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In Las Vegas, a stretched Lincoln limousine came to a stop outside a private club.
The door opened. Mystique Raven—now disguised as Maxim Ivanov—stepped out, carrying a briefcase in her right hand.
Several mutants in suits quickly followed behind her.
"My lord, I'm going in."
After fully assuming Maxim's form, Raven entered the private club and casually touched her ear.
At CIA headquarters, Lancelot sat in the main seat. Anna, the Water Mutant, stood beside him, while Bradley stood in front, remotely controlling electronic systems with his mind.
Bradley had already taken control of the surveillance devices around Raven and projected the live feed onto a screen before Lancelot.
Seeing Mystique Raven on the screen, Lancelot smiled faintly.
Raven had taken the identity of General Maxim Ivanov for one reason only—to meet the Hellfire Club.
"Raven, when the timing is right, pass the X-Men's special training information to Sebastian Shaw," Lancelot said, lightly tapping the table.
With Bradley's ability, Lancelot needed no communication device. His words were transmitted directly to Raven's earpiece in Las Vegas.
"Understood, my king."
Raven nodded subtly and turned her gaze toward the private club ahead.
The entire club was filled with seductive dancers.
Raven's lips curled into a lecherous smile as she walked toward the VIP area.
"General Maxim, it's been a long time."
Despite his current identity as a Soviet general, Raven was still warmly welcomed by the dancers.
Inside the club's inner VIP zone, Sebastian Shaw—the Black King— stared grimly at a surveillance screen. He glanced at Raven, noticing the men in bodyguard attire behind her.
"Mutants?"
At a glance, Shaw recognized them for what they were—and immediately understood why "Maxim" had agreed to come.
"How naive," Shaw sneered.
"Recruiting a few mutants from the Soviet Union and thinking that gives you confidence?"
No matter what abilities they possessed, Shaw was certain they were no match for the Hellfire Club.
"Salvador," Shaw said, lifting his wine glass and lightly clinking it against the Dragonfly Girl beside him.
"Go greet our partner."
"Yes, Black King," Salvador replied.
Her dragonfly wings fluttered as she rose into the air, moving through a concealed passage toward the club floor.
"General Maxim, it's been a while."
Before Salvador could find her target, a familiar figure appeared in front of Raven.
"And you are?"
Raven showed just the right amount of suspicion, her gaze playful as she sized up the voluptuous blonde woman before her.
"My lord, it's Agent Moira," Raven said softly, turning to face her fully.
"So Professor X has also noticed the cooperation between the Hellfire Club and the Soviets,"
Lancelot murmured, smiling meaningfully as he watched the provocatively dressed Moira on the screen.
"Raven, take her with you. Professor X should be nearby," Lancelot ordered.
Seeing Moira dressed as a dancer confirmed his suspicion.
"And remember—activate your mental shield."
At Lancelot's command, Raven lightly pressed her right hand against her ring. A powerful psychic field rippled across her entire body.
Outside the club, Professor X, who had been preparing to use his powers, suddenly felt violent electromagnetic interference surge through his mind—forcing him to abandon his attempt to control General Maxim.
"Charles, are you certain Sebastian Shaw is here?"
Magneto asked again, hatred burning in his eyes.
"They're hiding in a special location. I can't detect them directly," Professor X frowned.
"But I did sense Salvador—the Dragonfly Girl."
Magneto could never remain calm whenever Shaw was involved.
This time, they had learned that Shaw would secretly meet Soviet official Maxim Ivanov at this high-end private club.
Though the exact details were unclear, Professor X suspected it might involve World War III.
Whatever the case, he needed confirmation.
"And it's not just the Hellfire Club," Professor X added.
"I've also detected people from the House of Mutant Evolution."
Magneto immediately stiffened.
Images of being brutally beaten by Sabretooth Victor flashed through his mind.
"The House of Mutant Evolution?"
"Why would Lancelot's people be here? Are they also preparing for World War III?"
"And Charles… what exactly is Lancelot's mutant ability?"
Magneto's rapid questions revealed not only his doubts—but Professor X's own.
So far, they had encountered Lancelot only once—through memories of the X-Men and Sabretooth.
They had no real understanding of his power.
Unknowingly, Lancelot had become even more mysterious—and frightening—than Sebastian Shaw.
"It's a power beyond thought itself," Professor X said quietly.
"Before that force, my telepathy is no more than an ant."
"Power comparable to a god."
In Sabretooth's memories, Professor X recalled that brief encounter—two birds, and overwhelming, absolute strength.
But he still had no idea what that power truly was.
"Enough," Professor X said, shaking his head to dispel the fear.
"For now, the House of Evolution isn't our priority. The Hellfire Club comes first."
His telepathic pressure once again spread across the private club.
"General Maxim, the Black King welcomes you."
Mystique Raven had already spotted Salvador. Seeing the familiar mutant, she smiled.
"Take me to Sebastian Shaw," Raven said in a hoarse, aged voice.
She reached out, pulled Moira—who was still flirting with a patron—into her grasp, and issued the order arrogantly.
Just like the owner of the club.