Marvel: Starting as a Time Criminal, Stealing Powers

The windows of the nearby police cars had all shattered, and the alarms were blaring wildly.

Over a dozen officers lay scattered on the ground, crushed under shattered wooden debris, completely paralyzed with fear.

That thunder hadn't just shaken the sky—

It felt like it shattered their very souls.

In the gaping crater beneath what used to be a church, Captain America and Black Widow finally stirred from their stunned state.

They both turned toward the same figure, their chests heaving violently.

At that moment, their expressions shifted once again—this time to something far more visceral.

Shock. Awe. Disbelief.

Their hearts pounded.

They had never felt anything like this.

Their limbs tingled.

This wasn't fear of death—it was fear of something greater.

They had seen Storm's lightning from the X-Men.

They had witnessed Thor's thunder firsthand.

But this—what they had just experienced—was beyond anything either of those could produce.

That thunder didn't just strike the earth; it struck their souls.

Their thoughts had gone completely blank.

All that remained was instinctual terror.

They already knew this "big shot" was powerful, especially after what he did to the previous Mutant.

But what they'd just witnessed?

This wasn't power. It was domination.

And something told them…

He hadn't even used his full strength.

At that moment, Black Widow couldn't help but think—

Maybe Nick Fury hadn't been respectful enough. Forget confidential information—if this man asked for something even more outrageous, S.H.I.E.L.D. would have no choice but to give it.

Even if... that meant herself.

Steve Rogers' expression shifted from numb awe to a bitter smile.

The more he thought about his earlier attitude, the more foolish he felt.

He'd been a clown.

Fortunately, he hadn't offended the man.

Meanwhile, Russell remained indifferent to their thoughts.

The system's voice sounded quietly in his mind:

[Plunder complete.]

[Mind Magic – Raven Duplication (Purple-Gold)]

Create a puppet consciousness and inject it into any living being. The target will transform into a magical raven capable of spatial travel.

The raven has no combat abilities but can share vision, hearing, and speech.

Note: The current raven cannot travel through dimensions, only space, and can exist in a maximum of two instances simultaneously. (This spell can be upgraded and infused with more power.)

Russell was a little surprised.

He'd known that shadow above wasn't the real body—but he hadn't expected it to self-destruct like that.

It seemed the strange power that had once inhabited the Mutant hadn't been entirely burned away—it had simply been recycled.

This entry was far more valuable than it looked.

Spatial travel, shared senses, no risk of death, and infinite production.

A high-end version of Odin's ravens—except his could be made anytime.

But what really intrigued Russell… was the first line:

"Create a puppet mind and inject it into any living being—transforming it into a magical raven."

This wasn't just reconnaissance.

It was a curse.

Forced shapeshifting.

A weaponized spell.

He didn't know yet how strong it could be—or if it was reversible—but he planned to experiment soon.

Russell sighed inwardly.

They hadn't found the mastermind behind this attack, but the rewards weren't bad.

He could also ask the Ancient One about this magic raven. That might reveal more.

Snap!

Russell flicked his fingers in front of the two still-dazed agents and said calmly:

"You two handle the aftermath. I won't be staying here."

Black Widow snapped to attention and quickly offered:

"I'll fly you back. The Quinjet has long-range capability—we can go anywhere in the world."

Russell shook his head.

"No need for the trouble."

He turned to her and added:

"Just tell Nick Fury this: I want an official identity created for me within three days. I'm going to the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters."

"Say that S.H.I.E.L.D. is assigning me as a permanent liaison to assist the school."

He'd originally planned to pose as a rogue Mutant and sneak in.

After all, he had a whole arsenal of X-abilities. It'd be easy.

But that strategy had holes.

Professor X might be kind—but he wasn't naive.

With tensions high between the X-Men and the Brotherhood, every new recruit was probably subjected to secret scans or psychic probing.

So it was better to go in officially.

As a government-backed S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.

That way, if Professor X did try to read his mind again, Russell wouldn't have to conceal his strength. No need to act suspicious.

Black Widow nodded quickly, not hesitating at all.

She agreed on Nick Fury's behalf without a second thought.

The request sounded like an invasion of the school's privacy, sure—and it definitely wasn't easy to arrange—

But it wasn't impossible either.

As long as the White House applied the right pressure—and offered a few concessions to Mutant rights—Professor X would comply.

