Marvel: Death Knight

Garus's words sparked a wave of commotion among the reporters and politicians present. Yet, most weren't troubled by the plight of mutants—they were far more concerned about what Hydra, the infamous terror organization, was planning. Such brazen disregard for ethics and law would undoubtedly draw widespread condemnation.

General Ross ignored Senator Karen Keelan and asked directly, "Can you confirm Hydra's existence and their actions?"

Garus didn't bother to provide evidence; it hadn't occurred to him to gather any. "Believe it or not, I've said all I need to say."

"Fair enough," Ross replied, assuming Garus likely didn't know much more, so he dropped the matter.

Garus, however, suspected that Senator Keelan was likely a Hydra spy. Every time Hydra was mentioned, Keelan would quickly try to divert the conversation.

Senator Kelly interjected, "What's your opinion on the videos circulating online over the past few days? Crimes involving mutants have left our police completely at a loss."

Garus responded, "I actually have a solution: entrust all mutants to me. At my Mutant Academy, they will be properly educated. I can guarantee they won't turn to crime."

Inwardly, Garus thought this arrangement would save him a lot of trouble if they actually agreed. However, he doubted they would. The authorities were far more likely to exploit mutants for their own purposes.

Senator Keelan sneered, "We don't trust you. What do you have to say about the allegations that General Stryker and his troops were massacred?"

Garus remained calm. "I don't know what the person who uploaded that video intended, but it only shows part of the story. The earlier footage, conveniently omitted, depicts the military bombing the school, reducing it to rubble. Without Logan and Wanda's protection, tens of mutant children would have died. I assume the concept of self-defense exists in America? I merely stopped the threat at its source."

Ross interjected, "Afterward, General Stryker no longer posed a threat to you. But let's set that aside for now. Did you rebuild the Mutant Academy after it was destroyed?"

"Yes, I did."

Garus found it baffling how the American government viewed mutants. Weren't they just their own descendants? Why fear them? And even if they did, how did fear solve anything? Mutants had existed for millennia; as long as humanity persisted, so would mutants.

Garus continued, "I think most people don't understand what mutants truly are. They've existed on Earth for thousands of years. Any ordinary person could give birth to a mutant, though the probability is low. If you're truly intent on eradicating mutants, you'd first have to eradicate humanity."

When Senator Keelan tried to speak again, Garus's patience wore thin. Fixing him with a cold glare, he said, "If you're here to stir up trouble and provoke war, I'll oblige. And tell your master, Madame Viper of Hydra, to wait. Those who provoke me will pay the price."

Seated below, Madame Viper's expression subtly shifted. She hadn't expected Garus to already know she was behind this ploy. The information must have leaked from the two Hydra operatives captured recently—likely through a mutant's special abilities.

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath, though she took solace in knowing those operatives didn't have much useful information.

Senator Keelan shot to his feet, his face flushed red, whether from genuine indignation or performance. "You're slandering me! I have no ties to Hydra. I'm only concerned about the national security risks posed by mutants!"

CIA Director Mann intervened, holding back the agitated senator. He turned to Spider-Man, who had been silently observing. "And this Spider-Man here, is he a mutant?"

The mention of his name made Peter Parker nervously rise to his feet, ready to explain, but Nick Fury cut him off. "Spider-Man is not a mutant. He's currently an S.H.I.E.L.D. employee and is fully documented within our organization. His activities in New York are under our authorization. As for revealing his identity, that's out of the question—it's classified information."

"Fine," the CIA Director replied begrudgingly. Despite their ongoing friction with S.H.I.E.L.D., the CIA had little leverage over the international agency. "Still, I would prefer that all mutants and superpowered individuals register with us for record-keeping."

Meanwhile, Spider-Man fans watching on television sighed in relief. They didn't want their hero thrust into the spotlight.

The hearing descended into a cacophony of voices, each person demanding Garus reveal the location of the new Mutant Academy. Their motivations were far from altruistic. They sought to control mutants, turning them into weapons.

The CIA Director declared, "Regardless, the families of the thousands of fallen soldiers deserve an explanation. A decision regarding your actions will be made during tomorrow's government meeting. Until then, we expect you to remain under our supervision."

Garus barely concealed his disdain. Had this been earlier in his time in America, such measures might have troubled him. Now, he found them irrelevant.

Nick Fury frowned at the escalation. Though Garus's methods were often reckless, he had resolved significant issues, such as banishing Mephisto, the Lord of Hell. Fury didn't want the American government embroiled in conflict with him.

Senator Keelan pressed on. "The Mutant Academy must operate under government oversight. And like Spider-Man, all superpowered individuals must register."

Garus fixed his gaze on the officials. "So you want to know the location of the Mutant Academy?"

General Ross responded, "Yes. Mutants are powerful beings, and most of them are children who can't yet control their abilities. We're concerned they could be exploited to harm the world."

Garus saw through the implication that he was the potential "exploiter" they feared but brushed it aside. "Very well. This seems to be the true purpose of your visit today. I'll oblige."

He stood, his voice calm but firm. "I'll take you to see the Mutant Academy right now."

The hearing room fell silent. The attendees exchanged skeptical glances. Had he really agreed so easily?

"But I have no intention of handing over the Mutant Academy to you."

After the recent exposure of mutant-related news online, Garus had Wanda slowly move the Sky Fortress into the skies above Washington, D.C. It was necessary to reveal some of his power when the time called for it.

Senator Keelan glanced toward Madame Viper, who was hidden within the crowd. Upon seeing the subtle nod from her, he said, "Alright, I hope the journey isn't too long."

By the time Garus and his group arrived outside the Capitol Building, they were met by a frenzied crowd. The people were mostly military families and ordinary citizens who feared the existence of mutants.

"Hand over the murderer!"

"Kill those monsters!"

Garus paid them no mind. If he had to sum up his feelings, it was that his heart was calm—if anything, he found it somewhat amusing.

He took out his phone and spoke, "Wanda, deactivate Naxxramas's cloaking system."

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