บท 18: Chapter 18

The lab was quiet, interrupted only by the soft hum of equipment and the faint rustle of our clothing. The LED lights cast a gentle glow on the walls, creating an almost magical and enigmatic atmosphere. In this light, Sue looked absolutely charming, her smile illuminating the room better than any artificial light, adding a special charm to the moment.

"You look stunning," I said sincerely, for she truly embodied elegance and beauty standing before me.

She smiled and said, "It's time for you to change into something more formal."

Her comment made me realize the need for a change in my appearance. My lab coat was no longer suitable for the occasion, which required a more formal look.

"I suppose you're right," I replied thoughtfully.

"Good thing I'm so perceptive," she said with a wink.

Her attentiveness and attention to detail always impressed me. She waved her hand, and at that moment, my formal attire floated towards us, enveloped in an invisible force field.

"Indeed..." I murmured, already shedding my outer garments.

As I removed my lab coat, I felt a bit more relaxed. After all, it was just Sue and me in the lab, and there was no need for any shyness.

"Like what you see?" I asked Sue with a slight smirk.

Her gaze lingered on my body for a moment, and I seized the opportunity to make a light-hearted joke, noticing her interest. The physical enhancements achieved thanks to the dome had made me feel more confident, and I was ready to show it off.

"Hmm..." Sue began with a thoughtful expression. "Looks like I hit the jackpot."

Her playful and confident reply made my heart race. Her smile, so genuine and bright, resonated deep within my soul, echoing joy and warmth.

"Absolutely," I said, finishing with my attire. "I'm ready."

"Then let's go," Sue said.

—= Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters =—

The Fantasticar arrived at Charles' school quickly. After all, the school wasn't far from the Baxter Building.

Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters is not just an educational institution but also a haven for mutants learning to control and use their unique abilities for the benefit of humanity. Located in North Salem, New York, it stood as a majestic Gothic mansion surrounded by extensive grounds.

The entrance to the school is through massive gates, leading to a well-manicured landscape with rare and exotic plants. The mansion, made of light stone, commanded respect with its size and architectural beauty.

The grounds around the school were equally impressive. Besides the forests, there were various sports fields, gardens with exotic plants, and even a small lake whose waters sparkled under the sun's rays. It was the perfect place not only for learning but also for contemplation and inspiration.

"I'd love to study in a place like this," Sue said as we began our descent.

"Me too," I admitted, watching the teenagers having fun.

Sue and I already knew that this school was for special children, so we weren't particularly surprised by what we saw.

Looking around, I noticed a group of mutants approaching, led by Charles Xavier himself. His calm and grandeur were palpable even from a distance, and behind him, like loyal companions, walked the X-Men, each unique and exceptional.

As they approached, I felt a mix of excitement, for soon I would be able to test my device. Besides, these were heroes I had read about in comics and seen on screens—now they were walking straight towards us. Professor Xavier raised his hand in a welcoming gesture, his face lit up with a smile full of kindness and understanding.

"Welcome," he said warmly and confidently, filling the atmosphere with a sense of safety and belonging. Professor Xavier, seated in his wheelchair, radiated calm and wisdom, underscoring his status as the leader of the X-Men.

"Good day, Professor Xavier, I presume?" I said, extending my hand.

The professor nodded and shook my hand.

"And you must be Dr. Richards and Dr. Storm?" Charles said.

Sue smiled and said, "You have a wonderful school."

The smile on Charles' face became even more genuine. It seemed he was proud of his school.

"Thank you for the compliment."

At that moment, as I glanced at the mutants standing next to Charles Xavier, it became clear that these were members of the first and second teams of the X-Men, names and stories known to every Marvel comic book fan.

The first team of X-Men, under Professor Xavier's leadership, was represented by Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Angel, and Iceman. These mutants were the first students of the school and became the foundation for everything the X-Men represent today. They were symbols of the beginning of the struggle for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans, protectors of those who could not protect themselves.

The second team added new depth and diversity to the already formed group. Its members included Wolverine, known for his unbreakable will and healing factor; Storm, with her command over the weather, granting her god-like abilities; Nightcrawler, a master of teleportation; and Colossus, whose ability to transform into living metal made him not only a defensive wall for the team but also an unyielding symbol of strength.

Judging by the people around us, it was indeed a mix of the first and second teams under Charles' leadership.

Charles noticed my interest and said, "Let me introduce my colleagues. The red-haired young woman is one of my first students, her name is Jean Grey," the Phoenix bearer was hard to miss, and after Charles' words, she waved friendly. "To her right is another one of my first students, Ororo Munroe." The white-haired beauty smiled and nodded warmly. "The young man with the visor is Scott Summers, and to his right is the only one who is not my student—his name is Logan." The short Canadian merely grunted. "The guy with wings on his back is Warren Worthington, also one of my students, and you already know Hank."

The blue-furred mutant nodded and said, "It's an honor to meet you in person, Dr. Richards."

"Likewise," I replied, shaking the hand he extended. "I hope this is the beginning of a good friendship."

—//—

"I can't hear their thoughts," the thought flashed through Charles Xavier's mind.

Charles didn't usually try to delve into everyone's thoughts, but due to his abilities, he always heard surface-level thoughts. He could only be blocked by those with certain training, equipment, or abilities.

