"—If Magneto really plans to attack the school," Jean said, her brow creasing, "shouldn't we at least send away the younger students? The ones who can't defend themselves?"
Charles sighed heavily, hands clasped on his lap. "This school was built to be a sanctuary. For many of them, it's their only home. Their parents already think they're monsters—sending them back would break them."
"So what do we do? Keep them here as sitting ducks?" Jean pressed. "If we leave, Magneto might ambush us. But if we stay, he could destroy everything."
A few seconds of tense silence.
Then Jean's eyes lit up. "The Fantastic Four!"
Charles blinked. "What about them?"
"We can send the students to their base," Jean said quickly. "Ryuuto's on good terms with them. Reed and the others will keep them safe—and that tower of theirs is practically a fortress."
Charles finally nodded. "Good idea. Go tell Ryuuto. He can handle the arrangements."
"Got it!"
Jean turned to leave as Charles placed his fingers on his temple again, whispering, "Scott… I hope you're still alive."
Meanwhile, Ryuuto was already tearing through the halls of the Axville School at high speed, hunting for the mysterious new Mutant Charles had detected earlier.
Boom!
He collided straight into Colossus at a corner, sending the metal giant flying down the hall.
Colossus groaned, shaking his head. "What the hell?! You nearly dented me, Red Mirage!"
But by the time he yelled, Ryuuto was already gone—vanished like a blur of scarlet wind.
Jean entered Ryuuto's room moments later. It was empty—until a flicker of red appeared right in front of her.
"Holy—!" Jean jumped back, clutching her chest. "Can you not just appear out of nowhere?! You're going to give me a heart attack!"
Ryuuto grinned. "My bad. I was out doing my cardio. What's up?"
"Two things," Jean said firmly. "First, call the Fantastic Four. We're sending some students to stay with them for safety. Second, find Scott's contact, a Mutant named Guy. He went missing yesterday—and Charles can't sense him at all."
"Why the sudden evacuation?" Ryuuto asked, tone sharp.
"The professor didn't want to worry you," Jean admitted. "But you're one of us now, Ryuuto. You've earned the right to know—and the responsibility to help protect our home."
"Ugh, you're making it sound all noble and serious again," Ryuuto said, stretching. "Wait—hold that thought!"
Before Jean could reply, he was gone in a red streak.
She chuckled helplessly. "That boy… a dragon who vanishes faster than lightning."
Her smile faded quickly though. Magneto wasn't a simple threat. He was Charles's old friend—and that made him all the more dangerous.
If he comes for us… I'll stop him myself.
Even if it kills me.
Out on the training fields, Ryuuto darted after a blur that zipped past him. Most people would've missed it—but not him. His eyes had adapted to speed itself.
"There you are!"
A laugh echoed back. "Haha! Took you long enough! I was starting to think you lost your edge!"
Ryuuto narrowed his eyes. "Quicksilver?"
"Yup! The one and only. Nice to finally meet you, Red Mirage!"
Ryuuto's tone turned cold. "Your father's Magneto. Why are you here?"
"Relax, man. Just… sightseeing," Quicksilver said with a smirk. "No need to be so tense."
"Oh, I'll show you tense."
Ryuuto slammed his hands together. "Earth Style: Earth Dynamic Core!"
Boom!
A massive chunk of ground shot upward, and Quicksilver smashed straight into it.
The speedster tumbled across the dirt, coughing as he stood up, mud smeared across his face. "Ugh… okay, that one's on me."
"Trying to sneak into our school isn't sightseeing," Ryuuto said flatly.
Quicksilver sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. My dad said you'd be a pain. Guess he was right."
He pointed past Ryuuto suddenly. "Hey, look—an airplane!"
Ryuuto didn't even blink. "That trick's older than Iron Man's ego."
But as he turned slightly, Quicksilver flung a handful of dirt in his face and bolted.
"Seriously?!" Ryuuto wiped his cheek and snarled, "You're not going anywhere."
"Earth Style: Earth Dynamic Core!"
Another wave of stone erupted under Quicksilver's feet, launching him straight into the air before he crashed backward like a ragdoll. Dust and smoke settled.
Flat on his back, Quicksilver groaned, stars spinning in his vision. "Bro… next time… maybe try a different move."
Ryuuto shrugged. "Why bother? It works."
At that moment, Colossus lumbered over, arms crossed. "Ryuuto, what happened this time?"
"Caught Magneto's son sneaking around," Ryuuto said casually. "Think Charles might want a word with him."
Colossus sighed. "Fine. But for the record—my name's Piotr Nikolaievitch Rasputin. Not 'Steel.'"
Ryuuto smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Iron Tower."