Marvel: Starting as a Time Criminal, Stealing Powers

Johnny Storm stayed composed and said without hesitation:

"Bro, you're hilarious."

"My legs are just a bit numb from standing too long. You know, I usually fly."

"Ever heard of a bird without legs? Yeah, I'm kinda like that."

There was no way he'd admit it—not in this lifetime.

Only by acting tough could he save a bit of dignity.

As he spoke, he suddenly noticed something. Pointing behind Russell, he shouted anxiously:

"Hey! The fire guy is trying to escape!"

"Pretty obvious he doesn't care about you."

While Johnny spoke, Russell casually stretched his arm backward—without even turning around—and grabbed from top to bottom.

Suddenly, Thunderbolt felt like the sunlight had grown much brighter…

No!

It wasn't the sunlight—it was something else entirely!

His mouth hung open involuntarily. Reflected in his eyes was a golden meteor streaking down from the sky!

BOOM!!

A blazing, flaming holy sword descended from above, slamming directly into the convertible just as it was about to drive off. A massive explosion erupted!

The shockwave surged outward in a gust of wind, blasting Deathstrike—who had been charging at Russell—off her feet!

Thunderbolt's face twisted in panic. He tried to duck, but it was too late.

"F**k!" he shouted as he was thrown backward, face-planting into the sand, head spinning from the impact.

"Puh—puh—puh!"

"Wasn't that explosion a little too much?!"

Thunderbolt shook his head, looking stunned.

No normal car would explode like that. It had to be the effect of that flaming sword!

As the dust settled, he looked up and saw a massive crater where the convertible had been. Bits of melted metal were scattered everywhere.

As for the Fire Mutant...

He searched around but found nothing.

Russell had completely incinerated the guy—so thoroughly that not even ashes remained.

Johnny suddenly remembered—back when they first entered the black market, he'd called the guy gay for checking out his butt.

Was it too late to apologize now?

Please don't take my pants off…

He suddenly felt a chill around his waist.

Russell had no idea what Johnny was imagining. He turned to Deathstrike, who was climbing up from the ground:

"Why didn't you run earlier?"

Her face showed no fear—no expression at all—as she said coldly:

"Lady Cassandra's orders were to capture you alive."

"The fire guy was just sucking up to her. If I ran away now, my ending wouldn't be much better than dying here."

"That's why he ran—and why I won't."

Russell didn't sympathize. He sneered grimly:

"I remember your healing factor is stronger than Sabretooth's—almost on par with Wolverine's."

"I wonder… can you survive if I cut off your head?"

Deathstrike spread her fingers wide, revealing razor-sharp Adamantium claws protruding from her fingertips. She licked her lips and said:

"Come closer and I'll tell you."

A few minutes later…

Russell held Deathstrike's severed head—spine still attached. Her eyes faded into gray.

"Hah. Guess you're still no match for Wolverine."

To Thunderbolt, the sight was horrifying.

Russell stood drenched in blood, holding a head and spine like a trophy—looking more like a biblical devil than a superhero.

Johnny suddenly realized: some things could be endured in life.

And in some cases… survival came first.

Just then, Russell looked at him. Startled, Johnny scrambled to put on a forced smile.

Russell frowned slightly and turned away. He had a feeling this guy was thinking something weird again.

But his Spider-Sense didn't trigger, so it was probably just some nonsense in his head.

He ignored Johnny. As the wounds on his body and suit gradually healed, a mechanical voice sounded in his mind:

[Entry Plunder Completed!]

[X-Ability: Deathstrike (Purple)]

Possesses a powerful healing factor that can regenerate any damaged organs or limbs and survive otherwise fatal wounds—except decapitation.

Grants slight enhancements to body modification abilities.

While not quite as strong as Wolverine's, Russell was still very satisfied.

Her regeneration was faster than Extremis, though the decapitation weakness remained. But with Extremis compensating for that flaw, the two abilities combined perfectly—bringing his healing close to Wolverine's level.

As for Logan's extended lifespan—Russell had already gotten that from someone else.

He focused his mind, pulling up the list of entries he'd plundered:

[X-Ability: Sabretooth (Blue-Purple)]

Enhanced healing factor; lifespan exceeds 300 years.

[X-Ability: Quill (Green)]

Can launch sharp quills from the body at high velocity.

[X-Ability: Toad (Green)]

Enhanced jumping ability. Tongue extends up to 10 meters and secretes a paralyzing toxin.

Note: Loading this ability causes minor Toad-like skin mutations.

[X-Ability: Fire Mutant (Blue)]

Can control and absorb flames.

Russell wasn't too thrilled.

The fire mutant's ability was decent—not amazing, but useful.

Better than nothing. At least it added another layer to his fire manipulation toolkit.

But then, the system chimed again:

[Integrable Entry Detected: Extremis]

[Integrating...]

[Integration Complete!]

[Extremis: Flame-Blood Control (Purple)]

Boosted Extremis temperature—now reaching up to 3,800°C.

Can generate and manipulate flames and fiery blood.

Can control and absorb external flames.

Warning: Excessive use of fiery blood will cause temporary weakness.

Russell ignored the warning. He was stunned with excitement.

So entries could fuse?

And the result wasn't just 1+1—it was more like 1+1 = 10!

The power boost was massive.

The flame temperature and versatility had both skyrocketed. Even the fire mutant had been obliterated by comparison.

As for the "weakness" from overusing fiery blood?

That wasn't an issue anymore.

With Sabretooth's and Deathstrike's healing factors, any side effects could be completely offset.

Russell grinned.

He took back everything he said about the fire guy earlier.

That guy's ability? Not bad at all.

Actually… pretty damn good.

As for Quill and Toad's abilities?

Useless garbage. Get lost.

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