Chapter 57: Devil Fruit Ability Division and Speculation
"From the perspective of the entire Marvel universe's power structure, most abilities are closely linked to genetics," Ethan Hayes pondered, considering the intricacies of the system.
"Take Charles, for instance. His mental ability is incredibly powerful, but in Days of Future Past, he lost his powers due to an injection meant to treat his bone marrow, which impacted his genes."
Ethan looked inward, his brow furrowing slightly. Genetic mutations certainly came with great power, but the human government had also developed a high degree of genetic knowledge. Various ways to suppress genes, inhibit nerves, and limit mutants had been devised, resulting in many mutants being captured when faced with human opposition.
He didn't know if breaking through genetic shackles with his powers would lead to similar problems. But there was a critical difference in his situation.
"My strength isn't entirely genetic," he reminded himself. "The evolution of my genes just gives me a broader scope in life. My real power comes from the Devil Fruit and water control magic."
"Plus, there's no Hailou Stone in this world," he mused. "It's like having Kryptonian genes in a universe without kryptonite—no weaknesses, only power."
He thought back to X-Men: The Last Stand, where Jean Grey was stabbed to death by Wolverine. But, of course, The Last Stand wasn't part of the main Mutant timeline, and in Days of Future Past, Jean's fate had changed.
"So, will the events of The Last Stand ever really happen?" Ethan wondered. In that film, Professor X died, Jean died, Magneto's powers were suppressed, and Raven became a normal human.
Ethan knew that the suppression of mutant abilities was temporary. The government could suppress the X-gene, but only for so long. And yet, in Days of Future Past, Professor X was mysteriously alive again. He shook his head—movies weren't always a reliable source of information.
Moreover, Ethan suspected the universe he was in wasn't the main sacred timeline of the Marvel multiverse. But regardless, the future was full of uncertainties, and his power needed to continue growing.
"Phantom Fist and Bajiquan need three million desire points to break their limits," Ethan noted. "But I already have Dragon Elephant Wisdom Kungfu, so Phantom Fist can serve as a martial arts technique rather than a way to strengthen my physical body."
As for his next step, Ethan focused on his desire points. The path forward lay in unlocking and breaking the limits of his abilities.
• Freezing Ability: 80 million desire points to break the limit.
• Water Control Magic: 50 million desire points to break the limit.
• Dragon Elephant Wisdom Kungfu: 60 million desire points to break the limit.
With the powerful combination of the Dragon Elephant and the might of the water-controlling magic, the threshold to break through had been set high. Meanwhile, Phantom Fist required only three million desire points to surpass its limit, as did his newly acquired Psychic Immunity.
"If possible, I'd focus on breaking the limit of my Devil Fruit Frozen ability," Ethan thought. In his view, reaching the third stage of Devil Fruit mastery would mean fully controlling the devil power within him—a massive leap forward in strength, one that could place him on a level comparable to gods.
Ethan considered his Frozen Fruit ability and combined it with the concept of genetic shackles, summarizing his understanding:
Level 1: Devil Fruit Gene Lock
1. Power of Freezing
2. Elementalization
3. Will Creates and Controls Ice
Level 2: Devil Fruit Gene Lock
1. Awakening: Frozen Field and Upgrades
2. Elemental Upgrade: Field Transfer
3. Assimilating Substances with the Power of Freezing
Level 3: Devil Fruit Gene Lock
1. Atomic-level Freezing
2. Atomic-level Element Organization
3. Destruction of Atomic-level Matter
The combination of freezing and water-control magic expanded his combat range significantly. With water control aiding the freezing power, Ethan could easily claim godhood on Earth. Even Odin would pose little threat to him now. At this stage, Ethan's abilities had reached the upper limits of what Earth could offer.
Yet, even with such power, the Infinity Stones remained untouchable. Perhaps, when he reached the third level, he might be able to resist the effects of the stones. Until then, if someone wielding all six stones targeted him directly, Ethan wouldn't stand a chance.
With a flick of his hand, the frozen sphere in his palm dissolved into particles, transforming into water under his control before being discarded into the sewer.
Beep!
A message popped up. His teacher, Juliet, informed everyone that school had resumed, and the prom would be next weekend.
"Looks like the prom was postponed," Ethan thought, realizing that graduation was approaching fast. A flicker of disappointment passed through him. "I already experienced college in my past life," he reminded himself, but the thought of missing out on a new chapter still lingered.
He had heard stories of how wonderful college life could be, especially in a place like America.
Tuk tuk ~~
Gwen knocked on the door. Thanks to his advanced sensory abilities, Ethan already knew who it was before she arrived.
He grabbed his backpack, got dressed, and stepped out.
His Lincoln Navigator had been safely parked in the basement, thanks to Happy's arrangements.
"Hao, have you decided which university you want to go to?" Gwen asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
Ethan paused. He knew Gwen had been waiting for his answer.
"I'm not going to college," he said, his tone calm.
"What?" Gwen's eyes widened in shock.
"Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness.
"I've decided to start a company instead. An investment firm, to be exact. I won't have the time or energy to focus on school," Ethan explained, his words measured.
Gwen looked upset. "Are you worried about getting into school? I attended the banquet at Stark Tower yesterday, and Tony promised to write me a recommendation letter for MIT. If I agree, I can attend MIT with my grades."
Ethan knew Gwen had sacrificed her dream of attending Cambridge University in England to stay with him in New York. She had given up so much, and now he was telling her he wasn't going to college at all. But with the events of the Marvel universe unfolding soon, Ethan felt it would be a waste of time.
His future wealth would be staggering, and the challenges ahead required his full attention. To upgrade his Frozen ability to its third level, he would need at least five billion wealth points, and that was without accounting for the upgrades of his other abilities.
"I have so many things to accomplish, Gwen," Ethan said softly. "In two years, the big events will begin. I need to be ready."
Gwen looked away, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "This is your choice, Ethan," she murmured.
Ethan knew how much she had given up for him, but he couldn't burden her with the truth. The coming crises required him to act, and Gwen, with her kind heart, wouldn't understand the full picture.
"I'll visit you every month in Cambridge," Ethan said quietly.
Gwen shook her head. "I'm not going to Cambridge," she replied. "I've decided to stay in New York."
Ethan parked the car and sighed. "Then this is New York's gain."
Peter Parker greeted Gwen as they arrived at school, but Ethan wasn't far behind. Wrapping an arm around Peter's shoulders, he asked, "I heard something big happened at Osborn. Is Harry okay?"
Peter, a little unnerved by Ethan's grip, avoided his gaze. "Harry's fine," Peter replied, suppressing his anger. He and Dr. Connors still suspected Ethan was a powerful mutant with water-control abilities. Peter's spider-sense tingled, but he kept his distance, knowing a confrontation near water would put him at a severe disadvantage.
Ethan smiled casually, though he could feel Peter's growing tension. The game between them had begun, but Ethan would bide his time.
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