Hundred-Thousand-Fold Serum

Golden light poured down from Manhattan's highest point, bathing the entire city in a warm glow as thick as honey.

The city shone as brightly as day. Countless residents who had taken shelter at home crowded around their windows to watch the upheaval outside.

Sensing Russell's return, Phoenix descended in front of Magneto, Magik, and the others, landing on the steps of the Four Seasons Hotel.

Her red hair gleamed dully in the golden light. A black combat suit clung to her body, and she stood with her arms crossed, her expression cold.

As Russell descended through the golden shower of light, she drew her gaze away from the top of the Empire State Building and fixed it on him.

Her lips moved, her voice sharp with accusation.

"Where did you run off to?"

Russell looked at her and answered casually, "Hell. The scenery around Mephisto's place is nice, and it's full of powerful, hospitable demons."

Jean frowned. Hell?

"Alone?"

Russell raised an eyebrow. "No. The Ancient One was there too."

Jean's frown deepened.

The Ancient One—the Sorcerer Supreme, the bald woman who could keep Dormammu out of Earth. She had gone to Hell with Russell, and it sounded less like a fight than a vacation.

Was that bald woman trying to steal Russell from me? Jean's icy gaze swept over him again and again.

She was about to speak when a silver-white streak fell from the sky. Magik landed beside Russell, her long silver-white hair glittering in the golden light.

A black bodysuit hugged her slender figure. In the golden glow, her ice-blue eyes looked like two shining crystals.

Since coming out of Hell, she had acquired an adorably ugly miniature Dragon at her waist. Lace wrapped around her long, straight legs, and glimpses of fair skin showed through