Chapter 72: [72] Shaw's Fury Of Impotence
Soviet Union, Moscow.
The Mutants of the Hellfire Club were gathered together,
Their attention fixed on the television in front of them.
Broadcast on the screen was the live coverage of the U.S. President's speech at the White House.
Sebastian Shaw sat with a grim expression as he watched the broadcast.
Moments ago, he had been branded as a war criminal by the President of the United States.
"..."
Labeled as the embodiment of evil!
Meanwhile, the X-Men—fellow Mutants—had been elevated to the status of America's superheroes.
Symbols of justice and righteousness!
The contrast was infuriating.
Sebastian Shaw's anger simmered as he considered flying to America himself
To destroy the President and the entire bothersome X-Men team.
His frustration peaked when he saw Brian's dramatic entrance.
Brian landed in a flawless superhero pose, his appearance greeted with enthusiastic cheers.
His sunny, charismatic demeanor and friendly smile only added to Shaw's rage.
The sight made Shaw want to punch Brian on the spot.
After all, it was Brian's actions that had driven Emma Frost to leave the Hellfire Club, plunging Shaw into this difficult position.
Now, Shaw was forced to wear this ridiculous telepathic-blocking helmet at all times.
Even in his sleep, he didn't dare to remove it.
Of course, despite his anger, Shaw was merely venting in his thoughts.
In truth, the one person he least wanted to face was Brian himself.
Brian's adaptive evolution ability was truly overpowered.
Even though Sebastian Shaw was already the most powerful Level 5 Mutant in the world, he had no way of countering Brian's unique gift.
The more they fought, the stronger Brian became.
The more he was attacked, the better he adapted to Shaw's energy-based assaults.
So, the best strategy against Brian was simple: Don't fight him at all!
"Super Seven? But there are only five people,"
Just as Shaw was stewing in his frustration, the voice of Azazel broke the silence,
Drawing Shaw's attention back to the White House speech on the television.
...
At the White House, Washington, D.C.
After introducing Brian, Raven—still in the guise of the President—proceeded to introduce the other three X-Men members one by one.
With this announcement, the X-Men officially transitioned from an unrecognized Mutant team to a superhero group with the full endorsement of the United States government.
They were now seen as the embodiment of justice.
"Why are there only five people in the superhero group?"
A reporter asked Raven, sounding genuinely puzzled.
"Because the remaining two positions are reserved for other Mutants,"
Raven replied confidently.
"Mutant brothers and sisters, as long as you have justice in your heart, you can join the X-Men and become a part of this superhero group.
You can become a household superhero like Superman and Captain America.
In this critical moment for humanity, I hope you will rise to the occasion.
Fight for freedom, for the people, and for the justice you hold in your heart.
Any Mutant who wishes to become a superhero can come to the X-Men base—Xavier Mansion in New York—to take the test conducted by The Homelander.
Those who pass the test will become the next superheroes."
With these words, Raven concluded the presidential speech.
At the same time, under the direction of the U.S. government, a group of reporters began taking extensive promotional photos of the X-Men.
One hour later.
Promotional posters featuring the superhero group and the X-Men were plastered across streets and alleyways in cities throughout America.
With the backing of the highest levels of the U.S. government, a massive campaign to promote the X-Men and the Super Seven was launched.
In no time, members of the X-Men like Alex and others were appearing frequently on various interview shows.
Within a single day, the X-Men became a household name across America.
They were hailed as the new benchmark of justice, elevated to the same superhero status as Captain America himself.
Fueled by the relentless efforts of capital and media, a superhero fever swept across America.
Young people, in particular, flocked to Xavier Mansion—the X-Men's base—Eager to observe the team's training up close.
In the eyes of these young enthusiasts, filled with interest and curiosity,
The X-Men put on an impressive display of their abilities.
Alex Summers, Sean Cassidy, Erik, and Hank each demonstrated their unique powers.
Their performances dazzled the crowd, leaving a lasting impression.
For many, this was the moment the X-Men truly captured their hearts.
Magneto and the others gained their first wave of devoted fans.
On the second day, the President of the United States issued a new presidential order:
"As superheroes, the X-Men are granted unrestricted access to the White House.
They are authorized to recruit Mutants and add them to their ranks.
The X-Men have full independent decision-making power in the fight against the Soviet Union's Mutant President, Sebastian Shaw, the Black King.
Furthermore, the X-Men operate directly under the command of the President and are not subject to any external restrictions.
The X-Men are granted the highest privileges in America, including the authority to deploy relevant agencies and mobilize military forces, a power that cannot be revoked by anyone."
