The Wanted Mutants

Early morning, on the way to school.

Bucky, driving for the first time, couldn't help but laugh.

"Didn't expect you to actually go to school."

Qin Yi curled his lip and glanced at Bucky's mischievous grin.

"I had to find something to do."

Damn it, if I hadn't been so young a few years ago, I'd have gone out and traveled.

Bucky looked at the familiar streets.

"What a blessed era. No aliens, no zombies..."

"You're too optimistic. Hydra has practically finished infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D., the government is desperately cracking down on mutants, some purple potato freak is probably already making plans for the Infinity Stones, and some god of an evil dimension has been watching Earth, waiting to devour it."

Bucky fell silent at that, clearly deep in thought.

Damn it, I couldn't be the only unhappy one. Sad stuff needed to be shared with everyone.

"Bucky, want to find time to go see America's perky ass?"

Bucky in the driver's seat became even more silent.

"Oh, right. After school, we're going somewhere. I've arranged to meet someone and discuss something."

Bucky nodded.

They rode the rest of the way in silence, and Qin Yi returned to the familiar school.

In the lab, Qin Yi stood out sharply among the elderly professors. Over the years he had spent studying alongside them, he had earned their recognition, while their academic exchanges had taught him quite a lot as well.

After a busy morning, Qin Yi stared thoughtfully at the news playing on the cafeteria television.

"X-Men members, fugitives Professor X Charles, Wolverine—Logan..."

Had things changed this quickly in just a few months?

He had spoken with Charles a few years ago. At the time, Charles had firmly believed that he could change humanity's attitude toward mutants through his own efforts.

Perhaps because of the presence of the alien D'Bari at the time, and the ambiguous stance maintained by the United States government and military, Charles had been given the illusion that he could continue preserving the fragile balance between humans and mutants.

The military hawks led by General Ross had always been devoted to developing the military's Super Soldier Program.

And with the pressure from aliens gone these past few years, the moderate mutants led by Charles had undoubtedly become the military's best research subjects.

The existence of mutant inhibitors only made the military's actions more brazen.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's tech tree was seriously skewed. Mutants as powerful as Charles and Magneto could actually be restrained by technology like mutant inhibitors.

Yet plenty of everyday technology was remarkably backward. Luckily, that was the case. Otherwise, Ikong phones and tablets would never have become popular around the world, and Tony and Qin Yi's net worth would not have kept skyrocketing.

Although he had tried his best not to interfere with other people's timelines, perhaps the moment he arrived in the Marvel Main Universe, this timeline had already begun to change.

Given that mutants already existed in the main universe, the threats he would face in the future would not only be the known ones, but all kinds of uncertain dangers as well.

Qin Yi ran one hand through his hair as he thought.

Should I save those poor little things? Mutants possess such high-end combat power, yet they've ended up in such a miserable state.

Thinking of the various crises he might face in the future, it would be better to settle the mutants down first.

In the original trajectory, the Illuminati was a secret organization made up of some of the world's smartest and most powerful superheroes. It included representatives from all of Earth's major factions, as well as Professor X Charles, who was currently wanted by the United States.

Among the representatives of the various superhero factions,

Mister Fantastic represented the Fantastic Four and the scientific community.

Namor was the king of Atlantis and represented the undersea world.

As king of the Inhumans, Black Bolt represented the Inhumans on the Moon.

Doctor Strange Stephen Strange was the Sorcerer Supreme and represented the magical world.

Iron Man Tony Stark was a core member of the Avengers and represented Earth's foremost superheroes.

The wanted Professor X Charles represented the X-Men and other mutants.

Why not set it up ahead of time? Things are already like this anyway. I can slowly bring in the original factions later. As long as the general direction is right, there shouldn't be any major problems, right?

Come to think of it, Ancient One's belief that the future was unclear was probably related not only to his arrival, but also to this heavily merged universe.

Qin Yi raised his hand to check the time. He should buy a house first.

The way Bucky had been looking at Howard these past two days had not been quite right. His gaze was full of guilt.

Perhaps facing the Howard couple of this universe these past two days had reminded Bucky of killing his friends, that couple, in his own universe.

After school.

Bucky drove with a blank expression.

Qin Yi pointed at an abandoned building.

"Does this place look familiar?"

After Bucky carefully examined the surrounding buildings,

"You're planning to buy the future Stark Tower?"

"Why would I buy that? I mean the abandoned one next to it. I plan to tear it down and redesign it. It'll be our base from now on. Oh, right, what are your plans for the future? Having you work as my driver is a waste of your abilities. Interested in being a superhero again?"

Bucky drove in silence. A moment later, he stopped in front of a building.

The moment Qin Yi got out, a plump middle-aged man hurried over.

"Hello, Mr. Qin. I'm Te Langchuan, the intermediary for this transaction. This way, please."

Qin Yi nodded and walked toward the lobby.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Qin, it's just, well..."

After entering the meeting room, the plump Te Langchuan spoke hesitantly.

Qin Yi had just sat down on the sofa when he looked up at the oddly familiar fat man in confusion.

"You're dissatisfied with the price?"

"No, no. It's like this, Mr. Qin. The law stipulates that minors under eighteen have no right to sign any legal documents, so only a parent or guardian may sign on their behalf."

"I see. Then bring the agreement and come back with me."

"Of course, of course."

The excited Te Langchuan followed closely behind the god of wealth before him. This deal was moving far too quickly. The property had been listed for years without selling, yet after he took it over and met Mr. Qin, the agreement was signed in less than a day. Truly worthy of the god of wealth whose net worth had doubled year after year.

Howard Estate.

Tony curiously flipped through the transfer agreement.

"Qin, this building has been abandoned for a long time."

"Then we'll tear it down and rebuild it. We'll probably need it for research in the future. Your lab isn't exactly convenient."

Tony nodded.

Indeed, the things brought back from Wakanda should be researched in secret first, then gradually released.

Otherwise, once technology decades ahead of Earth became known to the government and military, they would probably go crazy. No—they would definitely go crazy.

By then, Qin might slaughter every last one of them.

Tony rubbed his chin and secretly glanced at Qin Yi, who was standing with his father, wondering what he was thinking.

After Howard, acting as guardian, signed the agreement, he looked at Qin Yi beside him. Although he did not quite understand Qin Yi's actions, he was still happy deep down to see him growing up. After more than ten years together, the child had gradually grown up.

"Mr. Qin, Mr. Stark, then I'll take my leave first."

The excited Te Langchuan bowed after receiving the agreement.

Qin Yi nodded. This guy really looked familiar. What was the name of that fellow on television earlier? Could he be his brother?

"Tony, Little Qin, come with me."

Howard suddenly stood and said.

Qin Yi and Tony exchanged a glance and each shook their heads. Clearly, neither of them knew what was going on.

The two shrugged and followed him.