Looking at the ashes at his feet, Essex shook his head and spoke in a tone tinged with pity. "Poor Binces, I truly believed he could become my right-hand man and trusted associate. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass."
His tone suggested regret, yet there was no genuine emotion visible on Essex's face. His cold indifference made the very air around him feel chilled and uncomfortable.
Stepping carefully over the pile of ashes on the ground, Essex walked to his desk and sat down. He turned on his computer and examined the information and data displayed on the screen, then finally reached a definitive decision.
"Prepare for the Phoenix Project. It will officially begin in one week's time. Additionally, have the Sinister Squad return within one week. Whether the mission succeeds or fails, I will require their strength," Essex commanded, his voice carrying absolute authority.
As soon as Essex finished speaking, another person's voice suddenly rang out in the office where he appeared to be entirely alone.
"I understand completely. I will immediately convey your orders to the Sinister Squad without delay."
Nodding with clear satisfaction, Essex continued speaking with confidence. "Panic, you and the others have been with me for a considerable length of time and are my most trusted subordinates. I hope you will give your absolute all during this operation. Once this plan succeeds, we will truly have nothing left to fear."
"Understood, Doctor!" the mutant Essex called Panic replied emphatically, then quickly departed from his presence.
Meanwhile, Essex activated the advanced surveillance system on his computer and watched the video feed showing Jean Grey's optimal clone rapidly growing and developing within the specialized bio-chamber. A hint of deep satisfaction crossed his face.
In Essex's grand plan, this clone would serve as an indirect carrier and intermediate host for the Phoenix Force, giving him valuable time to gradually become accustomed and adapted to its immense power.
He had invested extraordinary effort and risked so much, naturally, because his true goal was to obtain Jean Grey's Phoenix Force itself, along with her own formidable Omega-level mutant abilities.
Otherwise, how could Essex—a normal human being who had undergone countless brutal experiments, orchestrated the slaughter and study of countless mutants to enhance himself to his current advanced level—possibly be a philanthropist or altruist?
Essex had once collaborated closely with Colonel Stryker, providing the largest and most critical technical and financial support for the ambitious Weapon X program. In much the same manner, Essex collaborated secretly with the military and covertly with the Debarians, supplying vast amounts of mutant data and providing strong technical support for the relaunch and revival of the Sentinel Program.
The disappearances of mutants, which the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants had previously investigated alongside the United States government, were also his responsibility and doing. Now that he had successfully captured Jean Grey, Essex, though appearing outwardly normal and unremarkable, was actually deeply excited and thrilled. With her in his possession, Essex was halfway to completing his ultimate and grandest plan.
All he had to do now was extract the Phoenix Force from Jean Grey, and then both the Phoenix Force and Jean Grey herself would belong entirely to Essex!
At this thought, even the composed and deep-minded Essex could not help but smile broadly, leaning back in his seat, lost in contemplation of his impending triumph.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Shaw arrived at Mount Wundagore in Eastern Europe, a mountain range of significant mystical importance.
According to the detailed records that Eric had provided to him, a natural disaster or fierce battle had occurred at this location when Wanda and Pietro were born many years ago. Eric suspected that powerful mutants had engaged in combat there, as he had personally investigated the distinctive battle scars on the mountain, which did not appear natural or random in any way.
Furthermore, if these scars had indeed been caused by a battle between mutants of significant power, then based on the traces and evidence remaining, the two mutants involved must have been at least Omega-level mutants. They could have been two previously unknown Omega-level mutants, or perhaps some other powerful entity altogether.
Eric suspected that Wanda's unique and extraordinary powers were likely a direct legacy and result of that ancient battle.
Walking up Mount Wundagore with purpose, Sebastian gazed at the scenic and majestic peak around him. Following the guidance of the information Eric had provided, he came to the precise spot where the traces and scars were located. Looking carefully at the various marks etched into the mountain wall, Sebastian reached out and gently touched them with his hand. Immediately, he sensed an extremely deep and ancient dark magic saturating the area. These were unmistakably traces that only powerful black magic could possibly leave behind.
"Hiss... Black magic of this intensity and age..." Sebastian muttered to himself in contemplation. "Could it be Chthon? It must be Chthon."
Wanda's black magic came directly from Chthon, the Elder God of chaos and darkness. Wanda was born here, at this very location. If Wanda had indeed been born under the influence and blessing of Chthon, then truly everything would make sense and fall into place perfectly.
Muttering his thoughts aloud, Sebastian took out his wand and gently waved it at the ancient marks on the mountain wall. Immediately, he sensed a mysterious and powerful dark magic signature emanating from the area.
Following the trail of dark magic carefully, he soon arrived at a deep, dark crevice or fissure in the mountain that seemed to descend into darkness itself.
He reached out and touched the crevice with his hand, only to be instantly and forcefully repelled by a powerful and formidable sealing force. Clearly, some exceedingly powerful entity had sealed this location and protected whatever lay within. With his current abilities and power level, Sebastian realized he could not break through the seal directly and reach the contents hidden inside. However, this did not mean he could not investigate or perceive what lay beyond the barrier.
Sheathing his wand carefully, Sebastian slowly closed his eyes and began to focus his mind. His mental power gradually coalesced and unified into a single concentrated force. He extended his consciousness and probed the interior of the sealed crevice, reaching out with his spirit. His spirit itself—the spirit of a Lord of Hell—possessed an extremely high status in the demonic hierarchy. While not aggressive or attacking in nature, it did not provoke a counterattack from the seal. Instead, his spiritual form plunged deeper into the surrounding darkness.