With this decree, the X-Men were elevated to a position above the nation, becoming a privileged class with unparalleled authority.
This change sparked a shift among the Mutants in America.
Those who had previously stayed in hiding or taken a wait-and-see approach now felt a sense of purpose.
Mutants began flocking to Xavier Mansion, the home base of the X-Men.
Many of these Mutants had initially considered traveling to the Soviet Union to join Sebastian Shaw.
However, the emergence of the X-Men made them abandon that idea.
In the past two days, Mutants had witnessed the public's overwhelming enthusiasm for superheroes.
This attitude was a stark contrast to the fear and prejudice they had faced for so long.
The X-Men had become symbols of justice.
Criticizing the X-Men now would immediately result in public condemnation and being labeled as an enemy of progress.
Given the opportunity to become a superhero admired and loved by humanity, who would want to be branded as an evil Mutant?
This shift led to a global division among Mutants.
Ambitious Mutants who sought power and domination aligned themselves with the Soviet Union's Black King,
Traveling to the Soviet Union in secret to join his ranks.
Meanwhile, other Mutants saw the possibility of becoming superheroes—Respected, revered, and worshipped by humans.
These Mutants began making their way to Xavier Mansion, drawn by the hope of joining the X-Men.
On the third day, as Sebastian Shaw, the Black King, prepared to take office as President of the Soviet Union.
The first Mutant to make a choice arrived at Red Square in Moscow.
"Shaw, a Mutant wants to join us,"
A woman in a luxurious, medieval-style gown entered the Presidential Office in Red Square.
This woman was Angel, a member of the Hellfire Club.
Following behind her was an elderly man, his demeanor nervous and his expression vacant.
He looked frail, almost like a man at death's door.
Inside the office, Sebastian Shaw was busy preparing for his inaugural speech.
Hearing Angel's announcement, his eyes brightened for a moment.
But when he glanced at the old man behind her, his brow furrowed slightly.
The man was thin, dirty, and disheveled, looking every bit like a homeless wanderer.
In truth, the man was just that—a drifter.
His name was Polly Orlo.
"Shaw, you'll never guess what Polly's ability is!"
Angel's excitement was palpable, clearly oblivious to Shaw's initial displeasure.
"What ability does this old man have?"
Shaw asked absentmindedly, barely masking his disinterest.
"Polly can create a mental shield!"
Angel explained enthusiastically.
"According to him, his mental shield can protect people from any form of psychic attack."
Angel's words caused a noticeable shift in Shaw's attitude.
His indifference vanished instantly, replaced by genuine interest.
"Hahaha! Welcome, my Mutant brother,"
Shaw exclaimed, his previous disinterest giving way to a warm reception.
Shaw walked over to the elderly Polly with a warm smile, opening his arms and embracing the man without hesitation, showing no disdain for the dirt covering Polly.
"Mr. Shaw, can I join your Mutant Kingdom?"
Polly, overwhelmed with emotion at being treated with respect for the first time in his life, burst into tears.
"Of course, Polly. The Mutant Kingdom welcomes any Mutant,"
Shaw replied warmly, his tone encouraging.
"Now, show me your ability,"
He added, his excitement barely contained.
"Mind shield!"
Under Shaw's expectant gaze, Polly raised his hand.
A golden, shimmering mental shield materialized around him, adorned with intricate, mysterious inscriptions.
It glowed brilliantly, exuding an almost majestic aura.
The golden shield expanded and enveloped Shaw, who immediately felt a slight vibration in his mind followed by a sense of security unlike anything he had experienced before.
His spiritual world felt protected—fortified.
What surprised Shaw most was the strength of Polly's shield.
It far exceeded the capabilities of his own telepathic-blocking helmet.
Shaw's joy was unmistakable.
Although he already possessed his mind-protecting helmet, the other members of the Hellfire Club lacked any form of telepathic defense.
This had long been a glaring weakness within the Hellfire Club.
Without mental protection, they were vulnerable in any full-scale conflict with the X-Men.
If such a war were to occur..
Professor X could effortlessly wipe out every Hellfire Club member leaving only Shaw to resist.
This vulnerability had made Shaw desire the ability to shield minds more than anything else.
Polly's power was exactly what he needed.
Originally, Sebastian Shaw thought it would be nearly impossible to find a Mutant with the ability to shield minds.
But to his surprise, within just three days, such a Mutant had come to join the Hellfire Club.
