CH-21. Decision

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Johnny didn't say anything, just lowered his head, seemingly still processing the blow he had just received.

"It's hard to say who is right or wrong in this matter, but his ability is very dangerous!" Said Mr. Fantastic, the leader of the Fantastic Four.

"First of all, each of your abilities is very dangerous and can easily cause destruction to the world. Secondly, although Michael's abilities are unique, if used correctly, he could be a powerful ally on our side." Phil Coulson said, "So far, he's still a consultant to S.H.I.E.L.D., at least officially."

"In that case, what else can I say? We'll let this matter go. Although it's irritating, it's ultimately a misunderstanding. But... we will not cooperate with him. If something does come up, it's strictly a personal grudge." Mr. Fantastic paused, standing up, "It's late, and we need to head back and rest. Let's leave it at that for now."

The Fantastic Four left, and Nick Fury did not try to stop them.

"They won't let this go." Captain America said.

"At least not openly. As for private grudges, let them handle those themselves. Step in only if necessary," Nick Fury replied.

"Besides, Mr. Fantastic is a scientist. He may find a way to restore the Human Torch's abilities eventually. As for Michael, just keep an eye on him. So long as he stays on the right path, his powers could be invaluable. Our world may face alien threats at any time. Danger is everywhere. That's why we formed the Avengers."

"Are you planning to recruit him for the Avengers?" Natasha asked.

"I don't have any such plan at the moment."

Phil Coulson added, "Now that this matter is settled, can I take him with me?"

"Coulson, Michael is in your hands." Nick Fury said, nodding seriously.

Phil Coulson acknowledged the directive, then headed off to find Michael.

---

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Phil Coulson knocked on the door and then pushed it open.

"You didn't get any rest?"

Phil Coulson was a little surprised to find Michael still awake.

Michael shook his head, "Something was on my mind. I couldn't sleep."

"Ah, it's the Human Torch situation, isn't it? The Fantastic Four may cause trouble for you in the future, but it's a personal grudge now, so it shouldn't weigh on you too much." Coulson said, assuming it was the source of Michael's worry.

"I'm not worried about that. If they don't provoke me, I won't provoke them. If they do, they should be prepared to pay the price." Michael replied calmly.

"I want to take a few days off, maybe three, to practice my new ability. This power is mine now, and mastering it will help us accomplish our missions more effectively."

"Well, alright. Just make sure to stay in touch. This is a sensitive period." Coulson agreed.

"I understand." Michael smiled. Coulson was one of the few people he genuinely respected for his straightforward nature.

"Then I'll get going. They're okay with me leaving, right?" Michael asked.

"Of course. I'll go with you."

After saying his goodbyes to Coulson and Nick Fury, a plane was arranged to take him to his next destination, and soon after, they parted ways.

'It seems they won't act openly against me, but if they try to settle scores privately... Well, I don't mind absorbing their abilities. The Fantastic Four's powers are strong indeed.' Michael thought, his mind racing. He was about to go to bed when he was suddenly interrupted by the system prompt: the system... had been upgraded!

---

The system prompt informed him.

[System upgrade: system space increased, copy world mission retention time extended.]

After the upgrade, Michael noticed a few key changes. The system now had an additional 10 square meters of space, allowing him to store items, though not humans just yet. He could access this space even during copy world missions, meaning he could bring items out of the copy worlds for use in the real world.

The retention time for missions was extended from 12 hours to three days, which meant he wouldn't have to rush the next time he entered.

This upgrade inspired his decision to take a few days off and head into the copy world to harness new abilities.

It was the "Superpower" world again. Last time, he had been somewhat reckless, missing out on certain objectives. This time, his goal was to obtain mind control and mental control powers. He also wanted to find the base of that "organization" filled with superhumans whose powers he could absorb. But this time, he was determined to maintain control.

A critical objective in the copy world was the R-gene serum, a powerful but risky genetic drug. This serum was more stable than other formulas, albeit with fewer variations in superpowers, making it ideal for creating a personal force down the line.

Despite knowing that S.H.I.E.L.D. would be monitoring him, Michael was unfazed. He entered a hotel, climbed the stairs, and chose to enter the copy world.

