Chapter 148: A Proactive Choice
The alarm of Cerebra sounded particularly piercing in the underground laboratory late at night.
Blood-red light radiated outward from the center of the screen like a heartbeat; with every pulse, the blue flow in the energy conduits trembled slightly.
The waveform on the screen had been jumping for three consecutive hours—in the direction of Egypt, three thousand meters beneath Cairo, the signal Hank had labeled "Sleeper" was thirty-seven percent more active tonight than last week.
Rorschach leaned against the edge of the console, staring at the set of jumping numbers, a cup of cold coffee in his hand.
Hank's indigo fingers clattered across the keyboard, his glasses reflecting a dense stream of data. His tail flicked restlessly, striking the metal chair leg with a rapid clinking sound.
"The frequency of the energy fluctuations is accelerating." Hank didn't look back, his voice tense. "Three days ago, it was twelve pulses per minute; now it's seventeen. If it continues at this rate—"
"How long?" Rorschach interrupted him.
"Seventy-two hours at most." Hank pushed up his glasses and turned to look at him. "In seventy-two hours, he will wake up. Not a slow awakening, but the kind that bursts through the surface and levels Cairo."
Rorschach said nothing, set the cold coffee on the console, and turned toward the door.
"Where are you going?" Hank asked.
"To find Charles."
The corridor was dark, with only emergency lights casting a pale glow in the corners. Rorschach's footsteps were light, yet they sounded exceptionally clear in the silence.
He paused slightly in front of Jean's door—a faint light leaked through the crack, and the sound of pages turning suggested she was sleepless; the crisis she had sensed over the past few days far exceeded what the instruments showed, and an unshakeable worry had settled in her eyes.
Rorschach didn't knock and continued forward.
The study door was slightly ajar, warm yellow light spilling from the gap. When he pushed the door open, Charles was sitting in his wheelchair, facing the window with his back to the door. Outside was the Westchester night, the maple forest rustling in the wind.
"Cold coffee doesn't taste good." Charles didn't turn around, his voice gentle and tinged with fatigue. "In Hank's lab, that cup of yours sat for two hours."
Rorschach walked to his side and followed his gaze out the window. The moon was full, its light dyeing the lawn silver-white.
"You knew I was coming?"
"I knew from your heartbeat." Charles turned his head and smiled at him. "From the moment you stood in front of Cerebra staring at the Egyptian signal for twenty minutes, I knew you would come to find me. Speak."
Rorschach sat in the armchair opposite him, leaning forward with his hands clasped over his knees. This posture was rare—he usually leaned back lazily with a cynical smile on his face.
Now, he wasn't smiling.
"Professor, I need your blood."
Charles's smile faltered.
Silence filled the room for three seconds. There was only the rustling of the wind in the maples outside and the distant hoot of an owl.
"My... blood?" Charles repeated, his voice soft, as if confirming he hadn't misheard.
"Telepathy," Rorschach said, looking him in the eye. "Your ability is the key to infiltrating Apocalypse's consciousness. I need its'signature,' its frequency, its essence. Blood is the most direct carrier."
Charles fell silent. The wheelchair turned slightly as he faced the window again, the moonlight outlining his tense jawline. Those eyes, which usually held warmth, were now unfathomable.
"Rorschach, do you know what you're saying?" he began, his voice low. "My ability is not a weapon. It is how I connect with this World, a bridge for me to understand and help others. If it were to be misused—"
"It won't be misused." Rorschach interrupted, his voice calm, but each word was like a nail driven into the air. "I stake my life on it; it will only be used to hunt Apocalypse."
"I need to plant your mental imprint within Apocalypse's consciousness. When he awakens to control the four horsemen, this sliver of an imprint can briefly awaken their true selves—it is the only key to dismantling his mental control."
"If Apocalypse wakes, how many people in this World will die?"
Charles pushed his wheelchair and turned to face him. Their gazes met in the air—one gentle but firm, the other sharp but sincere.
"You've been to the future, haven't you?" Charles asked suddenly.
Rorschach didn't deny it.
"In that future, did Apocalypse wake up?"
"He did," Rorschach said. "He summoned the four horsemen, reshaped Cairo, and nearly turned Jean into his new vessel. We won, but many people died."
"Did I die?"
"No," Rorschach looked at him. "But you nearly lost everyone you love."
Charles lowered his eyes, his fingers unconsciously tracing the armrest of his wheelchair. The movement was slight, but Rorschach saw it—it was his habit when making a difficult decision.
"You know, Rorschach," Charles said softly. "I've been able to hear other people's thoughts since I was a child. I know when they lie, when they are afraid, when they love me, and when they hate me. That taught me one thing: trust is more precious than ability."
He looked up, a light in his eyes.
"I trust you."
Rorschach didn't speak.
Charles extended his arm and rolled up his sleeve, revealing the faint veins beneath his pale skin. He looked at Rorschach and smiled, a smile so gentle it seemed capable of melting all defenses.
"Take it."
Rorschach stood up and took a sterile syringe from his tactical pouch. His movements were slow and steady. The moment the needle pierced the skin, Charles frowned slightly but made no sound.
Dark red blood flowed through the transparent tube and into the test vial.
A system prompt popped up in Rorschach's consciousness, cold, mechanical, and devoid of emotion:
[Blood contact detected (Male target: Charles Xavier)]
[Ability Assessment: Telepathy 2.5]
[Extracting...]
[Obtained: Telepathy 2.5]
[points +1000. Current total points: 27,400]
A compassionate and vast torrent of energy surged into his consciousness!
In an instant, Rorschach "heard" everything around him—the rhythm of Hank typing in the lab, the rustling of Jean turning pages in her room, Raven's steady breathing next door, and even the momentary "sigh" of a maple leaf falling outside in the wind.
He quickly retracted his perception, suppressing the new ability to its lowest level.
"How does it feel?" Charles asked, rubbing the needle mark on his arm.
"Noisy." Rorschach twitched the corner of his mouth. "You're quite a talent to be able to keep smiling while being bombarded with all this noise every day."
Charles laughed, his smile becoming a bit more relaxed.
"You'll get used to it. And," he looked at Rorschach with a meaningful gaze, "there are many layers of barriers in your consciousness. I only'saw' the surface, but beneath that... it's very deep. So deep that you don't seem like someone from this World."
Rorschach put away the syringe and met his gaze.
"Professor, we had an agreement."
"I know." Charles nodded. "No prying. I will keep it."
Outside, the full moon vanished into the clouds, and the maple forest plunged into deeper darkness. The hoot of an owl came from the distance, one after another, like some ancient warning.
Rorschach walked to the window, looking out at the darkness.
"Seventy-two hours," he said. "Hank said Apocalypse will wake within seventy-two hours. I'm going to snap his neck before he even opens his eyes."
"You're going alone?" Charles frowned.
"Too many people would just be a burden." Rorschachturned, his eyes terrifyingly calm. "But before that, I need one more person's blood."
"Erik."
"Yes."
Charles pushed his wheelchair to his side and also looked out the window.
"He won't give it easily."
"I know," Rorschach said, his mouth curling into a cold arc. "So I'm prepared to have a fight first."
Chapter 149: The Clash of Iron and Blood
The night on the outskirts of New York was as cold as a blade's edge.
Most of the corrugated iron roof of the abandoned factory was broken, and moonlight leaked through the cracks, casting pale spots of light on the metal ruins of the floor. The air smelled of rust and machine oil, mixed with the sweet, metallic scent of rotting meat—this place was once a slaughterhouse, now a lair for Mutant exiles.
Rorschach stood in the shadows thirty meters outside the factory, leaning against a mottled brick wall with his hands in his jacket pockets. His breathing was light, condensing into a faint white mist in the cold air.
Energy Sensing fully active.
Seventeen life signals inside the factory: fourteen were weak (1.0-1.5), two people were resting on the second floor, and one was in the Underground Room. There was also one more—
That signal was not in the factory.
It was fifty meters directly in front of the factory, behind that pile of rusted car wreckage.
Rorschach's lips curled slightly, but he didn't move.
"You've been waiting a long time, Erik."
Before he finished speaking, the sound of metal grinding rang out from all directions. The scrap iron scattered across the open ground—rusted car doors, twisted steel bars, broken mechanical parts—all levitated at once, as if lifted by invisible hands, slowly rising into mid-air.
Fragmented shadows of moonlight shifted on the ground as Erik stepped out from behind the pile of car wreckage.
He was wearing a dark turtleneck with an old leather jacket over it. His hair was whiter than it had been ten years ago, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were deeper. But his gaze hadn't changed—sharp and cold, like a poisoned blade.
