Volume 5: The Young Wolf Seeks Home Chapter 12 The end of the world is just a drizzle. Mason experienced it when he was a baby.
"Let's not even talk about why you asked me to destroy your... er, our hometown along the way. You should at least tell me what happened there, and why I had this card on me when I was sent to Gotham?"
Mason, tied up with a submission lasso, sat on a chair, looking at the swordsman master in front of him whose wrists were also entangled with the lasso. The two seemed to be playing a somewhat perverted game.
He didn't show any surprise when he heard the latter's request, but asked calmly:
"And what do you mean by 'recovery operation'? This matter is full of doubts. I really don't dare to take action immediately unless you explain it clearly."
"Hey, why are you, a man, so fussy?"
The swordsman was a little troubled.
But Mason's request was reasonable, so she thought about it and replied:
"It's not that I won't tell you, I just don't know the details... Don't show that expression, I'm not lying to you! I was still hiding in Limbo the night it happened.
By the time I received the news and rushed back to the human world, the nuclear war had already broken out.
80% of the world was plowed by nuclear bombs, and that night the devils and demons in hell who were responsible for collecting people were almost exhausted.
Every level of hell was full, and I heard that it was the same in Heaven Mountain. In the chaotic days after the war, before I could gather my compatriots together, people from another world suddenly appeared.
They call themselves the 'Council of Hope', a disaster relief organization from another world, and some of our 'fellows from another world' are among them."
Liana sighed.
She did not hide her experience. She grabbed a ball of black energy and turned it into a flying ghost claw to grab the half-drunk wine on her desk and gulped down a big gulp.
As Mason watched, she quickly told him what happened next:
"The world was in chaos at the time, and no one knew why those people came. Just when we were calling for people to prepare for a possible conflict, they first expressed goodwill.
Another Professor X stood up and stopped the chaos in the world with his mental power. I also met another me. She had a completely different life trajectory from mine and actually became a nun.
I hate her.
But after she died in a special operation a few years ago, I found that I didn't hate her that much.
In short, after a series of contacts between the two sides, we were transferred as refugees out of the world that had been abandoned by the war. We call it the 'Great Transfer'.
It lasted a full five months before it finally came to an end.
At that time, there was no convenient world gate, nor was there a star meeting.
That was the first time I knew about the existence of the Council of Hope. Afterwards, I was selected by my fellow tribesmen to become a representative to join the Star Society which was then formally established, and then I was promoted all the way to my current position.
Well, that was seventeen years ago, just half a year before the first impact. According to the development history of our parent organization, that stage was still in their early stages, and the Great Transfer Operation was their most successful attempt after the start of the doomsday era.
That’s when I met Hunter.
Tsk tsk, she was still very young at that time, following her parents like a little follower. She rescued some young mutants from the ruins, including Anna and others.
Later, Anna brought the mutants who were rescued that year to join the Star Society and work with her. "
"Do you really believe in this kind of 'apocalyptic' story?"
Mason narrowed his eyes and asked back:
"You never doubted them?"
"I know what you mean."
The swordsman took a sip of wine, shook his head and said:
“But the end of our hometown civilization has nothing to do with the Council of Hope. The nuclear war that destroyed order and civilization was not instigated by them.
At that time, the World Gate itself had not yet been cast. They couldn't intervene on a large scale because they didn't have the ability, you know?
At that time, they used the Infinity Gauntlet and many superhumans who could travel between worlds to barely open a transfer channel between the two worlds.
I have also conducted secret investigations over the years.
Everything that happened in their hometown fits the Star Society's definition of "internal planetary war", and they did play the role of "savior" seventeen years ago.
At least on the surface.
The data loss during the Great Transfer was serious, Mason, and your suspicions cannot be confirmed without evidence."
"All right."
Mason frowned, and after thinking for a moment, he asked:
“Regarding the organization behind you, you said before that you would not accept the Green Goblin’s request for contact because he is not one of us, so this organization only accepts mutants, right?
Do you have any countermeasures in the event of an impact?
I mean, we can't just gather everyone together and wait for them to die, right? We have to find a way to save ourselves or something."
“Yes, and we are moving forward with it.”
The swordsman waved his hand, and she stood up and said:
"But I can't tell you now. Your X gene is still recessive. Theoretically, you are just an ordinary person. I can only take you to Utopia after you truly become one of us.
As for you being sent away during the nuclear war and the "recycling operation" implemented after the establishment of Utopia, I am not responsible for this.
I just know it happened.
But as far as I know, the Hunter team, led by Anna, carried out a recovery operation more than ten years ago. I will help you contact her and prove your identity.
