Chapter 6: X-Men, The Awakening
[Edited]
Chapter 6: X-Men, The Awakening
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Spring 1983 – New York City
Time had been kind to me, or perhaps it was my mastery over alchemy that had preserved my strength. Decades had passed since I first set foot in this world, and I had long since ascended beyond mere men. I was a godfather among titans, my influence spanning industries, politics, and even the supernatural. Yet, I knew that true power was not about dominion over the weak—but about ensuring the survival and prosperity of my bloodline.
William had grown into a formidable man, possessing a level of intelligence and skill far beyond ordinary mutants. His ability to absorb energy and refine it into power made him an unparalleled force. Add to that my teachings in alchemy, and he had become a warrior in both body and mind. He did not need the X-Men or their sanctuary. He was beyond their grasp.
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~The Unwanted Invitation~
One afternoon, while I reviewed Golden Enterprise's latest ventures, my assistant informed me of a guest. A certain Professor Charles Xavier had arrived, accompanied by his most trusted X-Men.
I sighed, placing my pen down. "Let them in. But I won't tolerate foolishness."
Minutes later, the grand doors to my office swung open, and in stepped Professor Xavier, flanked by Scott Summers, and Jean Grey. Their presence alone spoke volumes—they weren't here for a casual visit.
"Mr. Lin," Xavier greeted, his tone measured but warm. "Thank you for seeing us."
I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled. "I didn't have much of a choice, did I?"
Scott's brows furrowed at my bluntness, but Xavier remained composed. "We're here for your son, William. His abilities are extraordinary, and we believe he would benefit from joining the X-Men."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Join the X-Men? For what? To be a soldier for your cause?"
Jean stepped forward. "It's not like that. We provide a place where mutants can understand and control their powers in a safe environment."
I turned my gaze to her, my eyes narrowing. "Do you think my son needs your school? He has been trained since childhood—by me. There is nothing he can learn from you that he hasn't already mastered."
Xavier's expression softened. "Edward, I understand your concern. But isolation isn't always the best answer. He could connect with others like him, learn from their experiences—"
"William," I called out.
The air in the room grew heavy as my son entered. Now 24, he was a towering figure of discipline and power. Dressed in a finely tailored suit, he exuded confidence. His mere presence made even Scott shift uneasily.
"What do you need, Father?" William asked.
I gestured to the X-Men. "They're here to offer you protection."
William arched a brow, then turned to Xavier. "Protection from what?"
"From the dangers that come with being a mutant," Scott said. "From people who might seek to use or harm you."
William smiled, folding his arms. "I appreciate the concern, but I have been dealing with enemies my entire life. And if there's one thing I know, it's that power is the greatest deterrent."
Scott's frustration finally surfaced. "That's a dangerous mindset. The world doesn't work that way."
William smirked. "Doesn't it? Look at my father. He has built a business empire that even the government respects. Power isn't dangerous. It's necessary."
Xavier sighed. "I see there is no changing your mind."
"There isn't," I confirmed. "You came to my house with noble intentions, but my son is not a lost child in need of guidance. He is his own man."
Xavier regarded William for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. Should you ever change your mind, the offer remains."
Without another word, they left. As the doors shut behind them, I turned to William.
"What do you think?" I asked.
William exhaled, shaking his head. "They're idealists. They don't understand the real world."
I smirked. "Precisely."
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~Proficiency Panel Update~
The meeting had been a reminder—I needed to assess my progress. Calling forth my panel, I watched as the numbers materialized before me.
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[Proficiency Panel]
Name: Edward Lin
Age: 56/85+500
[Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist)]
Alchemy Proficiency: 93% (Level: Grandmaster)
Transmutation: 95% (Level: Grandmaster)
Reinforcement: 93% (Level: Grandmaster)
Creation: 90% (Level: Master)
Physical Condition: Enhanced Human+ (Alchemically Reinforced)
Enhancement: 500 years (Life-extension elixirs & alchemy)
Strength: God-King
Status: Chairman of Golden Enterprise, Head of the Lin Family,
Mood: Calm, Focused
Skill: Inspect (New)
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth - $260 billion
Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, security forces, mercenary companies, rare resource monopolies, 1.8% Stark Industries shares, etc.
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~Inspect: can see other people's status window.~
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Inspect: Evelyn Lin
[Status Window]
Name: Evelyn Lin
Age: 51/85+500
Status: Enhanced Human
Physical Condition: Excellent
Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (500 years), Alchemically-enhanced vitality
Strength Level: Peak Human
Health: Perfect
Mood: Calm, Focused
Skills: Master surgeon, medical researcher, biotechnology pioneer
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $10 Million
Property: A luxury penthouse, a private research lab
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Humanitarian Medical Research
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Inspect: William Lin
[Status Window]
Name: William Lin
Age: 24/85+500
Mutant Ability: Energy Absorption and Reinforcement (Omega-Level)
Alchemy Proficiency: 80% (Level: Advanced)
Physical Condition: Superhuman (Continuously evolving)
(Potential: Unlimited)
Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (500 years)
Strength Level: Star Level
Health: Perfect
Mood: Confident, Determined
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $50 Million
Property: A luxury estate, multiple investment properties
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise (Heir)
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~A New Era~
The world was changing. Mutants were emerging in greater numbers, supernatural forces were making themselves known, and conflicts were brewing in the shadows. But no matter what came, I knew one thing:
The Lin family would not be caught off guard.