Metal fragments hovered and rotated around him, forming a ring five meters in diameter.
"You knew I was here," Erik spoke, his voice calm, but every word carrying weight.
"I knew," Rorschach stepped out of the shadows and stood under the moonlight, twenty meters away from Erik. "Your Magnetic Field is too obvious, like a torch in the dark night."
"Then you still dared to come?"
"Why wouldn't I dare?" Rorschach tilted his head, that lazy smile still on his face. "You won't kill me anyway."
The rotation speed of the metal ring increased.
"Did Charles send you?"
"I came on my own," Rorschach said. "Charles just helped show me the way."
Erik stared at him, his gaze as if trying to see through him.
Silence lasted for five seconds.
"What do you want?"
Rorschach didn't beat around the bush: "Your blood."
The metal ring stopped abruptly.
Erik's eyes narrowed, a dangerous light flickering deep in his pupils. The surrounding air seemed to grow heavy, and the hovering metal began to vibrate slightly, emitting a fine hum.
"What did you say?"
"I need your blood," Rorschach repeated, his tone as calm as if he were saying the weather was nice. "Apocalypse is about to wake up, and I need his abilities. Your Magnetic Field Manipulation is one of the keys."
"My ability is not a key," Erik's voice grew cold. "And certainly not your toy."
"I'm not treating it as a toy." Rorschach walked forward two steps and stopped fifteen meters away. "Once Apocalypse awakens, you'll be the first person he looks for. Magneto, Master of Magnetism, the perfect War Machine—do you think he'll let you go?"
Erik didn't speak.
"He will control you like a puppet," Rorschach continued. "You'll become his Fourth Horseman, help him destroy the World, and then be discarded after the mission is complete. Are you willing?"
The metal ring began to spin again, faster this time, its edges bringing about the sound of whistling wind.
"What makes you think you can kill him?" Erik stared at him. "With those stolen abilities of yours?"
"Because I'm not stupid enough to face him head-on," Rorschach said. "Because I know his weaknesses. Because I have Charles's help. And—"
He raised his right hand, palm upward. Golden energy light danced at his fingertips, condensing into a small sphere of light.
"Because of this."
Erik stared at the light, his pupils contracting slightly.
"Energy Manipulation," he whispered. "You took it from Shaw."
"Yes," Rorschach retracted the light ball. "Shaw is dead, his ability is mine. Apocalypse will also die, and his ability will also be mine. Erik, this isn't a request, it's a cooperation. I take a part of your power and give you back a Worldwithout Apocalypse. A good deal."
"Not a good deal," Erik said coldly. "My power is mine, not something for trade."
He raised his hand, and the metal ring dispersed into fragments, hovering around him, every piece aimed at Rorschach.
"One last time, leave."
Rorschach didn't move.
He sighed, his tone lazy and carrying a hint of helplessness: "So troublesome."
The next second, a torrent of metal poured down!
Hundreds of metal fragments shot toward Rorschach like a rainstorm, so fast they left afterimages in the air, each piece enough to pierce through concrete. The ground was plowed into furrows by the fragments, sparks flying everywhere.
Rorschach's figure disappeared the moment the fragments touched him.
Spatial Teleportation.
He appeared three meters behind Erik, his right hand spread open as a golden Energy Force Field expanded from his palm, blocking all the pursuing metal fragments in mid-air. The fragments crashed into the force field, making crisp clanging sounds like notes from a metal instrument.
Erik turned and waved his hands; the steel bars on the ground simultaneously rose up, twisting and tangling like a swarm of snakes, stabbing at Rorschach from all directions.
Rorschach didn't dodge.
Rorschach didn't flinch or evade, golden light erupted from his body—the Energy Force Field expanded with a roar! The steel bars stabbed into the force field, their tips bending, unable to advance another inch.
The two faced each other five meters apart, across the twisted steel bars and hovering metal fragments.
The air seemed to freeze.
"Is this all you've got?" Erik sneered.
"Same to you," Rorschach retorted. "Plenty of strength, but you just can't hit anyone."
A flash of anger crossed Erik's eyes. He slammed his hands together, and all the metal fragments converged, forming a giant metal palm in mid-air that crashed down toward Rorschach!
Boom—!
The ground shook, concrete shattered, and a shockwave spread outward, flipping over the surrounding car wreckage.
Dust and smoke filled the air.
Erik stared at the ruins, his brow furrowed slightly.
His pupils shrank—the smoke cleared, and no one was there.
Sure enough, when the smoke dispersed, the place was empty.
"Up here."
The voice came from above. Erik looked up and saw Rorschach hovering in mid-air, golden light flowing around him, with the pale moon at his back.
"You can fucking fly?" Erik gritted his teeth.
"A little bit," Rorschach looked down at him. "What else have you got?"
Erik didn't answer. He raised his hand, and the iron sheet of the factory roof was torn off entirely; a massive iron plate weighing over ten tons rose into the air like a giant Beast, pressing down toward Rorschach.
Rorschach didn't dodge, but instead met it head-on.
He pushed his hands forward, and the golden Energy Force Field collided with the iron plate, making an ear-piercing sound of metal tearing. Under the Impact of the force field, the iron plate began to deform, caving in the middle and curling at the edges like a soda can crushed by a giant's fist.
Three seconds later, the iron plate was torn in half, flying past both sides of Rorschach's body and crashing onto the ground, making the earth tremble.
Erik's expression finally changed.
"You're... stronger than I thought."
"You too." Rorschach landed unsteadily, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth—his internal organs stung from the vibration, yet he grinned: "If we keep fighting, we'll both be lying here, and Apocalypse will just take us both out when he wakes up."
Erik was silent.
The metal fragments began to fall slowly, clanging to the ground.
He stared at Rorschach with a complex gaze.
"Enough."
Charles's voice suddenly rang in both their minds, gentle but firm.
Erik's body stiffened slightly.
"Charles..."
"It's me." Charles's Psychic Power flowed in like a warm tide, smoothing over the hostility between the two. "Erik, I trust him. If there's one person in this World who can stop Apocalypse before he awakens, it's Rorschach. Give him a chance."
Erik gritted his teeth and didn't speak.
"Do you remember Cuba?" Charles's voice became softer. "Remember that night when we stood together, believing we could change the World? Now we have another chance, Erik. Not to change the World, but to save it."
Silence.
A long silence.
In the factory ruins, there was only the sound of wind blowing through the iron sheets and the distant, faint barking of a dog.
Erik lowered his eyes, his shoulders slumping slightly. That posture was one Rorschach had only seen once on that beach in Cuba ten years ago—the way Erik looked when Charles fell.
"Take it."
Erik raised his hand, and a metal fragment flew from the ground, hovering in front of Rorschach.
The edge of the fragment was stained with blood—during the fight just now, Erik's hand had been cut by his own metal, and the blood on the fragment hadn't dried yet.
Rorschach looked at the metal, then back at Erik.
"Thanks."
"Don't thank me." Erik turned his back to him. "Thank Charles. And—"
He paused.
"If I find you using my power for things you shouldn't, I will kill you with my own hands. No matter where you are, no matter what you're doing. I will find you and kill you."
Rorschach reached out and grabbed the metal fragment. A cold sensation came through, along with a system notification:
[Blood contact detected (Male target: Erik)]
[Ability assessment: Magnetic Field Manipulation 2.3]
[Extracting...]
[Obtained: Magnetic Field Manipulation 2.3]
[points +1000, current total points: 28400]
A brand-new power surged into his body. Rorschach could "feel" all the metal around him—the steel bars underground, the iron sheets of the factory, the belt buckle on Erik, even the dental fillings in his own teeth—all were vibrating slightly, like sleeping Beasts waiting to be awakened.
He suppressed the urge and looked at Erik's back.
"Take care."
Erik didn't look back, striding into the night and quickly disappearing into the depths of the ruins.
Rorschach stood there, clutching the metal fragment.
Rorschach gripped the blood-stained metal fragment, his fingertips trembling slightly. In an instant, a chill ran down his spine—as if an ancient pair of eyes had suddenly snapped open from beneath Egypt and then quickly vanished. He frowned, looking toward the southern night sky, and whispered, "...Was I noticed?"
Charles's Psychic Power came again, carrying a hint of fatigue: "Go back. Fusion takes time, and Apocalypse... might not wait much longer."
"I know," Rorschach responded in his mind.
He turned and walked in the opposite direction.
The moonlight shone on him, making that Dark Red Ropeglow slightly.
Chapter 150: The Professor's Brain, Magneto's Iron
X-Mansion, Meditation Room.
