Inside the palace of the great pyramid, two stone platforms prepared for a reincarnation ritual were already in place.
Warren Kenneth Worthington III carried Professor X onto one of the platforms. Charles Xavier did not know exactly what was about to happen, but he clearly sensed that the situation was extremely unfavorable for him.
Even so, like a martyr facing execution, he launched his final denunciation at Apocalypse:
"You are nothing but a false god! When all of this is over, those who follow you… will betray you once again!"
During their earlier clash of telepathic powers, although En Sabah Nur had gained the upper hand and successfully hacked into the global mental network Charles had constructed, Charles Xavier had also glimpsed Apocalypse's past.
He knew that thousands of years ago, Apocalypse had been betrayed—and it was that betrayal that had cast him into his long slumber.
However, En Sabah Nur was not angered by Charles's words. He was remarkably patient with mutants—especially one as uniquely gifted as Charles Xavier.
Still, he conjured restraints to lock Charles's hands, preventing any struggle.
As for his legs, there was no need to bother—audiences across the multiverse already knew that Professor X could not walk.
"Charles, you are mistaken. In my thousands of years of life, this is the first time I feel fulfilled… because I have found you. You possess the one ability I lack. I want to be everywhere. I want to control every single person in the world!"
En Sabah Nur coveted Professor X's telepathy—especially after experiencing the global mental network Charles had created.
That sensation of holding every human mind in the palm of his hand was intoxicating.
Before this, Apocalypse was immensely powerful, yet he still fell short of true godhood. But once he successfully seized Charles's body and abilities, that final flaw would be eliminated.
Outside the light screen, Bruce Banner said gravely,
"When I saw how much Apocalypse valued Charles earlier, I wondered whether he was targeting Charles's body and powers… and now it's confirmed."
Homelander spread his hands unconsciously.
"You can't blame him. Who could possibly resist the power to control the entire world?
With a single thought, everyone becomes your most loyal servant—the President of America, financial tycoons, the rulers of human society. Power and wealth would pile up at your feet!
Of course, Apocalypse, who aspires to be a true god, doesn't care about such vulgar things. To him, Charles's mind control is like a divine paintbrush—one that can repaint the entire world however he desires!"
Homelander spoke from personal longing. After witnessing Professor X's overwhelming telepathic abilities, he himself had nearly started drooling.
Projecting his own desires onto others, he completely understood how Apocalypse felt in the future footage.
Tony Stark glanced at him coldly.
"To be honest, I never had particularly strong feelings about Charles before. But after meeting scum like you and watching what Apocalypse does, I've realized just how remarkable Charles truly is.
He possesses the very power you all obsess over and dream about day and night—yet he only uses it to find people, or as a kind of free instant communication tool.
He even restrains himself, refusing to invade others' minds unless absolutely necessary.
Frankly, I used to think that level of self-control wouldn't be that hard. But compared to people like you, Charles is nothing short of extraordinary."
Natasha Romanoff nodded in agreement.
"You're right, Tony. Professor X's greatness lies in his clarity—he knows exactly how terrifying his power is.
If he wanted to, he could solve nearly every problem. He could brainwash all of humanity for mutant survival, or even wipe humanity out entirely.
But not only would he never do that—he wouldn't even entertain the thought."
Erik Lehnsherr glanced at them and spoke quietly,
"…I've always thought Charles was naïve. But in this matter, he truly deserves respect.
If someone else had his abilities, the world would have descended into chaos long ago."
Tony Stark shrugged.
"In that regard, you fall short of your old friend."
Bruce Banner frowned.
"We can't let Apocalypse take Professor X's body and powers. If that happens, that world is finished."
At first, he had treated the X-Men future footage like a movie. But gradually, aided by explanations from Iron Man and Magneto, he had become fully immersed.
He couldn't help imagining that if he lived in that world—perhaps as a mutant himself—facing an enemy as godlike and omnipotent as Apocalypse would be utterly despairing.
Erik Lehnsherr raised an eyebrow.
"Don't worry. Raven and the others will make a difference."
No sooner had he spoken than the future footage cut to Mystique and her team.
They piloted their aircraft at high speed toward Cairo, plunging into swirling sandstorms and collapsing debris. Before them rose towering pyramids and a city reduced to ruins.
Using her telepathy, Jean Grey located Professor X and immediately understood his predicament.
She warned urgently,
"The Professor is at the center of the great pyramid. Apocalypse is trying to transfer his consciousness into him. If he succeeds, he'll gain control over every person on Earth!"
Beast maneuvered the aircraft closer to the pyramid, turning sharply—and there they saw Magneto.
Erik Lehnsherr was deepening his control over Earth's magnetic field, following Apocalypse's orders and attempting to force modern human civilization back into the Stone Age.
The situation was both complex and extremely dangerous. Planning their next move was critical.
At that moment, Raven stepped forward. She decided that she would confront Magneto herself, while the others focused entirely on rescuing Professor X.
Their plan relied on Nightcrawler's teleportation ability—if he could get close enough to Charles, there would be a chance to extract him.
Without question, Raven was taking an enormous risk.
Magneto was no ordinary opponent. He had always been formidable, and now his power had grown even further.
It was no exaggeration to say that if Apocalypse were not present, Magneto himself would be the final boss they had to defeat.
Quicksilver couldn't help but speak up,
"I'll go with you. The reason I came here was to find him."
Raven agreed without hesitation. Whatever else could be said, Quicksilver's speed ensured at least one thing—his chances of survival were high.
And so the plan was set.
They split into two teams—one to rescue Professor X, the other to restrain Magneto.
Beast landed the aircraft in a relatively safe area. The X-Men braced themselves, fully prepared for a brutal and decisive battle.