reclaim Mjolnir and return to Asgard, I shall see to it that you are richly rewarded!"
The smile on Aurelius Viremont's face grew even more delighted. "Then I truly thank you, Prince Thor!"
Jane and the other two scientists didn't know whether to laugh or cry as they watched the stranger claiming to be the White Demon chat enthusiastically with the man claiming to be a god. As if one Thor wasn't enough trouble, now they had another "crazy" person.
Just then, Thor recalled Aurelius Viremont's introduction and the reaction of the other patrons. He asked curiously, "Are you famous? Why were the other Midgardians staring at you?"
Before Aurelius Viremont could respond, Jane Foster answered for him. "He's dressed as a very famous person..."
After Jane explained the concept of cosplay, Thor gave Aurelius Viremont a boisterous laugh and a heavy slap on the shoulder.
"That 'White Demon' fellow sounds too weak! You should cosplay me instead—the Great Thor! It's much cooler!"
Aurelius Viremont didn't say a word as Thor continued to clap him on the shoulder. He only let his smile deepen.