Rorschach sat cross-legged in the center of the room. "Charles's brain, Erik's iron," he whispered to himself. "After the fusion, Apocalypse, will you still be able to sleep soundly?"
A system notification popped up in his consciousness:
[Fusion combination detected: Mental Control 1.5 + Telepathy 1.5 + Telepathy 2.5 → Telekinesis Control 3.0, consumes 3,000 points]
[Fusion combination detected: Magnetic Field Manipulation 2.3 + Energy Domination 2.6 → Magnetic Energy Control 2.8, consumes 2,000 points]
Rorschach took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Confirm."
Acute pain surged like a tide.
Charles's Psychic Power was like a vast ocean, gentle yet profound; Erik's Magnetic Field Manipulation was like a violent metal storm, sharp and cold. Two completely different forces rampaged within his body, attempting to tear his consciousness apart.
Rorschach grit his teeth. His original [Energy Domination] operated at full capacity, constructing a precise ability network within his body to segment, suppress, and guide those two violent forces.
"Want to take charge? Here, I'm the boss!"
Golden and blue light erupted from his body, weaving into a cocoon of light that enveloped him. The light grew brighter, fine cracks appearing on the walls as the window glass buzzed and vibrated.
In the lab, Hank stared at the screen, his fingers trembling: "The energy fluctuations are too intense! His cellular activity is skyrocketing! The Psychic Power readings have already exceeded Cerebra's range!"
Charles approached in his wheelchair, closing his eyes to extend a mental feeler. As soon as it touched the direction of the Meditation Room, a majestic psychokinetic barrier bounced his consciousness back.
Charles opened his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his lips: "Don't worry, he should be able to solve the problem in his own way."
The light gradually receded.
Rorschach slowly opened his eyes, a flash of blue and gold light vanishing deep within his pupils. He clenched his fist as an unprecedented sense of energy surged from within—he could 'feel' the trajectories of dust floating in the air, the vibration of leaf veins, and the Earth's magnetic field like a net—the details of all things flooded into his perception!
The metal pen on the desk vibrated slightly, levitated, and spun in mid-air, faster and faster, until it turned into a silver afterimage.
Rorschach relaxed his hand, and the pen fell onto the desk.
"Telekinesis Control... Magnetic Energy Control..." he whispered softly. "Charles's 'heart' plus Erik's 'iron', and then my own 'energy'... this combination is truly powerful."
[System Notification]
[Fusion Complete: Telekinesis Control 3.0, Magnetic Energy Control 2.8]
[Current points: 23,400]
The door was suddenly pushed open. Hank rushed in, holding a tablet. The 3D map on the screen flashed with a blinding red light: "The localization is complete! Three thousand meters beneath Cairo! An ancient pyramid structure—the energy readings... they're at the level of a nuclear reactor!"
Rorschach took the tablet and glanced at the screen. Deep underground, a pyramid-shaped building glowed with an eerie purple light.
"Apocalypse." He uttered the name, stood up, and stretched his muscles. "Just right, no more waiting."
Rorschach stood by the window, moonlight spilling over him, the red string on his wrist glowing a dark crimson.
Behind him, Hank was still excitedly reporting the localization data: "The pyramid's structure is intact, and the energy readings are stable. If we wait a few more days for Charles to recover better, for Erik to fully agree to cooperate, for—"
"I can't wait anymore," Rorschach interrupted him.
Hank was stunned: "What?"
Rorschach turned around, walked to the desk, and picked up the empty test tube—Charles's blood. Under the moonlight, the dark red traces remaining on the inner wall of the tube looked like a silent promise.
"I've already stayed for ten years," Rorschach said softly, his voice as calm as if he were stating a fact.
Hank opened his mouth to say something but found himself unable to speak.
Rorschach continued, "In these ten years, I've gone from a greenhorn to having my current strength. Charles trusts me, Raven has become my partner, and that girl Jean treats me like family. It's been worth it, but it's not enough."
He raised his hand and clenched his fist. Golden energy glimmers flowed between his fingers.
"Apocalypse is Apocalypse; killing him is a necessity. But what about after killing him?"
Hank swallowed: "Are you leaving?"
"The place I came from." Rorschach lowered his hand and turned to look out the window. "There's my woman there, and... a group of madmen I need to watch over. I have to go back."
Silence.
After a long while, Hank asked in a low voice, "Then... what about after Apocalypse? Didn't you say there was something observing us from the outskirts of the mansion?"
A cold sneer curled on Rorschach's lips: "Mr. Sinister. Essex. A sinister old bastard who's been watching from the shadows for ten years. He's waiting—waiting for me to show a weakness, waiting for Apocalypse to kill me, and then he'll harvest everyone's ability data."
He turned his head, his gaze as cold as a blade.
"But I won't give him that chance. Apocalypse must die, and he must die quickly."
He walked toward the door step by step, his pace firm.
"By then, I won't just kill Apocalypse; I'll also drag that old bastard Sinister out of the shadows and grind him into powder, making him understand one thing—"
Rorschach pushed the door open, moonlight pouring in and illuminating half of his face.
"The price for peeping from the shadows is losing your eyes."
Hank stood there, watching his back disappear at the end of the hallway, speechless for a long time.
After a long while, he murmured softly: "A madman... but this madman is our madman."
He turned and rushed toward the lab, shouting as he ran: "Charles! He's heading out!"
II. Land of God's Slumber
Cairo, Egypt. The desert at late night was silent.
Rorschach stepped out of a teleportation portal and landed on the sand. [Magnetic Energy Control] allowed him to clearly'see' the barrier deep underground; [Telekinesis Control] allowed him to 'touch' that sleeping consciousness—ancient, vast, and cold, like a primordial beast submerged in the deep sea.
He crouched down and pressed his palm against the sand. A golden electromagnetic field spread from his palm, penetrating deep underground, analyzing the subterranean structure and the trajectories of energy flow.
Three seconds later, he used Magnetic Field Control to transform into a golden light, plunging straight underground!
Chapter 151: Apocalypse Awakens, the four horsemen
The power of [Magnetic Energy Control] formed a high-speed rotating drill in front of him, tearing through the rock like butter. One kilometer, two kilometers, two thousand five hundred meters—the surrounding temperature rose higher and higher, and the pressure became increasingly terrifying, but his current physical defenses allowed him to withstand it with ease.
Finally, at a depth of three thousand meters underground, his drill touched "space."
Boom—
The rock crumbled, and Rorschach charged into a massive underground hollow.
A pyramid stood in the center of the hollow, built entirely of black obsidian. Its surface was covered in dense hieroglyphs, every character flowing with an eerie purple shimmer.
Rorschach landed on a stone pillar and raised his hand, pushing [Magnetic Energy Control] to its limit. A golden electromagnetic field surged out like a tide, transforming into countless tentacles that climbed the surface of the pyramid.
The hieroglyphs flashed violently, and the purple light surged as it tried to resist. But Rorschach's electromagnetic field was pervasive, penetrating, eroding, and tearing along the lines of the characters.
Rumble—On the front of the pyramid, a massive stone door slowly cracked open a gap. Purple energy gushed out wildly from the opening.
Rorschach leaped into the air, transforming into a golden stream of light as he charged into the gap.
At the end of the passage was a massive stone door carved with a full-body image of Apocalypse. Rorschachpressed both hands against the door, outputting [Magnetic Energy Control] at full power to force the stone door open.
The door burst open with a roar.
In the center of the secret room, a man was suspended in the air. He was bare-chested with deep gray skin covered in blue lines and patterns. His eyes were closed, his hands were folded over his chest, and he was surrounded by thick purple energy that pulsed slowly like a heartbeat.
Apocalypse.
Rorschach walked forward slowly, each step as heavy as a mountain. The mental pressure was too strong—so strong that he had to run [Telekinesis Control 3.0] at full power just to remain conscious.
He stood three meters in front of Apocalypse, staring at that sleeping face.
"You've slept for thousands of years," Rorschachwhispered. "Just don't wake up."
He raised his hand, and [Magnetic Energy Control] condensed into a golden light spear in his palm, aimed at Apocalypse's head.
Just at the moment the light spear was about to leave his hand—
Apocalypse snapped his eyes open!
Purple flames burned in his pupils, and a monumental Psychic Power erupted like a tsunami!
Rorschach's pupils constricted as he instinctively used [Space Teleportation]—
But it was too late. The purple energy condensed into a physical giant fist and slammed hard into his chest!
Boom—
Rorschach was sent flying back like a cannonball, smashing through an obsidian pillar behind him, then a second, a third... After smashing through seven pillars in a row, he slammed hard into the wall of the secret room, creating a human-shaped dent in the hard rock.
