MARVEL: TOAA

"Boom."

Ravion's laser beam didn't penetrate Emma Frost, the White Queen. Instead, it knocked her away, her diamond-like form glinting as she tumbled backward.

"Bang!"

Ravion teleported in front of Riptide, his giant steel fist descending like a meteor. The overwhelming force made Riptide feel the cold grip of death.

Thankfully, Riptide managed to summon a whirlwind at the last moment, absorbing much of the impact. Though he was sent flying, the mutant narrowly avoided being crushed on the spot.

While most mutants had some level of physical enhancement due to their genes, Ravion's punch was powerful enough to shatter mountains.

Having bested the others, Ravion finally stood face-to-face with Sebastian Shaw, the Black King of the Hellfire Club.

Sebastian chuckled, feigning nonchalance. "There's no real grudge between us. It's just a misunderstanding. Surely, we don't need to escalate things further? Look, my team has already been battered. Let's call it even."

Ravion remained stoic, but John stepped forward, his tone icy. "If you truly regarded your subordinates as family, you wouldn't be negotiating with me while they lie injured on the ground."

The Red Devil had lost an arm, and both Emma Frost and Riptide were severely wounded. If Sebastian cared about them, he wouldn't be wearing a playful smile.

Sebastian's expression darkened. "What good will it do you to fight me? That hulking companion of yours may be strong, but don't think for a second that I'm defenseless."

John's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "You attacked my family."

Sebastian sneered, his laugh filled with disdain. "Family? You're just a child playing at being a hero. I thought you had potential, but clearly, you lack vision. Do you really think such petty reasoning justifies your actions?"

The Black King of the Hellfire Club had never been belittled like this. To be humiliated by someone so young ignited a fire of rage within him.

Ravion raised his massive steel fist and swung down at Sebastian with all his might.

"Foolish."

Sebastian met the blow with his own fist, showing no signs of backing down.

The collision sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Ravion, despite his raw power, was sent flying several meters back. Sebastian remained unscathed, standing as if nothing had happened.

Sebastian's mutant ability allowed him to absorb all forms of energy—be it kinetic, thermal, or potential—and convert it to fuel his strength.

Ravion steadied himself, the steel coating on his fists fading. Without hesitation, he charged again. As they clashed, Ravion's mutant power kicked in, allowing him to replicate Sebastian's ability.

What followed was a brutal exchange of blows, each strike sending concussive blasts through the air.

Reina clutched her coat tightly, her knuckles white as she watched the battle unfold. "Ravion…" she whispered, her voice tinged with fear.

Even John furrowed his brow. Despite Ravion's strength and adaptability, Sebastian seemed to have the upper hand, forcing Ravion to take half a step back with each exchange.

"How is this possible?" Raven muttered, her eyes wide.

She recalled the Sentinels, robots powerful enough to bring both Magneto and Charles Xavier to their knees. Yet, here was Sebastian Shaw, standing his ground against someone as formidable as Ravion.

Her fear exaggerated the Sentinels' strength in her mind. While they had been a significant threat, they weren't invincible. Against powerful mutants like Sebastian or Magneto, their individual might was slightly inferior.

Sebastian laughed maniacally. "It doesn't matter how impressive your abilities are. Your body is a cage—a limit you cannot surpass. I've broken past mine!"

As he spoke, Sebastian's arm began to swell, his veins glowing with a molten, red-gold hue. The sleeves of his white suit tore apart, revealing his grotesque transformation.

"Bang!"

His next punch shattered Ravion's steel arm into fragments, sending debris flying like shrapnel.

Sebastian followed up with another devastating strike, his fist slamming into Ravion's chest. The force caved in Ravion's ribcage, sending him hurtling backward and carving a deep trench in the ground.

"Ravion!" Reina cried out, rushing to his side.

John, however, remained calm. He knew Ravion's resilience—injuries like this wouldn't keep him down for long.

Sebastian didn't press the advantage. Instead, he smirked at John, unbuttoning the remains of his tattered suit with deliberate slowness.

"Sometimes, I envy Raven's shape-shifting ability. Changing clothes on the fly would be quite convenient," he mused.

He discarded the ruined suit, revealing a fitted T-shirt that accentuated his muscular build.

John's lips twitched into a faint smile. "You know, there's a comic book character who condenses their energy into a suit. Maybe you should try that."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"You mutants have remarkable abilities," John continued. "But your combat techniques? They're primitive. With a little imagination, you could take your powers to new heights."

Sebastian chuckled, his interest piqued. He concentrated, allowing the energy he'd absorbed to seep out of his body. Slowly, it coalesced into a shimmering, flame-colored aura that enveloped him like armor.

"This… feels incredible," Sebastian admitted, flexing his hands. "Though it's a bit draining."

He dispelled the energy, returning to his previous state.

John observed thoughtfully. If Sebastian refined this technique, turning it into second nature, his strength would undoubtedly increase.

Sebastian's ambitions were clear—to amass power, even nuclear energy, in his quest to ascend to godhood.

John's mind raced. If he possessed Sebastian's ability to absorb energy, could he convert it into divine power? Could he forge divine armor and elevate himself to godhood?

Meanwhile, Gambit—the King of Cards—watched silently. Inspired by John's words, he glanced at his coat. Could he infuse energy into his clothing, creating an indestructible "God Armor"?

For years, Gambit had focused on charging small cards, never considering the potential of larger objects.

John noticed Gambit's contemplative gaze. His mind raced as he considered the possibilities. One could absorb all forms of energy; the other could charge anything with explosive force.

The combination of their abilities was tantalizing.

John's eyes gleamed with excitement.

These powers—they must become his.