Just in that extremely brief moment, Charles seemed to return to the time when he first investigated Jean Grey's potential, and once again saw the vast potential that even Apocalypse could not possess.
This was absolutely not an illusion; he was very certain.
The Professor's fingertips trembled slightly, his body on the wheelchair unconsciously leaned forward, and those eyes that could see through billions of thoughts now appeared somewhat dazed, gazing at the vibrant young man in front of him, his mind immersed and unable to extricate itself.
"My God... is this the new hope?" Charles murmured silently.
No one understood the magnitude of this potential more than he did. It could be said that the emergence of an Omega Mutant could completely determine the future of a race, and it happened to appear at this dangerous crossroads, which caused him to fall into a rare state of distraction.
Meanwhile, Peter, the target of Professor X's observation, felt a chill creep up his spine to his brain. He agilely hung upside down on a utility pole, tightening his Silk like a spider, pulling himself up into mid-air.
—This was an instinctive defensive posture, similar to a spider encountering danger. Although he knew that extending the physical distance was meaningless in front of this powerful telepath, he couldn't help but react reflexively.
"Who said Professor X wouldn't peek into other people's thoughts?" Peter couldn't help but grumble softly. Being observant, he was certain that the Professor was peeking into his mind. "I wonder if my identity has been exposed?"
However, his Spider-Sense did not sound an alarm, nor did he feel any obvious intrusion in his mind, which made him feel slightly relieved—perhaps the Professor had only discovered something unusual about him, rather than intentionally prying into his privacy.
The commotion caused by Peter's reflexive action alerted Scott, who also noticed that the Professor on the wheelchair was acting strangely. He leaned closer to the Professor and gently touched Charles's shoulder with his hand: "Professor, are you alright?"
Scott's voice was filled with concern and a hint of urgency, as if he was worried about something.
Charles blinked as if waking from a dream, and looked at Peter with an apologetic gaze: "I'm sorry, please forgive my lapse in composure, child, you... are very special."
Given Spider-Man's sensitive identity, he carefully chose his words, not immediately revealing the fact that this young man might be another Omega-level Mutant after Jean.
In this era filled with hostility towards Mutants, even Spider-Man was no exception. Once his Mutant identity was exposed, he would likely face unpredictable dangers.
Peter took a deep breath and lightly landed back on the ground. Avoiding the problem wouldn't solve it, so he decided to confront this legendary Mutant leader. Besides, it wasn't the first time he had seen the Professor. The reason for such a strong stress response this time might be related to his memories from his previous life.
Professor X was too unfriendly to a transmigrator. There was the risk of the transmigrator's identity being exposed, and also the risk of Professor Xavier suffering brain death after learning the truth.
"Wow! Professor Charles Xavier, it's great to talk to you face-to-face from such a close distance." Peter deliberately made his tone cheerful, mimicking the excitement of a fan meeting their idol.
"I know you founded the Mutant Academy, and everyone says you're a selfless and upright person, and you have the most powerful psychic abilities..."
Listening to Peter's barrage of compliments, the elderly Professor simply smiled and nodded, listening patiently like a dutiful audience member, without showing any impatience.
Scott, standing behind him, unconsciously straightened his back, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. His impression of this talkative street hero improved by several points.
"I heard that when it comes to identifying Mutants, no one is more authoritative than you." Peter suddenly changed the subject, "Unfortunately, someone told me I'm also a Mutant, so can you tell me what you see in me? Am I a Mutant?"
Charles narrowed his eyes slightly, and a gentle voice suddenly sounded in Peter's ear: "Peter, don't doubt it, you are a Mutant. But whether you are a Mutant or a human, there is no difference, as long as you are everyone's good neighbor."
After whispering to Peter alone, the Professor then spoke words of profound meaning to everyone present:
"Child, whether you are a Mutant or a human doesn't matter. I believe Mutants and humans will surely coexist peacefully. As for what I see in you? I... see new hope and the future."
Scott gasped in shock, his eyes widening uncontrollably. He had never heard the Professor give anyone such a high evaluation—not even Jean had received such recognition.
At this moment, he began to re-examine this young hero in the red and blue suit.
"Ahem." Just then, Iron Man, reminded by Jarvis, deliberately cleared his throat, and the armor's thrusters hummed softly, "I say, Pajama Boy, didn't you have something you needed the Professor's help with?"
"I need the Professor's help with something?" Peter tilted his head. How did he not know that himself?
"It seems you've encountered trouble, child." Although Charles couldn't directly read Peter's thoughts, he had a general idea of what the trouble was from the emotional fragments emanating from the surrounding crowd.
"Your true identity might have been exposed?" Tony added.
Identity exposed? Peter's heart sank. When was it exposed?
As if seeing Peter's confusion, Tony spread his hands and said, "I just heard from Jarvis that you were hit by a Rocket and fell to the ground, and those four mercenaries who captured you once lifted your mask."
This... He really didn't remember, as he was unconscious at the time. However, the exposure of his true identity was no small matter, and he couldn't let Iron Man's kindness go to waste. He looked at Charles and said:
"My identity might have been exposed when I was captured. Four mercenaries know about it. For the safety of my family and friends, this secret cannot be revealed."
Of course, his telling it himself was just a trial, as it would be very difficult for the Professor to help with this.
Unexpectedly, Charles merely closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. When he opened them again, a gentle smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: "You are fortunate, child. If it were any later, I might not have been able to help."
This made Peter stunned.
The Professor's meaning was clearly that he was willing to help him—and for Professor X, with his psychic abilities, to do this would require clearing the memories of relevant individuals or setting up psychic barriers, but wouldn't that violate his principle of not interfering with ordinary people's thoughts?
Scott's face instantly changed when he heard this, and he quickly tried to dissuade him: "Professor, you cannot use your abilities. The Doctor specifically warned against it..."
He wasn't against helping Spider-Man, but he was worried about the Professor's health—the elderly Charles was ill, and frequent use of psychic abilities would worsen his condition.
"Scott, I understand my physical condition better than anyone." Charles's voice was calm yet firm, revealing an undeniable determination.
Scott, who understood the Professor, knew that once the Professor made a decision, any further persuasion would be futile, so he could only hang his head.
To be honest, Peter was very happy to receive help, but if it came at the expense of others, then he would rather not.
"Thank you, Professor, but if this is harmful to your health, then please don't. I can find other solutions."
Peter was not being insincere; at least Strange could do it, and he himself might be able to do it too, provided he had psychic abilities like the Professor.
Charles smiled and shook his head: "You are wrong, child. I am doing this not only to help you, but also to help a race that is heading towards destruction."
The profound meaning in these words made Peter wonder—did the Professor already know about the things the U.S. government was secretly doing to Mutants?
As Peter pondered, Charles extended two fingers and pressed them to his brow. After a short while, he lowered them again and smiled: "They didn't see your true face, and no one in the entire research facility knows your true identity, so... you don't need to worry."
Hearing the Professor's words, Peter was completely relieved.
Suddenly, another White light emerged from his wrist. After the White light receded, a Wolverine symbol appeared.
To be continued…