Marvel: Rise of the Ultimate AI

"Heart rate spiking rapidly!"

"Massive surge in adrenaline!"

"Blood pressure rising!"

"Blood circulation accelerating!"

…

Inside the Cerebro chamber, all the X-Men had gathered. A medic closely monitored Professor X's vitals, his face tense.

"This… What the hell is happening?! Morgan, what exactly is the professor doing?"

Cyclops snapped, his frustration boiling over. He and Wolverine were already on edge—now, seeing Professor X's condition deteriorate so drastically, his patience had run out.

"Mason Industries. The professor was investigating Gene Mason… because of the thirteen missing students."

Jean Grey answered gravely.

As arguments broke out among the team, Professor X, lying on the Cerebro amplifier, suddenly convulsed violently.

"Heart rate exceeding 200 BPM!"

"Blood pressure at 230—still climbing!"

"Oh, my God!"

The numbers on the monitor were blinding, each flashing warning a piercing alarm in their minds.

What exactly was happening to Professor X?

Inside Gene Mason's Mind Prison

A titanic wave of steel surged forward, crashing toward Professor X with unrelenting force.

Teeth clenched, Xavier fought back with everything he had.

But he was drowning.

Fire. Ice. Blades of metal. Molecular disintegration.

Gene Mason controlled everything in this world. Every atom, every molecule—bent to his will.

In this mental realm, he was a god.

Xavier's form flickered, his mental projection losing cohesion—a sign that his mind was reaching its breaking point.

Meanwhile, Gene Mason stood with an air of disappointment, watching him struggle.

"Professor Xavier, I expected more from you."

"With Cerebro's amplification, I thought you'd at least put up a fight."

"But honestly?"

Mason sighed, shaking his head.

"You're pathetically weak."

Xavier's eyes widened.

Gene Mason wasn't even trying—this was just a warm-up for him.

"Cough—cough!"

Blood gushed from Xavier's mouth, his entire body turning translucent.

A terrifying realization sank in.

"Who… what are you?"

Gene Mason's psychic abilities were on a level that rivaled the strongest Omega mutants.

Xavier's instincts screamed at him to escape.

His mind scrambled for an exit.

Inside Cerebro Chamber

"The professor's mind is in danger—shut down Cerebro, NOW!"

"Look—he's trying to pull out! He's signaling us to shut it down!"

"Damn it! The system is locked! We can't turn it off! Forcing a shutdown could kill him!"

Panic erupted in the room.

Lying inside the Cerebro amplifier, Professor X suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. His face turned deathly pale.

...

Inside Mind Prison, Gene Mason sat upon a throne, looming over Xavier like a judge sentencing an insect.

"You're inside my Mind Sandbox—a fourth-dimensional construct of my own making."

"No one leaves without my permission."

His voice was calm, yet merciless.

"You thought you could invade my mind whenever you pleased?" Mason smirked. "Xavier, did you forget your place?"

Xavier's expression twisted.

"What do you want? I—I'll give you anything you ask for. Just let me go!"

For the first time in his life, Xavier tasted true fear.

He had always believed himself above such emotions—but at this moment, he was terrified.

Mason smiled coldly.

"Oh? You're finally willing to bargain?"

"Very well."

His voice darkened.

"I'll let you go… but only if you submit."

"I will brand your mind—make you my slave."

Xavier froze.

Mason's eyes gleamed.

"Or you can refuse… and die."

The choice was absolute.

Xavier's lips trembled.

His mind screamed to resist.

But his instincts—his survival drive—overpowered everything else.

"I—I submit! I'll serve you, Mason!"

The moment the words left his lips, Gene Mason smiled in satisfaction.

He raised his hand.

A brilliant blue sigil burned itself into Xavier's mind.

"AAAAAHHHH!!!"

Xavier screamed, the pain unbearable.

His mind—his secrets, his memories, his very identity—were laid bare before Mason.

It was a soul-deep agony.

By the time it ended, Xavier was left gasping, his body drenched in cold sweat.

Mason leaned back, his work complete.

"Good. Now…"

"When you return, select twenty of the most powerful mutants in your school."

"Send them to Mason Industries."

"And Xavier…"

Mason's voice was silken steel.

"You will continue acting as you always have."

"Your school… will now be my mutant recruitment center."

Xavier's eyes were hollow.

"…Yes, Mr. Mason."

With a flash of light, his consciousness returned.

Back in Reality

"Look! The professor's waking up!"

"Professor! Are you alright?"

"How do you feel?"

"Should we attack Mason Industries? Just say the word!"

The X-Men bombarded him with questions.

Xavier forced a gentle smile, his usual calm demeanor unchanged.

"I'm fine… I just need some rest."

No one noticed.

No one saw the glowing blue sigil that flashed briefly in his eyes—

The mark of Skynet.

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T/N:

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