Russell was quite satisfied with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attitude and then added:

"Don't tell Xavier's School about the battle here—but all the information regarding the dead Mutants must be handed over to them."

After giving his instructions, a golden portal opened out of thin air.

He could now open it without needing gestures, though he still couldn't get rid of the Sling Ring for now.

With a nod to the two agents, Russell turned and walked through the portal—vanishing from sight.

That obvious and casual display of spellcasting once again shook Steve and Natasha's understanding of the world.

A few seconds later, Steve suddenly jumped to his feet excitedly:

"I want to learn that. I have to learn it!"

"If I master that, I'll never need to take a plane again!"

Natasha Romanoff sneered and said bluntly:

"It took you three months to learn how to use a smartphone. Don't embarrass yourself."

"And why would he ever teach you?"

Steve's excited smile froze awkwardly on his face.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters

Nick Fury listened to the report from Steve and Natasha, and the more he heard, the more uneasy he became.

He knew that anyone chosen by the Ancient One as the next Sorcerer Supreme had to be powerful—but he didn't expect this level of strength.

And the man hadn't even shown any high-tier spells yet.

As for Russell's request?

Absolutely no problem.

In fact, he hoped S.H.I.E.L.D. could cling to this "thigh"—even if it was just a prosthetic.

Without hesitation, Fury picked up the phone and called the White House.

The President had been getting too comfortable these last two years.

Time to shake things up a little.

Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Three days later, Professor Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm were standing at the front entrance of the school.

Cyclops crossed his arms with a scowl:

"So now S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to monitor the school. This is getting ridiculous."

Storm, watching the end of the road where no cars had appeared yet, shook her head:

"It may not be a bad thing."

"With S.H.I.E.L.D. involved, if someone like William Stryker ever tries to harm the school again, he'll have to think twice."

"He might have dared to go after Mutants—but in front of S.H.I.E.L.D., especially someone like Captain America, he's just a clown."

Cyclops still looked irritated. In his mind, the school's privacy was sacred:

"I'll be watching him."

Jean chimed in calmly:

"You can watch him—but don't do anything reckless. We don't want to bring more trouble to the school."

Cyclops smirked:

"I'm not stupid."

"He's just another agent. I'll just give him a scare—let him know he's a sheep walking into a den of wolves."

Caw~~

A raven cawed twice from a tall tree near the gate, as if mocking him.

Cyclops turned and pretended to activate his ruby-quartz visor, trying to spook it.

But the bird didn't budge. Instead, it cawed again—louder.

Cyclops scratched his head:

"Damn, why does it really feel like it's laughing at me?"

At that moment, Professor X sighed and said gently:

"The X-Men are not wolves, Scott. We are the sword that protects our fellow Mutants—not a pack that hunts."

He glanced at his watch.

"8:20. Our guest has arrived."

All eyes turned north as a sleek black sedan rounded the corner.

A few seconds later, the vehicle pulled up to the gate.

A tall young man in a black suit and sunglasses stepped out.

Storm's eyes lit up a little.

Say what you will about S.H.I.E.L.D.—they sure sent someone good-looking.

Jean pushed Professor X's wheelchair forward. Charles gave a warm smile and greeted:

"Welcome, Mr. Russell."

"Forgive me for not standing to greet you."

Russell took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of sharp, vibrant eyes.

"I didn't expect Professor Xavier to be so humorous. I always thought you'd be a stiff academic."

"Seems like this assignment will be easier than I thought."

He shook hands with each of them in turn.

When he reached Jean, she paused, looking into his eyes.

"I haven't seen eyes that bright in a long time," she said softly.

"I imagine your mind must be just as deep."

Russell raised an eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Ms. Jean Grey—do you often read people's thoughts?"

Professor X quickly interjected with a calm voice:

"Definitely not. Jean is simply... perceptive. Mr. Russell, don't worry. No one will invade your thoughts here."

Russell patted his chest dramatically:

"Thank God. I was starting to get nervous."

Cyclops scoffed:

"You should be nervous..."

"Some students turn into werewolves at night."

Russell grinned:

"That's fine. Worst case, I'll go to Vice Principal Jean Grey for a late-night chat about the school's philosophy."

"I'm sure she'll protect me if something happens."

He turned, smiling innocently at Cyclops.

"Don't you agree, Mr. Summers?"

Cyclops choked on his retort.

Suddenly, he regretted opening his mouth at all.

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