MARVEL: TOAA

The massive mechanical ape slowly lifted its enormous metal palm. Sebastian stood unscathed, his confidence undiminished, while the White Queen staggered to her feet. Though her diamond form had shielded her, the sheer shockwave had rattled her internal organs.

The same couldn't be said for Riptide. What remained of him was nothing but bloodstains on the ground—there wasn't even a body to recover. Nearby, only a semicircular metal shield stood intact, gleaming faintly in the aftermath.

With a soft hiss, the shield opened. From within, Ravion, Reina, and John stepped out, completely unharmed.

Staring up at the colossal mechanical ape, John sighed in exasperation. "Damn it. I should've figured it out earlier. Alioth couldn't have ignored a steel fortress this big unless it was buried underground. Of course, this monstrosity was lying in wait."

"John, my teleportation and telepathy are both being suppressed," Ravion reported, his tone grim.

John frowned. "Figured as much. Iron Mandrill's had his sights on us for years. After the damage we caused to his operations before, there's no way he'd face us without a backup plan."

Despite the suppression, John's abilities—bolstered by divine energy—still functioned to some extent. He could feel the oppressive presence of Iron Mandrill circling above like a predator.

"Hahaha! Ravion, my friend," Iron Mandrill's mocking voice echoed as he descended from the sky, piloting a sleek suit of advanced armor. "I knew you wouldn't be crushed so easily. You've been on my list for years—how could I let such an intriguing subject escape me again?"

Iron Mandrill hovered above them, a smug grin plastered on his face. "Three years ago, we captured a mutant who could control fire. From him, I learned about the Sentinel technology. Oh, the possibilities! Do you have any idea how excited I am?" His voice rose to a manic pitch. "Once I unlock the secrets of your tech, my creations will surpass the gods themselves! I already have the name picked out—God's MK! And all of you here today will become my test subjects. No exceptions. Not even those cowards running away in the distance."

The "cowards" in question were none other than Mystique and her team. They had seized the chaos of the battle to flee.

"Ape-Weiss, intercept them," Iron Mandrill ordered coldly.

In response, ten large chunks of metal detached from the mechanical giant ape. With a series of rapid transformations, the chunks unfolded into humanoid mechanical Thordiers. Without hesitation, they sprinted after Mystique and her team, their metal limbs clanging ominously.

At that moment, Thor Ape, the de facto second-in-command of the Ape Avengers, stepped forward. Behind him, the other ape-like mutants waited, their eyes trained on Iron Mandrill.

"Iron Mandrill," Thor Ape growled, addressing him by his true name. "The leader explicitly forbade unauthorized use of the mechanical army. You're overstepping your authority."

Iron Mandrill smirked and flew closer, lowering his voice. "Big Hammer, let's be honest. We've all had enough of that tyrannical green brute. He's nothing but a mindless beast. Work with me, and I'll help you enhance your divine powers. Together, we can take him down and rule as equals."

Thor Ape hesitated, his grip tightening around his hammer. The suggestion was tempting. The Green Giant Ape was indeed a tyrant, ruling through brute strength and instilling fear among his subordinates. Many of the apes had grown resentful of his leadership.

But before Thor Ape could respond, Sebastian, who had been observing the exchange, stepped forward. His expression was a mixture of anger and disdain.

"Uncivilized apes," Sebastian sneered. "When did mere monkeys think they could challenge me?"

He slammed his foot into the ground, sending a massive shockwave rippling outward. The ground quaked violently, and those caught off guard were hurled into the air.

"Watch out!" John shouted as Ravion scooped him and Reina up, lifting them clear of the tremors.

The shockwave dealt significant damage to the ape forces, leaving several of them bleeding and incapacitated. The surviving apes roared in fury, their pride wounded.

"That's enough!" Thor Ape bellowed, stepping forward. His hammer sparked with lightning as he eyed Sebastian. "You've overstepped, human."

With a mighty swing, he hurled Mjolnir directly at Sebastian.

Sebastian smirked, raising a hand to catch the hammer. But the moment his fingers touched it, he was thrown backward with incredible force. He crashed through a series of dead trees, the impact leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Sebastian groaned, struggling to rise. "What… is this thing?"

Thor Ape caught the hammer as it returned to him. "Fool. You thought you could wield Mjolnir? Only those deemed worthy by the All-Father himself can lift it. You're nothing but an insect."

The White Queen and Azazel exchanged uneasy glances.

"Emma," Azazel asked, "can you still use your abilities?"

She shook her head. "My telepathy is completely blocked. Only my diamond form is still functional. Something about this green light suppresses mutant abilities."

Panic set in among the members of the Hellfire Club. They had never faced a situation where their powers were so thoroughly neutralized. For the first time since joining the club, they felt the looming specter of defeat.

Meanwhile, John observed the unfolding chaos. His mind raced as he assessed their options. The mechanical giant ape and its forces were clearly beyond their ability to handle directly. Their only chance was to exploit the discord brewing within the ape ranks.

"Ravion," John said quietly, "be ready to act. If Iron Mandrill and Thor Ape turn on each other, that's our opportunity to escape."

As John spoke, Iron Mandrill continued his whispered provocations. "Big Hammer, think about it. With my technology and your strength, we can build a new order. No more living in fear of that green tyrant."

Thor Ape's grip on Mjolnir tightened as his internal conflict deepened.

But before he could make a decision, a deafening roar echoed through the battlefield. The ground trembled as the Green Giant Ape himself emerged, his massive frame towering over everyone present. His eyes glowed with primal rage, and his thunderous voice shook the air.

All eyes turned to the new arrival. For better or worse, the balance of power had just shifted.