"Good. Very good! Angel, take Polly for a proper bath and then help him get acquainted with our members,"
Shaw instructed, his tone filled with satisfaction.
Angel immediately led Mutant Polly out of the room.
"Heh! X-Men? Superheroes? They're nothing but clowns,"
Shaw muttered with disdain, now brimming with confidence.
With Polly's abilities in their arsenal, the Hellfire Club was no longer vulnerable.
For the first time, they could operate without fear of psychic attacks allowing its members to act freely and aggressively.
"Mr. President, your inauguration ceremony is about to begin,"
A Soviet administrator nervously entered the presidential office, his voice trembling.
In high spirits, Shaw paid no mind to the man's evident fear.
Adjusting his suit with a confident smile, he left the office.
It was time for him to officially take office as President of the Soviet Union!
As the leader of a global superpower, the Soviet Union's inauguration ceremony was an elaborate and drawn-out affair.
Many high-ranking Soviet officials deliberately dragged out the proceedings,
Hoping to stall Shaw's official ascension to power the ceremony stretched on for a grueling 14 hours.
Yet Shaw showed no signs of impatience or dissatisfaction.
Fourteen hours was a long time, but for Sebastian Shaw, it was a minor inconvenience.
Delaying his complete control over the Soviet Union by a few hours didn't matter to him.
He could wait.
While Shaw attended the lengthy inauguration ceremony in Moscow, at Xavier Mansion, within the Cerebro enhancement room Professor X prepared himself for a critical task under Brian's watchful gaze.
Wearing the Cerebro helmet, Professor X closed his eyes in concentration.
Boom.
The brainwave enhancer activated connecting Professor X's consciousness to the minds of Mutants across America.
As the X-Men continued their transformation into America's official superhero organization public attention toward Mutants grew steadily.
Hidden Mutants were being discovered by those around them with increasing frequency.
Although the X-Men had sparked a wave of superhero admiration and public perception of Mutants had significantly improved,
Not everyone accepted Mutants wholeheartedly.
Many Mutants still lived in fear, ostracized by society.
The reason Professor X and Brian had come to the Cerebro enhancement room was because of a vivid and unsettling dream Professor X had experienced.
In the dream, he saw a child undergoing their Mutant Awakening.
The child was frightened and confused their telepathic cry for help echoing in Professor X's mind: "Professor, save me."
The urgency of the plea jolted Professor X awake.
Since becoming a telepath, Professor X had rarely dreamed.
When he did, it was never just a dream.
His Telepathy would unconsciously connect with real minds allowing him to glimpse genuine events occurring somewhere in the world.
This time, the dream was no illusion.
It was a cry for help from a child in distress.
Determined to save the child Professor X had brought Brian to the Cerebro enhancement room.
Brian, with nothing better to do, decided to follow Professor X into the Cerebro enhancement room.
"Professor X, have you found the child you mentioned who needs help?"
Brian asked casually, watching as Professor X removed the Cerebro helmet.
"I have," Professor X replied with a nod.
"The child is at Midtown High School.
His name is Scott Summers. He's very scared right now and needs our assistance."
Hearing the name, Brian, who had been casually observing, suddenly widened his eyes in surprise.
"Who?"
Professor X turned to him, puzzled by his strong reaction.
Still, out of courtesy, he repeated his response.
"Scott Summers. He seems to be a good-natured kid. Apparently, he's a huge fan of the X-Men.
While watching one of our interview videos, he got so excited that his mutant gene began to awaken."
Hearing the name confirmed, Brian couldn't help but laugh—a bright and genuine laugh.
'So, it's Cyclops!' Brian muttered to himself, amused.
In the original timeline, Scott Summers—Cyclops—had awakened his powers during the events of Apocalypse.
But now, because of Brian's influence in transforming the X-Men into a celebrated superhero team, Cyclops had awakened his powers earlier than expected.
"Oh! Sounds like a good kid,"
Brian said, smiling warmly.
"A kid like him definitely belongs in the X-Men."
Cyclops.
A Mutant with powers nearly as iconic as Superman's.
It was an ability that Brian had always admired—because it was so undeniably cool.
Shooting lasers from the eyes? That was simply awesome.
No matter what, Brian was determined to acquire Scott Summers' ability.
"I'll go with you this time, Brian,"
Professor X said as he stood, preparing to accompany him.
Brian frowned slightly.
With Professor X around, there would be no way for him to take Cyclops' powers by more… direct methods.
But then, Brian thought to himself: Who said I need to cut someone's brain to get their ability?
Brian had thought of another way to get Cyclops Scott's Ability.
___________
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