MCU- CH-179. Giving gifts

When Luke and Sylph arrived at the mutants' new country, they saw that it had become a dreamlike haven where technology and nature coexisted harmoniously. Instead of destruction, it was clear that mutants had used their powers for creation. Unfortunately, human rejection made it impossible for mutants to use their abilities openly and correctly.

Mutants had become targets of persecution, which often led to violent conflicts between them and humans. However, under the leadership of En Sabba Nur, the ancient mutant leader who had awakened from his slumber, things had taken a turn for the better.

"Bobby, when do you think Lord Luke will return? He promised me a gift."John said eagerly, sitting beneath a large tree with his friend.

"If Lord Luke comes back and sees all the changes I've made, do you think he'll praise me?" John added, his voice filled with hope.

John's journey had been one of survival and unexpected fortune. With En Sabba Nur's help, John had unlocked his hidden potential, finally overcoming his inability to create fire, not just control it. Driven by ambition, John had conducted risky experiments, pushing his powers to their limits. One such experiment allowed him to turn his entire body into flames, but it almost cost him his life. If his friend Bobby, hadn't intervened in time, John might have burned himself to ashes.

That near-death experience, however, had been worth it. Without it, John's potential would have been limited, and he would never have matched Bobby's extraordinary talents. Now, no one could predict John's future potential. In his new flame form, John could increase the heat of his fire by absorbing flames. He had even experimented with devouring flames ignited by the elves' magic, which had infused his own fire with strange magical properties.

John had been eagerly awaiting Luke's return so he could show off his newfound abilities.

"John, Lord Luke can shake the universe with ease. Your power might seem impressive to you, but to Lord Luke, it's nothing." Bobby said calmly, though he couldn't hide a trace of frustration. He had heard from Apocalypse about Luke's recent battle, which had caused massive disturbances across the cosmos. It was then that Bobby realized how insignificant his own strength was.

Though everyone said Bobby had great potential, he wasn't satisfied with his growth. He could freeze an entire city like New York without breaking a sweat, but he still felt it wasn't enough. His dream was to become the strongest warrior under Luke's command, but his current strength seemed laughable in comparison.

Unlike John, Bobby hadn't taken any risky steps to push his limits. He wasn't willing to gamble with his life, and as a result, his progress had stalled. Though he remembered Luke's promise of a gift, Bobby felt he hadn't earned it.

"You're always so pessimistic, Bobby. Of course, God is powerful." John said, trying to lift his friend's spirits, "He's a true god, and we're just humans with special talents. It's enough for us to stay loyal to him. We shouldn't compare ourselves to him. We just need to face opponents at our level."

John, who was once impulsive, now had a clearer understanding of their situation than Bobby did, "Alright, let's go train before Ororo starts nagging us again." John added, trying to change the subject.

As soon as training was mentioned, Bobby's mood brightened. But just as they stood up, both of them froze. A familiar figure stood in front of them.

John's eyes widened in disbelief, "Bobby, slap me! Am I dreaming? Is that Lord Luke?"

Without hesitation, Bobby raised his hand and slapped John hard across the face.

"Ouch! That hurt!" John yelped, clutching his face.

"This is real, John! We're not dreaming. Lord Luke has really returned!" Bobby exclaimed, stepping forward and placing his right hand over his chest in a gesture of respect. He knelt before Luke. John quickly followed suit.

"My Lord, you're back!" Bobby said, his voice filled with excitement.

"It's been a while. You've both grown quite a bit." Luke said, smiling at the two of them, "Especially you, John. It seems you're looking forward to the gift I promised."

John's face lit up with excitement, while Bobby couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, wondering if his progress had been enough.

"My Lord, I have been eagerly awaiting your return!" John exclaimed, his voice full of excitement. Though impulsive by nature, John's straightforwardness made his words genuine, free from envy or doubt.

"Alright, John, you've finally met my expectations. As promised, here is your gift." Luke said calmly.

He extended his hand, and a bright yellow flame appeared, glowing intensely. John's eyes locked onto the flame as if he were a piece of metal drawn to a magnet. A deep, insatiable desire rose within him, and it was as though a voice whispered in his ear, telling him to "take it."

"This is the source of the Fire Giant Surtur's power—the Eternal Fire. It is everlasting, never to be extinguished." Luke explained as he placed the Eternal Fire into John's hand.

The moment it touched him, John involuntarily shifted into his flame form. His body began to grow rapidly, reaching several thousand meters in height, engulfed entirely in flames. The sudden transformation caused a massive commotion, and mutants from across the land thought an emergency had arisen. Nur even teleported instantly to the scene, ready for action.

However, upon seeing Luke, Nur immediately relaxed, his expression shifting to one of reverence. He bowed to Luke, his face reflecting the deep admiration he felt.

Luke, meanwhile, ensured that John wouldn't cause any unintended destruction. With a simple gesture, he pointed toward the towering figure, and John's massive, flaming body began to shrink rapidly, returning to his normal size.

"I've temporarily suppressed the power of the Eternal Fire." Luke told the still-stunned John, "You'll need time to adapt to it in the coming days."

Luke then turned his attention to Bobby, pulling out an ice box that radiated an intense, bone-chilling cold. He handed it to Bobby with a smile.

"This is the Ice Box, a treasure of the Frost Giants. Its power aligns perfectly with your abilities. I look forward to seeing how much you will grow with it, Bobby."

Bobby, who had initially feared he might have disappointed Luke, was now filled with renewed hope. He gratefully accepted the Ice Box, his heart swelling with faith and determination.

"Rest assured, my Lord. I will work even harder!" Bobby said, his voice brimming with excitement and loyalty. If his devotion to Luke could be measured, it would have reached its peak in that moment.

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