บท 587: Confidence and Inferiority
Although this video is about Erik Lehnsherr's future, Charles Xavier has a significant presence in it as well. Even a fool could see that he plays a crucial role. The abilities he's shown so far, even in these brief displays, are truly astonishing—he's taken psychic and mental powers to a whole new level.
Erik crossed his arms and remarked with interest, "He's naive, but at least he understands the importance of uniting his own people."
Watching the video, Erik developed a favorable impression of Charles Xavier. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, he admired Xavier's actions. Besides, Xavier had saved his life, which was not something to forget.
As the video continued, Charles Xavier directly confronted Hank McCoy about being a mutant, which made Hank a bit uncomfortable. Ever the gentleman, Charles immediately apologized, while Hank's reason for hiding his identity was simple: his abilities made him physically abnormal. For instance, he displayed a pair of feet so large they had burst through his shoes.
This deformity had always made Hank too insecure to reveal his mutant identity, a feeling shared by Mystique (Raven). Their mutant abilities directly affected their appearance, unlike Erik and Charles, who could easily pass as ordinary humans when not using their powers.
Raven and Hank were both troubled by their appearances. While Raven could only complain, Hank, being a brilliant researcher, decided to find a solution. He aimed to develop a serum that, while preserving mutant abilities, could make himself and Raven look 'normal' again.
Raven's ability to shapeshift was particularly useful for this serum research, so Hank asked her for a blood sample. Both of them were sensitive young people, and as they quietly got together for this "date," a spark of romantic tension was inevitable.
Watching from outside the screen, Erik shook his head and said, "They lack confidence. Why judge themselves by human standards of beauty? We're mutants, a more advanced form of life! Logan, if you had a wolf's head—if you truly became a wolf—would you be ashamed of your appearance?"
Logan Howlett merely smirked at this, too seasoned to bother with such a simplistic question. As a well-known tough guy, Wolverine had long since come to terms with many things over his extended life. He knew that appearances often don't matter—if you have a wild heart, even if you look like an ordinary person, you're still a fierce wolf. Just like him!
In contrast, Raven and Hank in the video had not yet reached this understanding. Just as they were about to kiss while drawing blood, an unexpected guest arrived: Erik Lehnsherr. He looked at them with a half-smile and said, "If it were me, I'd never change my appearance."
He then turned to leave, leaving Raven with a thoughtful expression and Hank feeling awkward, as though he'd been caught red-handed.
Erik didn't linger for long. After finding the CIA's files on Sebastian Shaw, he prepared to take them and leave. It was clear he was used to working alone, and even though he'd met so many fellow mutants this time, he still preferred solo missions.
As he walked out, Charles Xavier was waiting, as if he'd anticipated this. He sincerely hoped Erik would stay, making it clear that he fully understood Erik's past—as if he'd experienced those painful memories himself. He knew just how deeply Erik hated Sebastian Shaw.
Charles Xavier's earnestness was clear, but Erik wasn't easily swayed; he had his own convictions. In the end, Charles smiled and said, "I won't stop you from leaving. I could, but I won't. You need help, Erik. Shaw has gathered allies, and you should too."
Erik was powerful and had great potential, but if Charles Xavier really wanted to stop him, he could have. During this time period, psychic abilities and mental attacks were Erik's weaknesses. If they clashed, Erik wouldn't stand a chance against Charles.
After offering his advice, Charles didn't press further and walked away, just as he'd said he would. Whether Erik stayed or left was entirely his decision.
At that moment, the video paused, and a new question appeared on the screen:
[Will Erik Lehnsherr stay and fight alongside Charles Xavier and the others?]
[A: Yes
B: No.]
Erik raised an eyebrow. Though proud, he understood that based on the future version of himself shown in the video, defeating Sebastian Shaw and avenging his mother wouldn't be easy. He'd already failed once, and Shaw would certainly be on guard. Dealing with one enemy was manageable, but Shaw had a group of allies, and he was a mutant too!
Before this quiz game revealed all this, Erik hadn't known much about Shaw. His limited understanding led him to confront Shaw prematurely, nearly losing his life in the process. Now, the most rational choice was to do as Charles Xavier suggested—team up with others. After all, there's strength in numbers.
"Choose A for this one. Trust me," Logan Howlett spoke up first this time. Seeing Erik's surprised look, Logan shrugged, "You got the last question wrong. I think someone else's opinion might be more accurate when it comes to questions about yourself."
This time, Erik wasn't stubborn. He nodded slightly as the countdown began. Both teams rushed to press their buttons, with Team B winning the race. Logan immediately chose A, and on the other side, Wanda from Team A also selected A. Based on logical reasoning, A seemed more likely to be the correct answer.
When the countdown ended, A was indeed the correct answer. Both teams scored, with Team B earning 4 points for winning the buzz-in, while Team A got 1 point.
The video resumed, and the next scene showed it was already the following day. Charles Xavier was discussing something important with a chubby official. Apparently, Hank McCoy had modified a radar device to amplify Charles's psychic abilities.
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