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*****
A meteor struck and destroyed the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
The next day, news like this appeared in all the major newspapers and media outlets.
The chaos caused by yesterday's battle was far too great to cover up. However, to prevent widespread panic, an absurd-sounding news report was fabricated to conceal the real events.
For the majority of people, busy with their daily lives, an explanation—any explanation—is often enough. They rarely stop to question its authenticity or logic.
So, when the news broke, most people simply glanced at it, reacted with mild surprise or amusement, and then moved on.
But where there is a majority, there is also a minority. Some people began to spread alternative accounts online.
Yet, since the battle occurred at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters—a place far from public view—and the secrecy was well-maintained, truth-seekers had little concrete evidence to go on. Without anything substantial, their claims were dismissed as rumors and largely ignored.
Of course, some people tried to sneak into the scene of the incident to find proof and break a major story.
Every one of them was taken away under the charge of trespassing in a restricted zone.
As for those who knew the truth...
That included the President, certain government officials, and senior military leaders. After watching the footage provided by S.H.I.E.L.D., they were left speechless.
A man-made meteor, thrown at will—and the materials used to make it were commonplace in any city.
If someone with that kind of power lost their temper in a city and dropped a few of those… no one would be able to cope.
Such terrifying power must be kept in check—and not just temporarily, but in the long term.
Right now, they were faced with what appeared to be the best possible option.
The President recalled the suggestion made by that polite, well-educated, and kind mutant—Charles—during the previous kidnapping incident.
In this recent battle, they had once again witnessed the immense strength of the other side.
More importantly, Charles advocated for peaceful coexistence. He wasn't the type to take radical action.
In fact, when something like this happened, he would even offer help.
Charles…
The President had a very good impression of him.
He glanced at Nick Fury, seated nearby, his face stern.
Fury had already worked with Charles many times and vouched for the feasibility of the school project Charles proposed.
It was time to seriously consider and discuss it.
With that thought, the President turned to Nick Fury and said, "Contact Charles. Have him come meet with us."
Nick Fury gave a nod.
...
Half a month later, a piece of news shook the entire world.
The first and only school for mutants was established!
Its name… X Academy!
"Hahaha!"
Holding a newspaper in his hand, Erik burst into laughter alone in his room.
Their first step had succeeded.
The Brotherhood.
X Academy.
Starting today, they would move forward with their plan, openly divided yet secretly aligned.
Their ultimate goal: to change the fate of all mutants!
Erik stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the bustling city beyond. With a faint smile, he murmured, "Congratulations, Charles."
"No... congratulations to us."
Charles's voice echoed in Erik's mind.
Erik paused for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. Congratulations to us."
"When will you begin the rescue plan?" Charles asked.
Erik thought for a moment and replied in his mind, "After some time. Once the current situation dies down, I'll begin."
"Keeping the momentum going?" Charles chuckled.
Erik nodded, a smile forming on his lips as well.
"By the way, Erik, have you been in touch with Dad lately?"
Charles's eyes flickered as he suddenly asked.
"No," Erik sighed and said, "It's been a long time since I last contacted him. Why?"
In order to keep his connection with Mike and the others a secret, he hadn't even made a single phone call.
The last time they were physically close was during the battle at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters—
And they hadn't even exchanged a word.
Erik rubbed his brow, unable to hide his frustration.
"Ahem." Charles cleared his throat and said, "I just wanted to tell you that I saw Dad not long ago. He made sweet and sour meatballs, braised pork, scallion lamb stir-fry, soy-braised pork knuckle…"
Erik's mouth twitched. He clenched his fist, and the helmet resting nearby flew into his palm. He put it on, cutting off the most secret 'phone call' in the world.
"Damn you, Charles. Next time I see you, I'm going to beat you black and blue!"
"Hahaha!"
Charles laughed as he took off the Cerebro helmet and stepped out from the school's most hidden underground chamber.
The school was now established.
Students would gradually start enrolling.
Now, what the school still lacked—was teachers.
But Charles already had candidates in mind.
The battle at S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't just helped him establish the school—it also brought him potential faculty.
Logan, Remy LeBeau, and Scott.
Logan, though a rough brawler with a cigar always in his mouth and a tendency to fight first and talk later, was a true master of combat and physically skilled in every area. He could easily serve as both the P.E. teacher and the acting head of discipline.
Remy LeBeau, despite being a gambler, a trickster, and a charming rogue, was actually a graduate student from an Ivy League university. That was more than enough for a school currently focused on high school-level education.
As for Scott—although he dropped out after being captured and experimented on, and later joined the Hellfire Club, meaning he never received a formal diploma—he had earned two degrees through self-study over the years. He, too, was well-qualified to teach.
With these three, plus himself and Hank McCoy, they had a solid foundation for now.
Besides, they could always open hiring to the public.
Some parents of mutant children might even be eager to teach here themselves.
So now, the priority was getting those three to stay.
Scott had already agreed.
Next, he just needed to gently convince Logan and Remy LeBeau.
With that in mind, Charles headed toward the dorms.
After the battle, all three had stayed at the school.
…
Taurus Diner, a small restaurant in a quiet town.
A man with a travel bag and a cap pushed the door open.
A burst of cold wind swept into the restaurant, causing a few diners to shiver and hunch their shoulders.
The man quickly closed the door, gave everyone an apologetic smile, and nodded politely before sitting at an empty table.
Because the town was located in a high-latitude region, it would still be a while before the weather warmed. In fact, it was still snowing outside.
Clark took off his cap and exhaled into his hands for warmth. After calling out to the owner and ordering a meal, he cradled a cup of hot water in his hands and quietly watched the TV while waiting.
"Hm?"
His gaze froze on the television screen, stunned by the news being broadcast.
(End of Chapter)