Meanwhile, aboard the X-Jet flying toward New York...
Professor Charles Xavier stood silently, his expression grave as he looked at Magneto. After a moment of silence, he spoke in a low, thoughtful voice
"Erik, I just read Director Fury's memories. Humanity is far stronger than we previously believed. And Earth isn't nearly as safe as we had assumed. Perhaps it is time we set aside our internal differences for now."
During the earlier confrontation, when Magneto had destroyed the neural inhibitors and paralyzed the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Xavier had taken the opportunity to use his psychic abilities to probe into Nick Fury's mind. What he saw was deeply concerning, he learned of the existence of the Skrulls and the Kree, two powerful alien civilizations. These revelations were shocking and changed how he viewed the planet's security.
In the past, Charles had believed it was possible to slowly change humanity's prejudice against mutants. He trusted that by guiding young mutants through education and moral development, peaceful coexistence with humans could be achieved over time.
But after everything that had happened today,the battle with S.H.I.E.L.D., and the danger before that. They were only saved by Mark's unexpected intervention. Without him, they would have all been captured or worse.
Xavier was thankful he had made that trip to Sokovia, where he encountered Mark and invited him to join the school. That decision had just saved them all.
Now, Charles chose to share everything he had learned with Magneto, in the hope that Erik might return, at least temporarily, and work with him just as they had in the past during their very first battle for mutant rights.
Magneto looked at Xavier with the same familiar pride and determination in his eyes. His response was firm:
"Charles, I will work with you. But you must understand one thing. If the opportunity arises, I will still choose to wipe out humanity and build a world where only mutants exist."
"If every living being on Earth were a mutant, then I believe even those so-called aliens wouldn't be a threat to us."
Magneto had always believed that mutants were the next step in human evolution, a superior species, closer to gods than mortals. From his perspective, aliens might be a danger to humans, but not to mutants. The real threat, in his eyes, remained the same, humanity itself, with its internal divisions, jealousy, and capacity for betrayal.
Xavier, calm as always, gave a soft smile and replied:
"When that time comes, I will stop you. But until then, we're both fighting for the survival and protection of our people."
He didn't expect Magneto to change his beliefs. He only needed him to cooperate for now, as they both faced the far greater threats of global instability and cosmic forces beyond Earth.
Watching the two men shake hands, Mark, seated a few meters away, couldn't help but feel hopeful. He thought silently:
"With Professor X and Magneto joining forces, we finally have a few peaceful years ahead of us... to grow stronger."
Together, their strengths compensated for each other's weaknesses. This was not merely a partnership, it was a strategic convergence of powers.
At that moment, Wolverine lit a cigar, walked over to Mark, and clapped him on the shoulder with a grin.
"Mark, I've decided I'm never calling you 'little monkey' again. From now on, how about 'Ape Demon'? Or maybe just 'King Kong'?"
Wolverine had recently faced his traumatic past. He had returned to the place where he was experimented on, faced Colonel Stryker, and had regained many of his memories. With his emotional burdens eased, he had now decided to officially make Xavier's School his permanent home. He was even considering teaching classes, perhaps combat or history.
"Let's go with 'Ape Demon' or maybe even 'Ape God'. 'King Kong' is just asking for a lawsuit" Mark replied playfully.
Now more relaxed, Mark no longer minded the nickname. Instead, he enjoyed the camaraderie that had developed.
Behind them, Lady Deathstrike, sat silently, watching the friendly exchange between Wolverine and Mark. Her expression was hard to read, caught somewhere between anger and sorrow.
Originally from Osaka, she was a skilled martial artist and a mutant with regenerative powers. Years ago, Stryker had approached her with a terrible claim, her long-lost father had been murdered by Wolverine. He even showed her a video as proof. Driven by vengeance, she had joined Stryker's new Weapon X program, undergoing painful experiments to become stronger.
But she never got her revenge. Instead, Stryker had used Jason's mutant ability to manipulate her into becoming a soulless assassin. She eventually discovered the truth after regaining herself
Her father hadn't willingly worked for Stryker, he had been abducted and forced to help design Weapon X. The video showing Wolverine killing him was actually a tragic accident that occurred while Wolverine was escaping from the lab.
The true culprit, she now knew, was Stryker himself.
As she sat reflecting on the past, Wolverine turned and noticed her gaze. He gave her a nod and said sincerely
"Hey. If you've got nowhere else to go, you're welcome at Xavier's. I think the professor would be glad to have you."
Wolverine was deeply sorry for the accidental death of her father, but he was also grateful that after regaining control of her mind, she had chosen to help them in the battle against S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Yeah, and we'll probably need more teachers soon," Mark added with a grin.
To him, the stronger the school became, the safer it would be for him, Wanda, and Pietro.
About 40 minutes later, Mark's Harry Potter template finally timed out. As he watched his broomstick and Invisibility Cloak vanish, he yawned and thought to himself before falling asleep
"When I switch to the Goku template, I should shout for the flying Nimbus and see what happens."
As Mark finally passed out from template fatigue, Xavier turned toward him with a thoughtful expression.
"Young Mark... are you really a mutant?"
He couldn't read Mark's mind, nor could he detect the brainwave signature typical of mutants. He had originally assumed Mark was a mutant based on his powers and the tail visible on his body, but after seeing the full extent of Mark's abilities tonight, Xavier had begun to question his own conclusion.
Mark had shown an array of abilities far beyond what any single mutant had ever displayed, superhuman strength, enormous energy output, transformation into a giant ape, and even magical weapons and clothing. It was, frankly, unprecedented.
But Xavier eventually smiled to himself and thought:
"It doesn't really matter anymore. Whether he's a mutant or not, he's our student. He fights for us. He's one of us."
And in truth, even if Mark wasn't a mutant, his brother Pietro definitely was, which made the connection to the mutant community solid enough.
Standing beside Xavier, Magneto watched Mark as well and murmured:
"Charles, I envy you sometimes. Your school has so many promising young elites. It's a shame how many of them you waste."
Compared to the ragtag collection of rebels in his Brotherhood of Mutants, Xavier's school was filled with exceptionally gifted individuals.
Xavier smiled and replied:
"Erik, it's a school. Not everyone wants to become a fighter. They should be free to choose their own futures."
Magneto shook his head.
"How can they survive in a world that despises and fears them... if they refuse to learn how to fight back?"
Seeing the discussion veer toward old disagreements, Xavier decided to change the subject
"Let's not argue about this again. There's still over two hours before we reach the school. How about a game?"
He pulled out a drawer from the jet's interior and took out a chessboard.
Magneto smirked, removed his helmet, and set it aside:
"I'll go easy on you."
"No, you won't," Xavier replied with a warm smile.
And for a brief moment, it felt like old times again.
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