Chapter 114: Psylocke Surrenders, Hulk Bruce Joins S.H.I.E.L.D.

Ethan Hayes looked at Psylocke with a playful smile. "Beat you to win your loyalty?"

Psylocke's gaze remained defiant. Ethan couldn't help but admire her beauty, which she wore with pride. For her part, Psylocke was intrigued by the man standing before her; his good looks and undeniable charm made it hard for any woman to resist him. If it had been an old, unattractive man, she would've met him with the deadliest edge of her sword. But Ethan was different—handsome, magnetic, and with a presence that fascinated her.

"Just because you're called Ethan Hayes, don't think I'll kneel and surrender so easily!" she retorted. "But if you can defeat me, I'll join Osborn Group and be the most loyal knight under your command."

For a moment, Psylocke felt like she was back with Apocalypse, reaching for her dreams as one of the most powerful mutants. In joining Ethan, she sought freedom from her past life's shackles, her ambition always driving her forward.

"Psylocke," Ethan said with an amused smile, "I can see the fire in your heart. But are you prepared to break all ties—with the Knights of the Round Table, British intelligence, and the royal guard—if you lose?"

She appreciated that he wasn't probing her mind for answers, and it put her more at ease. "Those roles were just temporary. I've had enough of the bureaucrats. If I could, I'd love to wield this sword against them," she admitted, her voice laced with years of frustration.

Ethan chuckled. "You're fascinating, Psylocke. I like your spirit. If you're ready, let's begin."

Without moving from his seat, Ethan waited as Psylocke's eyes sharpened. In a flash, her sword shot forward, glowing with purple energy, but he stopped it with one finger, effortlessly.

Stunned, Psylocke pressed harder, stepping onto the coffee table, both hands pushing down. But Ethan held the sword firmly between two fingers, unmoved.

"Elizabeth, you're a powerful warrior, but against me, neither speed nor strength is on your side," he said softly.

She tried to stab him with a second blade formed from her psionic energy, aiming for his chest. It shattered on contact, leaving her wide-eyed with shock. Ethan casually flicked the Sword in the Stone from her grip, his strength evident.

"This sword is remarkable—a true treasure," he said, admiring it. "I have no doubt it's the real Sword in the Stone."

Psylocke looked at him, dazed. She knew her psionic weapons could cut through steel, even aircraft carriers, yet Ethan had dismissed them effortlessly. Her admiration for him deepened. He reminded her of Apocalypse, but Ethan's strength felt even more absolute.

Psylocke knelt, head bowed. "From now on, Psylocke is yours, Boss."

Ethan stroked her hair gently. "I won't change you. If you wish to remain Captain Britain, do so. The English government's influence could be useful to Osborn."

Surprised, Psylocke looked up, a question in her eyes. "But what if our interests clash?"

"Think of it as a partnership. Tell them you earned your position with your loyalty, and they'll owe you in return," Ethan replied, his smile widening.

She smiled, charmed. He touched her chin lightly. "I take care of those close to me. Money, power—they're just tools. True treasure lies in loyalty."

Psylocke relaxed, laughing. "I'll stay loyal… as long as you remain stronger than me. The day you're weak, I'll end you and leave without regret."

Ethan laughed. "If I'm to die at anyone's hands, let it be a beautiful woman's. But you should know, that day will likely never come."

"Then it's a challenge," Psylocke replied confidently.

"Good. I'll give you a chance to challenge me every year, but if you lose, you'll follow my orders until the next."

Psylocke smirked. "As you wish, my demon." She left, rolling her eyes playfully as she carried her sword.

Later, Raven sat in Ethan's arms, observing him. "I smell Natasha's scent on you. Seems your Siberian mission wasn't just about eliminating competitors."

Ethan chuckled. "The genetic integration we're developing is working. Peter's three serums made him powerful enough to kill Dr. Connor easily. I fought him myself, and the third-tier genes are far stronger than the second."

Raven nodded. "The commercial versions of these serums should be limited. We have to protect our assets."

As Osborn's operations manager, Raven understood the potency of their genetic advancements. Her own abilities had attracted attention, especially the power to simulate others' genes without needing super soldier serum injections.

"Raven, you've done a fantastic job managing things here," Ethan said warmly.

Raven smiled. "Go, your 'guest' is waiting for you. Psylocke is dangerous, so stay alert. She might try to strangle you in your sleep."

Ethan chuckled. "Once she's tasted loyalty, she won't harm me. But what about you, Raven? Would you ever let me go?"

"Never," Raven replied, laughing softly.

Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury reviewed Natasha's report. "Barton, Natasha Romanoff has returned safely."

Barton, who had been following up on her mission, finally smiled. "Good news, sir."

"How's Bruce's state of mind?" Fury asked.

"Still intense. After his transformation, he's been a handful. But the healing serum offers hope," Barton replied, looking tired. He'd spent days helping Bruce readjust, though Bruce nearly tore him apart in a fit of rage.

Fury nodded. "The serum was our best hope of restoring his stability, but HYDRA's base data was destroyed, and Natasha couldn't recover anything."

Ethan's Osborn Group had become a focal point for global power players. Fury knew that, without Ethan's strict control, the U.S. government and other forces would've tried to dismantle Osborn by now.

"We're just glad Natasha's alive," Barton said with a sigh. Natasha was a close friend, and he'd been worried for her.

"And the Avengers base is ready in Los Angeles," Fury continued. "It's strategically far from the Ice Demon."

Barton raised an eyebrow. "Have you convinced Captain Steve yet?"

Fury nodded solemnly. "Peggy helped. Captain's adjusting, but losing Peggy will be hard. Her guidance was invaluable. She'll leave soon, but I believe Steve will join the Avengers."

Fury's thoughts grew dark. S.H.I.E.L.D. was infiltrated by HYDRA agents. Trust was a rare commodity, even among his team.

"When we strike, HYDRA must be purged from S.H.I.E.L.D. completely," he muttered, his gaze steely. Fury knew the danger but was determined. HYDRA's roots in S.H.I.E.L.D. ran deep, but he'd stop at nothing to uproot them.

"Oh, and one more thing," he added, looking back at Barton. "Captain Psylocke from Britain has joined the Osborn Group."

Barton shook his head, amused.

READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD OF EVERYONE FOR ONLY $7!

LINK: patr eon.com/SenatusPopulus

ALSO CHECK MY OTHER PROJECTS!

Naruto: Masters of Strategy?