"Cough..." Rorschach spat out a mouthful of blood; at least three of his ribs were broken.
He looked up toward the center of the secret room.
Apocalypse was already floating upright, his eyes burning with purple flames as he looked down at him like a god looking down at an ant.
"Was it you who awakened me?" Apocalypse spoke, his voice deep like the tolling of an ancient bell.
Apocalypse raised his right hand and spread his fingers. Purple energy shot out from his fingertips, transforming into four beams of light that pierced through the rock layers and shot toward four different directions.
Rorschach's pupils narrowed slightly. He could "feel" the trajectories of those four beams—one toward North America, one toward East Asia, one toward Europe, and one toward North Africa.
The next second, Apocalypse's figure disappeared from where he stood.
New York, above Manhattan. At three in the morning, a storm raged.
Ororo Munroe was suspended above the clouds, controlling the storm. Since being controlled by Apocalypse, she had lost her self-awareness, leaving only the instinct to serve him.
Purple light exploded behind her.
Apocalypse stepped out from it, raised his hand, and pressed a finger against her forehead.
"My child, you shall become my Storm Knight."
Purple energy surged into Ororo's body like a tide. Her white hair danced wildly under the energy impact, and her dark skin was marked with purple patterns. Her suit changed from a bodysuit into deep purple armor, with Apocalypse's emblem branded on her chest. Lightning condensed around her, no longer ordinary blue bolts, but deep purple lightning of destruction.
Three seconds later, Ororo opened her eyes. There was no focus left in her eyes, only emptiness. However, her aura jumped directly from Level 2.2 to Level 2.5.
"Master," Ororo said calmly.
Tokyo, Japan. On the top floor of a luxury apartment, Psylocke stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, unable to sleep.
A ripple appeared.
Psylocke spun around, a purple Psychokinetic Bladeinstantly condensing in her palm!
"Your will is strong," Apocalypse's voice echoed in her mind, "but your power is not enough. Let me grant you true power."
Psylocke's body froze as she felt her Psychokinetic Power surging—where she could previously only condense one blade, she could now condense ten; where she could only cover a ten-meter range, she could now cover a hundred meters. But at the same time, she felt her consciousness being eroded and erased.
"No..." she struggled to spit out one last word.
Then, her eyes turned into a hollow purple. Her clothes instantly transformed into form-fitting dark purple armor, her hair grew longer, and the tips of her hair shimmered with a purple glow. Psylocke instantly jumped from Level 2.2 to Level 2.5.
She turned and bowed to Apocalypse: "Master."
Europe, Switzerland, the Alps. Angel Warren was sitting on the Villa's terrace drinking red wine.
Apocalypse suddenly appeared behind him.
Warren spun around, his Metal Wings instantly unfurling as countless sharp feathers shot toward the figure behind him like a rainstorm! Apocalypse raised his hand, and purple energy formed a barrier, blocking all the feathers.
"A decent attack," Apocalypse said, "but not enough."
He stepped forward and took hold of Warren.
Warren's body convulsed violently as his Metal Wingsflapped frantically. Purple light patterns appeared on the edges of every feather, making them sharper and more durable. His suit also transformed into purple armor.
Three seconds later, Warren opened his eyes, which were now sharp, and a twisted smile hung on the corner of his mouth.
"Master," he knelt on one knee. Angel had also jumped from Level 2.0 to Level 2.5.
North Africa, the edge of the Sahara Desert. In the square of an abandoned town, Ash sat cross-legged, his entire body wrapped in a gray cloth robe.
Purple light exploded in front of him.
Ash slowly raised his head, revealing a face under the hood that had no features—only a mass of constantly flowing dust.
Apocalypse looked down at him: "I shall grant you a reason for existing."
He raised his hand and pressed his finger against Ash's "forehead." Energy surged into that mass of dust. Ash's body trembled violently as his form began to change; the dust condensed into muscle textures, the outlines of bones, and a face—a face without expression, but a "face" nonetheless.
Ash looked down at his finally formed hands and let out a raspy voice: "Mas... ter..."
His aura surged, jumping from Level 2.2 to Level 2.5. His Decomposition Ability was no longer limited to contact; he could now fire long-range decomposition beams.
Apocalypse descended from the sky with the four figures, landing in the four corners of the pyramid's secret room!
They were Ororo, Psylocke, Angel, and Ash.
He floated high in the air, looking down at Rorschach, who had just broken free from the wall, a satisfied curve hooking his lips.
"My knights, crush him."
Chapter 152: Hunting the Knights
Apocalypse seemed to enjoy this process of manipulating the fates of others. After ordering the four of them to besiege Rorschach, he watched with great interest from the side.
Rorschach wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, looked around at the four horsemen, and grinned. "Five against one? So this is the kind of person you are, Apocalypse."
Apocalypse: "You will become my Fifth Horseman."
Rorschach: "Sorry, I don't want to be anyone's slave."
As soon as he finished speaking, the four horsemenattacked simultaneously!
Ororo raised her hand, and three bolts of purple lightning descended from the sky! Rorschach instantly activated [Space Teleportation] and disappeared from the spot. The lightning struck where he had just been standing, blasting a deep pit three meters in diameter.
He appeared ten meters away, but before he could catch his breath, Psylocke was already upon him! Ten Psychokinetic Blades stabbed at him from all directions!
Rorschach grit his teeth, and his [Magnetic Energy Control] erupted with full force. A golden electromagnetic shield formed around him—Clang clang clang clang clang! The blades collided with the shield, sparks flying everywhere! Three blades penetrated the gaps in the shield, leaving three wounds deep enough to see the bone on his body.
Before he could recover, the sound of whistling wind came from above! Angel dove down, his metal wings firing like a rainstorm!
Rorschach activated teleportation again—but just as space was halfway through warping, a strange force forcibly smoothed it out!
Ash appeared behind him at some unknown time, his arm made of dust penetrating the shield and pressing onto his shoulder. The power of decomposition invaded his body, causing [Space Teleportation] to fail instantly.
In the next second, Angel's metal wings fell on him like raindrops!
Clang clang clang clang clang—Rorschach's body was pierced and torn by countless metal wings! Blood splattered, bones shattered, and he stumbled back like a Hedgehog pierced by ten thousand arrows, falling to one knee and vomiting a large amount of blood.
But his gaze remained cold. Those wounds were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye—[Self-Healing] was running at full capacity, muscles regenerating, bones reshaping, and the metal wings were pulled out of his body one by one.
"Is that it?" He looked up and grinned, his mouth full of blood.
The four horsemen were stunned for a moment.
Apocalypse narrowed his eyes slightly from high in the air. "Interesting. But I want to see how long you can hold out."
He raised his hand, and a wave of purple energy was injected into the four horsemen's bodies. The four horsemen's auras surged again!
Rorschach slowly stood up, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and took a deep breath. "Since you want to play a war of attrition, then—come!"
A golden electromagnetic field erupted from his palm!
4. Dying Call for Help
Golden and purple energies collided, and the Impact sent all the rubble in the secret room flying!
Rorschach used the force of the Impact to retreat rapidly, and [Space Teleportation] was activated again—this time, Ash's decomposition power failed to lock onto him in time. His figure disappeared from the spot and reappeared on top of a stone pillar at the other end of the secret room.
He knelt on one knee, panting heavily, covered in blood. The wound on his left shoulder was deep enough to see the bone, the muscles in his right leg were torn, and three metal wing fragments were still embedded in his side. But [Self-Healing 2.0] was running at full capacity.
The four horsemen had already readjusted their formation—Ororo hovered at the highest point, Psylocke moved through the shadows, Angel circled in the air, and Ashstood in the center of the ground.
A perfect killing formation.
Rorschach's gaze swept over the four horsemen, finally locking onto Ash. This entity without a physical body was the greatest threat; as long as he was there, [Space Teleportation] was useless.
How to kill him? Ash's body was dust, physical attacks were ineffective, and energy attacks would be decomposed...
Wait. Dust.
A flash of inspiration struck Rorschach's mind. He raised his right hand—[Telekinesis Control 3.0] running at full power! Invisible telekinesis turned into a high-pressure vortex, rapidly compressing the humid air before the storm, forming a local vacuum zone! Ash's dust body disintegrated violently due to dehydration and the tearing of the airflow.
"No—" Ash let out a hoarse roar, trying to retreat.
But Rorschach had already moved! He stood up abruptly, [Magnetic Energy Control] erupting with full force, the golden electromagnetic field condensing into high-temperature flames in his palm! The flames sprayed out, directly hitting Ash's body, which was soaked by the rainstorm!
