"Mr. President, that's exactly why I recommend the gentle integration plan," Ethan Voss said calmly. "With these technologies in our hands, we will always remain the ones setting the rules. We will be the leaders, the decision-makers, while they will only ever serve as our most capable soldiers."
The president's lips slowly curved into a satisfied smile.
Across the room, however, Colonel Stryker felt a chill run down his spine. The direction of the conversation had clearly shifted, and not in his favor. He glanced toward Director Brennan, hoping for support, but the CIA director remained silent, offering no indication that he would intervene.
Stryker could only sigh inwardly. It seemed his strategy had failed for now. If he wanted to regain influence, he would need another opportunity—one where the president personally felt the danger mutants represented.
"Additionally, Mr. President," Ethan continued, "I would like authorization to obtain several mutant prisoners for controlled experimentation."
The president raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"The research would focus on improving shield technology and developing suppression fields," Ethan explained. "Colonel Stryker should be able to assist in providing suitable subjects."
He paused briefly before adding another detail.
"I've already constructed an underground detention facility specifically designed to house mutants. I believe that arrangement may help ease your concerns."
Stryker clenched his teeth. The idea of handing prisoners over to Ethan irritated him deeply, but the president's steady gaze left little room for refusal.
After a brief moment of hesitation, he finally nodded.
He would transfer several captured mutants to Ethan's prison.
Once the decision was settled, the president dismissed both Stryker and Brennan. After they left the room, he quickly finalized a preliminary cooperation agreement with Ethan.
The White House would immediately assemble a specialized inspection team. Their task would be to conduct on-site evaluations of every technology Ethan had presented.
If the inspection confirmed the claims, the government would move forward with a full purchase and development agreement.
The expected funding could easily reach billions of dollars.
When Ethan walked out of the White House later that night, a satisfied smile rested on his face. He stepped into Frank's luxury Cadillac SUV, and the vehicle quietly rolled away from the gates.
Their destination was the Typhon Building.
During the drive, Ethan leaned back comfortably in his seat.
"So, Frank," he said with a relaxed grin, "how do you like this life compared to your days in the military?"
Frank glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
Ethan continued before he could answer.
"Like I told you before, killing gangsters on the street might save a few lives. But working with me? We can change the fate of thousands."
Frank nodded slowly.
Ethan had prevented the birth of the Punisher entirely. At the crucial moment, he had appeared almost like a miracle, saving Frank's wife and daughter from the tragedy that would have destroyed their lives.
Now both of them lived peacefully in Noah Town.
Afterward, Ethan had appealed directly to Frank's deep sense of justice, persuading him to join a broader mission—one aimed at protecting humanity as a whole.
For the time being, Frank simply worked as Ethan's driver.
"At least now," Frank said calmly, "I don't have to do things I hate anymore."
Ethan chuckled softly.
"No one will ever force you," he replied. "I might try to persuade you sometimes, but the choice will always be yours."
Frank nodded again.
A moment later, Ethan took out his phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Professor," he said when the call connected, "I have good news for you."
In reality, much of what Ethan had told the president was only partially true.
The high-energy shields were real. Ethan had invested enormous resources into their development. Although the technology still had flaws, it was already functional and ready for deployment.
However, the idea of transforming Xavier's school into something like West Point or an intelligence academy was entirely fabricated.
His suggestion of a "gentle integration" policy had a very different purpose.
Ethan's true goal was to guide more mutants into his divine domain.
Government policies would encourage cooperative mutants to gather at Xavier's school. From there, many of them would eventually enter the divine realm he controlled.
Those who chose violence would be hunted down by government authorities. Ethan would then take responsibility for imprisoning them, ensuring they eventually entered the divine kingdom as well.
As for whether the president might someday realize something was wrong, Ethan wasn't concerned at all.
Sooner or later, figures like Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor would begin appearing in the world. Once that happened, chaos and crisis would become constant.
When that time arrived, Ethan could easily position himself as one of the forces protecting the president.
His influence would rise naturally.
Over the following days, events unfolded smoothly.
Magneto and several captured mutants were transferred into the underground prison.
The poor old mutant leader had barely recovered from the brutal beating he received during the battle inside the Statue of Liberty. Before he even had time to regain his strength, he was delivered directly into Ethan's custody.
