Watching the video, Erik couldn't help but smile faintly as he saw himself with a wife and daughter—living an ordinary, warm, and happy life.
He wasn't born a villain or a bloodthirsty monster. It was society and fate that had beaten him down, forcing him to become Magneto, the man who stood against the entire world.
But even as the resolute and domineering Magneto, high above all others, there was always a soft spot in Erik's heart—a longing for peace and hope.
Charles had sensed that too. It was precisely why he saw Erik as a kindred spirit.
If given the choice, Erik would truly want, or at least deeply long for, a life as simple, peaceful, and beautiful as the one in the video.
Logan noticed the faint smile on Erik's face and was taken aback. He never imagined that this ruthless, cold-blooded killer could share the same yearning as he did.
In truth, Logan and Erik had more in common than either realized. Both had endured tragedy and pain, and through those trials, forged unyielding strength and willpower.
Logan used to think Magneto was beyond saving, pure evil. But now, he wasn't so sure. As much as he hated the man, he couldn't help but pity him too.
Of course, the happiest of the three was Charles.
Thanks to the future videos revealed in the Quiz game, Charles had come to understand Erik deeply. Just like in those clips, they had grown into a complex bond—part enemies, part allies.
So, from both a personal and rational standpoint, Charles was genuinely glad to see Erik living a quiet, peaceful life. It meant Erik was beginning to accept human society. It meant he was finally letting go of his violent, supremacist mindset. And that—more than anything—was good news for all mutantkind.
But while the three were basking in the hopeful atmosphere, someone else saw a looming shadow behind it.
Stephen from Team B rubbed his chin and raised a brow. "It all seems to be heading in a good direction… but judging by the answer to the question, we already know this happiness won't last."
"No way…" Pietro frowned. "Mutants are still living in hell. It's just Charles, Erik, and Raven—some of the exceptions—who've found a better place. Most of us are still struggling. Even the video showed that. It couldn't possibly get worse, could it?"
Just as he finished speaking, the peaceful life in the video began to unravel.
Erik was working at a steel factory, dressed in a grimy uniform, wearing glasses, and covered in soot—nothing at all like the man who once declared war on the world from the White House lawn.
It was just another ordinary day—until a minor earthquake struck. A boiler filled with molten iron came loose and fell. A worker tripped below, unable to move in time, and was moments from being crushed to death.
Despite hiding his identity, Erik didn't hesitate. On instinct, he raised a hand and used his powers to stop the falling boiler mid-air.
This moment shocked many of the viewers. Their image of Magneto was still stuck on the ruthless, blood-soaked villain. It was hard to reconcile that man with someone who'd leap to save a stranger in danger.
Charles had been right about him—there was still kindness in Erik's heart. That much was clear from how he'd acted without thinking.
But Erik was also rational. After work, he rushed home and immediately told his wife to pack—they had to move.
Although the scene was chaotic, some of the workers must have noticed something unusual. His identity risked being exposed.
It's worth noting that even though years had passed, Erik was still a wanted man. His attack on the White House had made him America's most notorious fugitive. Other world governments had also issued warrants for his arrest, seeing him as a major global threat.
Unfortunately, Erik's instincts were right—but he was still a step too late.
Nina, his beloved daughter, had gone missing.
The faint smile on Erik's face outside the video vanished. He already sensed what was coming, and his once-gentle eyes turned sharp.
Charles also looked uneasy. He glanced at Erik's tense expression and opened his mouth to speak—but in the end, he said nothing.
In the video, Erik and his wife rushed out without even grabbing their things. They found Nina in a grove near their home—but they weren't alone. A group of well-prepared officers were waiting.
Erik had been exposed. The officers were no fools. None of them carried anything made of metal—no guns, no handcuffs. Instead, they brought bows and arrows.
At first, Erik tried to bluff his way through, but the police weren't buying it. Worse, they had Nina as leverage. Not wanting to risk his daughter getting hurt, Erik admitted who he was and surrendered without a fight, hoping they'd release her.
To their credit, the officers didn't hurt the girl. Seeing how cooperative Erik was, they handed Nina back.
Erik knelt down, told her to listen to her mother, and then stepped forward, letting them tie his hands with rope.
Nina was still young. She'd been brave at first, but realizing her father was being taken away, she broke down sobbing.
Her cries were heartbreaking as she clung to Erik and screamed, "Don't leave me! You promised… you promised you'd never leave me!"
Erik had lost his own parents to war when he was a child. That trauma left a deep scar. When he became a father, he swore Nina would never have to experience that same pain. He promised he would always be there.
But now… he'd broken that promise.
In the video, Erik said nothing. His face twisted in agony.
Outside the screen, Erik fists clenched tight, his knuckles cracking audibly.
Many viewers watching felt a surge of anger and sympathy for him.
Pietro's face was full of rage. "This is disgusting! He saved someone's life, and this is how they repay him? Using his child as bait?!"
Stephen spoke grimly, "Don't forget, Erik is still a wanted man. He's not innocent, not by a long shot. The police weren't going to hurt the girl… but this is the price of his past."
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