And then Reed and Ben are fighting the man X saw in the crowd. His brow is marked with the glowing dark-energy sigil of the Whirldemon King, and he stands relaxed and at ease amid heroes that other villains find of at least mild concern.

None of their blows appear to touch him. It makes him laugh, self-satisfied and vicious.

Given his preoccupation, X takes a moment to check where the children are.

And the aliens.

In case they need to be moved to safety.