"I can't hear their thoughts either, Professor," came Jean's telepathic message to Charles.

This intrigued Charles, as he knew Jean Grey was stronger than him in telepathic powers.

"Most likely, Dr. Richards has created a device that blocks access to their minds," Charles said.

Given all the recent discoveries made by Reed Richards, this was a plausible assumption. Charles considered the possibility that during their travels, the Fantastic Four had encountered a telepathic adversary.

Jean's astonishment at this statement made Charles smirk. His student still had much to learn.

"The genius of Dr. Richards is his greatest strength," Charles continued through their telepathic link. "People like him can find answers to many unconventional questions and problems."

"Doesn't that worry you?" Jean asked Charles.

"No," Charles replied. "It's quite normal."

"I still have much to learn..."

At that moment, Reed Richards was conversing with Hank, while Sue was talking with the others.

"I am intrigued by what you did to bring Benjamin Grimm into a different state," said Hank.

Judging by Reed Richards' expression, he already knew what was coming next.

"Ben's case was quite unique because cosmic rays were involved," Dr. Richards said.

Hank's expression briefly turned somber, but Reed's next words reignited hope in his heart.

"However, I believe this experience might help me address the issues you've shown me," Reed Richards continued.

Charles Xavier understood that Reed Richards was talking about mutations that caused harm to their hosts.

And judging by Logan's thoughts, not everyone was fond of such ideas.

"Logan," Charles' voice echoed in Logan's mind.

The destructive thoughts were pushed to the background.

"I hope your perspective will help," Charles said.

—= Some Time Later =—

Before starting work, Charles and the others gave us a tour of the school. During this tour, we met many mutants, from Kurt to Kitty Pryde.

"It's quite lively here," I said as we stopped in the teachers' lounge.

At that moment, the room included Sue, Charles, Scott, Hank, Logan, Ororo, Jean, and me.

"We've had a large influx of students lately," Charles said with a kind smile.

Judging by his expression, he was pleased that the number of mutants was growing.

"I've noticed that too," I said. "Unfortunately, I'm not the only one."

Charles understood that I was referring to someone quite dangerous.

"Are you talking about Mr. Trask?" Charles asked.

I nodded.

"Doesn't that worry you?" I asked, surprised by Charles' calmness.

The professor just smiled and said, "I believe that people won't buy into his provocative rhetoric. I think his actions will turn Mr. Trask into a laughingstock."

"The Professor has always believed in the best in people," Jean commented quietly to Sue and me. Her eyes reflected deep respect for the professor and hope that his optimism was well-founded.

Standing beside her, Scott Summers added, "We've faced many challenges and always found ways to overcome them. Mr. Trask and his ideas are just another obstacle on our path to peaceful coexistence."

Ororo Munroe, as calm as ever, said, "We teach our students not only to control their abilities but also to understand the importance of tolerance and peace between mutants and humans. That's our strength."

Hank McCoy, momentarily distracted from his thoughts, added, "Intelligence and enlightenment are the best tools against fear and ignorance. We will continue to cultivate these qualities in our students so they can be an example for society."

Logan, however, didn't seem as confident in Charles' and the others' words. And I had to admit that his concerns were valid.

"Dr. Richards, do you think differently?" Charles asked, noticing my expression.

I sighed and, after a moment of thought, added, "I think this belief is extremely, and I stress, extremely optimistic... You might not realize that Bolivar Trask's words are already gaining traction. Fear operates differently than you think. Give the crowd a reason, and they will start hating anyone."

My words dampened the spirits of the X-Men, but I wasn't done yet. I had something else to substantiate my point.

"Allow me to show you something," I said, reaching for my omni-tool.

Using my omni-tool, a part of my scientific arsenal, I began projecting a series of data and news clips on the wall of the teachers' lounge. Headlines and excerpts from social media, news platforms, and blogs appeared on the screen, demonstrating the growing influence of Bolivar Trask's words among the populace. Opinions were divided, but it was undeniable that fear and distrust of mutants were increasing.

However, that wasn't all I wanted to show. Finding the right file, I projected a recent meeting.

On the projection, I could be seen with the man responsible for the public's view on mutants—Dr. Bolivar Trask.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Richards," Bolivar Trask said.

"Good afternoon," I replied. "I was surprised that you wanted to meet with me."

Bolivar raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why is that?"

In response, I simply extended my arm.

"I thought you considered this a mutation as well."

Bolivar waved his hand dismissively and said, "You acquired these abilities, but you were initially human. Mutants are not human from the start. There is a significant difference, and they must be dealt with accordingly."

I raised an eyebrow.

"So you called me here just to say that? To try and convince me that mutants aren't human?"

Bolivar shook his head and said, "I wanted you to help with a project."

I frowned and asked, "May I know what this project is?"

Bolivar smirked and shook his head, saying, "It's a government project."

"A project related to mutants?" I asked.

The smile on Bolivar's face indicated that my assumption was correct. I already knew what the project entailed.

"Unfortunately, I have my own projects to finish," I said, ending the meeting.

"That's a shame," Bolivar replied, not surprised by my refusal. "With you, we could accomplish everything much faster. Until next time, Dr. Richards."