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Time swiftly passes, years resembling melodies, and several more years have elapsed. The name of the Black Shadow Mercenaries resonated across the universe. Their origin remained a mystery, concealed by the fact that every member wears a black bodysuit during missions, veiling their entire form and revealing only their eyes.

The sudden emergence of the shadow mercenary group perplexed people, obscuring their trustworthy source. What is known is that each member possesses formidable strength, some capable of transforming into flame monsters, or they could render their bodies invulnerable, akin to metal, and shoot lethal laser beams from their eyes. In the eyes of many, they are unstoppable demons.

Fortunately, the shadow mercenary group maintains a commendable reputation. Upon accepting a task, they dedicate themselves to its completion, refraining from bullying the weak—provided they are not provoked.

Numerous forces in the universe attempt to recruit the Mercenary Corps, yet all efforts invariably fail. Even solitary individuals seeking to enlist the group's services meet with disappointment. Eventually, even arranging a meeting becomes a challenge. The Shadow Mercenary Corps deliberately or unintentionally concealed itself in the shadows. The only visibly prominent figure is Stakar Ogard, the former Ravager leader, prompting envy and resentment from many who wonder why they didn't have the good fortune to align themselves with the shadow mercenary corps.

In the central control room of a space battleship, Ivan gazed at the cosmic starry sky displayed on the screen, with a swell of pride in his heart. The newly constructed space battleship was the culmination of collaborative efforts among mutants.

Ivan has transitioned from his spaceship Celeste to the Space Walker, a space battleship funded primarily by the earnings from soldiers' missions over the past few years. This battleship boasts one of the most advanced drive systems in the universe, powered by a void reactor with a near-perfect power configuration and an exceptional defense system. Theoretically, it could traverse the universe continuously for a thousand years without energy concerns.

While the battleship's surface is initially only 800 meters long, Ivan used 500 space energy crystals and a traceless extension spell to expand it significantly. Internally, the warship's space has been multiplied by a hundred, with three layers and an ecological park simulated to resemble natural environments. Divided into ten sections totaling over 10,000 acres, it accommodates animal and plant cultivation and provides a relaxing space for living creatures.

To construct this unparalleled super battleship, Ivan invested substantial funds to procure state-of-the-art equipment and materials from various planets and empires, completing the project over several years.

Ivan revels in the cool and refreshing texture of the metal deck. However, his joy is interrupted by a sudden beeping sound in his mind. Initially dismissing it, his curiosity is piqued when he realizes the message is from the Red Queen on Earth. Although Ivan granted special permission for critical information, the timing suggests a potentially significant event on Earth.

Concerned, Ivan checks the information security details and is visibly unsettled after reading. He urgently summons a three-dimensional image of a jade rabbit on the console. He calls for his father, Borgin, and Stakar to the central control room, hinting at impending trouble.

Within a minute, the hurried footsteps announce the arrival of Ivan's father, Shaw, followed by Borgin in a wizard's robe with a wand, and finally, Stakar. While Shaw's presence is expected, Borgin's appearance raises eyebrows, adding an element of surprise to the situation.

It might seem improbable, but Borgin has been a part of the shadow mercenary group for several years, joining at its inception. Borgin, once a reluctant subordinate forced into servitude by Ivan, harbored deep resentment towards him. In certain aspects, he despised Ivan to the core. If Borgin had believed himself a match, he would have rebelled against Ivan's leadership long ago.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Borgin willingly joined the mercenary group. Initially perplexed, Ivan only grasped the whole picture after listening to Borgin's explanation.

With Ivan's assistance, Borgin merged with a silent one, causing his magical power to increase. Moreover, Ivan employed nanorobots to stimulate Borgin's brain, enhancing his spiritual power and magical sensitivity to an extraordinary level. The combined effect resulted in unprecedented strength, making Borgin unrivaled in the British magic world. Borgin, under a concealed identity, even engaged in a secret battle with Voldemort, effortlessly defeating the dark wizard.

