Chapter 151: [150] : The Soul Stone
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The extinction crisis looming over mutants was effortlessly neutralized by Roger's overwhelming power.
However, Charles did not immediately announce this victory that could have brought joy to the mutant community.
While the immediate danger to mutants had been eradicated, the underlying tension between mutants and humans still existed. If the mutants were told now that they no longer needed to fear human persecution, those who had endured oppression might retaliate against humans.
This could reignite the war between humans and mutants. And this time, without the Sentinels, humanity would inevitably be the losing side in such a lopsided conflict.
In such a scenario, the persecuted group facing annihilation would no longer be mutants—it would be humanity.
It was with this in mind that Charles decided to keep the news under wraps for the time being.
However, such a secret couldn't be kept forever. Many X-Men, including Logan, were actively working in the field, helping oppressed mutants across the globe.
Over time, these X-Men would notice the absence of Sentinels and that mutants were no longer being hunted. A little investigation would reveal that all the Sentinels had vanished.
Eventually, the entire mutant community would learn of the situation on the human side.
"So, before that happens, you need to prepare a place for mutants to go," Charles said to Roger.
At this moment, Roger had already handed over all the Sentinel-related data to Tony. Upon receiving the information, Tony immediately entered his manic scientist mode, working tirelessly in the X-Men's underground lab to study the Sentinels' production processes.
It wouldn't be long before a new line of Mark-series armors, based on the Sentinels, would be unveiled.
In the meantime, Roger needed to find a new home for the mutants. This was the solution he had discussed with Charles.
"As for a place… do you think another universe might work? I have a lot of friends over there," Roger said hesitantly.
Ultimately, he decided to send the mutants to Tony's universe. That world already had plenty of aliens, so introducing mutants as a new species on another planet—turning them into "aliens"—might just work.
Charles, though reluctant to agree, acknowledged that Earth was the mutants' homeland. Yet under the current circumstances, there seemed to be no better option.
"If you have a plan, follow through with it. For now, you are the guardian of both worlds," Charles sighed.
Hearing Charles call him the guardian of two worlds, Roger couldn't help but feel an invisible weight on his shoulders.
The title of "Guardian" was not something to be taken lightly. It came with great responsibility.
But this time, Roger did not deny or reject the title because he understood that once he obtained the Soul Stone, this responsibility would be unavoidable.
Mentioning the Soul Stone reminded Roger of its significance, prompting him to ask Charles, "Before organizing the migration, tell me where the Soul Stone is."
"…Sorry, I don't know."
"?"
Charles's response left Roger baffled. His brows furrowed, and his tone turned sharp as he asked, "You don't know where the Soul Stone is?"
"Don't get upset. I never said I knew its exact location. I only said that the Soul Stone is crucial to both universes. Admittedly, that might sound like I'm splitting hairs…"
"…"
Isn't that exactly what you're doing?
Roger stared suspiciously at Charles.
Charles smiled and continued, "But I do know how to find the Soul Stone."
"Go on," Roger demanded tersely, not in the mood for riddles.
Charles pointed to Roger's chest. "The way to find the Soul Stone lies within you. You already have three stones, don't you? Why not try connecting their powers?"
Roger glanced down at the faintly glowing stones embedded in his chest.
After squinting at Charles for a moment, Roger finally said, "If we can't locate the Soul Stone, the mutant migration will have to wait."
"I understand," Charles nodded.
This was only fair. Roger's help in saving the mutants was part of an agreement between him and Charles.
Charles had promised to provide the location of the Soul Stone, and in exchange, Roger had agreed to help save the mutants. While Jean's personal request had influenced Roger, the core reason remained their mutual agreement.
Now that Roger had fulfilled his promise—saving the mutants and offering to find them a new home—it was reasonable for him to expect Charles to uphold his end.
If this had been the Roger of earlier days, freshly transported into this world, his response might have been much harsher.
Even now, after traversing multiple worlds and gaining considerable experience, Roger couldn't completely suppress his irritation.
Still, he decided to give Charles's method a try. If it didn't work, they would revisit their previous deal.
Leaving the secluded space of the X-Mansion, Roger flew beyond Earth, into the vastness of space. There, in the safety of the void, he prepared to channel the power of the three stones.
The energy of the Infinity Stones was too immense. Even a small leak could devastate Earth's ecosystem.
To ensure safety, activating the stones in the vacuum of space was the best option.
"Alright… connecting the three stones…" Roger muttered, closing his eyes and floating in the void.
The Infinity Stones' energies naturally conflicted with each other. Without the Infinity Gauntlet—or something similar—they repelled one another, making it impossible to harness their combined power.
Even with the Gauntlet, the stones could only be used in unison for brief moments, like when snapping fingers. At other times, their powers were primarily used individually.
This was a rule of the universe—or rather, a narrative limitation imposed by Marvel's writers. Unless the writers decided to overturn their own canon, this was how things would remain.
Thus, Roger had never attempted to connect the stones before. He typically relied on them individually.
But now, he was about to attempt what seemed impossible—to link the power of three stones, achieving the effect of the fabled snap.
He wasn't sure if he could do it, but he would give it his all.
Closing his eyes, Roger began channeling the stones' energies. Power from the Infinity Stones spread from his chest to the rest of his body. Their glowing light intertwined, forming delicate energy pathways across his form.
In an instant, Roger's body appeared shrouded in a multicolored veil. His figure grew ethereal, and his soul seemed to drift from his body to another realm.
Drip…
The sound of water droplets echoed in his ears, jolting Roger awake.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a surface as smooth as a mirror, resembling a vast, endless plane of water.
His body floated just above the surface, as if suspended in an infinite, unfathomable liquid.
"Is this… the Soul Stone's domain?"
The surrounding environment reminded Roger of the place Thanos had reached after sacrificing Gamora. Upon completing the sacrifice, Thanos had found himself in a similar realm, holding the Soul Stone.
Realizing this, Roger quickly raised his right hand, searching for the Soul Stone. However, his hand was empty—there was no trace of the gem.
Even the slots on his chest remained unchanged, still holding three stones with three empty spaces. Nothing had been added.
"…So, this isn't the Soul Stone?"
Roger frowned as he stood, scanning the mirrored expanse in search of the elusive gem.
He didn't find the Soul Stone but instead noticed a figure in the distance—a cloaked figure with a skeletal face.
Roger recognized him immediately. It was Red Skull, once the leader of HYDRA, now the guardian of the Soul Stone.
"Even here, Red Skull guards the Soul Stone?"
Roger muttered in surprise as he approached.
When Roger reached him, Red Skull bowed politely and greeted him, "Greetings, great guardian. I have been waiting here for a long time."
"You know who I am?" Roger asked, his expression darkening.
He suspected Andrea might be behind this encounter. Otherwise, why would everyone he met seem to know him?
But Red Skull shook his head. "No, I do not know your identity. I only know that only the guardian of two universes could arrive here and meet me. Thus, regardless of your name, you must be the guardian."
Roger's curiosity was piqued. "Why are you so certain the one who arrives would be the guardian of two universes?"
"Because without a genuine desire to protect both universes, you would lose your soul to the Soul Stone. The one who left the gem here would never let it be claimed by someone unworthy."
Red Skull explained further.
"So, you also know Andrea?" Roger asked.
At this, Red Skull fell into a strange silence. After a long pause, he finally replied, "In this universe, it would be more surprising not to know her name."
"She put you here?"
"In a way. But I also chose to remain," Red Skull clarified. Gesturing ahead, he added, "Great guardian, you must have more pressing matters to attend to. Now, please set aside these trivialities and follow me. I will guide you to what you seek."
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