She will tell you more.
I think you can see, Mason, that I am basically a hands-off boss. Unlike the hunters who insist on doing big things even though they have no ability, I have a very accurate grasp of my situation.
I don’t usually get involved in things that I can’t control, so I’ve been pretty happy with my life so far .”
The swordsman released the lasso that bound Mason, patted him on the shoulder, and said:
“Go back and prepare yourself. When you are ready, I will send you to our hometown.
In addition, I heard that the Warlock has placed an A-level personnel on duty in our home world. The other party's true identity is unknown, but his code name is "Commander-in-Chief", so you have to be careful.
Bring a gun!
The more the better. Do you want me to find some people to go with you?"
The swordsman brushed his long golden hair and said enthusiastically:
"I can gather a team of three A-level members. This is a matter involving our own people. There is no reason for them not to show up."
"Three of our people are in the Council of Twelve?"
Mason raised his eyebrows and said in surprise:
"The power of mutants in the stars is so strong? According to this ratio, we also have a say in the higher-level organizations?"
"Well, this is just so-so."
The swordsman pouted and said:
"It's not that powerful, maybe it's just because we joined early? As a veteran force, we must have some preferential treatment. There are two seats for us in the parliament, but both are in the hands of the X royal family.
They are not the same kind of people as us.
In the mutant community, we, the wild ones who have lost our homeland, our leader, and even the X-Men, cannot be compared with the "regular army". "
"I have one last question!"
The hat on Mason's head moved. He reached out to soothe it, then looked at the swordsman in front of him and asked seriously:
"A year ago, or to be exact, a year and seven months ago, did you carry out a private mission to invade a wizarding world and search for something called the Philosopher's Stone?
According to the notes left by the parties involved, Scarlet Witch and Storm should have been involved.”
"I don't know about that."
The swordsman spread his hands without changing his expression and said:
"The information you gave me is too little. Utopia houses too many mutants from various worlds, and there are at least five Scarlet Witches of various ages and mental states.
There are more Storm Girls.
We have Black Storm, White Storm, Short Hair Storm, Sexy Storm, Granny Storm, Girly Storm and Baby Storm.
Some of them were arranged to join the Conqueror Sequence as war inspectors. That was a privilege fought for by the X Royal Family, but that place and the Star Council were two different systems, so I generally didn't ask about these things.
If you really care about this, I can help you check it?"
"Forget it, it's not a big deal."
Mason smiled, waved his hand and said:
"That world has been destroyed in the Third Impact. I'm just asking casually. So that's it. I'll go back and make preparations and wait for Miss Anna's visit. Then I'll ask you to take me there."
"Um."
The swordsman nodded in satisfaction, personally sent Mason to the office door and reminded him:
“Remember to keep it confidential. Although our existence is not a secret in the entire organization, you must have a special identity, so it’s good to reduce a little bit of attention.
I heard that you are good at causing trouble. Although I am not afraid of trouble, you should try to keep a low profile. "
She reminded:
"Don't get involved in things like the Isu world. You don't know. That incident has left a psychological trauma on me."
"That's not something I can control. I don't have much luck in that area."
Mason felt helpless, and then said goodbye to the swordsman. He left the top floor of Star Castle with a normal expression and walked into the elevator. At the moment the elevator door closed, the hat on his head said in a hoarse voice:
"She's lying! She knew it! When you asked her, her magic from hell changed slightly, very subtle but I could feel it.
It was done by the mutants!
Mason, it was your people who destroyed my world! All for a few Philosopher's Stones!"
"Shh!"
Mason made a gesture to keep quiet. He narrowed his eyes and whispered:
"Keep a low profile, Hat. We'll investigate this matter slowly later."
The swordsman who sent Mason away opened her drawer in the office with a grim look on her face and took out a crystal stone for communication. After connecting to a certain communication, she cursed at the other end:
"Look at what you've done! I said it before, the X royal family is a bunch of extreme warmongers, and I should be responsible for finding things.
I have so many talented thieves under my command, why do you insist on doing it on your own?
Now there is trouble. It seems that our new compatriots have a good relationship with the world you ruined. I almost let the cat out of the bag just now. Fortunately, I kept it a secret. "
"Swordsman, you know the situation at that time."
A hoarse male voice came from the other side of the crystal. He said:
"We can't afford to waste time in that situation. Professor Supreme's condition has just stabilized. This matter is absolutely confidential. Don't spread it around.
Don't add any more pressure to him.
If this new compatriot insists on resisting us because of this, then let him be, Utopia doesn't need him. You know, this is related to the interests of our species, and in this era we don't have the energy to care about the feelings of others. "
"Humph, he is different from the others. He is my compatriot and comes from the same place as me. I will not let you bully him!"
