Deep beneath Wakanda's vibranium mines, Sean stood in the central control room, his gaze piercing through the thick reinforced glass to observe the elevated high-speed rail tracks crisscrossing like metallic serpents, forming an intricate transportation network.
It was worth noting that centuries ago, the Wakandans had relied on manual excavation, using vibranium mining tools to dig, followed by rudimentary smelting methods to extract pure vibranium.
It wasn't until the royal family established their first laboratory and initiated technological reforms, which were led by the new generation, represented by Princess Shuri, that a full set of automated equipment was developed, along with a comprehensive transport system.
This drastically improved efficiency, shortening the entire process of vibranium mining and production.
This was precisely why the royal family had disregarded opposition from the tribes and entrusted Wakanda's entire technological system to Shuri, a child still wet behind the ears.
Beyond her royal bloodline, the key reason was that she was, in fact, an exceptional inventor. She was brimming with ingenious ideas and possessed the ability to bring them to life.
In the original timeline, her creations; nanotech-infused vibranium suits, long-range remote-control devices, the Kimoyo beads (which served both communication and healing functions), and various civilian smart terminals were proof of her inventive prowess. She elevated Wakanda's technological level to unprecedented heights. Most notably, she pioneered Wakanda's unique brand of vibranium-based technology.
"Boss, Skynet has infiltrated Wakanda's data center. The entire system is under our control."
John Allerdyce, the pyrokinetic mutant known as Pyro, who now wore the Hellfire insignia, strode in confidently, followed closely by Bobby Drake, aka Iceman.
These two were the young leaders of the new generation of Mutants. They command considerable respect among their peers.
Once Magneto and Professor X fully stepped off the stage, they would undoubtedly inherit the torch as the next leaders of mutantkind...
"Long time no see, John, Bobby." Sean said with a smile.
Under his deliberate cultivation, the two young men had shed their former immaturity and grew into poised and steady figures. Even the once hot-headed Pyro now exuded a firm resolve, faintly reminiscent of Sean's own demeanor.
This pleased Sean...
In a way, John and Bobby were his handpicked successors, groomed to take over mutant leadership as the new era dawned. With Magneto and Professor X aging, a new generation of mutants was rising.
The X-Men had long since disbanded. Cyclops would have been the ideal leader in the original timeline. He was powerful, experienced, and Professor X's protégé. But after suffering devastating emotional blows, he left the institute, wandering the world like Wolverine.
Others, like Storm and Beast, had no interest in leadership. Rather than leaving mutantkind directionless, it was better to nurture qualified successors who could steer them at critical moments.
"You've done well in this operation." Sean's praise was genuine.
He had trained John and Bobby in different directions. The former was aggressive and passionate, while the latter was strategic and level-headed.
After the Mutant Registration Act was implemented, the two had actively supported their fellow mutants, providing food, shelter, and job opportunities while solving various problems. Their reputations spread rapidly, making them symbols of hope for many young mutants.
With Sean's careful packaging, the two photogenic young men frequently appeared in headlines and press conferences, winning over countless supporters as the public faces of mutantkind.
"What about Magneto and the Brotherhood?" Sean asked thoughtfully.
The Wakanda affair had many beneficiaries, such as the World Security Council, the five great powers, which secured priority access to cheap vibranium; as well as war-profiteering interest groups, and arms dealers who landed massive contracts…
The least conspicuous among them was Magneto and the Brotherhood.
Their influence had expanded from Kenya to Wakanda, seizing control of border tribes and securing a foothold for mutant development. They had claimed a substantial slice of the feast.
"They're satisfied with their gains, but… Magneto wants to meet you in person." John hesitated before adding, "Bobby thinks he might be challenging you. Magneto isn't one to concede easily."
Sean hummed, his expression unreadable, as if the veteran mutant leader's threat meant little to him.
Unless Magneto elevated his powers to the point of manipulating planetary magnetism, that is, balancing micro and macro control to detonate entire planets... he stood little chance against 50% of the Sentinel's power.
And that wasn't even accounting for the three Infinity Stones in Sean's possession. Even the Sorcerer Supreme wielding the Eye of Agamotto wouldn't faze him.
"I'll leave part of the Mutant Corps in Wakanda. Vibranium mining and the entire tech system must remain firmly in our hands. There's no room for error." Sean turned to John, "This task is yours. As for Bobby, he must return to North America to consolidate our mutant brethren."
Recently, a small mutant faction had emerged. They were neither aligned with Xavier's academic approach nor Magneto's Brotherhood. Being led by a few young mutants, they had caused quite a stir.
According to Skynet's surveillance, this young team included several exceptionally gifted mutants: a female teleporter codenamed Blink, who was capable of creating spatial portals; and a male mutant drug smuggler called Eclipse, who could absorb and manipulate photons.
They were both high-potential recruits.
But what truly caught Sean's attention was a young mutant named Lorna Dane. Like Magneto, she possessed formidable magnetic manipulation abilities. DNA analysis suggested she might be the Brotherhood leader's unintended offspring.
As the older generation of mutants faded, new powers rose. Beyond this self-styled 'Gifted' team, there was also an Omega-level young mutant... a severe multiple personality disorder case named David Charles Haller. He was capable of absorbing others' consciousnesses. His threat level was alarmingly high.
Interestingly, Skynet's data indicated that David might be the son of the world's most powerful telepath...
The children of mutantkind's strongest leaders were displaying extraordinary talents, raising questions about whether the X-gene carried hereditary traits.
"If Jean and I had a child, what kind of life potential would it possess?" Sean mused.
Biologically, the stronger the lifeform, the harder reproduction became. Statistically, the odds of him and Jean conceiving were vanishingly slim.
"Alright, you're dismissed." Sean's brow furrowed briefly before smoothing into a smile as he waved John and Bobby away.
In the empty space before him, intricate trails materialized, sparks flying to weave an elaborate pattern.
A bald sorcerer in white robes stepped through...