Chapter 8 : Memory Manipulation!

"I Know."

In response to Carl's inquiry, Professor X nodded calmly.

Carl was taken aback by his composure. Before he could speak, the professor continued: "You're wondering why I didn't intervene, aren't you?"

Carl nodded.

The professor turned to gaze out the window and spoke in a soft tone: "Do you know, Carl, the disparity between Mutants and ordinary individuals isn't solely physical mutation; it extends to the psyche as well."

"I've noticed, perhaps due to the X-gene, that many Mutants develop psychological issues post-Awakening."

"Some become excessively egotistical, arrogant, and destructive, consumed by the lust for power."

"Some grow more timid, fearful of the outside world, apprehensive of their abilities, detesting their Mutant nature, and sometimes even resorting to self-harm."

"For instance, Clarice has become excessively timid."

"And Bernard, influenced by power, has had his mental flaws exacerbated, leading to increased arrogance and irritability, though he remains oblivious to it."

"As the head of the Mutant School, my duty is to guide students, help them understand their abilities, and address their psychological shortcomings."

"To wield power responsibly, not to be enslaved by it."

"This time, I intended to use Bernard's actions to provoke resistance in Clarice, to teach her to confront challenges rather than passively endure or withdraw."

"For Mutants, endurance and submission won't resolve issues."

"Combat! It's about instilling a philosophy: shouldn't Mutants peacefully coexist with ordinary individuals?" Carl was somewhat puzzled.

Professor X smiled faintly. "Indeed, my philosophy advocates peaceful coexistence, hence why I established the X-Men to apprehend Mutants who threaten society."

"But there's a condition for this peaceful coexistence: ordinary individuals who don't harbor hostility toward Mutants."

Carl was stunned by Professor X's words.

Previously, his perception of Professor X had been shaped by movies and comics.

He had seen him as a formidable Mutant with a hint of sanctity.

Yet, it turned out he had misconstrued this notion all along.

No wonder he hadn't killed Magneto despite defeating him before, and had rarely taken the lives of troubled Mutants; he needed leverage.

A leverage that compels humanity to coexist peacefully with the majority of Mutants seeking peace.

However, sometimes circumstances spiral out of control, and professors aren't deities.

Otherwise, there wouldn't have been subsequent deaths, including his own, and the emergence of Sentry, poised to obliterate Mutants.

Reflecting on this, Carl sighed inwardly.

At that moment, Professor X continued, "Based on the current outcome, I've achieved half of my objective this time. Thanks to you, Clarice has found some courage to resist."

"Unfortunately, Bernard has been greatly influenced by power. His temperament has become increasingly volatile, driven by strong desires and aggression."

"He possesses tremendous potential. The ability to teleport at will is a formidable asset. If utilized effectively, it could be as impactful as Nightcrawler's, providing significant assistance to the team."

"I hope, West, that you won't harbor hostility towards him in the future. He doesn't have to be your enemy."

"Next, I will intervene and guide him towards learning to coexist peacefully with his classmates."

"How do you plan to guide him, Professor?" Carl inquired with curiosity.

Professor X simply smiled in response.

...

The following day, as Carl headed to the classroom, he encountered Bernard and several of his companions in the corridor.

Upon seeing Carl, Bernard took the initiative to greet him warmly, "Good morning, West! Did you enjoy your time with Clarice yesterday?"

Bernard winked as he spoke. There was no trace of yesterday's tension or hostility in his eyes.

Even Johnny and the others behind him seemed to have forgotten about the conflict from the previous day.

It appeared that everyone was now on friendly terms, acting as good classmates and partners.

Maintaining a composed expression, Carl nodded in response and reciprocated the greeting.

However, as he followed them into the classroom, a sense of unease crept over him.

Clearly, Professor X had done as he mentioned, subtly altering the memories of the four individuals and influencing their personalities.

Yet, Carl hadn't detected it at all.

Truly, the power of an Omega-level Telepath was formidable.

Carl couldn't help but feel apprehensive about Professor X's methods. It became evident why the professor had suddenly appeared the previous day; it was undoubtedly to reassure him.

Professor X understands the limitations of his own abilities and therefore uses them sparingly.

In order to prevent Carl from being startled by Bernard's sudden transformation, Professor X appeared yesterday to explain the cause and effect to him and mentally prepare him.

This also indirectly highlights Professor X's significant interest in Carl, possibly due to his potential as a mutant.

Indeed, the treatment of geniuses differs greatly from that of ordinary individuals.

"But, Professor, even though your intentions are good, human nature is unpredictable," Carl sighed, contemplating.

"In the future, when those people discover that you've tampered with their memories, they won't feel gratitude, but rather resentment and suspicion."

"Because nobody likes having their minds manipulated."

For instance, Jean Grey, who is on the brink of returning from her dark phase.

And the eventual disbandment of Xavier's Academy is all tied to Professor X's abilities.

"System, has my memory been monitored, influenced, or altered?" Carl's voice echoed in his mind, tinged with concern.

In response to Carl's inquiry, a cold, neutral voice resounded in his consciousness.

"Rest assured, host. With the core rule of the system protecting you, no one can infiltrate your mind."

"That's a relief."

With a mixture of emotions, Carl entered the classroom.

Today's lesson was on biology, a subject that piqued his interest, with the teacher being an ordinary mutant named Anas.

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