The high temperature evaporated the moisture, and the dust began to harden, crack, and collapse! Ash's body disintegrated at a speed visible to the naked eye under the dual attack of the rainstorm and high temperature!
[System Prompt]
[Obtained: Matter Decomposition 2.5, points +1000, total 24400]
"First one," Rorschach said, panting, as he turned to look at the other three Horsemen.
Apocalypse roared from high above: "Ant! How dare you!"
But Rorschach had already lunged at the next target—Angel.
Angel ascended in terror, his metal wings firing at Rorschach like a rainstorm! Rorschach neither dodged nor avoided them, [Magnetic Energy Control] running at full power as a golden shield formed in front of him! Clang clang clang clang clang—the feathers hit the shield, sparks flying everywhere!
Rorschach approached Angel step by step against the attack, his gaze cold as a knife. "Fly, fly higher."
[Space Teleportation]! His figure disappeared from the spot and reappeared behind Angel! He slammed a punch into his back!
Crack—bones shattered! Angel spat out a mouthful of blood and fell from the sky, crashing heavily onto the ground.
Rorschach followed closely, stepping on his chest, his finger sliding over the wound on his arm—blood seeped out.
[System Prompt]
[Obtained: Metal Wings 2.3, points +1000, total 25400]
"Second one."
Psylocke stood ten meters away, ten Psychokinetic Blades surrounding her, but her gaze was no longer that of a cat playing with a mouse; it was one of vigilance and fear. She didn't run. She was an assassin.
Psylocke raised her hand, and the ten blades merged into one, condensing into a giant purple light blade.
"Come," she said coldly.
Rorschach grinned. "Okay."
[Space Teleportation]! His figure disappeared from the spot and reappeared in front of Psylocke! Psylocke was prepared, and the giant light blade swept across! Rorschach sidestepped, and the light blade grazed his chest, leaving a wound deep enough to see the bone! Blood splattered!
But he didn't retreat. He endured the strike, took a step forward, and his right hand reached for Psylocke's throat like a claw! Psylocke tried to retreat, but Rorschach's [Telekinesis Control 3.0] had already activated! Invisible telekinesis bound her ankles!
In the next second, Rorschach's hand gripped her neck, his nails piercing the skin, and blood seeped out.
[System Prompt]
[Obtained: Psionic Blade 2.5, points +1000, total 26400]
Psylocke slumped to the ground, unconscious.
"Third one."
Rorschach turned, panting, and looked at the last target—Ororo.
Ororo hovered in mid-air, surrounded by lightning. Her eyes were still hollow, but her body was trembling slightly—Apocalypse's control was loosening.
Rorschach looked at her, his expression complex. "Ororo, wake up."
Ororo's body shivered.
Apocalypse roared from high above: "Useless! A bunch of useless trash!" He raised his hand, and purple energy poured into Ororo's body, attempting to strengthen the control.
Ororo let out a cry of pain, and the lightning became even more violent!
Chapter 153: God's Wrath, Bloodshed to the End
Rorschach's eyes turned cold: "Enough."
[Space Teleportation]!
His figure appeared behind Ororo!
Ororo instinctively turned around, a thick bolt of purple lightning blasting towards him!
Rorschach didn't dodge, enduring the lightning as he grabbed her head with both hands!
Lightning ravaged his body, scorching skin and tearing muscle, but he refused to let go.
His forehead pressed against Ororo's.
[Telekinesis Control 3.0] operated at full power, turning into mental tentacles probing deep into Ororo's consciousness.
There, he saw Apocalypse's purple energy tightly entwined around Ororo's soul.
"Get out," Rorschach growled.
Telekinesis turned into a sharp blade, slashing at the purple energy! After a violent tremor, cracks appeared on the mass of energy!
Apocalypse roared from high above: "Ant, you—"
Before he could finish, the energy mass was obliterated!
Ororo snapped her eyes open; they were no longer a hollow purple but had returned to their original brown.
She gasped for breath, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Rorschach tightly.
"Teacher Rorschach..."
Rorschach gently patted her back and delivered a hand-knife strike to the back of her neck.
Ororo slumped into his arms, unconscious.
He held her as he slowly descended, his fingers brushing over the lightning-scorched wounds on her arm—blood seeped out.
[System Notification]
[Obtained: Weather Control 2.5, points +1000, cumulative 27400]
Rorschach stood up and looked up at Apocalypse high in the sky.
The four horsemen were all dealt with.
"Your Horsemen?" Rorschach grinned, his mouth full of blood, "They're nothing but stepping stones for me."
Apocalypse roared, and purple energy erupted like a tsunami!
Rorschach stood in the ruins, panting and covered in blood, but his gaze remained sharp.
Apocalypse floated high above, looking down at him, purple flames burning in his pupils: "In that case, as punishment, I will personally crush your ridiculous pride."
Rorschach wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and grinned: "So much nonsense. Come."
He struck first!
[Space Teleportation]!
His figure vanished and reappeared behind Apocalypse! He threw a punch—[Super Strength] combined with [Magnetic Energy Control], a golden electromagnetic field condensing on his fist!
Without even turning his head, Apocalypse's mental power erupted!
Boom!!!
An invisible, massive force slammed into Rorschach's chest, sending him flying!
He tumbled through the air, smashing through three stone pillars in succession before crashing heavily against a wall!
"Cough..." Rorschach spat out blood, but in the next second, he sprang up and lunged again!
[Telekinesis Control 3.0] fully deployed, turning into an invisible blade slashing at Apocalypse's consciousness!
Apocalypse frowned slightly—this Psychic Power could actually touch the edges of his mind!
"Interesting." Apocalypse raised his hand, and purple energy turned into chains coiling toward Rorschach!
Rorschach dodged to the side, [Space Teleportation] activated again, and he appeared to Apocalypse's left!
A punch aimed at his temple!
Apocalypse raised his hand to block—Boom!!! Golden and purple energies collided, the shockwave sweeping through the entire secret chamber!
Rorschach didn't give him a chance to breathe; [Weather Control] was activated!
Three thick bolts of lightning descended from the sky, striking directly at Apocalypse's head!
Apocalypse looked up, his mental power freezing the lightning in mid-air, and with a backhand wave—the lightning surged back!
Rorschach gritted his teeth, [Matter Decomposition] working at full capacity to break down the returning lightning into free energy, while [Magnetic Energy Control] activated to absorb the violent energy into his body!
"Your abilities are varied," Apocalypse said coldly, "but they are not strong."
He clapped his hands together, and Molecular Control was fully activated!
The air around Rorschach began to solidify, its molecular structure forcibly reorganized into solid purple crystals intended to seal him inside!
Rorschach's pupils constricted, [Magnetic Energy Control] erupting at full power! A golden electromagnetic field formed a shield around him, contesting the purple crystals!
Crack—crack—the crystals continuously shattered and reorganized, the two forces locked in a stalemate!
A hint of admiration flashed in Apocalypse's eyes: "To be able to contend with me to this extent with a mortal body, you have reason to be proud. But—"
He raised his hand, his mental power materializing and slamming hard against Rorschach's energy shield!
Boom!!!
The shield shattered, and Rorschach was sent flying, crashing through the chamber wall and falling into a deeper underground level!
Apocalypse took a step forward and followed him into the darkness.
---
The deeper underground level was an even more ancient ruin.
Rorschach climbed out from the rubble, his left arm twisted at a bizarre angle, and at least five ribs in his chest broken, but he still stood.
Apocalypse emerged from the darkness, every step making the ground tremble: "Still able to stand? Good. A toy that's too easy to crush is no fun."
Rorschach took a deep breath, [Self-Healing] working at full capacity; the broken bones began to reset, and muscles began to regenerate. He stared at Apocalypse, his mind calculating rapidly—the gap was too large.
Apocalypse's [Molecular Control 3.0], [Mental Power 3.0], [Super Strength 3.0], and [Immortality 3.0] were all at level 3.0, while Rorschach's strongest [Telekinesis Control 3.0] and [Magneto-Energy Control 2.8] could only barely compete.
"But... it's not hopeless," Rorschach whispered.
Then he lunged forward again!
This time, he activated all his abilities—[Telekinesis Control] to interfere with Apocalypse's consciousness, [Magnetic Energy Control] to manipulate metal shards from all directions to shoot at Apocalypse, [Weather Control] to summon lightning, and [Extreme Speed] to constantly harass him, making Apocalypse unsteady!
Apocalypse snorted coldly, purple energy surging out like a tsunami, blocking all attacks!
But Rorschach had already used the cover to rush in front of him!
His right hand condensed a golden light spear—the product of using [Magnetic Energy Control] to compress all the energy in his body to the limit!
