MARVEL: TOAA

"Wow, I have to say, your driving skills are ridiculously bad. You're tearing through the grass like it's a demolition derby," John grumbled, regretting his decision to get into Star-Lord's vehicle.

"Shut up," Star-Lord snapped, his hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. "I saved your lives, or did you want that monstrosity behind us to digest your bones into cake?"

"Fine, you win," John replied with exaggerated exasperation. He turned to the back seat. "Ravion, didn't you keep some of the Caliban Ape's body tissue from last time? Go back and grab it for me. We're probably going to be running for a while."

"Alright," Ravion replied nonchalantly. He turned to Reina. "I'll be back in a moment."

"What?" Yelena Belova, sitting beside Star-Lord, frowned in confusion. "You're just going to... jump out and run home for luggage? Are you crazy? You do realize we're being chased, right?"

"See you soon." Ravion ignored her and vanished from the car with a faint puff of black smoke, leaving Yelena gaping in disbelief.

"What the... what just happened?" Yelena turned to Reina. "So, you guys can just disappear whenever you feel like it? What kind of team is this?"

"No, no," Reina stammered, raising her hands defensively. "I'm just an ordinary person—or, well, I guess not anymore. But I have no idea what my powers are yet."

"Powers? So, you're a mutant?" Yelena's suspicion grew.

"Not exactly. John says I'm something else entirely, but I don't really understand it," Reina admitted.

"Bang!"

Ravion reappeared in the car, startling Yelena so much she nearly pulled her gun. "Relax," he said casually, handing a small insulated container to John.

John opened the box to reveal a piece of frozen tissue. A faint mist of cold air escaped, carrying a slightly unpleasant smell. The preserved flesh was from the Caliban Ape, a creature Ravion had defeated and collected samples from years ago.

John took the tissue and began to analyze it using his mutant abilities. His powers allowed him to dissect genetic information quickly, something that had taken him days to complete with Thor's DNA now only required minutes. The tissue's analysis yielded three potential genetic evolutions:

Enhanced organism detection: The ability to detect any living beings within a certain radius.

Expanded mutant detection range: Increasing the scope of detecting mutant genes.

Brainwave image projection: The ability to project visualized thoughts or memories to others.

However, the latter two evolutions came with a catch—side effects that could cause either pale skin or baldness.

John frowned, running his fingers through his hair. "Hmm, a 40% chance to ruin my good looks. Nope, not worth it. I'm a risk-taker, not an idiot."

"What?" Yelena leaned forward, watching him examine the tissue. "Are you seriously saying no because of your looks?"

John gave her a sidelong glance. "My handsome face is a treasure. You wouldn't understand."

Yelena rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable."

Meanwhile, the tissue began to thaw in John's hand, blood pooling on his fingers. He grimaced and instinctively threw the soggy tissue forward—directly onto Star-Lord.

"Ew! What the hell?" Star-Lord yelped, swerving the car wildly. He grabbed the tissue and hurled it out of the window, muttering, "This is why I don't pick up hitchhikers."

"Stop whining," John said, grabbing Star-Lord's shirt and wiping his hands on it.

"Hey!" Star-Lord protested. "That's my battle jacket!"

"Relax," John said, leaning back. "Focus on driving and not letting that beast catch up to us. Also, you can't beat me, so don't even think about it."

Star-Lord's glare could have melted steel, but he kept his eyes on the road.

John leaned against the car door, reflecting on his current abilities. With his recently acquired divine power—though lacking Thor's signature lightning attributes—his mutant abilities had seen a substantial boost. His telepathy had expanded in range, his telekinesis had grown stronger, and his ability to copy genes had become significantly more efficient.

Among mutants, he classified himself as a solid Level 4, with abilities potent enough to cause massive destruction but requiring careful control to avoid collateral damage. Levels of mutants were loosely categorized as follows:

Level 1: Weak abilities with significant drawbacks, often leaving mutants physically deformed.

Level 2: Moderate abilities, usually non-combat-oriented.

Level 3: Strong abilities with control issues.

Level 4: High-powered abilities capable of large-scale effects, but requiring discipline.

Level 5: Near-deity-level power, exemplified by Jean Grey with the Phoenix Force.

However, strength was relative. A Level 2 mutant with the right ability could easily suppress a Level 4 mutant if their powers were complementary.

For example, John's telepathy allowed him to dominate Magneto, provided Magneto wasn't wearing his iconic helmet.

"Hey," Star-Lord broke the silence. "You're some kind of super-powered know-it-all, aren't you? What's your deal? Why'd you even get in the car?"

John smirked. "If I told you, where's the fun in that?"

"Ugh, you're insufferable."

"Trust me," John said, "you'll thank me later."

Behind them, the monstrous Alioth was gaining ground, its massive form crashing through the landscape like an avalanche of destruction. Yelena loaded another round into her rocket launcher.

"Everyone hold on," Star-Lord yelled. "I'm about to do something stupid!"

The car screeched around a corner, nearly tipping over as Star-Lord attempted to outmaneuver their relentless pursuer.

John glanced back at Alioth and then at his teammates. He cracked his knuckles. "Alright, time to get serious."