Joining, Azazel

"It’s too early for a final battle. Let things settle down first."

Wang Bert thought to himself, Once I have enough strength and prestige, I’ll deal with the Mutant Brotherhood slowly.

Strength was easy enough. As long as he had money, Money Power could crush everything. But in terms of prestige, Wang Bert was still far from enough. To become the third major force among mutants, he still had a long way to go.

At that moment, Wade knocked and entered. "BOSS, a few mutants are causing trouble at the construction site. They say they don’t want to work and want us to support them."

Wade had officially joined the Universe Recycling Company as the head of security. He had not really wanted the job, since he did not want his life to become monotonous. But his wife had repeatedly demanded that he accept, even threatening to break up with him. Being head of security was far better than being a mercenary.

In the end, Wade could only nod helplessly. What was freedom compared to his wife?

"Throw them all out. This isn’t an orphanage."

Wang Bert snorted. "My goal is to provide mutants with stable jobs."

"BOSS, if you do that, those mutants will curse you and smear your name."

His secretary, Yuriko, reminded him, "Your prestige will decline when that happens. After all, you’re the Mutant Savior now."

"Being the Mutant Savior doesn’t mean I have to support every mutant."

Wang Bert waved his hand. "I’m not short on money, but I won’t feed freeloaders. How about this? I’ll build a special welfare home. For mutants who truly can’t work, I can support them unconditionally."

"A welfare home will be enough to erase those people’s slander against you, BOSS."

Yuriko nodded. "However, building one will cost a great deal of money. Because mutants live in such harsh conditions, there are many elderly, weak, sick, and disabled mutants."

"Money has never been a problem," Wang Bert said indifferently.

I really hope that one day, I can be as generous as the boss.

Wade was filled with envy. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "BOSS, why did you pick me as the head of security? Shouldn’t you have picked a mutant?"

Wade was not the only one with that question. In fact, quite a few mutants did not trust Wade—or rather, they did not trust humans.

"First, you’re capable enough."

Wang Bert said, "Second, I never planned to turn the Recycling Company into a little mutant kingdom. My goal is for mutants and humans to coexist harmoniously, so there must be ordinary people in the Recycling Company.

"Of course, those ordinary people absolutely cannot discriminate against mutants. If they do, they’ll be fired immediately."

Wade shrugged. "I would never discriminate against mutants. In fact, I’ve always felt that one day, I’ll awaken a Mutant Gene and become one of you."

"Maybe."

Wang Bert smiled and asked, "How is the Security Team coming along?"

"I’ve already selected over ten people. Mutants who have served in the military are very suitable for the Security Team."

Wade raised a finger. "BOSS, I guarantee that the Security Team will be fully formed within a week."

"Very good."

Wang Bert nodded in satisfaction. Before Wade went crazy, he had always been reliable at getting things done. Wang Bert said, "Wade, the Security Team will not only maintain order and safety within the company. In the future, it will also fight externally, so it must be large and comprehensive. Build the Security Team according to the model of a Security Company.

"When the time comes, I’ll separate the Security Team from the company. Then, you’ll be the president of the Security Company."

"President?"

Wade’s eyes lit up. He, Wade, actually had a chance to become a president?

"Listening to my wife really can make me rich." Wade said, "BOSS, I know what to do now."

"Good. Don’t worry about funding. Whatever you need, submit a report, and I’ll allocate the money."

Yuriko could not help glancing at Wang Bert. Her boss really spent money at an astonishing pace. What was that saying again? Spending money like water.

"Thank you, BOSS."

Wade left excitedly. Just as he walked out, he ran into Psylocke and happily waved. "Hey, beautiful. We meet again."

Psylocke glanced at Wade. "Yes, I came to discuss a business deal worth tens of millions with the boss."

"Tens of millions?"

The Security Company instantly no longer seemed appealing to Wade. Even as president, he probably could not earn tens of millions a year, right?

"Damn it, nothing good ever happens when I run into this woman."

Wade left in irritation, heading to the construction site to drive away the mutants trying to freeload.

Wang Bert would never spend money to support mutants for nothing. That would be bad not only for himself, but for mutants as well.

Inside the office, Psylocke set her sword aside and asked Wang Bert, "BOSS, where’s my payment?"

Wang Bert took out a long sword from beneath the desk and tossed it to Psylocke. "This is an Adamantium sword specially forged for you."

