Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 13: The Storm Before the Battle

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Spring 1983 – Global Chaos

The world was unraveling.

Across the globe, reports flooded in of mass destruction and unnatural disasters. Cairo had become an epicenter of devastation, swallowed by a storm of impossible magnitude. A new presence had emerged—an ancient force, a mutant so powerful that the world itself seemed to tremble at his awakening. The name whispered in fear and awe: Apocalypse.

Edward Lin stood in his war room, staring at the screens displaying live footage. His fingers drummed against the polished mahogany table. Around him, his most trusted people gathered, their expressions grim. Jackie Wu and David Chen stood by his side, their postures tense but resolute. The twelve homunculi—his greatest creations—stood at attention, their otherworldly presence filling the room with an air of unstoppable force.

William had been taken.

Edward clenched his jaw, suppressing the wave of fury threatening to consume him. The moment William had refused Apocalypse's offer, the ancient mutant had decided to take him by force. Now, his son was in enemy hands, a vessel for a being that sought to remake the world in his own image.

Edward exhaled slowly. "Report."

Jackie Wu, his chief strategist, stepped forward. "Apocalypse has begun reshaping the world in his vision. His powers are unlike anything we've ever seen. He has gathered four powerful mutants as his Horsemen."

David Chen, his intelligence chief, continued, "Storm, Magneto, Psylocke, and Archangel. All incredibly powerful in their own right. Magneto is the most dangerous—he's manipulating the entire planet's magnetic field. He's already caused untold destruction. Storm controls the weather on a catastrophic scale."

Edward's gaze flickered toward the images of Cairo. The pyramids had been swallowed by an enormous metallic construct—Apocalypse's throne. He could see storm clouds raging, the sky twisted by unnatural forces.

The homunculi remained silent, awaiting orders. Ares, the strongest, stood with arms crossed, his eyes burning with a warrior's fury. Hermes, the fastest, shifted restlessly, eager for action. Each of them had been designed for war, but even they understood the gravity of the enemy they faced.

Edward turned to Jackie. "How long until we're fully prepared?"

"Two days at most. Every resource is being mobilized. Our elite forces are en route to the staging ground. The homunculi are at full strength." He hesitated. "But the world isn't waiting for us. The X-Men are already moving."

Edward narrowed his eyes. "Charles and his team…"

"Yes. They've engaged Apocalypse's forces. If they fail—"

"They won't be the only ones paying the price," Edward finished. His fingers pressed against the edge of the table, his thoughts sharp as a blade. "We move when we're ready. Not a moment sooner."

David spoke up. "We intercepted a message. Xavier has been taken. Apocalypse infiltrated the X-Mansion and took him. The X-Men are regrouping. They're planning an attack on Cairo."

Edward's eyes darkened. "Then we'll let them be the spearhead."

Jackie frowned. "You want them to fight first?"

Edward gave a thin smile. "They're the perfect distraction. Let them exhaust Apocalypse's forces. When the time is right, we strike. We take back William and end this threat permanently."

The homunculi bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Ares spoke, his voice like rolling thunder. "We will tear through their ranks when the moment arrives."

Edward's gaze remained fixed on the swirling chaos in Cairo. His son was out there, trapped in the hands of a god.

But gods could fall.

And Edward Lin would make sure this one did.

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