The swordsman replied with a firm voice, then she hesitated for a moment and said:
"The Third Impact is over. So what are the results of the experiment that Professor Supreme and his team have been carrying out?"
There was silence for a moment, then he said:
“It failed.
It is obvious that the fusion of worlds is not as simple as the reshaping of magnetic fields and planets. We have lost a Magneto and many compatriots who manipulate the earth.
Alas, I hope their sacrifice can bring a future to the troubled mutants."
——
"I heard that you made big news again, Mason. All of Mr. Hunter's vassal teams were dispatched, and even the staff of Star Castle were deployed to support the secret operation.
I used my connections to find out that it was related to you.
Are you a natural troublemaker?"
In the alchemy factory on the second floor of Star Castle, Edward Elric, a short blond man, was holding a glass of juice and said to Mason, who was sitting opposite him and looking through a stack of blueprints, in a teasing tone:
"Al and I have been in the Star Club for so many years and we have never seen anyone who can cause such trouble."
"The most amazing thing is that you guys managed to escape unscathed time and time again!"
The armored ghost-like brother brought Mason fresh juice and said in surprise:
“You guys were really lucky in terms of escaping, and it only took you two months to go from D-level to C-level and then to B-level, which is also a remarkable achievement.
The reputation of Team K is growing among the wanderers, and many friends have asked us to find out if they can join you."
"Team K currently has no plans to recruit new members."
Mason smiled modestly, picked up the blueprint in front of him, and said to the Elric brothers:
"I want all of these. Although they are ordinary items, they are good for practicing. But don't tell me that your collection is limited to this extent?
Show me something awesome."
"You want something amazing? Well, we have it. Let us show you."
Edward and his brother looked at each other, and the two brothers mysteriously took out a small box from the secret compartment of the alchemy factory and placed it in front of Mason.
The moment the box was opened, Mason's eyes widened.
He almost jumped up when he saw the irregular blood-red crystal, but he was calm. Under the gaze of the two brothers, he reached out his hand, touched the surface of the crystal, picked it up and examined it carefully.
The information tab pops up quickly:
Philosopher's Stone/Weak Philosopher's Stone
Quality: Epic alchemy product, exquisite craftsmanship
Traits: Unstable, Low-level reality alteration, Alchemical medium
Producer: Edward Elric
Item Description: Although it looks similar, the difference between it and the original Philosopher's Stone is as despairing as the difference between the stupid Mason Cooper and the great me.
hint!
This item is a downgraded product of the Philosopher's Stone. Although it can also be considered a top-level transformation catalyst, its effectiveness in the alchemical process is weakened and its number of uses is reduced to [1/1].
A blueprint for a weak magic stone is included. Alchemy level 7 is required to make this item.
“Is this a downgraded version?”
Mason put the blood-colored crystal in his hand into the box. He looked at the Elric brothers and said with surprise:
"You actually managed to create a Philosopher's Stone of this level in less than a month. You are indeed genius alchemists. Compared to you, I really have a pair of pig's trotters."
"Don't say that, Mason. Without the drawings and samples you provided, the two of us wouldn't have been able to skip the technical reserve stage. From this point of view, this thing is made by the three of us together."
Edward did not hide his secrets.
He signaled his brother to hand the complete alchemical transformation drawings to Mason, and then said to him:
"The Philosopher's Stone, which was made without sacrificing human lives, has fulfilled our dream, but it is very expensive to make, and our attempts during this period of time have almost bankrupted us.
Next, I have to figure out the process of making the elixir of immortality, but I am short of money and cannot collect the materials, which is really a headache. "
At this point, Al placed a large number of orders in front of Mason and said:
"So, I'll trouble you with these orders, Mason. Although we have to borrow your labor, the money earned from the orders will be used to explore the formula. We will share these secrets with you."
"so much!"
Mason looked at the order that reached his waist and said with a headache:
"It will take me at least half a month to finish all this, which will leave me no time to do other things."
“It’s rewarding.”
Edward smiled frivolously, stretched out his hand and pushed the weak magic stone in front of him to Mason, and said:
"I know you're under a lot of pressure, so you can use it first. Remember to keep good records of the experiment and send it back. I'll see if I can modify the process or something."
“It’s fatal.”
Mason rubbed his head, put away the huge amount of business orders , and looked at the two brothers again.
He rolled his eyes and said:
"You don't like Star Castle, so why do you stay here all day? Why don't you come with me to a better place? I won't force you to join Team K, but we are already friends.
Let's go.
Come to my place?"
