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*****
Staring...
What does it feel like to be watched by over a dozen pairs of eyes?
And what does it feel like when those same eyes keep staring at you for more than ten minutes?
Now Logan and Charles finally understood.
These children, their eyes shining brightly with hope, looked at them as though gazing upon idols, as though they were witnessing two living legends who had just stepped out of the pages of a book.
Even though they had been raised as weapons since childhood, treated as killers in that damned research facility, and even forced to take lives, they still held onto hope for the future. They still longed for the legends among mutants, and the moment they laid eyes on Logan and Charles, they rushed to surround them.
Despite everything, these children still had hope. They still struggled to live on. With children like these, how could Logan and Charles not fight for them?
In that instant, a new fire was rekindled within both Charles and Logan. Even if it burned away their already failing bodies, they were determined to help these children survive, to preserve a future for mutants.
At that moment, a brown-skinned boy stepped forward. He spoke to the group of children crowding around Charles and Logan: "Alright, everyone, back to what you were doing! Don't all just stand here."
The children responded obediently and dispersed.
The boy then walked up to Charles and Logan. "Hello, I'm Rictor."
Although he admired them as well, he controlled his emotions with remarkable composure.
"Logan."
"Charles."
Both introduced themselves with a smile.
Rictor nodded like a little adult and said, "Welcome to our refuge. Thank you for bringing Laura back. You can rest for a while."
"No need, I—"
Before Logan could finish, Charles interrupted with a gentle smile. "Alright, thank you."
Rictor politely inclined his head before turning away.
From the shadows, Caliban watched the lively children. His voice, low and wistful, slipped out where only he could hear: "How wonderful..."
Nearby, Mike noticed Gwen, who had been dragged into the group by Laura, laughing and playing with the other children. A smile flickered across his face. Then, catching sight of Logan in the distance, his expression grew thoughtful, and he strode over.
"Logan."
"What is it?" Logan asked, the corner of his lips curled in a faint smile.
"Come with me for a moment."
Without waiting for a reply, Mike turned and walked into a nearby house.
Though puzzled, Logan followed.
"What's going on?" he asked as they stepped inside.
Mike suddenly grabbed Logan and pulled him all the way in, shutting the door firmly behind them. "I have a gift for you. Whatever happens in the next moment, don't make a sound."
"?"
Logan blinked in confusion.
Mike smiled faintly, and in his hand appeared a crystal—dark gray in color, faintly shimmering.
It was a life crystal, generously provided by the late Black Queen.
When Mike had helped Peggy Carter regain her youth, he had used some of its energy. But there was still plenty left inside, and now it was the perfect time to use it on Logan.
Why not give it to Charles first?
Because Mike had other methods to help Charles, and besides, he wasn't certain whether Alzheimer's disease would even vanish with a return to youth.
A few minutes later, a cry of shock burst from Logan.
He stared at his body in disbelief, feeling power return to him. His adamantium claws extended with a sharp snikt, and he slashed his arm twice, watching the wounds heal instantly. Staring at Mike in shock, he exclaimed, "What kind of magic is this?"
"I—"
"Thank you, brother!" Logan roared, pulling Mike into a crushing hug, clapping him twice on the back before exclaiming, "I'm going to give them one hell of a surprise!"
He flung the door open and rushed out.
Mike shook his head with a chuckle, glancing at the life crystal still in his hand.
Its energy was nearly drained, with only about a tenth remaining.
He tucked it away, listening to the shouts of surprise and Logan's triumphant laughter outside. Smiling faintly, he thought to himself: So, the Alkali Transigen researchers still haven't shown up. What a disappointment.
When they did, they would face a Wolverine in his prime. That would be a true surprise.
"Dad! Dad!"
Gwen suddenly came running over, pounding on the door before poking her head inside.
"What is it?" Mike asked.
With a miserable look, Gwen cried, "Save me!"
"What's wrong?"
"They're making me eat food."
The mention of food made her face twist in horror. Clenching her fists tightly, she explained in a trembling voice under Mike's confused gaze, "They made dinner... but the food looks... really bad!"
Mike's eyes narrowed, his gaze cutting through the wall toward the small kitchen. Inside, two children were cooking, stirring a pot filled with cornmeal mush into which they had dumped a pile of vegetables.
Good lord. "Bad" was an understatement—it looked utterly inedible.
Mike patted Gwen's head. "Yeah, that would be hard on you."
After getting used to Mike's colorful, fragrant meals, it was only natural she couldn't stomach this.
"I'll cook."
Rolling up his sleeves, Mike stepped outside.
Gwen patted her chest in relief. "Saved!"
She leaned toward Laura outside the door and flashed her a victory sign. Laura also sighed in relief.
Truth be told, she didn't want to eat that either...
Mike entered the makeshift kitchen and told the two children that he would handle dinner. Overjoyed, they happily ran off.
He glanced at the dreadful pot of "food" and set it aside.
There were barely any spices or ingredients available, and what he had in his dimensional pocket wasn't enough either.
But that was no obstacle for Mike.
Opening a portal, he stepped into a supermarket he had shopped at earlier. Within minutes, he had gathered everything he needed and reappeared in the simple kitchen.
"Let's begin," he murmured, swiftly preparing the ingredients.
Time passed, and soon the small kitchen was surrounded by children, their mouths watering as they inhaled the tantalizing aroma.
Gwen and Laura stood proudly at the front, chins lifted slightly, their faces glowing with pride as they watched Mike cook.
"Gwen."
Mike beckoned her over. "Take these dishes out first. Start eating while they're hot."
Nodding, Gwen and Laura carried out the first two plates.
Like a spell had been cast, the children followed them straight to the large dining table outside.
Plate after plate came out, with Gwen and Laura rushing back and forth.
Finally, when Mike emerged with the last dish, he saw all the children sitting neatly at the table. Despite their eager eyes, not a single one of them had touched the food.
Puzzled, Mike paused.
Then, in unison, the children bowed their heads and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Kent."
(End of Chapter)