And we would never bow to anyone.
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Spring 1983 – New York City
The world was never truly at peace. Even in times of prosperity, shadows moved beneath the surface, plotting, scheming, waiting for their moment to strike. And today, the shadows were restless.
Golden Enterprise was flourishing, its influence spanning industries and borders. But power always attracted those who wished to take it for themselves. My enemies knew they could not strike me directly, so they sought other means.
I sat in my private study, fingers steepled as I activated Inspect once more. It was time to assess the strength of my most trusted creations and subordinates.
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Inspect: The 12 Homunculi
Name: Leo
Age: 5/∞
Status: Artificial Human
Health: Perfect
Mood: Focused, Battle-ready
Enhancements: Alchemical Reinforcement, Kryptonium Plating
Strength Level: Star-Level
Wealth: None
Property: None
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Personal Guard
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Name: Sagittarius
Age: 5/∞
Status: Artificial Human
Health: Perfect
Mood: Restless, Alert
Enhancements: Alchemical Speed Reinforcement
Strength Level: Star-Level
Wealth: None
Property: None
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Personal Guard
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The remaining ten homunculi bore names befitting their divine counterparts: Taurus, Scorpio, Virgo, Gemini, Cancer, Aries, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each had been created with a specific purpose, specializing in different aspects of combat and defense. All were at Star-Level Strength, just a step below William.
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Inspect: My Most Loyal Subordinates
Name: Jackie Wu
Age: 53/85+200
Status: Enhanced Human
Health: Excellent
Mood: Steady, Loyal
Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (200 years), Alchemically Enhanced Physique
Strength Level: Disaster-Level
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million
Property: Personal residence, luxury assets
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Chief Strategist
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Name: David Chen
Age: 52/85+200
Status: Enhanced Human
Health: Excellent
Mood: Focused, Cautious
Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (200 years), Alchemically Enhanced Reflexes
Strength Level: Disaster-Level
Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $12 Million
Property: Private estate, investment holdings
Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Head of Security
---
I was satisfied. They were all progressing as expected. But something in the air felt... wrong. A disturbance beyond my immediate understanding. Then, a few days later, the phone rang.
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~The Awakening of Apocalypse~
Elsewhere in Cairo, something ancient stirred. A force not seen for millennia. A legend whispered among the oldest of the supernatural. En Sabah Nur, the First Mutant—Apocalypse—had awoken.
His presence was like a beacon, and he immediately sensed something... someone. A perfect vessel. A mutant of limitless potential. William Lin.
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~The Battle for William Lin~
William had been overseeing a critical Golden Enterprise transport—rare alchemical materials essential to future research. He was not alone; Jackie Wu and David Chen accompanied him, along with three of the homunculi.
The ambush came without warning. A vortex of sand erupted in the night sky as Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen descended.
William stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
"You must be Apocalypse," he said, eyes scanning the ancient mutant. "And these must be your followers."
Apocalypse regarded William as one might a prized jewel. "You are strong. A body such as yours is wasted on fleeting ambitions. You should serve a higher purpose."
William smirked. "Let me guess—you want me to join you?"
Apocalypse nodded. "I offer you true power, beyond what your father has given you."
William cracked his knuckles. "Tempting offer. But I prefer making my destiny."
The battle erupted.
Lightning crackled as Storm summoned a tempest, winds strong enough to shatter trees. Magneto raised his hands, tearing steel beams from nearby structures. Psylocke and Archangel moved like phantoms, their blades and wings cutting through the air.
William, undeterred, absorbed the raw energy around him, his body glowing with power.
The fight was brutal.
Jackie Wu engaged Psylocke, their blades clashing in rapid succession. David Chen maneuvered around Archangel's aerial strikes, using alchemically enhanced reflexes to evade lethal blows. The homunculi fought like machines of war, their alchemical bodies withstanding Magneto's attempts to crush them.
But Apocalypse himself was different.
William launched an energy-infused strike, but Apocalypse simply raised his hand, absorbing the impact. "Impressive," the ancient mutant mused, "but not enough."
Then, Apocalypse moved.
His speed was unnatural. His fist crashed into William's chest, sending him hurtling through a building. Before William could recover, Magneto encased him in twisted metal restraints. Storm sent arcs of lightning surging into his body.
William roared, breaking free, his eyes burning with power. He grabbed Magneto by the throat and slammed him into the ground, then spun to deflect Psylocke's blade with sheer force.
But then—Apocalypse struck again.
A single moment of hesitation. A lapse in defense.
Everything went dark.
Jackie and David rushed forward, but a barrier of energy blocked them. The homunculi fought desperately, but it was too late.
William was gone.
Apocalypse had taken him.
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~Aftermath~
The battlefield was in ruins. Jackie Wu knelt amidst the wreckage, fists clenched. David Chen, breathing heavily, surveyed the damage.
Leo, battered but still standing, spoke first. "Orders?"
Jackie's gaze darkened. "We tell the boss."
And so, the world shifted once more.
Apocalypse had taken William Lin.
But the Lin Family would not let this stand.
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To be continued...