Wolverine was about to argue that there were no aircraft in the direction Richard indicated when the Department of Mutant Affairs' black jet suddenly appeared in his line of sight. Though still distant, its outline was now clearly visible.
"How do you know they're after you specifically?" Wolverine demanded.
"Their combat uniforms bear the Department of Mutant Affairs insignia," Richard explained. "And unless I'm mistaken, they launched the missile we just evaded."
He turned to Jean. "You just guaranteed the Department wouldn't move against me. Here's your opportunity to prove it." His lips curved slightly. "If you can genuinely convince them to stand down, I'll gladly accompany you to Xavier's School."
Jean frowned at his challenge. Whatever certainty she'd felt earlier had evaporated—she couldn't be even ten percent confident now.
Though they couldn't confirm the Department's jet had fired the missile, the circumstantial evidence pointed strongly in that direction. After a brief, tense silence, Jean set her jaw resolutely.
"Very well. I'll prove it to you."
"I look forward to your performance," Richard replied, embedding the Masamune into the ground beside him.
Within moments, the Department's aircraft arrived. Like the X-Men's Blackbird, it possessed vertical take-off and landing capabilities—the twin turbine engines mounted mid-wing weren't merely decorative.
Under Richard's watchful gaze, the black jet—resembling S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Quinjet at roughly seventy percent similarity—descended slowly, landing several dozen meters away.
As the aircraft settled, its rear hatch opened and a loading ramp extended. Three mutant agents wearing identical black tactical uniforms descended and approached without hesitation, their faces utterly devoid of expression.
Are these clones too? The thought flickered through Richard's mind unbidden.
The Los Angeles branch had housed Sabretooth clones on its second underground level—it stood to reason other branches possessed their own classified "assets" and research programs kept hidden from public scrutiny.
The expressionless agents halted before the group. Jean immediately positioned herself between them and Richard.
"I'm Dr. Jean Grey of the X-Men," she stated with authority. "Professor Xavier has personally authorized bringing Richard to our school. If you have concerns about this arrangement, I suggest you contact your superiors immediately."
Despite the agents' hostile intent, Jean refrained from employing her powers. She sought to avoid conflict not from fear but from understanding the consequences—any confrontation between the X-Men and the Department would shatter their fragile alliance, an outcome neither she nor Xavier desired.
The middle agent—a muscular man appearing to be in his forties—responded evenly: "Dr. Grey, we respect the Professor and have no wish to antagonize the X-Men. Please step aside and allow us to complete our mission."
Like Jean, these Department agents carried their own concerns. They hadn't authorized the missile attack—that order came from above. Under normal circumstances, they would never have permitted such aggression against the Blackbird.
These men represented the "moderate" faction within the mutant community. Otherwise, they wouldn't have accepted the Mutant Restriction Act, much less joined the Department's ranks.
Jean's expression darkened at the agent's response. Though his tone remained professional, his message was clear—they had no intention of abandoning their pursuit of Richard.
As Jean contemplated her next approach, Richard observed mission information materializing before his eyes—details only he could perceive:
[Mission: One-Winged Angel (I)]
[Mission content: Kill the 3 mutant agents in front of you]
[Mission Reward: Hell's Gate, Black Materia]
[Task time limit: 10 minutes]
Finally, a Sephiroth template Mission!
Though surprised by the timing, Richard felt silent satisfaction upon seeing the mission name and rewards. Previously, the system had exclusively issued Virgil template tasks, leading him to wonder if he'd need to master Sephiroth's techniques through self-study.
Apparently, the system wasn't as neglectful as he'd imagined. As his template proficiency increased, he could indeed learn Sephiroth's other abilities independently—but completing system tasks remained far more efficient than personal research.
After dismissing the floating task panel, Richard pulled the Masamune from the ground. Though he spoke no words, the three agents immediately shifted to combat stances upon seeing him draw the weapon.
Ignoring Jean entirely, they launched their attack without warning.
The middle agent shot toward Richard like a human cannonball. Simultaneously, his already substantial frame began "swelling" at a rate visible to the naked eye.
By the time he reached Richard, his height—originally around six-foot-three—had expanded to nearly twelve feet. His transformation produced corresponding physical changes, rendering him an unmistakable giant.
Despite his explosive growth, his clothing demonstrated remarkable resilience. While his shirt and shoes tore from the strain, his pants exhibited astonishing elasticity, immediately reminding Richard of the Hulk's mysteriously accommodating attire.
In mere moments, the agent-turned-giant loomed before Richard, his massive fist hurtling toward Richard's chest with devastating force.
Blinkstep!
Just as the giant's fist would have connected, Richard activated his teleportation ability, instantly relocating dozens of meters away and effortlessly evading the attack.
Though he'd avoided the immediate threat, Richard's instincts screamed danger. Without hesitation, he prepared to Blinkstep again.
Before he could complete the teleportation, however, the second male agent—pale-faced and gaunt as if recently recovered from grave illness—materialized before him like a specter. Twin black daggers in the man's hands streaked toward Richard's throat and heart with blinding speed.
What is this?
Seeing the ghost-like agent appear instantaneously before him, Richard abandoned his half-formed Blinkstep and pivoted to offense, slashing fiercely with the Masamune in his left hand.
Octoslash!
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