Marvel: The Gene Collector

As they returned to the dock, Alex proudly introduced his new friend, Eric, to Charles and the rest of the group. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Eric, my brother and my friend. We shared the same hardships in the concentration camp."

Raven chimed in, "Oh, I remember you mentioning that. What a memory, right?"

Eric's response was stern, "Miss, the concentration camp wasn't known for its beauty."

Quickly realizing her mistake, Raven tried to make amends. "I meant that your bond is worth remembering."

"Exactly," Alex agreed, playfully tapping Raven's head. The Nazi concentration camp held nothing but pain and suffering, certainly not beauty.

Charles extended his hand to Eric, offering a warm welcome. "Welcome, my friend. I'm Charles."

"Raven."

"Emma."

"Jessica."

The others also introduced themselves.

"Eric's ability is magnetic control, and he goes by the nickname 'Magneto,'" Alex added with a grin.

Eric winked at Alex and said, "Wow, you certainly have a way with women."

"Haha, I try," Alex replied with a chuckle.

Grete, however, interjected with a serious tone, "I hate to interrupt this heartfelt reunion, but... we're running out of time. The enemy remains at large, and the crisis is far from over. We need to get to work immediately."

"Whatever," Alex shrugged and released his companions, taking the lead. He beckoned the others to follow and said, "Let's go! Eric probably has valuable information about Sebastian and the others. This is crucial."

Shortly after, the group returned to the CIA station.

In the office, Eric proceeded to provide a detailed background on Sebastian and his associates.

"First, we have Sebastian Sean, a former Nazi SS officer and a notorious executioner. His ability is Energy Absorption and release, rendering physical and energy attacks ineffective against him."

"Next is Luther, who used his mind control abilities and was recruited by Sebastian. Unfortunately, he met his end at Alex's hands."

"The 'Azazel' boasts red skin and a demon-like appearance with the ability to move instantaneously."

"And then there's the 'Riptide,' who can harness the power of tornados."

Eric unveiled a series of compelling images of Sebastian in a captivating slide presentation, offering insightful commentary to the group. "Over the years, Sebastian has assembled a powerful organization known as the 'Hellfire Club.' I have reason to suspect that they might have recruited even more members into their clandestine ranks."

Grete, visibly burdened by this revelation, sighed deeply. Her hand rose to her weary eyes, and she turned to her loyal team, her voice laced with concern. "So, our adversary is far more formidable than we could have ever imagined!" She paused, her furrowed brows reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Is Sebastian's Energy Absorption and control truly insurmountable? Are we left with no recourse?"

A contemplative silence enveloped the room as each member of the group pondered the formidable challenge that lay before them.

Eric shook his head, his frustration evident in his demeanor. "I've scoured every possibility, but I can't seem to find a way to confront him."

Charles, with a defeated look in his eyes, added, "I attempted to exert my psychic powers on him, but it was like trying to breach an impenetrable wall. He thwarted every one of my attempts."

Raven chimed in, offering her unique perspective. "As for me, my ability is shapeshifting, and it is purely self-alteration. I can't affect others in the same way."

Emma leaned forward, her brows furrowed in contemplation. "My powers, Telepathy and Diamondization, proved utterly ineffective against him," she admitted.

"There's no such thing as an unbeatable power, my friends. Charles, Emma, you must understand that Sebastian's ability to counter your psychic talents is tied to that infernal helmet of his. He's not as indomitable as he appears."

Alex, exuding an air of indifference, interjected with a forceful statement. He rapped his hand firmly on the table and flashed a determined smile.

Turning his gaze towards Eric, Alex continued, "Remember, Eric, the way I dealt with Sebastian in the past? We must confine him. Once we've achieved that, we can employ tactics such as poison, suffocation, and psychological warfare to incapacitate him."

Grete nodding in agreement, chimed in, "Confinement is indeed a viable strategy. However, considering the presence of the Hellfire Club, we must also assemble a team of our own."

Charles, brows furrowing with resolve, declared, "My psychic abilities will prove invaluable in locating potential Mutant allies."

Grete, with a resigned shrug, expressed her concerns. "We'll need to make office space adjustments, Charles. Some individuals at the CIA are uncomfortable working alongside Mutants."

Charles conceded with a rueful shake of his head. "Very well."

Alex's demeanor took on a frosty edge as he sneered, "Is that so? They treat us as though we're monsters? Then, let them handle the Cuban missile crisis on their own. We have no obligation to save the world."

With unwavering determination in his eyes, he continued, "Our powers far surpass their comprehension. Let the CIA know that if anyone refuses to cooperate with us, they can come and speak to me." Alex's anger was palpable, a testament to the passion that fueled their resolve.

(End of this chapter)

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