"Die!"
The light spear thrust out—aiming straight for the heart!
Apocalypse's pupils narrowed as he turned—the light spear grazed his chest, leaving a charred wound on his dark gray skin!
Apocalypse looked down at the wound, true anger appearing in his eyes for the first time: "You... you actually hurt me."
Rorschach grinned, his mouth full of blood: "How does it feel?"
Apocalypse raised his hand, fingers splayed.
Molecular Control was fully activated—Rorschach's body began to disintegrate!
His skin cracked, muscles tore, and his bones made an overburdened cracking sound!
"Argh—!" Rorschach let out a roar of pain, but he still stared deathly at Apocalypse, eyes devoid of fear, filled only with a frenzied fighting spirit!
At this critical moment—a silver light shot down from above the ruins!
The speed was so fast that even Apocalypse didn't have time to react!
The silver figure scooped up Rorschach, taking him out of the range of the attack!
Apocalypse looked up at the uninvited guest.
Silver short hair, silver goggles, a tight combat suit, and a cynical smile on his face.
Pietro Maximoff—Quicksilver.
"Whoa," Pietro whistled, "this big guy looks like trouble. What kind of thing did you provoke?"
Charles's voice came from behind him: "Apocalypse. An ancient Mutant, the first, and the strongest."
Rorschach was placed on a boulder by Pietro, gasping for breath.
His body was attempting to heal—[Self-Healing] was running frantically, barely stabilizing the disintegration injuries caused by [Molecular Control 3.0]!
He looked around—Charles's expression was grave but his eyes were like iron; Erik was surrounded by humming, levitating metal shards; Beast Hank bared his fangs; Cyclops's red light was charging; Mystique transformed into a phantom of Apocalypse to disrupt his vision; Azazelvanished into the shadows—Jean was protected at the very back, the golden light in her eyes flickering.
And Jean—she was protected behind Raven, the golden light in her eyes flickering.
"You're all here?" Rorschach coughed up blood and smiled: "Alright, let's take him on together."
Apocalypse looked around at everyone, his deep, majestic voice ringing out: "A swarm of ants dares to challenge a god?"
Erik raised his hand, a rain of metal pouring down! The final battle between god and ants—ignited!
Chapter 154: Tragic Battle, Phoenix Awakening
Silver light flickered!
Pietro turned into an afterimage, circling Apocalypse at high speed!
His speed was so fast that even Apocalypse's telekinetic power couldn't lock onto him; every time he paused, he left a wound on Apocalypse's body!
Apocalypse frowned, his telekinetic power unfolding at full strength, trying to catch that silver light—but Pietro was too fast!
Pietro's voice came from all directions, "Can't catch me! Can't catch me!"
Erik seized the opportunity, and metal fragments turned into a torrent. Taking advantage of the moment Pietrodistracted Apocalypse, he slammed them hard into Apocalypse's chest!
Boom!!!
Apocalypse took a step back, countless tiny wounds appearing on his chest!
Charles closed his eyes, activating his Telepathy at full power!
His Psychic Power turned into a sharp blade, stabbing into Apocalypse's consciousness—Apocalypse let out a muffled groan, showing a pained expression for the first time!
"It's working!" Hank shouted in surprise, "His consciousness has a flaw!"
Scott took off his glasses, and a red Impact blast roared out!
Emma rushed forward, her diamond fists smashing hard into Apocalypse's face!
Azazel stepped out from the shadows, his energy sword stabbing toward the center of Apocalypse's back!
Raven held her weapon and lunged from the side!
Everyone attacked at the same time!
Apocalypse was besieged, purple energy surging wildly in an attempt to resist—but the attacks came too fast!
The attacks were too dense!
Boom!!!!
Apocalypse was blasted away, smashing heavily into the wall!
"Did we succeed?" Hank asked, panting.
The next second, Apocalypse stood up from the ruins, the purple energy around him skyrocketing!
His eyes burned with the flames of anger: "You... have enraged me."
He raised his hand, and Molecular Manipulation was fully activated!
Pietro was moving at high speed—suddenly, the ground beneath his feet turned into quicksand!
He had no time to react and fell right into it!
"What—"
Before he could finish, the quicksand solidified, sealing him tightly inside!
Erik roared, and metal fragments shot toward Apocalypseagain. Apocalypse raised his hand, using telekinesis to freeze all the fragments in mid-air and hurl them back!
Puff puff puff puff puff!
Countless metal fragments pierced into Erik's body! He was pinned to the wall, blood spraying wildly!
Emma rushed forward, and Apocalypse threw a punch! Boom!!!
Her diamond body shattered, and Emma reverted to human form, unconscious!
Scott fired another Impact blast, but Apocalypse used Molecular Manipulation to decompose it!
With a backhand palm strike, Scott was sent flying, crashing into a stone pillar and passing out!
Hank lunged, but Apocalypse stepped on his chest; with a crack, his ribs were all broken!
Azazel teleported behind him, but without even turning his head, Apocalypse used telekinesis to freeze him in mid-air. With a casual wave, Azazel smashed through three walls!
Raven turned into a blade and stabbed toward Apocalypse's throat, but Apocalypse grabbed her neck and lifted her into the air!
Raven struggled desperately, but under the suppression of Apocalypse's will, it was completely useless!
"Charles!" Raven shouted with difficulty.
Charles gritted his teeth, activating Telepathy at full power—Apocalypse turned to look at him, and his telekinetic power backlashed!
Charles instantly felt a splitting headache, his ears bled, and he fell from his wheelchair!
In less than three minutes, everyone was on the ground!
Apocalypse let go, and Raven fell to the ground, gasping for air, her whole body trembling.
He looked around, his eyes as cold as a god's: "Ants are but ants, after all."
Pietro was sealed in quicksand, Erik was pinned to the wall coughing blood, Emma and Scott were unconscious, Hank's ribs were all broken, Azazel's fate was unknown, Charles was heavily injured, and Raven lay paralyzed on the ground.
Only Jean was still standing.
She stood in the ruins, looking at her fallen comrades all over the ground, looking at the blood-covered Rorschach, and looking at Apocalypse walking toward her step by step, her eyes full of fear.
"No... don't..." she murmured to herself, taking a step back.
Apocalypse walked up to her and looked down at her: "A powerful force sleeps within you. Though low-level, it is strong enough. It will be my best vessel."
He raised his hand, and purple energy poured into Jean's brain!
Jean let out a pained scream and collapsed to her knees, clutching her head, her body trembling violently!
Golden energy flickered in her eyes—the Phoenix Forcewas restless, struggling, but she was too afraid; she didn't dare let go!
"No... I can't control it... I'll hurt everyone..." she said, crying.
Apocalypse sneered: "You don't need to control it. Give it to me, and I will control it for you."
The purple energy poured in even more violently!
Jean's screams became more and more shrill, the golden light grew weaker and weaker, and it looked like it was about to be swallowed by the purple.
In the ruins, Rorschach's fingers moved.
He heard Jean's screams.
He exhausted his remaining strength to look up, his lips moving as he spoke in a voice as thin as a thread: "Jean... catch the light... the light in your heart..."
The voice was as faint as a candle in the wind, but Jean heard it.
She suddenly looked up, looking in Rorschach's direction.
Their eyes met.
Rorschach's eyes were calm and firm, without fear or despair, only his usual composure. He looked at Jean, and a hint of a smile even touched the corners of his mouth—that cynical smile.
Tears streamed down Jean's face.
Memories flooded back—
"Power is not scary; what's scary are the people who fear power."
"Losing control is not scary; what's scary is giving up control."
"The light in your heart is something only you can grasp."
Jean closed her eyes.
Golden flames erupted from her body!
Apocalypse's purple energy was instantly forced back! He was blasted away, tumbling several times in the air before stabilizing his form!
He looked down at his hands—on his palms, the purple energy was being burned and evaporated by the golden flames!
"This is—" For the first time, fear appeared in Apocalypse's eyes, "This kind of power?! Impossible! How can energy of this level exist?"
Jean slowly stood up.
Golden flames burned around her, her red hair flying in the fire, her eyes completely turned gold, and deep in her pupils, a phantom of a phoenix soared.
But she was no longer trembling—she stood in the center of the flames, calm and firm.
"You're wrong," Jean said softly, her voice echoing throughout the underground ruins, "The Phoenix has always been here. I was just too afraid to let her out."
She turned to look at Rorschach.
"Thank you, Teacher."
She raised her hand, and a wisp of golden flame shot from her fingertip, landing on Rorschach.
Rorschach's body shook violently!
