Chapter 216: One Man Sends the Decepticons Fleeing in Panic!

CRACK!

A searing red optic blast from Cyclops sent a crimson Decepticon hurtling backward through the air—only for its body to freeze mid-flight as Erik raised a single hand.

With a vicious tearing motion, Magneto's fingers spread apart—

KRANG!

The Decepticon's chassis split cleanly down the middle, severed cables sparking wildly as both halves crashed to the pavement.

"YES!"

"That's how it's done!"

"These mutants are incredible!"

Cheers erupted from the civilians watching behind barricades. Like every battle before, the mutant strike team had dismantled the Decepticon squad with terrifying efficiency—a stark contrast to the military's earlier struggles.

"Another one down." Erik dusted off his hands, his smirk barely visible beneath his helmet.

"How many is that now?" Banshee grinned, stretching his arms. "These 'unstoppable' Decepticons aren't so tough after all."

Charles surveyed the team. Though fatigue lingered beneath their exhilaration, their eyes burned with battle-lust. Even Earthmover and Slash—who normally sneered at human approval—stood a little taller at the crowd's adulation.

"Can everyone continue?" Charles asked.

The resounding "YES!" left no doubt.

"Emma," Charles linked telepathically, "next coordinates?"

The White Queen's laughter echoed in his mind. "Oh Charles, you've scared them off! Or rather—Alex did. My scans show zero active Decepticon forces in any major city. They're retreating en masse."

Retreating.

A polite term for full-scale panic.

Charles' chest swelled with pride. The same Decepticons who'd declared war with such arrogance were now running. And while the team's earlier victories had been impressive, everyone knew the truth:

It was Alex's solo annihilation of 135 Decepticons that broke their will.

"Team," Charles announced aloud, "the Decepticons are fleeing Earth!"

The cheers could've shattered windows.

"Running?" Havok cracked his knuckles. "After the chaos they caused? Not happening."

"Rude guests shouldn't leave without saying goodbye," Cyclops added dryly.

"Emma," Charles commanded, "track the nearest retreating forces."

Minutes later, the Blackbird soared after its prey.


---

Breaking News Broadcast - Live Nationwide

"At 11:00 AM today, the mutant task force was ambushed by an unprecedented 135 UB6 units—their most dire crisis yet."

"Against all odds, a single mutant, Alex, eradicated the entire force alone."

"Following this massacre, UB6 units across American cities have initiated full retreat. Sources confirm the invaders are abandoning Earth orbit."

"We can now declare: Humanity has won this extraterrestrial war—thanks to these extraordinary mutants!"

"The strike team continues pursuing fleeing UB6 forces. Stay tuned for—"

The report sent shockwaves across the continent.

In diners, patrons cheered over spilled coffee.

In schools, children chanted mutant names during recess.

On military bases, officers exchanged stunned glances.

The same aliens who'd crushed armies like paper were now scrambling for their ships—and everyone knew why.

"Hah! Where's your 'conquer Earth' talk now?!"

"Those mutants did what our entire military couldn't!"

"They saved us all..."

From skyscrapers to rural gas stations, one truth became undeniable:

Charles, Erik, and Alex's team hadn't just won a battle.

They'd rewritten humanity's perception of mutantkind forever.