"It was finished so quickly?"

Psylocke caught the sword excitedly. With a turn, the blade slid from its sheath, transforming into dazzling, brilliant flashes of sword light in the air.

A moment later, Psylocke stopped and stroked the blade. She could not put it down. "A fine sword. With it, I can cut through anything."

Yuriko adjusted her decorative glasses, somewhat unconvinced. "I’m curious. With an Adamantium sword and your superpower, can you cut through Adamantium?"

Psylocke turned to Yuriko and said coldly, "I’d like to know too."

"I’m curious as well."

Wang Bert rubbed his chin. Adamantium was supposedly indestructible, but in the movies, it had been cut apart twice. Once was in "Wolverine 1," when Wolverine used his high-temperature claws to sever Modified Deadpool’s neck.

The other time was in "Wolverine 2," when Wolverine’s claws were cut off by the villain’s high-temperature Adamantium sword.

Psylocke’s sword might really be able to cut through Adamantium.

"When we have time, we’ll test it properly."

Wang Bert smiled. "Psylocke, this alloy sword costs ten million at a discounted price. Your payment for this mission was one million. Altogether, you still owe me four million."

"When it comes to making money, capitalists like you really are the best."

Psylocke sighed, sheathed her sword, and said, "I’ll pay you back as soon as possible."

"No problem. I’m not in a hurry."

Wang Bert placed a document on the desk. "I want to establish a new company. Would you be interested in joining?"

"A new company?"

Psylocke sat down and opened the document. Her eyes gradually brightened. After a moment, she closed it and asked, "Will the government allow mutants to become Super Heroes with law enforcement authority?"

"The president promised me that we can run a pilot program in New York. That’s enough. After all, disasters basically all happen in New York."

Wang Bert said, "Running Super Heroes the way celebrities are managed will bring in massive profits. Psylocke, if you’re willing to join, I guarantee you’ll earn at least tens of millions a year."

"That much?"

Psylocke’s heart raced. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "BOSS, Super Heroes are vigilantes. They don’t get appearance fees."

"Not only are there no appearance fees, but they have to pay compensation if they damage anything."

Wang Bert smiled. "Super Heroes make money from merchandise, not appearance fees. I’ve already contacted the Eastern side. They will produce large quantities of merchandise for us. As long as you become famous, earning tens of millions a year won’t be a problem.

"Also, once the Recycling Company is on track, I’ll acquire a film company. When that happens, you’ll appear on the big screen."

Psylocke’s eyes grew brighter and brighter. What woman had never dreamed of becoming a star? In fact, she had once been part of the entertainment industry. Later, however, she became disheartened and went off to become a mercenary.

"Why me?" Psylocke asked.

"First, you’re strong enough. You’ll be the first mutant celebrity in history to appear before the public. If you aren’t strong enough, you won’t be able to hold the stage."

Wang Bert explained, "Many mutants will want to challenge you. You must possess overwhelming strength. You absolutely cannot be all show and no substance."

"That’s true. There are plenty of jealous people these days."

Psylocke nodded and said proudly, "My strength can definitely hold the stage."

"Of course it can. I can tell from your rates."

Wang Bert smiled, then continued, "Second, I investigated you. You were once in the entertainment industry, so you have the foundation and experience to be a star.

"Being a celebrity isn’t that easy. You not only need good character, but you also need to cooperate with the image designed by the team. That’s why I chose you instead of Wolverine.

"That guy would never obediently follow instructions. Worse still, once his temper flares up, he might even slash his fans."

"Making Wolverine a celebrity would be worse than killing him."

Psylocke complained, "Being a celebrity really isn’t easy. Back then, I went an entire day without drinking water for a single show. By the time I came down from the runway, I nearly fainted."

Wang Bert asked somewhat gossipily, "Psylocke, why did you leave the entertainment industry later?"

"One day, my agent took me to entertain a boss. That boss started getting handsy, and my agent told me to cooperate. Then I drew an Eighty-Meter Long Greatsword and chopped off both their hands."

Psylocke said expressionlessly, "After that, I left the entertainment industry. I wanted to become famous, but I would never sacrifice my body."

As she said that, Psylocke deliberately glanced at Wang Bert. Clearly, she was warning him.

"Don’t worry, I already have a wife. By the way, where did you hide that Eighty-Meter Long Greatsword?"

