CH-19. Human Torch

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Although he won with ease, Michael realized that his offensive abilities were still too limited.

The Invisible Woman and Spider-Man aren't close-combat superheroes, nor are they exceptionally strong. Thus, Michael's Extremis virus abilities didn't have many chances to shine in their fight.

His fire control was useful, but only allowed him to manipulate flames—not generate them. Without his enhanced strength and the power of fire, he might not have been able to break through Susan's telekinetic field at all.

And his soundwave abilities, while effective, weren't exactly thrilling. How many heroes rely on shouting to create sound waves? Even a literal cannon would be more impressive.

"I definitely need to gain some cooler powers." Michael mused, taking a sip of red wine. Spider-Man got quite the beating, and Susan was now his captive. This little 'misunderstanding' was likely far from over.

Spider-Man would surely seek help to rescue her, right?

Even if it was a misunderstanding, that didn't mean Michael couldn't use it to his advantage.

Who would Spider-Man turn to? S.H.I.E.L.D.? An Avenger? Or perhaps the Fantastic Four?

The latter seemed most likely since Susan was part of the team, and based on what Spider-Man mentioned, he had a good relationship with the Human Torch. As Susan's brother, Johnny Storm was known to be hot-headed, and Michael suspected Johnny would come straight to him without waiting for an explanation.

Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, could generate intense heat, fly, unleash flame attacks, and was immune to fire. But his flames were natural, meaning they needed oxygen to burn and could be extinguished by water. In terms of fire ability, Johnny was strong, but with limitations.

Michael had been planning his development path since acquiring the Extremis virus and fire manipulation abilities. While he could theoretically consume all powers, he decided to focus on enhancing his fire-based abilities for the time being.

Originally, he intended to gain control over fire, then devour a certain Hong Kong man with flame-producing abilities, and finally, target Johnny Storm. However, with recent events, he'd have to adjust the order.

"I wonder if my fire manipulation can control Johnny's flames." Michael muttered as he swirled his wine, waiting patiently.

---

"Johnny, your sister's been taken by a guy named Michael. I know where he is, but he's powerful. I tried, but I couldn't beat him and rescue Susan." Spider-Man explained to Johnny.

At that moment, Johnny was partying in a bar. He intended to invite Spider-Man to join him, but after hearing the news, his mood soured.

"What? Susan was taken? Where is she? I'm on my way!"

Spider-Man gave Johnny the address, and Johnny prepared to leave.

"You're leaving now? I thought we had plans to go somewhere more private." Johnny's female companion complained, disappointed.

Johnny grinned, "Don't worry, baby. Some guy's made himself an enemy of the Fantastic Four. I'll handle him quickly, and we'll pick up where we left off."

With that, Johnny left the bar, his body igniting as he transformed into flames and took off, leaving everyone around him in awe.

On the roof of a nearby hotel, Spider-Man was tending to his wounds. He looked up as Johnny arrived in a blaze, landing beside him.

"Where is he? I can't wait to show him what it means to mess with the Fantastic Four." Johnny declared.

"He's on the 19th floor of this hotel, but he probably knows I'm watching him from here. Johnny, don't be hasty—he can control fire, which could counter your ability." Spider-Man warned.

"Really? We'll see if he can handle my heat!" Johnny said confidently, then dove down to the 19th floor. Through the glass windows, he saw Susan unconscious in the room and Michael calmly sipping his wine in the lounge.

"It must be you!"

Johnny flew toward him, shattering the window in his wake.

Michael didn't look the slightest bit worried as Johnny burst in, flames blazing.

"So, you're Michael? You think you can kidnap my sister and take on the Fantastic Four?" Johnny taunted.

Michael shrugged, "This might just be a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding or not, I'll hear you out after I teach you a lesson!" Johnny dismissed him, launching a burst of flame.

Michael dodged, letting the flames strike the sofa, which exploded on impact.

Seeing his attack miss didn't deter Johnny. He continued to unleash flames as Michael maneuvered away, though a slight smirk tugged at his lips as he dodged.

Johnny, too absorbed in his own fury, didn't realize he was playing into Michael's plan…

---

"Better stop, or I'll fight back!" Michael warned as he avoided another torrent of flames.

"Fight back? Go ahead! I heard you can control fire—try it on mine if you dare. Otherwise, don't blame me for what happens next!" Johnny sneered arrogantly.

"You're forcing me. Do you realize what you're getting yourself into?" Michael said, his tone darkening.

"Spare me the threats! I'm going to teach you a lesson today. Come on, show me what you've got!" Johnny challenged, transforming into a flaming missile as he rushed Michael.

Feigning a misstep, Michael slowed, allowing Johnny to hit him. The force of the impact disintegrated his clothes in an instant, sending him crashing into the wall. As Johnny advanced, Michael growled, "You pushed me to this!"

In a flash, Michael grabbed Johnny's blazing arm. But to Johnny's shock, the flames had no effect.

"W-What?" Johnny stammered, caught off guard.

"Idiot." Michael sneered, "Think your fire is so unstoppable?"

As Johnny recovered, he raised his hand and fired flaming projectiles at Michael, who only laughed.

"Your arrogance will be your downfall, Johnny. Now, it's my turn."

Michael's fist connected with Johnny's face, sending him reeling. Yet, because Michael held his arm firmly, he was immediately pulled back in. Michael's flame-wreathed fists pummeled Johnny repeatedly, each strike landing harder than the last.

By the time Michael paused, Johnny's flames had been snuffed out, his face bruised and swollen.

"H-How…is this possible?" Johnny murmured through half-closed, swollen eyes. His flames hadn't even fazed Michael; instead, they seemed to gather around Michael, obeying him completely.

"I warned you." Michael said coldly, tightening his grip as he began to drain Johnny's power.

Snap!