Chapter 50: Heading to Afghanistan

The next day, dark clouds loomed, and a drizzle shrouded New York City.

In the Bronx's high-end cemetery, Old Carlson stood leaning on a cane, gazing at his son's gravestone. The sorrow of an elder burying their child welled up within him, and a few tears fell from his fierce face.

"Let's go. We have more important matters to handle today," he said.

Wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes, Old Carlson turned and walked away, escorted by his subordinates.

Not far from them, George stood before another gravestone, casting a spell.

"Serpens Revelare!"

As the incantation took shape, a gray black mamba appeared in front of him. It swiftly slithered into the grass, heading toward Old Carlson's position.

About a minute later, George heard Old Carlson's pained screams and the panicked cries of his subordinates.

The nearest hospital was 30 minutes away, but with Old Carlson's frail body and the venom of the black mamba, he wouldn't survive more than 15 minutes.

With Old Carlson's death, chaos would engulf the Carlson family. The upper ranks would inevitably scramble for leadership, giving George the opportunity to eliminate key figures. Even if he resorted to using a sniper rifle, others would simply assume it was internal strife among the high-ranking members.

Three days later, on a rooftop at night:

"The Carlson family's internal conflict over the past few days has left them significantly weakened. I plan to strike tomorrow and take over all their territories," Leon reported respectfully to George.

Leon was deeply shaken by how George had dismantled a powerful faction of the Bronx's infamous 13 Families in just a few days. The early deaths of Old Carlson and his son, deemed accidents, were particularly terrifying. Even knowing George was responsible, Leon couldn't find any traces of foul play. Everyone else believed the two were simply unlucky—one fatally fell, and the other died from a snakebite.

Leon sometimes wondered: if George ever wanted to kill him, would he also fall victim to an untraceable "accident"? The mere thought chilled him to the bone, heightening his awe and fear of George.

"Where should I transfer the money once we've taken over their territory?" Leon asked.

"No need to transfer it to me. Keep it in your account. I'll collect what I need from you when the time comes," George replied.

George didn't have a bank account. Transferring the money to Logan or Gabriela's accounts could expose his identity. It was simpler to let Leon handle it, withdrawing cash as needed or having Leon pay directly for large expenses. After this string of events, George trusted Leon wouldn't dare tamper with his money.

"By the way, after seizing the Carlson territories, try to liquidate as much as possible. Sell off assets, secure as much cash flow as you can, and even mortgage properties for loans if necessary. Wait for my call."

"Huh?" Leon was stunned, unsure of George's intentions.

George didn't explain further. "If you trust me, do as I say. You'll earn a fortune. If not, I won't force you—just use my share to buy Stark Industries' stocks."

George didn't see the need to elaborate about his plan to save Tony Stark. Sharing too much could complicate things. As long as Leon profited in the end, trust would naturally grow.

"I trust you! Absolutely!" Leon pledged fervently.

His confidence wasn't out of fear but genuine belief in George's mysterious abilities. He even speculated George might have the power to foresee the future and knew Stark Industries' stock would soar. If that were true, Leon could potentially make far more than he ever could from the Carlson territories.

The next day, the newly empowered Leon Family launched a full-scale assault on the weakened Carlson Family, swiftly claiming 80% of their territory, leaving only a fraction for the sole surviving high-ranking member.

Two days later, Leon liquidated assets with fervor, even mortgaging his prized stretch limousine to the bank. His determination and trust in George were unshakable.

Three days later, at the mutant school's field, the ground opened to reveal a stealth jet. It slowly ascended, heading toward Baghlan Province, Afghanistan.

The X-Jet carried no passengers other than George and its pilot, Isa.

Initially, George had planned for Leon's men to transport him to Afghanistan. However, upon returning to the school and consulting with Professor X, Isa revealed she had mastered piloting the X-Jet under the professor's guidance.

This was ideal—flying directly to the desert saved time and reduced the risk of exposing George's identity.

Why not bring Logan along? For one, George felt confident enough to handle the Ten Rings terrorists on his own. Secondly, Logan's notoriety made him easily recognizable. Tony Stark, or even Jarvis, could quickly uncover Logan's identity with a little digging.

George wasn't ready for Tony to know who he was yet. The fewer people who knew, the better. Even a hero like Iron Man could inadvertently pose a security risk. In a few years, when George's strength had grown, and the mutants at the school had honed their abilities, he could afford to be less cautious.

The X-Jet's speed was remarkable, reaching Baghlan Province within a few hours. Hovering over the desert, George cast a spell.

"Guidance Unveiled!"

Golden powder formed an arrow before him, pointing toward his target. As Isa maneuvered the jet, the arrow adjusted accordingly. However, the spell only provided horizontal direction and lacked vertical accuracy, making it unsuitable for complex terrains like cities with skyscrapers. For now, though, it was perfect for finding someone in a desert.