Wang Bert asked with a smile. Psylocke and Yuriko both laughed. Psylocke said, "You’re a good person. You probably won’t have the chance to see my eighty-meter sword."

"Miss Psylocke, being called a good person is an insult. Thanks."

Wang Bert said, "The third reason is that you’re beautiful and have a great figure. You can not only attract a huge number of fans, but also greatly improve the image of mutants."

"That’s a very realistic reason."

Psylocke did not find it offensive. Celebrities needed to be beautiful. If they were not beautiful, who would watch them perform?

"From every angle, Miss Psylocke, you’re highly suited to become the first mutant celebrity."

Wang Bert said, "As long as you’re willing to join my company, I’ll definitely make you famous—famous enough to turn purple. Of course, there will definitely be no shortage of objections, since you’re a mutant. I’ll have the company protect you with everything it has.

"America is a capitalist society. As long as you have money, nothing is impossible. TV stations, newspapers, the internet—those mouthpieces, I’ll take care of them all for you."

Psylocke no longer hesitated. "BOSS, please take care of me from now on."

"I guarantee you’ll never regret the choice you made today."

Wang Bert smiled. "I’ll arrange a team for you immediately. You can also recommend people yourself. Oh, and don’t be a mercenary anymore. You must completely clear your name."

"I understand. To become a celebrity, I’ll have to give up many things."

Psylocke nodded. Becoming a celebrity had never been simple.

Wang Bert nodded. "Looks like I didn’t choose wrong."

"Of course. I hope I can really become famous this time and fulfill my dream from when I was young."

Psylocke smiled. Then she remembered something and said, "Right, there’s something I nearly forgot to tell you."

"What is it?" Wang Bert asked.

"Kingpin is planning to deal with you."

Psylocke said, "I heard it from an old friend. It’s absolutely reliable."

Wang Bert was stunned. "Why would Kingpin want to deal with me?"

"Some time ago, more than fifty million dollars vanished from his gang’s bank out of thin air. And then, you suddenly became very rich, so naturally, he suspects you."

Psylocke said, "Don’t talk about evidence. Gangs don’t need evidence to act. Suspicion is enough.

"Besides, all the major gangs have been pressuring Kingpin to give them an explanation. Given Kingpin’s personality, finding a scapegoat is perfectly normal. Even if he’s wrong, it won’t matter much. He can conveniently use your money to fill the gap.

"According to my friend, Kingpin will move against you soon. His men are already secretly investigating your movements."

"BOSS, I’ll go take care of Kingpin for you."

Yuriko immediately said. With her strength, Kingpin was nothing.

Psylocke smiled. "BOSS, I wouldn’t mind completing one final job for you."

"Don’t get so worked up. It’s just Kingpin. He’s nothing. I’ll deal with him myself."

Wang Bert waved his hand. "Actually, I was just looking for him. Since he’s delivering himself to my door, I won’t be polite."

"BOSS, Kingpin is New York’s underground emperor. If you want to move against him, you must strike him down in one blow. Otherwise, it will be troublesome."

Psylocke warned, "A lot of people depend on him to make a living."

"Don’t worry. He won’t be difficult to deal with."

Wang Bert smiled. It was only Kingpin. It was not as if he had never dealt with one before. The one in the Marvel World was still working as a War Lizard now.

Meanwhile, on an island off the coast of New York, the Mutant Brotherhood was holding a meeting. This island was the Mutant Brotherhood’s New York branch. That’s right, only a branch. The Mutant Brotherhood’s real headquarters was not in America.

Inside the office, Magneto looked at Sabretooth and asked unhappily, "You actually failed?"

Sabretooth stood there stupidly without saying anything. Fire Palm gave a bitter smile. "We were about to succeed, but the X-Men suddenly showed up. Not only did we fail, we also lost Quicksilver."

"The X-Men? That old bastard Charles is spying again?"

Magneto cursed as he put an extremely ugly helmet on his head. This helmet could prevent the Professor from controlling him.

"Maybe there’s an informant."

Azazel said coldly. Azazel looked exactly as his name suggested, like a red devil. Of course, he was not an actual devil. He was a mutant with the superpower of Teleportation.

A devilish appearance and Teleportation—doesn’t that sound familiar? In fact, Nightcrawler was Azazel and Mystique’s son, which was why he had blue skin and a devilish appearance.