[System Prompt]
[Deep mental resonance with the Phoenix host detected]
[Phoenix Force (Dormant) active gift]
[Obtained: Energy Nourishment (Phoenix Fragment) 4.0+]
[Obtained: Spiritual Immortality (Phoenix Fragment) 4.0+]
[points +20,000, current 47,400]
[Temporary blessing of the Phoenix Force detected]
[Host's combat power temporarily increased to 3.2+]
Rorschach's wounds healed at a speed visible to the naked eye! Bones reshaped, muscles regenerated, internal organs repaired—in just three seconds, all the injuries on his body disappeared!
He stood up, golden and purple energy intertwining around him, his aura several times stronger than before!
Apocalypse took a step back, the fear in his eyes growing thicker: "No... this isn't fair!"
Rorschach rolled his shoulders, his bones popping. He looked at Apocalypse and grinned—
"Fair?"
He took a step forward, [Space Teleportation] automatically activating, and teleported in front of Apocalypse!
"You've lived for thousands of years and hoarded a bunch of Level 3.0 abilities—and you're worthy of talking about fairness?"
A punch was thrown—[Super Strength] skyrocketed to 3.0+ under the blessing of the Phoenix Force!
Apocalypse raised his hand to block—Boom!!!
He was shaken back three steps, his arm in severe pain!
"They used their lives to hold you back, and you're talking to me about fairness?"
Second punch!
Apocalypse blocked again, but this time, cracks appeared on his arm!
"That girl Jean has always been afraid of the Phoenix Forcelosing control, but today she let go of control to save me, and you're talking to me about fairness?"
Third punch! Boom!!! Apocalypse's block was shattered, and he was sent flying!
Rorschach chased after him, grabbed his neck, and pinned him against the wall!
"Fairness?"
He stared into Apocalypse's eyes, his gaze as cold as a knife.
"I never talk about fairness.
I only talk about—
You die, I live."
He raised his other hand and pressed it against Apocalypse's forehead.
Just as Apocalypse had done to others.
But this time it wasn't enhancement; it was destruction!
Phoenix energy poured into Apocalypse's body like a tide!
Apocalypse's body began to swell!
Purple energy ran wild inside him, and his molecular structure began to disintegrate!
His skin cracked, blood seeped from the fissures, and his eyes bulged, full of fear and unwillingness!
"No—! I am immortal—!"
Boom!!!!
Apocalypse's body directly exploded!
Chapter 155: Embers, Completely Eradicated
A purple energy storm swept through everything!
The entire underground ruin collapsed with a roar; rocks fell, dust filled the air, and the Impact sent everyone flying!
Rorschach was sent flying by the Impact, but in the instant before he was blown away, his hand accurately snatched a drop of the hottest purple blood from the center of the explosion—
[System Prompt]
[Blood/High-energy biological tissue contact detected (Male target: En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse)]
[Extracting ability...]
[Obtained: Molecular Control 3.0, points +10,000]
[Obtained: Super Strength 3.0, points +10,000]
[Obtained: Telekinetic Power 3.0, points +10,000]
[Obtained: Immortality Trait 3.0, points +10,000]
[points +40,000, total 87,400]
Rorschach fell heavily into the ruins, gasping for breath.
But he did not relax—his [Telekinetic Power] sensed a faint fluctuation deep underground!
Apocalypse's remains were restructuring!
He gritted his teeth and stood up, staggering toward the depths of the ruins.
There, he saw a small ball of purple energy slowly condensing, trying to reshape itself into Apocalypse's form.
Apocalypse's voice came from that ball of energy, weak but still unwilling: "You... cannot kill me... I am immortal... I will return... I will..."
Rorschach stood before that ball of energy, looking down at it.
"Immortal?" he said softly, "Nothing is truly immortal."
He raised his hand, and Magnetic Energy Control, Molecular Control, and Telekinetic Power operated at full capacity.
Various powers combined to envelop that purple energy, beginning to grind it away.
The energy struggled violently, letting out a desperate roar, but it could not escape the fate of decomposition and eradication.
One second, two seconds, three seconds—
The purple energy completely dissipated, turning into nothingness.
[System Prompt]
[Apocalypse's molecular residue detected]
[Annihilating... Annihilation complete]
[Confirmed: Apocalypse is completely dead]
Rorschach knelt on the ground, exhausted, gasping for breath.
Around him were collapsed ruins, and sunlight shone down from the cracks overhead.
He looked up at the sky outside the crack—there, sunlight pierced through the dust, shedding golden light.
"Gods..." Rorschach grinned, his mouth full of blood, "can die too."
Staggering footsteps came from a distance.
Jean was the first to arrive; her face was pale, but the gold in her eyes had faded.
She helped Rorschach up, her voice trembling: "Are... are you okay?"
Rorschach patted the dust off himself: "I'm in trouble. Seventeen or eighteen ribs are broken, half my internal organs are ruined, but..."
He moved his shoulder, his bones crackling, "I'll be fine soon."
Jean froze for a moment, then smiled, tears streaming down her face.
Charles was pushed forward by Hank.
His face was as pale as paper, but his eyes were full of relief: "Rorschach... you did it."
Rorschach walked over, knelt down, and looked Charles in the eye: "We did it."
Charles looked at Jean, his gaze complex: "Jean, your power..."
Jean lowered her head: "I... I think I can control it a little now."
Rorschach: "Not just a little. A lot."
In the distance, Erik staggered over, clutching his chest, with several metal shards still embedded in his body.
He looked at Rorschach, his gaze complex.
Rorschach met his gaze and grinned: "What, still want to fight?"
Erik was silent for a second, then slowly shook his head: "You won. Apocalypse... is dead. That's enough."
He turned around, preparing to leave.
"Erik," Charles called out to him.
Erik stopped his pace but didn't look back.
Charles said softly: "You can stay."
Erik was silent for a long time, then shook his head: "Our paths are different." He paused and gave a raspy laugh, "But today... thanks, Charles."
He strode away, his back disappearing at the end of the ruins.
Rorschach watched his back and said softly: "He'll be back. When he figures it out, he'll come back."
Charles gave a bitter smile: "I hope so."
Rorschach stood up and stretched his limbs.
He looked down at the red string on his wrist, a gentle smile appearing on the corner of his mouth.
"Soon," he said softly, "Once I settle the remaining accounts, I'll go back."
In the distance, Pietro had just crawled out of the quicksand, covered in dirt, looking dazed: "What happened? God... is dead just like that?"
Emma lay on the ground, weakly raising her hand: "Can you help me up before you start talking nonsense?"
Hank said weakly: "My data... the instruments are all destroyed!"
Scott was unconscious and was being dragged out by Kurt using his tail.
Azazel leaned against the wall, his chest sunken, but he was still grinning, revealing his sharp teeth: "Interesting. Truly interesting."
Raven slowly walked toward Rorschach.
She stood before Rorschach, looking at him, her eyes slightly red.
Rorschach reached out and wiped the tear tracks from the corners of her eyes: "Why are you crying? Even God is dead."
Raven smiled and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
Rorschach froze for a moment, then slowly tightened his arms, looking up at the sky.
Sunlight pierced through the dust, spilling over the ruins, warm and bright.
A few days later, the X-Mansion.
Rorschach leaned against a pillar of the main gate, basking in the Sun.
His injuries were ninety percent healed—only his left arm was still wrapped in bandages, which he left intentionally so as not to shock Hank too much.
The Sun was warm, spilling over the lawn.
Several students were training in the distance; Scott was using his Laser Eyes to cut targets, while Jean stood by using her Telekinesis to help him adjust the angle.
Bobby and Kitty were chatting in the shade of a tree, their laughter faintly carrying over.
Rorschach squinted his eyes, like a cat basking in the Sun.
Rorschach's fingertips unconsciously rubbed the red string on his wrist, as Jean's telekinetic ripples in the distance swept across the lake—he turned to leave, but his steps were nailed to the spot.
The Phoenix fragments were still dormant inside his body.
Those two strands of energy—Energy Nourishment 1.0and Mental Immortality 0.8—were like two docile young beasts, curled up deep in his consciousness, occasionally turning over and releasing faint golden ripples.
On the system panel, they lay quietly; their levels weren't high, but the origin mark was blood-red:
[Origin: Phoenix Force (Fragment)]
Rorschach knew what this meant.
4.0 plus the Phoenix fragment... enough to tear through the galaxy. Provided he wasn't consumed by the backlash.
And now, he needed to see that girl.
Evening, by the mansion's lake.
The setting Sun sank to the height of the treetops, dyeing the entire lake surface golden-red.
A few clouds floated on the horizon, the wind was light, rippling the lake water.
