บท 67: Chapter 66: A Sudden Visitor at Xavier's School

Westchester County, New York — Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

Cohen stood at the gate.

He had long known about the existence of mutants in this world, and he was aware that Wolverine, Logan, was currently at the school. David had helped him find some confidential information. Years ago, during a UN summit held on Ellis Island, an attempt had been made to attack world leaders at the Statue of Liberty, not far from the island. Naturally, the attempt failed.

After reviewing the data, Cohen immediately understood that this event corresponded with the plot of the first X-Men movie. He had avoided visiting earlier out of caution, wary of Professor Charles Xavier's psychic abilities.

Mental powers were particularly dangerous — the ability to read, copy, alter, or even delete memories without the target's awareness was terrifying. But now, Cohen had obtained [Soul Defense], making him less vulnerable. While the soul and mind weren't the same, they were closely connected. The mind existed within the soul, and without breaking through someone's soul defense, their mind couldn't be harmed.

Additionally, with his high mental fortitude (280 points in mental attributes), he could at least protect himself against Professor Xavier. That was enough, because even a few seconds of defense would allow him to overpower the professor multiple times over. No one at the school could stop him.

Before he could knock, someone came to greet him.

It was Storm, Ororo Munroe.

She looked curiously at him but politely invited him inside. "Hello, the professor asked me to bring you in."

At the gate, Cohen spotted Wolverine, smoking a cigar. He greeted him, "Hey, Logan, how's it going with Jean? I'm rooting for you!"

At these words, both Storm and Wolverine's expressions changed.

Wolverine coughed, "Jean already has a boyfriend. I won't..."

Cohen waved a finger. "A strong man and a beautiful woman — you've got this! There's nothing shameful about pursuing love. Besides, Jean seems open to... a little ambiguity with you, doesn't she?"

Storm and Wolverine both stiffened.

Wolverine pulled Cohen aside and lowered his voice, "You shouldn't slander Jean's reputation like that. She's a good girl..."

Cohen shrugged. "I'm just being honest. She might have feelings for you too. Love doesn't follow rules — it's all about destiny. I think you're the one for her."

Wolverine paused, realizing he didn't even know this man. Why was he talking about this with him?

Just then, Jean Grey and Cyclops (Scott Summers) came outside, likely at Professor Xavier's prompting. Jean smiled. "Sir, the professor is waiting for you."

"Alright!" Cohen nodded with a smile and looked at Scott and Jean, clicking his tongue. "What a perfect couple. Don't forget to invite me to the wedding!"

He walked into the mansion, leaving the four behind, bewildered.

Without needing guidance, Cohen found Professor Xavier's office. Inside, he saw the professor smiling wryly.

"Mr. Cohen, please don't stir up trouble between them. Their relationship is complicated enough."

Cohen shrugged. "Sorry, I speak my mind sometimes. Don't worry, I'll have a word with Logan. Scott can't tie himself to just one woman!"

Charles Xavier rolled his eyes. Cohen burst into laughter. "Just kidding."

The professor sighed deeply. "You seem to know a lot about us, Mr. Cohen. May I ask why you're here?"

Cohen raised an eyebrow. "Since you asked so sincerely, I'll answer kindly."

"Naturally, I'm here to prevent the destruction of the world, to maintain peace, and to uphold love and honor!"

Silence.

Charles didn't respond, and Cohen turned to the doorway. Four heads were peeking in. They had followed him.

He smiled. "You can come in. Did you hear everything?"

The four hesitated before Wolverine led them inside. Charles ignored them, focusing on the mysterious man in front of him. Who was he? Was he some kind of enlightened master, or just a rambling lunatic?

"You don't seem to believe me, Professor," Cohen remarked.

He turned to the four. "Do you believe me?"

They all shook their heads in unison.

Cohen smiled. His visit wasn't just about Adamantium; he wanted to try recruiting the X-Men. And he was certain he had made quite an impression. Whether that was good or bad remained to be seen.

Looking at them, he said, "Scott, do you know that Logan once saved your life? Ororo, if you're hoping for love, why not try Africa?"

"Jean Grey, having trouble controlling the Phoenix Force, aren't you? And Logan — no, James Howlett — have you found your past?"

These words shook them.

Cyclops, always looking down on Wolverine, frowned. Saved by Logan? Impossible. Yet, what was this about Jean losing control?

Storm's eyes widened slightly. Africa? Was her soulmate there?

Jean paused. Trouble controlling the Phoenix Force? What Phoenix Force?

But Wolverine's reaction was the strongest. With a loud "SNIKT," he unsheathed his claws, his rage flaring. "You know my past? Tell me!"

"Calm down!" Charles's telepathic command snapped the four out of their daze.

He looked sternly at Cohen. "Mr. Cohen, explain how you know all this, and why you're here!"

Cohen didn't get angry. Instead, he extended his hand with a smile. "No need to rush. We are the same kind."

As he spoke, tiny bursts of energy sparked between his fingers, illuminating his palm with a radiant glow, and arcs of electricity crackled at his fingertips.

They were all stunned.

Even if they couldn't fully grasp his powers, they could tell that this man possessed at least three abilities. No, four — if they included his resistance to Xavier's telepathy.

The professor's eyes widened. "Who... what are you?"

Cohen didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Do you believe in God?"

Wolverine scoffed. "What a load of crap."

Cohen smiled. "Not just God. Odin, Thor, Loki from Norse mythology — they're real. Zeus from Greek mythology, too. Vampires, werewolves, demons, hell, death, monsters — they all exist."

Charles asked calmly, "What are you trying to say?"

Cohen's expression turned serious. "This world is far more complicated than you think."

He went on, "Recently, you must have heard about the vampire incidents, the Manhattan earthquake, and the Day of Mourning in Afghanistan. The world is growing more dangerous. Supervillains are multiplying, and disasters are occurring one after another. In the universe, a madman is planning to wipe out half of all life."

Cohen looked each of them in the eye. "The world is in danger. Now is the time for those who stand for justice to rise up and save it. I've taken the first step. Now, I'm inviting you to join me and contribute to saving our world!"

(End of Chapter)