In an instant, Michael vanished.

Moments later, he appeared at the same spot he had left during his last visit. There was no one around; Li Xialou and her body were gone, and he had no idea how much time had passed.

Michael decided to look for Li Xiaolu first. Her predictive abilities were useful, and he also felt a sense of unfinished business due to how he had left her last time.

Unfortunately, his own predictive ability was still imprecise. While he could predict various scenes, he couldn't locate Li Xiaolu. Instead, he foresaw the male protagonist!

The male protagonist had reunited with the female lead, as well as a young prophet whose powers Michael had taken!

Moreover, the R-gene serum was still in their possession.

"Looks like they've joined forces. Saves me the trouble of hunting them down one by one." Michael smirked and quickly set off in their direction.

---

In a small hotel room, Nick, the male lead, Kira, the female lead, and Casey, the young ex-prophet, were hiding from the organization's pursuit. The loss of Casey's precognition had significantly complicated their escape efforts.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

A sudden knock at the door made the three of them tense up instantly.

Nick glanced at the others, pulling a gun from his waistband as he carefully approached the door.

Bang!

The door burst open, and two men stepped inside, one black and one white.

The black man, the boss of the organization and the murderer of Nick's father, possessed the ability of mind control. The white man, his subordinate, shared a similar mind control ability to Nick.

"You all are quite good at running. Aren't you a prophet? Didn't you 'see' me coming back?" The black man smiled smugly as he looked at Casey.

He hadn't realized that Casey had lost her powers.

Casey, feigning calm, replied, "I saw it, and I saw that you'll die here."

"Really? I don't think I'll be dying here!" The black man looked over the three of them, saying arrogantly, "You three probably can't pull it off. So, hand over the goods and come back with me peacefully, or... die here!"

"Ahem, sorry to interrupt, but I want that item, so... it seems you won't be having it!"

Just as the black man finished, a voice suddenly interrupted. He turned around swiftly to see a man, Michael, slowly walking in.

"I told you you'd die here. Why don't you believe it?" Casey seemed both nervous and relieved upon seeing Michael, though she didn't know who he was. She did know, however, that he had the power to devour others.

"So, you're the one who killed my men earlier. Are you a 'vampire'?" the black man asked Michael.

"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is... the girl is right. You will die here!"

Michael smiled as he slowly raised his hand, flames igniting and spreading across his arm.

"Bang!"

Under everyone's stunned gaze, the intense flames turned into a fist of fire, blasting toward the black boss and his subordinate.

Michael was taking the initiative; one of these two could control minds, and the other could use telekinesis. Allowing them time to react would make them much harder to handle.

The fiery fist roared forward, heat rolling off in waves.

The black boss, experienced and quick, drew his gun and fired at Michael, while his subordinate unleashed his telekinetic power, creating a shield to protect both of them from the flames.

Michael dodged the bullet effortlessly, then appeared in front of the telekinetic shield, striking it with his fiery fist.

Snap!

The shield shattered, and the fireball continued, slamming into the subordinate, sending him flying into the wall. Michael then grabbed the black boss's wrist, his flames searing the man's skin with a sickening sizzle. The boss screamed in pain, his eyes turning black as he attempted to mind-control Michael.

Michael could feel a strong mental force attempting to seize control of his mind. Without hesitation, he activated his devouring ability.

"What... what's happening?" The black boss shouted in disbelief, struggling as he felt his powers drain away rapidly.

He fought, desperately trying to resist, but it was futile.

Moments later, his eyes returned to normal, and Michael's flames surged higher, consuming the boss's entire body. Within seconds, the man's form crumbled to ashes.

"If you even think about running, I guarantee... you'll end up like him." Michael said coldly without looking back. Behind him, the subordinate, trembling with fear, tried to stand up. Seeing his boss reduced to ashes, he instinctively wanted to flee, but Michael's words froze him in place.

Paralyzed by fear, he stood, unable to move.

Seeing that he was terrified, Michael slowly turned to him, his eyes black with power, "Come here. Don't resist."