Chapter 206: The X-Gene Vault
Sebastian Shaw possesses the mutant ability to absorb all forms of energy and convert them into his own power, which he can either unleash at will or use to enhance his strength, speed, and stamina. However, this energy storage has a limit—if it exceeds the threshold, it causes him severe harm.
This makes him extremely difficult to defeat in battle, since every strike against him only makes him stronger. To take him down, one usually has to employ unconventional tactics—such as incapacitating him or using psychic attacks.
Clearly, Sebastian Shaw's power has significant flaws.
Most notably, he seems incapable of absorbing gravity as a source of energy. If he could, he'd never run out of power—Earth's gravitational pull alone would be enough to sustain and strengthen him indefinitely.
But this makes sense. After all, he didn't become a mutant through natural means.
He became one by transplanting the internal organs of multiple mutants into his own body.
Bold, to say the least—and reckless, considering he never seemed to worry about the consequences of rejection or incompatibility.
As for those seemingly dead super-soldiers "killed" by Sebastian Shaw—they were merely in a state of suspended animation. With their cellular-level regeneration, they're extremely difficult to kill and could revive at any moment.
The only reason they haven't come back yet is because Chang Wei hasn't allowed them to. He doesn't want them killed again by Shaw.
To Chang Wei, Shaw's flaws aren't really flaws at all. What matters most is that the Divine Light Virus can extract the X-Gene—this conceptually multiversal-level potential is what truly matters.
It's on par with, or perhaps even stronger than, the Stand Virus!
Among all the powers and genes Chang Wei currently possesses, only Saitama's "Limiter-Removed" ability can truly compare to the X-Gene.
"A true energy-absorbing mutant should be able to absorb anything and permanently strengthen themselves with it—boosting their ceiling, without worrying about energy decay or leakage."
That was Chang Wei's thought as he impatiently appeared before Sebastian Shaw.
Before Shaw could react, Chang Wei flicked a finger directly at his forehead.
The blow knocked Shaw back, trailing countless afterimages as he struggled to digest and absorb the sudden influx of power.
"Your ability isn't even passive. Otherwise, Professor X wouldn't have been able to immobilize you and let a single coin kill you."
Chang Wei shook his head. Shaw might look invincible, but in truth, he could easily be taken out by a sneak attack. He lived in constant vigilance, unable to even sleep peacefully.
If his absorption were passive, he wouldn't have to worry about things like that.
Plus, Chang Wei was curious—could Shaw even handle the energy from that single flick?
"Y-You... who are you!?"
Sebastian Shaw stammered, struggling to speak. He had already lost control of the energy surging inside him, and the afterimages were beginning to fade.
"You can't even absorb this level of energy?"
Chang Wei clicked his tongue. All he'd released was a hurricane-level burst of energy—yes, far more powerful than a nuclear bomb, but not at a continent-destroying level. Thankfully, he hadn't used more power; otherwise, if Shaw lost control and exploded, an entire landmass could've been wiped out.
Shaw felt the fear of death. His body was starting to rupture.
"Help—"
Before he could finish, Chang Wei devoured him.
"X-Gene!"
Immediately, Chang Wei had the Divine Light Virus absorb and assimilate Shaw's X-Gene.
Each X-Gene is unique but inheritable. In fact, inherited X-Genes often seem stronger than first-generation ones. Once a first-generation mutant appears, their descendants are usually incredibly powerful.
The most typical examples? Professor X and Magneto's children.
The Divine Light Virus quickly completed the assimilation and began a new round of evolution.
Chang Wei also inherited Shaw's mutant ability.
In the comics, this energy absorption power can even absorb magic. Now, developed and evolved by the Divine Light Virus, it had become a passive skill.
Chang Wei could turn it on or off at will. After all, if it were constantly active, daily life would become difficult—he wouldn't feel hot or cold, since thermal energy would be absorbed, nor feel the wind, as kinetic energy would be drawn in.
Still, keeping it active had its benefits—it could permanently strengthen his physical body. Alternatively, he could simply store the absorbed energy in his cells without enhancing his physique.
The most important advancement, though, was the energy-release derivative ability. It didn't just let him expel absorbed energy in its original form—it allowed him to release it in any energy form!
This marked a major step forward for Chang Wei in controlling and developing his Big Bang form.
With energy absorption and the removal of his limiter, Chang Wei was now effectively a weaker version of Doomsday—you hit him, and he only gets stronger!
He could even absorb gravity now. The gravitational pull and magnetic fields from planets became energy sources for him, along with sunlight and all kinds of ambient energy.
"This kind of power is completely wasted on someone like Sebastian Shaw."
Chang Wei was thoroughly satisfied. He wondered where Magneto, Erik, was at the moment. Was he still in the concentration camp?
Scanning through Shaw's memories, he found that Erik had already escaped. Shaw had killed his mother to trigger his mutant awakening, and as expected, Erik had exploded with tremendous mutant power.
"Professor X can sense all mutants. I should be able to do the same now."
Chang Wei mused. He already had telepathy, which shouldn't be too different from the mutant variant. And now, thanks to good ol' Sebastian Shaw, he had an X-Gene to match.
To Chang Wei, collecting X-Genes was an absolute must. He wanted to complete the X-Gene Vault. Who knows—maybe once he gathers every mutant's gene, he could restore the original strength the Celestials intended for the X-Gene?
"But… I don't even know if the Celestials exist in this movie version."
That thought troubled him. Everyone knew that mutants had practically been severed from the main Marvel continuity. On the surface, it was like they were unwanted stepchildren. Inhumans and Deviants were everywhere, but mutants? Constantly targeted and discriminated against.
Even aliens received more trust from humans than mutants did.
"Right, I should go to Egypt and check if the progenitor of all mutants is still around."
Immediately, Chang Wei activated his telepathy, scanning the entire planet. No human mind could escape his detection.
Naturally, Professor X wasn't among them—he was still too young.
"I need to distinguish mutants from regular humans."
The moment that thought crossed his mind, countless human minds instantly vanished from his senses.