Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 11: X-Men

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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 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, Ororo Munroe, 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," Ororo 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 an 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.

[Proficiency Panel]

Name: Edward Lin

Age: 56/85+500

Alchemy Proficiency: 99% (Level: Grandmaster)

Transmutation: 95% (Level: Grandmaster)

Reinforcement: 93% (Level: Grandmaster)

Creation: 90% (Level: Grandmaster)

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $500 Billion

Property: Private estates, corporate buildings, hospitals, research facilities, security forces, mercenary companies, rare resource monopolies, 1.8% Stark Industries shares

Physical Condition: Enhanced Human+ (Alchemically Reinforced)

Enhancement: 500 years (Life-extension elixirs & alchemy)

Status: God-King Level Powerhouse

Strength Levels:

Normal → Peak Human → Superhuman → Disaster Level → Planetary → Star Level → Half-step God-King → God-King → Single Universe → Multiverse → Beyond Multiverse

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Inspect: Evelyn Lin

Name: Evelyn Lin

Age: 51/85+500

Status: Enhanced Human

Health: Perfect

Mood: Calm, Focused

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $10 Million

Property: A luxury penthouse, a private research lab

Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (500 years), Alchemically-enhanced vitality

Physical Condition: Excellent

Strength Level: Peak Human

Skills: Master surgeon, medical researcher, biotechnology pioneer

Affiliation: Golden Enterprise, Humanitarian Medical Research

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Inspect: William Lin

Name: William Lin

Age: 24/85+500

Mutant Ability: Energy Absorption and Reinforcement (Omega-Level)

Alchemy Proficiency: 80% (Level: Master)

Health: Perfect

Mood: Confident, Determined

Wealth: Estimated Net Worth: $50 Million

Property: A luxury estate, multiple investment properties

Enhancements: Life-extension elixir (500 years)

Physical Condition: Superhuman (Continuously evolving)

Strength Level: Half-step God-King (Potential: Unlimited)

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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