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*****
Three days later, at the ruins of the White House.
In this period of time, the once-grand White House—now reduced to rubble—had become a different kind of symbol.
It was the shame of a nation, a stain that ignited the flames in the hearts of countless patriots.
Yet, whenever people saw the metallic throne left suspended above the debris, they couldn't help but recall what took place that day.
Three individuals had won a war, and with it, conquered a nation.
These three were once celebrated as superheroes, protectors of the people—but now, they had become super-criminals standing in opposition to the country they once guarded.
Thinking back to what Clark and the other two did that day stirred different emotions in different people—fear in some, anger in others, and regret in a few.
And today, while many had come to the White House ruins to mourn, a lone figure silently appeared on that metallic throne above the wreckage.
Who was this person, daring to sit on that seat?
Everyone knew that throne had been left behind by the three. Was he not afraid of provoking them?
As those who saw it were struck with shock and disbelief, a voice—chilling and calm—sounded directly in their minds.
"This is our first meeting. I am Mike Kent."
"Yes, the same Mike Kent you've spoken about—the one accused of plotting to use mutants to start a war and rule the world."
"The same Mike Kent who is father to Superman, Magneto, and Professor X."
At those words, terror flashed through many eyes.
Some people backed away in fear, while others lifted their phones to record the scene. The soldiers stationed near the ruins immediately reported the situation to the military.
Within moments, the entire area slipped into chaos.
Mike stood on the platform, quietly observing the turmoil below.
The important people hadn't arrived yet. The audience wasn't large enough. He needed to wait a little longer.
A few minutes later, all civilians surrounding the area were driven away. The ruins of the White House were again encircled by soldiers and various pieces of weaponry. Members of the Guardians arrived at the scene immediately, and Mike also saw reporters and several news vans.
Ever since the incident involving the three at this place, the entire zone had been under the highest level of security.
The Guardians watched Mike with eyes full of vigilance.
They didn't know why Mike Kent had appeared here, but they were certain he wasn't here just to introduce himself.
They were already prepared to rush him at any moment.
Mike glanced down at them and spoke slowly. "Previously, those three children proved something to you—and to the world."
They had proven the strength of the Kent family, and that the Kents had no need for the power of the mutant race to destroy a city—or even a nation—with ease.
Standing above everyone, Mike continued, "Today I'm here to prove one more thing. And to take care of a small matter."
He lifted two fingers, making a small gesture.
"If they can wipe out a nation, then I can easily destroy this entire planet. And as for conquering the world through war—no. We, the Kents, have no need for that."
He smiled faintly, though his tone was ice-cold. "Because planets… we already possess one."
With that, he snapped his fingers.
As the sound rang out, the air twisted, space itself warping and tearing apart. In the next instant, before anyone could react, a massive planet slowly emerged in the sky, hovering a thousand meters overhead.
Screams broke out in waves. People's understanding of reality was shattered all over again.
"No! It's an illusion! It has to be his power!"
"Yes! How could a planet just appear out of nowhere?"
"Haha! I must still be dreaming!"
People shouted in panic, unable—and unwilling—to believe what they were seeing.
It was a planet!
"You're free to verify its authenticity however you like," Mike said, still wearing that calm smile.
"And while you're busy confirming it, I'll begin taking care of the small matters I mentioned."
As he spoke, he walked toward the throne behind him and sat down under the eyes of the world.
"This war was the result of a conspiracy. Many of you must have seen the information released by the Avengers regarding it."
"The one who was dealt with before—Ultron—was the true culprit behind this conflict. He used fake evidence to spark a war between humans and mutants, trying to force the Kent family into becoming the enemy of the world."
"That is the truth—but many of you seem unwilling to believe it."
"Of course, none of that really matters anymore."
Mike spoke leisurely, the hint of mockery slowly surfacing in his eyes.
"Ultron's plot was vile, but what truly disgusts me are those who knew it was a conspiracy—and still continued to secretly push this war forward."
People who pushed this war forward? There were people driving it behind the scenes?
At his words, some listeners felt a chill inside. A few began piecing together possibilities, while most ordinary citizens were left stunned.
Mike gave a small smile and went on, "That doesn't matter either. The reason I said all that is to let you know that these people deserve punishment."