Ethan had personally requested Magneto's transfer.
As the most powerful Level Four mutant known to exist, Magneto's abilities were invaluable.
At the same time, Magneto's long-standing friendship with Professor Xavier made him even more strategically important. Controlling Magneto meant holding subtle leverage over Charles as well.
Magneto arrived in terrible condition. His body was covered with bruises, and a circular scar on the back of his neck revealed how quickly Colonel Stryker had acted.
Meanwhile, Ethan's shield technology passed the government's inspection without issue.
FDSW signed an official contract worth up to 1.5 billion dollars.
The White House, the Capitol, and the Pentagon would all be the first locations to receive shield installations.
At the same time, FDSW's scientists began designing modifications for Air Force One. Additional projects included shield-equipped vehicles and specialized shield helicopters for presidential protection.
The government also committed dozens of researchers and hundreds of millions of dollars to assist FDSW in developing neural suppression field technology.
At Xavier's school, the results of Ethan's "integration program" were already appearing.
Five mutants who wished to live normal lives—along with two families—entered Ethan's divine realm.
After their abilities were sealed, they settled peacefully in Noah Town.
Rogue had temporarily returned to life as an ordinary person. For now, she lived quietly among the town's residents.
Logan stayed nearby to watch over her. Whenever he encountered Ethan, he constantly pressed him to continue telling the story of his mysterious past.
Ethan had already finished recounting his years as a mercenary. Recently, he had reached the part where he retired and disappeared into the mountains.
Logan was already familiar with the surrounding terrain. Using that knowledge, he designated an area west of Noah Town to build a dedicated mutant community.
Even if some mutants were willing to enter the new world, it didn't mean they wanted to lose their abilities entirely. Their powers could easily cause problems for ordinary residents, so having a separate district made practical sense.
Even so, Noah Town's long-term goal remained integration.
The mutant community would only serve as a transitional space.
One morning, Ethan woke up tangled in a bed full of long pale legs. After stretching lazily, he stepped out of the bedroom.
Felicia was already waiting for him outside.
She didn't even glance at his completely naked body as she handed him a report.
"News from Afghanistan," she said calmly. "Tony Stark was found yesterday. He's returning to the United States today."
She paused before adding another detail.
"As soon as the news broke, Stark Industries' stock price began surging. Are you certain we should sell our shares now?"
Ethan searched through the pile of clothes scattered across the floor until he found a bath towel. Wrapping it casually around his waist, he answered without hesitation.
"Sell everything as soon as Stark returns to the United States. But make sure it doesn't attract attention."
He glanced at the report again.
"The short-selling plan for Stark Industries should already be prepared. Tell them to begin."
Earlier, Ethan's financial team had already made hundreds of millions by shorting Stark Industries during Stark's disappearance.
Once this current long position was closed, the operating capital would reach somewhere between one and 1.2 billion dollars.
Then they would repeat the strategy.
Short again. Buy again.
With careful execution, Ethan's original 200 million dollar investment could easily grow beyond two billion dollars.
Even more importantly, they would also gain a meaningful stake in Stark Industries.
The only reason Ethan hadn't invested even more money was caution.
For now, he preferred to remain in the shadows.
Felicia nodded and left to deliver the instructions.
A maid soon entered with fresh clothing. Ethan took a quick shower, changed, and finished a simple breakfast.
By the time he walked outside, Frank had already prepared the car.
Thanks to Tony Stark's misfortune, Ethan had made a tremendous amount of money.
Now the real question was how to use it.
His immediate plan was simple. Expand the research division, enlarge the construction teams, and dramatically increase the size of his private military forces.
Inside his divine realm, Ethan now possessed the ultimate version of telepathic ability.
He could peer into almost anyone's mind without leaving a trace.
That meant every potential recruit could be screened perfectly. Any infiltrator, spy, or traitor would be discovered immediately.
Only with that level of control could he expand his organization without hesitation.
Previously, he had only deployed a few dozen second-tier super soldiers.
Now he could easily increase that number into the hundreds—or even thousands.
For Ethan, Hydra's methods of rapidly expanding covert networks fit perfectly with his ambitions.
Frank drove them toward John F. Kennedy International Airport.
From there, Ethan planned to board a private jet bound for San Francisco.
.....
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