Following the confrontation with Voldemort, Borgin realized that, with his newfound strength, he could stand against even a team-up of Voldemort and Dumbledore. With such power, Borgin could virtually dictate terms in the British wizarding world, becoming an unofficial ruler.

Initially content with the tasks Ivan assigned, Borgin eventually grew bored. As his strength increased, his subordinates became capable of handling most responsibilities. The emptiness in his heart grew, and for the first time, he understood the loneliness of being at the pinnacle. Contemplating the vastness of the universe, Borgin wondered if he could rediscover his passion amid magical wonders like creatures, potions, and occult items. Thus, when Ivan recruited mutants for the second time, Borgin eagerly expressed his desire to explore the universe.

Considering Borgin's request, Ivan agreed, foreseeing potential challenges in the universe where a wizard-like Borgin could provide invaluable assistance to mutants during their missions.

In practice, Ivan's decision proved judicious. Borgin's powerful magic saved mutants from life-threatening crises multiple times, earning him respect among his peers and a position as one of the three commanders in the shadow mercenary group.

As the trio settled down, Ivan conveyed, "I just received news from Earth. There might be significant changes, and I need to return. During this time, the mercenary group will be under your guidance."

"Earth! What's happening? Explain. Is it because of us mutants?"

Shaw is the only one bold enough to address Ivan in such a manner. While Borgin may be influential among the trio, he remains under Ivan's control, unable to dictate his life and death. It would be unthinkable for him to adopt such a tone with Ivan. As for Stakar, he has wholly submitted to Ivan and, given Ivan's fair treatment, views him almost as a deity, incapable of speaking in such a manner.

Despite Ivan's power and status, he bows his head in the face of his father, involuntarily lowering his tone, and says, "According to the news from the Red Queen, Magneto's daughter and wife were killed. Knowing Magneto's personality, he will undoubtedly seek revenge recklessly."

Ivan can't help but lament the historical inertia. While in the original plot, Magneto led a low-key life after the White House incident, got married, and had children, Ivan altered his trajectory, resulting in the death of Magneto's family. Unlike the original story, Magneto is not alone this time; he has a formidable force at his disposal. If unleashed, the potential damage is unpredictable.

"Now Magneto possesses a powerful mutant force. If he wages war against humans in a fit of rage, it will be devastating for us mutants. Additionally, the Red Queen detected a potent energy field belonging to a mutant whose power surpasses mine. I need to investigate."

Shaw's expression changes, aware of his current strength. Despite a transformative experience after death, surpassing his peak state, there are mutants on Earth stronger than him. He exclaims, "Stronger than you! Is it possible? Could it be that the dormant phoenix power you mentioned has awakened?"

"It's not the power of the phoenix. This mutant is ancient, the root of mutants. Earthly legends are tied to him. I need to investigate before knowing the full story."

Ivan already has a hunch about what happened. Considering the timeline, Earth's first mutant, Apocalypse, should have awakened after a long slumber. Ivan is eager to meet this ancestral mutant who, according to legends, was infused with the blood of gods before unlocking mutant abilities. He strengthens others' powers and can also seize bodies and acquire their abilities. The mystery lies in how mutant skills, rooted in genes, can be transferred along with the original power when stealing someone else's body. Ivan is eager to delve into this mystery.

"You're sure about dealing with this mutant? Don't mess it up!"

"Don't worry, I'm confident." Ivan wears a confident expression. His strength has seen significant progress, and he has been working on a trump card with the reality gem's assistance. In an altered state, Ivan dares to face the two significant overlords in the universe, Thanos and Darkseid, even if they join forces. His confidence stems from his enhanced strength.

Hearing Ivan's assurance, Shaw feels relieved. He knows his son well. If Ivan says he's confident, there won't be any problems. "Alright, you can go back to Earth. The mercenary group situation has improved, and we can handle the formalities. Don't worry."

Stakar and Borgin immediately pledge their assistance to Shaw. Understanding the father-son relationship, they won't vie for power with Shaw.

Ivan gives some final instructions, and then the portal opens, whisking him back to Earth in the blink of an eye.