Chapter 61 : Magneto!
As Hank departed from the Mutant school, Mutants across the United States began to mobilize.
Guided by an unseen force, numerous underground Mutants possessing various strengths converged towards the city of Dewar.
Dewar, located near Miami.
Though neither grand nor insignificant, it holds a modest position among its neighboring cities.
Renowned for its lax local security and a populace predominantly Christian, Dewar boasts numerous churches.
Within the illuminated interior of Mox Cathedral, an unusual assembly gathered this night.
Contrary to its usual religious gatherings, tonight's attendees were Mutants. A sign outside the doors proclaimed the meeting to be exclusive, off-limits to ordinary citizens.
"The news of the Mutant Cure is widespread. I've confirmed its existence through certain channels," declared a tall, lean middle-aged man from the pulpit, addressing the congregation below.
"But they don't understand us. They're unaware of Mutants, oblivious to the fact that we're not afflicted, and have no desire for a cure."
Amidst the tumultuous atmosphere within the church, the middle-aged man continued, his voice resonating with fervor. "Therefore, we must organize ourselves. We cannot afford to squander this opportunity."
"We shall form a collective and make our voices heard."
"We shall protest, ensuring those in power acknowledge our demands."
"Even if it means displaying our might to make it clear we won't be trifled with."
As the middle-aged man's impassioned speech echoed, the crowd below erupted into enthusiastic agreement. "Protest! We must assert ourselves!"
"Yes, protest!"
"We are not diseased."
"We refuse to relinquish our powers."
Observing the fervor below, a faint smile crossed the middle-aged man's lips.
Yet, amidst the fervent cries, distinct voices rose in dissent.
"They harbor no genuine acceptance for us; they merely fear our potential."
"Indeed, their aim is our eradication."
Suddenly, a female Mutant interjected vehemently, "No, you are mistaken."
"Whether to seek a cure or not is our prerogative, and they never mentioned extermination."
Sensing the confusion, the middle-aged man swiftly extended a conciliatory hand, seeking to allay tensions.
"Hold on, I never insinuated anyone intends to eradicate us!"
However, at that moment, the aged yet commanding voice resounded once more, speaking with conviction: "No, their intention is to eradicate us."
Instantly, the room fell silent, and every gaze instinctively shifted backward.
A few figures sat in silence, with a white-maned elder clad in black attire and a crimson cloak positioned at their center, his presence subtly commanding attention.
Under the scrutiny of all present, the elder swiftly rose to his feet.
An unseen aura of authority emanated from him, while his piercing gaze deterred any who dared meet it.
Magneto stood and ascended the platform, the audience's eyes tracing his every move, as he addressed the mutants below with a casual demeanor.
"While you pondered over this news, they were already in motion."
"Perhaps tomorrow, or the following day, a contingent will storm your sanctuaries, compelling you to undergo treatment."
"No, you're threatening—"
Before the middle-aged man, silenced earlier, could interject, he found himself seized by the fiery grip of a companion, halting his words in their tracks.
Magneto turned, regarding the opportunistic middle-aged man with indifference, before shifting his attention back to the mutants below.
"You know the veracity of my words."
"At this moment, I merely inquire: Will you remain passive or stand with me against the oppressors?"
"Will you align with humanity, or do we stand as mutants?"
Magneto's resonant and provocative words stirred unrest among the mutants below, their expressions in flux.
With that, Magneto descended from the platform, accompanied by John, aka Pyro, emanating an intangible aura of dominance.
In contrast to Professor X, who espoused a belief in the potential harmony between humans and mutants, Magneto's stance was clear and unyielding.
Magneto's ideology stands at the furthest end of the spectrum. He staunchly believes that mutants cannot peacefully coexist with humans.
According to him, for mutants to live on Earth with integrity and peace of mind, they must eradicate humanity. This conviction has fueled Magneto's relentless pursuit for decades.
He even seized control of the Hellfire Club after eliminating its leader, the Black King Shaw.
Rumors swirl around Magneto, suggesting he's gone as far as assassinating the President of the United States. He's engaged in numerous battles with the X-Men, including thwarting Stryker's mutant extermination plan several years ago. These exploits have garnered him considerable prestige among rebellious mutants.
Though Magneto doesn't openly reveal his identity, many have speculated about his true persona. Consequently, upon leaving the church, some mutants choose to follow him.
However, most of these mutants possess average abilities, with only a few exceptions. One such exception is Callisto, known as White Knight. Her agility and perception skills, combined with her flash-like movement, set her apart.
Among the followers is Arc Light, a mutant who appears masculine but wields formidable power. Codenamed Arc Light, she emits immense shock waves through her hands.
Additionally, there are others of notable strength. Psylocke, for instance, possesses the ability to manipulate mental power, shaping it into lethal weapons.
This recruitment pleases Magneto, who has recently returned and lacks capable subordinates. With his ranks bolstered, he swiftly plans the next phase of his agenda.