Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 19: Echoes of War

Spring 1983 – Cairo, Egypt

The dust had settled, but the war was far from over.

Inside a fortified Golden Enterprise safehouse, Edward Lin sat in deep contemplation. Reports from his operatives painted a grim picture. The mutant world was in flux, the power vacuum left by Apocalypse sending shockwaves through both the criminal underworld and the global intelligence community. Governments, organizations, and hidden factions all wanted answers—some sought to challenge him, others to recruit him.

And then there was William.

His son rested in a reinforced medical chamber, his body still radiating unstable energy. The residual effects of Apocalypse's failed transformation had left William altered in ways Edward had yet to fully understand. The boy's mutant ability had always been remarkable, but now it had been pushed beyond its limits. Edward had spent hours stabilizing him with alchemy, but even he wasn't certain what lasting effects remained.

Evelyn Lin entered the room, her expression unreadable. She placed a file on the desk, its contents marked classified. "We have a problem."

Edward looked up. "Just one?"

She didn't smile. "Multiple. S.H.I.E.L.D. is asking questions. The Hellfire Club wants a meeting. The Hand is mobilizing in Madripoor, and the remnants of Apocalypse's followers refuse to believe he's gone."

Edward flipped open the file. Surveillance photos of known operatives and high-ranking figures filled the pages. Emma Frost. Sebastian Shaw. Nick Fury. Madame Hydra. Names that carried weight in the ever-shifting game of power.

"They all want something," Evelyn continued. "Some want William. Some want you."

Edward's fingers tapped against the table. "Then we deal with them accordingly."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Edward's gaze darkened. "We remind them that I don't bow to anyone."

William's Awakening

Hours later, Edward stood by his son's bedside, watching as William slowly regained consciousness. The boy's eyes flickered open, glowing faintly before settling back into their natural hue. He sat up, rubbing his temples.

"How do you feel?" Edward asked.

William exhaled slowly. "Different."

Edward observed him closely. "The energy inside you—it hasn't faded."

William looked at his hands, clenching them experimentally. A faint, unnatural aura flickered around his fingers before dissipating. "It's still there. But it's not just Apocalypse's energy. It feels like… mine."

Edward frowned. "Your mutation is evolving."

William nodded. "I can feel everything more clearly. The energy in the air, in people. It's like I can absorb more than before."

Edward placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "Then you need to master it before someone else tries to take it from you."

William met his father's gaze, determination burning in his young eyes. "I won't let that happen again."

The Gathering Storm

Edward had always known that power came at a cost. Now, with Apocalypse's death, the cost was becoming clear. Rivals and potential allies alike were making their moves. He had no illusions that the next battle was far off.

Golden Enterprise's influence was vast, but it would be tested like never before. The world was changing, and Edward Lin had no intention of being left behind. He had defeated a god—but now, he had to contend with the ambitions of men.

Standing before a map marked with the movements of his enemies, Edward reached a simple conclusion.

If they wanted war, he would give it to them.