Jean stood by the water, barefoot, her jeans rolled up to her calves.
She held a flat stone in her hand, turned sideways, flicked her wrist, and the stone flew along the water's surface—once, twice, thrice, four times, then sank.
"Good technique," Rorschach's voice came from behind.
Jean didn't turn around, picking up another stone: "Scotttaught me. He said skipping stones can practice focus."
Chapter 156: Phoenix, Mr. Sinister
Rorschach walked to her side and also picked up a stone.
He weighed it in his hand and gave it a casual flick—the stone skipped seven times across the water's surface before finally striking a rock on the opposite bank and shattering in two.
Jean turned to look at him, her eyes filled with surprise: "You've practiced this?"
"No," Rorschach shrugged. "Abilities are just useful."
Jean smiled; it was a faint smile, like ripples stirred by a breeze passing over a lake.
The two stood side by side, watching the setting sun sink bit by bit.
There was a long silence.
Jean spoke first: "You've been avoiding me these past few days."
It wasn't a question, but a statement.
Rorschach didn't deny it: "I was thinking about some things."
"About me?"
"About that thing inside you."
Jean lowered her head, looking at her hands. Those hands were slender and fair, appearing no different from any ordinary girl's.
But Rorschach knew that these hands could tear reality apart, ignite stars, and make the entire Universe tremble.
"That day..." Jean's voice was very soft, "I almost killed you."
Rorschach shook his head: "You didn't harm me. You saved me."
"But if I can't control it—"
"I'm afraid... that one day I'll open my eyes and find my hands covered in your blood, with the World left as nothing but Ash."
"But you did control it," Rorschach interrupted, turning to look at her. "You pulled me out of the Phoenix's flood of memories using your own will, not the Phoenix's. Jean, that wasn't losing control; that was mastery."
Jean froze.
She looked up and met his gaze. The setting sun burned in her eyes, gold and red intertwining, looking remarkably like the entity within her.
Rorschach remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he reached out, pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a deep drag. The smoke was gilded with warm gold by the dying sun before suddenly scattering into the wind.
"Do you know where I come from?" he asked suddenly.
Jean was taken aback: "What?"
Rorschach looked at the lake's surface, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather. "I killed some people there, and I saved some people."
Jean stared at him; there was no shock in her eyes, only a strange kind of serenity.
"The Phoenix told me," she said. "She said you are special. Said you are a traveler."
It was Rorschach's turn to be stunned.
He turned to her, his lips slowly curling up: "That bird friend of yours sure talks a lot."
Jean laughed, this time out loud: "She isn't my friend... she is me. Or rather, another me."
Rorschach nodded and didn't press further.
Some things, she needed to figure out for herself.
He flicked away the Ash and continued: "I've been here for over a decade. I killed Shaw, I killed Trask, I killed Stryker, I killed Apocalypse. I met a bunch of lunatics, made a few friends, and even made off with a blue-skinned woman." He paused. "According to plan, it's about time for me to leave."
Jean's breath hitched for a beat.
"Leave?"
"Back to where I came from." Rorschach looked at her. "There are people waiting for me there."
Jean fell silent.
The sun sank into the heart of the lake, and the water's color shifted from golden-red to deep purple.
"When are you leaving?" Jean asked, her voice very soft.
"Soon," Rorschach said. "Once I've swatted the last few bugs."
Jean knew who he was talking about—Mister Sinister.
That name was already a taboo at the academy.
"Will you kill him?"
"Yes."
Jean nodded and didn't ask more.
Another silence followed.
Then Jean suddenly turned to face him.
The last glimmer of the sunset was behind her, outlining her silhouette—her red hair danced lightly in the wind, and her gaze was clear and resolute.
"Teacher Rorschach," she called out formally.
Rorschach raised an eyebrow: "Hmm?"
"That day in the Phoenix's memories, I saw a lot," Jean said. "I saw the birth of the Universe, the destruction of galaxies, and the rise and fall of countless civilizations. But the clearest thing was the moment you rushed toward me."
She reached out and pointed to her heart:
"Here, there is a mark. It's yours."
Rorschach didn't speak.
Jean continued: "The Phoenix said you are the anchor for me and this World. As long as you are alive, I won't lose my way. As long as you are still breathing somewhere, I can find my way back."
She looked at him, her eyes slightly reddening, but she didn't cry:
"So, if you are in danger... I can feel it. I will use all my strength to help you."
Rorschach looked at her.
There was no romantic affection in that gaze, no dependency, only something deeper and purer—it was a warrior's promise to a warrior, a life entrusted to another life.
He was silent for a few seconds, then reached out and ruffled her hair.
The motion was very light, like treating a younger sister, a student, or a respected comrade-in-arms.
"Then it's a deal," he said.
In his heart, he added: "You're basically my cross-Universeinsurance now."
Jean smiled, and tears finally slid down, but her smile was radiant.
In the distance, in the woods by the lake, Raven leaned against a tree trunk, watching this scene.
The corners of her mouth curled up, and she shook her head slightly. With a soft chuckle, she vanished into the forest shadows.
The sun had completely set.
The lake's surface turned deep blue, and stars began to emerge on the horizon.
"Teacher Rorschach," Jean suddenly spoke up.
"Hmm?"
"The place you come from... what is it like?"
Rorschach thought for a moment: "Messy. Superheroes are all commodities, toys for capital. Ordinary people live like ants, and their deaths are handled as simply and crudely as trash."
Jean was silent for a few seconds: "Then why do you want to go back?"
Rorschach didn't answer immediately.
He looked at the lake, at the stars reflected in the water, and only after a long time did he say:
"Because there are some things, and some people, waiting for me to go back."
Jean nodded and didn't ask further.
Jean turned, preparing to leave. After a few steps, she stopped and looked back: "Teacher Rorschach."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
Rorschach looked at her and smiled: "For what?"
Jean smiled too, her smile appearing exceptionally clear under the starlight: "Thank you for treating me as a person, and not as a weapon."
She turned and left, her figure disappearing into the night.
Rorschach stood in place, watching the direction she left, then looked up at the starry sky.
The red string on his wrist glowed a dark red under the moonlight.
"Take care, little Phoenix," he whispered.
When he returned to the Main Building, it was nearly midnight.
Rorschach walked through the corridor, and as he passed Hank's lab, the door suddenly swung open.
Hank poked half his body out, his eyes behind his glasses shining with excitement:
"Rorschach! You're back! Quick, come look at this!"
Rorschach walked in.
Inside the lab, various instruments were flickering with light.
On the largest screen, a global map was displayed, with several red dots flashing on it.
"What is this?"
"That signal!" Hank lowered his voice, but couldn't suppress his excitement. "Based on the data you brought back last time, I re-analyzed all suspected signals. Look—"
He pointed at the red dots:
"Siberia, Tokyo, Switzerland, Antarctica... seven points in total! All show high energy readings, and they perform a synchronized data exchange every 72 hours!"
Rorschach stared at the screen, his gaze gradually turning cold.
"Backup servers."
"Exactly!" Hank pushed up his glasses. "Mr. Sinister backed up his consciousness data to seven locations around the globe! As long as one remains, he can be resurrected!"
Rorschach was silent for a few seconds, then he smiled.
The smile was cold, like the light on a blade's edge.
"Seven points..." he whispered. "Then we'll wipe them all out at once."
Hank was stunned: "Attack seven points simultaneously? How is that possible—"
"Siberia: Scott, Ororo. Tokyo: Jean leads the team, with Pietro as support. Switzerland: Kitty's trio... As for the remaining four points—" he tapped the screen, "I'll clear them."
Hank's mouth fell open: "You alone? Four points? Across four continents?"
Rorschach didn't answer, merely stretching his shoulders.
Rorschach's shoulder bones cracked slightly, his mind already set—with 87,400 points, Space Teleportation, and Super Speed, traversing four continents would take but an instant.
It was enough.
He turned to walk out, stopping at the door to look back:
"Notify everyone to gather at four tomorrow morning. We'll need to strike simultaneously, otherwise Mr. Sinister's data will migrate. Understand?"
Hank nodded mechanically.
Rorschach pushed the door open and left.
In the corridor, moonlight spilled through the windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
He walked slowly, each step steady.
Mister Sinister.
That old fox who had been lurking and watching from the shadows for nearly a century, that monster who used cloning and data to prolong his existence, that madman who tried to become a god.
His debt was due to be settled.
Rorschach walked to the window, stopped, and looked at the moon outside.
"Backups?" he whispered, his lips curling into a smirk. "I'll help you format them into Ash."
Under the moonlight, the red string was as dark red as blood.