Operation Pause

Beyond the quantifiable parameters, Rorschach's unquantified corresponding abilities also received enhancements.

For instance, his abilities of X-ray vision and super hearing.

Previously, his X-ray vision could only penetrate up to ten meters, nothing more. But now, he could effortlessly see through everything within fifty meters.

As for his hearing.

Now, as long as Rorschach willed it, he could clearly hear Charles and the others' conversation in the office, as if he were there in person.

"We have to keep this matter buried. Pretend none of it ever happened!"

"Whatever William Stryker and that mutant team are doing, it has nothing to do with us. We never knew about it!"

"What about Bradley?"

"Erase his relevant memories, then we'll send him away. Act as if he never came!"

"What if Stryker sends people to hunt him down?"

"If Stryker does that, then he must have his reasons. Charles, we shouldn't meddle in other people's business."

"At most, we can send Bradley to a safe place for him to live well. We can't do more than that!"

Charles, Erik, and Moira were engaged in an extremely heated discussion in the office.

After wasting an unknown amount of breath, the three of them finally reached an agreement:

Erase Bradley's memories from seeing Erik and the other until he was brought here, then secretly send the man to a safe place.

Not only that, but because this matter also involved a high-ranking CIA official, the three decided to let the matter end here, keeping it a secret between them.

No reporting, no spreading.

At least, not until they knew whether Jason Stryker was involved.

Now, the only thing they could do was to use whatever power they could mobilize to secretly erase relevant traces before Stryker could react.

Preventing Stryker from finding them.

Ohio.

Amusement park.

The once bustling amusement park was now completely sealed off. Blockade tape was stretched across all entrances and exits, and corresponding police officers were on guard.

Rumble!

The sound of rotor blades echoed as an armed helicopter slowly descended from the sky, landing on the open space of the amusement park.

A young man wearing sunglasses stepped out of the helicopter.

It was none other than William Stryker.

A young man with two long swords on his back, who had been waiting at the scene, walked up to him. "Commander, did the plane run out of fuel halfway? So you stopped to refuel? You're half an hour late from the agreed time. Even if you're the Commander..."

"Shut up, Wade! I swear, if I get the chance, I'll sew your mouth shut!" Stryker interrupted Wade with great annoyance and got down to business. "The scene wasn't destroyed, right?"

"No, this is just an unremarkable small town. They wouldn't dare to delay orders from the military. The sheriff sent almost half his manpower."

"Any gains?"

"Last night, two outsiders came to the amusement park looking for Bradley. Witnesses saw them fighting, but it was already dark, so the witnesses couldn't see clearly.

God, Commander, you should see Victor's corpse. His head was severed. Poor Victor..."

Wade started rambling again subconsciously until Stryker gave him a look, and he shut his mouth dejectedly.

As one of Stryker's mutant special agents, Wade was very, very strong. Wielding his two swords, he could take down an entire unit by himself.

Crucially, he was very obedient.

Unlike Victor, he wasn't difficult to manage.

There was just one thing: he was too talkative, and at inappropriate times.

"Anything else?"

"Those two outsiders asked some people about Bradley's whereabouts. They were after Bradley."

Stryker's brow furrowed. Bradley was so weak, why would someone target him?

He suddenly had a feeling that things might not be that simple.

"Commander, let me investigate this. I know you want to find the guy who killed Victor. In fact, I also want to see whose blade is faster, mine or his..."

"No, Wade. Victor is dead. His work will be yours. I'll hand over the matters here to someone else." Stryker directly interrupted Wade. "Get the serum we need."

"I can handle Ghost, but what about Logan? I remember you had other arrangements for him."

"You don't need to worry about Logan either. Besides Ghost, there's another guy whose abilities I believe you'll really like."

Stryker casually handed over a document.

Wade glanced at it, and his eyes immediately lit up. "Wow, that's so cool! This guy can shoot lasers from his eyes! I like it!"

"Alright, go do what you need to do. I'm going to talk to those witnesses."

CIA base.

On a tree-lined path.

Rorschach and Charles were strolling along leisurely. Of course, this was only how it appeared to outsiders.

"Rorschach, I've erased Bradley's relevant memories. Moira will arrange for him to be secretly sent away tonight."

"This matter is of great importance. We few who know must not leak any information, must not speak of this to anyone. Do you have any other questions?"

Even when discussing such a serious matter, Charles spoke in a conversational tone.

"I understand everything, Charles!" Rorschach nodded, his expression unchanged.

"Good!"

Charles was very satisfied with Rorschach's understanding. He then brought up another matter with Rorschach, "Also, let's put a pause on recruiting mutants for now."

"Someone saw you and Erik at that amusement park. Stryker might investigate. But you don't need to worry, we've erased other traces as much as possible."

"As long as you stay here honestly, there won't be any trouble."

"Alright Rorschach, I have to go. Moira is waiting for me. In short, relax, everything will be fine!"

The two stopped at an intersection. Charles waved goodbye to Rorschach, then merged with Moira and Erik, who were waiting there.

Rorschach waved to them from afar as a greeting and watched them leave.

"Hiding from Stryker? I'm not actually afraid of him!"

Rorschach shrugged.

Hiding out at the CIA wasn't in Rorschach's plans. He really wanted to try going out and causing some trouble to see if it would trigger missions like it did at the amusement park.

However, after a moment's hesitation, Rorschach dismissed the thought. If he did that, it would cause a lot of trouble for Charles and the others.

Rorschach wasn't the type to stir up trouble.

Besides, Rorschach's physical attributes had just received a significant boost, and it was a good time to adapt to them.

Also, if his memory served him correctly, something big was about to happen within this base.

Instead of going out to seek opportunities, it was better to wait for opportunities to come to him.

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