"In addition, there is another matter to announce. Listen carefully to the voice in your minds."
As soon as his words faded, nearly everyone—except for a small group equipped with psychic blockers—heard the voice of Charles speaking directly into their thoughts, transmitted through a psychic amplifier linked to every mind.
"I am Charles Kent, principal of the X School."
"All kind-hearted mutants, you now face a choice: remain here, or leave this planet with us to build a new home on another world."
"If you choose to leave, then in the next three days, go to the gathering points I'll reveal. During that time, if anyone tries to stop you or harm you, send out a call in your mind. We will aid you and punish those people or forces."
When he finished speaking, Charles severed the telepathic link with the humans and began sending the list of gathering locations to every mutant.
It was an immense undertaking, and everyone who heard it was shaken to the core.
Soon after, some mutants—especially those near a designated location—were stirred to action.
Others, already in danger, fleeing for their lives, or currently persecuted, immediately began crying out for help.
As one plea after another reached him, Charles filtered and confirmed the calls. Using the impressions each mutant had of their surroundings, he sent the relevant information straight into Mike's mind.
Mike's eyes flashed, and cards appeared between his fingers.
They dissolved into motes of light.
In the next moment, portals opened beside him. Attacks manifested through the portals—summoned through the cards—and struck down the pursuers around the endangered mutants. Then, with a flicker, the portals swept those mutants away and delivered them directly to Mike.
Those being hunted saw a flash of light—and suddenly found themselves in an unfamiliar place. The soldiers surrounding them only heightened their alarm and fear.
But Charles's voice rang in their minds once more, briefly explaining the situation and calming their nerves.
The rescued mutants looked toward Mike seated upon the throne. Though fear lingered, seeing that the surrounding soldiers made no move to harm them caused their terror to gradually subside.
They turned their eyes to the continuously appearing golden portals, watching as attacks shot out and more of their kin emerged one after another.
So this was how they were brought here?
The rescued mutants understood.
The portals continued to flicker into existence, and more and more mutants gathered at the site.
Watching the scene, Ross felt a growing dread take root in his heart.
He had intended to wait until Mike exhausted himself before acting. But as minute after minute passed, he saw no sign of Mike weakening. Instead, Ross's own fear grew stronger.
He glanced at the other Guardians and saw the same expression in their faces. He let out a sigh in his heart.
Suddenly, after half an hour of nonstop portal flashes, the gateways vanished at last.
Seeing this, the Guardians and soldiers let out a collective breath.
Had he finally worn himself down?
Just as they speculated, Mike opened yet another portal. Turning to the mutants he had gathered, he said, "Walk through here, and you will arrive on the planet above."
He pointed up at the world looming overhead.
The mutants froze for a moment. Some shouted with joy; others screamed in disbelief and overwhelmed emotion. Then voices of gratitude—shouts of thanks to Mike, to the Kent family—rose in waves, building into a roaring tide.
They were cheering for themselves, for the Kents, and for all mutants.
"Everyone! A new life awaits you. Go!"
Mike waved to the mutants beneath the platform. Once they reached the planet, Jor-El would settle them there.
One after another, the mutants crossed through, hearts pounding with excitement.
But after the thousands gathered there had disappeared through the portal, Mike did not continue rescuing mutants in the same manner.
There were far too many who needed saving. Even though he had a large stock of cards, they were not nearly enough to extract every mutant. What he had done was primarily to intimidate. The task of rescuing mutants would fall to Charles.
Charles was the main force behind this operation.
With his abilities, he could extract the hunted mutants and eliminate their attackers at the same time.
Of course, maintaining his powers at such intensity came with tremendous strain on both his reserves and his mind. But Mike had already reinforced him once using a Kryptonian ability card.
With the rescue work left to Charles, Mike turned to another task.
To fulfill his earlier words—punishing those who had secretly fueled this war.
Portals appeared once more.
This time, the attacks that emerged through them were beams of blinding light.
Seconds later, General Ross began receiving message after message.
Each one reported a death.
He stared in shock at Mike on the throne, drew a deep breath, and turned to the other astonished Guardians. "If everything he said is true, then those who fueled this war do deserve punishment."
"But he is not the one who should be delivering it!"
(End of Chapter)