School Laboratory
Andrew's eyes betrayed unease, fingers rubbing the lab table's edge. "If… if it changes my genes, will I become a monster?"
Hank started to reply, but the lab door slid open. James appeared, his black armor gleaming.
"Gene mutation isn't always bad," James said, eyes on Andrew. "The key is controlling it."
Matt adjusted his glasses. "Mr. Holden, is Magneto right? Can that alien fragment rewrite genes?"
James didn't answer directly. He raised his right hand, a blue energy orb materializing—the crystal's absorbed power.
"It does have gene-editing properties," he said, studying the orb. "But its mechanics are more complex than Magneto thinks."
Hank leaned in, fascinated. "Incredible… this energy structure defies known biology!"
"It's from deep space," James said, dissipating the orb. "Maybe an alien empire's experiment."
Steve gaped. "You're saying aliens are real?"
James smirked. "More than you'd believe."
Andrew looked up, eyes gleaming. "Can it make me stronger?"
The lab fell silent. Hank and James exchanged a glance.
"Theoretically, yes," James said with a smile. "But it's risky. We need more research."
Andrew's fists clenched and relaxed. "I'm willing to try."
"No way!" Matt snapped. "Andrew, you lost control last night! This energy's messing with your emotions!"
Steve gripped Andrew's shoulder. "Chill, man. We need to figure this out first."
James watched the trio, then said, "You need a mentor."
He turned to Hank, deliberately asking, "Will Xavier's School take them?"
Hank caught on, nodding. "Charles already agreed. But…" He hesitated. "Given Magneto's interest, they'll need special protection."
"I'll handle it," James said. "Also, they need to fit in here if they want to be superheroes."
Andrew's eyes lit up. "We want that—"
James cut him off with a raised hand. "Not yet. I've got other business."
"Stay here. Hank will help you master your powers. Any issues, contact me."
Andrew hesitated, then nodded.
"Good luck," James told Hank, heading to the window. He vanished in a black streak, soaring into the night.
Stark Tower Laboratory
James materialized silently in the lab, his armor's golden lines glowing faintly. Tony was buried in holographic data, tweaking nano-structure parameters, an empty coffee cup nearby.
"Back?" Tony said without looking up. "How'd it go with the mutants?"
"Complicated," James replied, scanning the hologram. "Magneto showed up but backed off."
Tony paused, turning. "The magnetic guy? You scared him off?"
"He was after the alien crystal, thought it could rewrite mutant genes," James said. "I absorbed it, so he left empty-handed."
Tony's eyes narrowed. "Gene rewriting? That thing can do that?"
"It can, but it's dangerous," James nodded. "It's contained now."
Tony grinned. "So you stole Magneto's prize and ate it? Bet he's pissed."
"Pretty much," James smirked. "Charles will handle the fallout."
Tony raised an eyebrow, returning to his model. "Fine, but next time, warn me before you and Magneto trash half of New York."
James moved to the window, gazing at the city. After a pause, he said, "Tony, I'll be gone for a bit. Not sure how long."
Tony's fingers froze. "Where to?"
"A quiet place," James said, eyes distant. "I need to test a new way to use my powers."
"Magic?" Tony guessed, excited. "Kamar-Taj stuff?"
"Yeah," James nodded. "Their magic needs rings and artifacts, but I want to try using my internal energy as a conduit."
Tony crossed his arms. "Mixing tech and magic? That's not easy."
"That's why I need time," James said, turning. "If it works, it could open a new path."
Tony was quiet, then grinned. "Fine, geniuses get to be reckless. But…" He pointed at the ceiling, indicating Jarvis. "Any breakthroughs, you tell me first. I'm not missing this."
James chuckled. "Deal."
He floated up. "See you in a few days. Don't forget my armor."
He vanished, a black streak piercing the sky.
Tony stared after him, shaking his head. "This guy's getting crazier…"
He returned to the hologram, a sly smile forming. "Jarvis, pull all theories on blending magic energy with tech."
"Data is scarce, sir," Jarvis replied.
"Then we start from scratch," Tony said, eyes gleaming. "Tech first, magic later when I pry it out of James. I can't let him hog the spotlight."
"Sir, we need a codename."
"Call it… Anti-Magic Armor!"
Outside, New York's lights sparkled, and James soared through the darkness.