"Charles… did Shaw discover us?"
Mystique's voice broke the silence. She looked at Charles with a serious expression, her eyes sharp with concern.
Charles shook his head slowly.
"I didn't feel any telepathic scan," he said. "But my ability was definitely blocked. To be honest, this is the first time I've encountered something like this."
He paused for a moment.
"My guess is that it isn't a telepath."
If another psychic had noticed Charles probing the building, they would normally react immediately with a counter-scan.
But there had been no response at all.
After a short discussion, Charles, Eric, and the others came to a tentative conclusion.
It was likely some kind of device interfering with telepathy.
But if Shaw really possessed such technology, that was troubling news.
"No matter what," Eric said impatiently, shrugging off his coat, "we came here for a reason."
His tone was cold and determined.
"We're not leaving without results."
Charles, Moira, and Rorschach exchanged a brief glance.
Then they nodded.
At this point there was no other choice.
They couldn't retreat simply because Charles's ability was blocked.
"Raven, you stay here."
Just as they prepared to move, Charles suddenly spoke.
Mystique froze.
Her expression immediately darkened.
Charles and Raven had grown up together, and he cared deeply about her safety.
But that concern came across differently.
To Raven, it felt like he was treating her as weak.
"Charles—"
"This isn't the time to argue," Charles interrupted firmly. "We need someone outside providing support."
Then he turned toward Hank.
"Hank, you stay with Raven. If anything unusual happens, I need you to notify us immediately."
Hank nodded.
"I understand."
Unlike Raven, he understood the logic behind the decision.
In a direct confrontation with Shaw, he and Raven would contribute very little.
From a tactical standpoint, it also made sense not to send everyone inside.
If something went wrong, at least someone outside could react.
So Hank and Raven remained behind.
The rest of the group—Charles, Eric, Moira, Rorschach, and the other mutants—began moving toward the hotel.
Because Charles's telepathy was blocked, everyone stayed on high alert.
Their movements were cautious.
Yet when they entered the lobby, nothing seemed wrong.
Guests walked through the building normally.
The receptionist greeted visitors behind the front desk.
Everything looked completely ordinary.
"You've finally arrived."
Suddenly a voice echoed through the lobby.
The voice was unmistakable.
Sebastian Shaw.
Everyone instinctively looked upward.
On the second-floor balcony stood a man wearing an elegant suit.
A wine glass rested casually in his hand.
His posture was relaxed, almost theatrical.
Yet there was undeniable charisma in the way he carried himself.
He looked down at the group with a calm, confident smile.
Every mutant in the lobby raised their heads at the same time.
Their expressions turned grim.
Because it was obvious now.
This had been a trap from the beginning.
And yet…
They had no choice but to walk straight into it.
After searching for Shaw for so long, this was their first real opportunity.
"Shaw…"
Eric's voice was filled with rage.
He stared upward, his eyes burning with hatred.
His emotions surged violently.
The metal chandelier hanging from the ceiling began to shake.
Various metallic decorations around the lobby trembled as well.
Several guests noticed the movement and looked around nervously.
"Eric, not now!" Charles shouted. "There are still civilians here!"
Eric only smiled coldly.
He raised his hand.
The metal frame inside the chandelier twisted violently.
Clang!
Clang!
The chandeliers exploded apart.
Screams filled the lobby as guests panicked and fled.
Within seconds the once-busy hall turned chaotic.
Eric waved his hand again.
Clang!
Clang!
The heavy metal doors slammed shut behind them.
The hotel was sealed.
Now no one else could enter.
Charles frowned.
Eric's temper was dangerous.
Once his emotions flared, he always chose the most extreme approach.
Charles had originally planned to evacuate the civilians more gently.
But now the result was the same.
The lobby was empty.
[New mission generated.]
[Mission objective: foil the conspiracy and ambush of the Black King Sebastian Shaw.]
[Mission reward: 700 Origin Points.]
The system notifications echoed in Rorschach's mind.
His eyes lit up instantly.
Seven hundred origin points.
That was more than several previous missions combined.
This trip to Manhattan had been worth it.
Shaw slowly set his wine glass aside.
"Well," he said calmly, "I must admit I'm a little angry."
Despite his words, his expression remained relaxed.
He looked down at the mutants like a king addressing his subjects.
"My fellow brethren," Shaw continued, "I know exactly why you've come here."
He spread his hands slightly.
"But I'm willing to give you one final opportunity."
His voice carried an almost hypnotic confidence.
"Join me."
"Help create a new era for mutants."
"A world where we reclaim the position we deserve."
He paused.
The smile on his face became colder.
"Or stand against me."
"This is the last chance I will offer."
Shaw's eyes swept across the group.
"Choose carefully."
His voice dropped slightly.
"Because I show no mercy to my enemies."
.....
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