Chapter 115 - Hidden Agenda

The night stretched on as the intense negotiations between Xu Mo, Magneto, and Professor X continued. By midnight, the Sabretooth, Jean Grey, and others, exhausted from the lengthy discussions, had moved from chairs to the floor. Eventually, Lorna Dane arrived to guide them to the side hall to ensure they remained comfortable.

As night fell, Magneto and Professor X exited the villa, sharing a moment of silent understanding before parting ways. Magneto's voice was cold as he addressed Charles. "Charles, I hope this plan succeeds in elevating the status of mutants. But that doesn't change my stance."

"Mutants can never truly coexist with humans," Magneto declared, turning to leave with a dramatic wave of his robe.

Professor X, watching his old friend depart, murmured, "Eric, I will prove you wrong."

Laser Eye Scott, observing from the sidelines, furrowed his brow at the illuminated villa. "Professor, why form an alliance with Xu Mo? Now that he's being targeted by S.H.I.E.L.D., this could bring trouble to the school."

Scott's concern was valid; S.H.I.E.L.D. had always been a crucial ally, including arranging for Beast's position in the Mutant Affairs Department. The prospect of losing S.H.I.E.L.D.'s support and dealing with Stryker's scrutiny was unsettling.

Charles, resolute despite the risks, replied, "I understand your concerns, but this is a pivotal opportunity for mutants. Today's meeting has only strengthened my resolve."

He did not elaborate further to Scott, Jean, or the others, knowing the full scope of his plan with Xu Mo. Charles left with a heavy heart, contemplating the challenges ahead.

In the villa, Xu Mo stood on the balcony of his study, observing the night with a wry smile. "Have someone clean up the lawn tomorrow."

Turning to Alice, he instructed, "Let the Terminator TX start working on the comics. Focus on copying the two specific books I mentioned. Prioritize finishing the short comic quickly, and gradually move on to the longer one."

As Alice began recording the pages, she noticed an abrupt ending. "There should be more to this. It cuts off right at a crucial moment."

Xu Mo shrugged, feigning innocence. "I haven't figured out that part yet. Just start with what we have."

Alice shot him a skeptical look but continued working. Xu Mo's explanation about the comic's abrupt halt due to the author's unexplained break did little to alleviate her curiosity.

Just then, Lorna Dane approached from behind, pressing warmly against Xu Mo. "Xu Mo, I want to take you away from Gwen."

As Lorna embraced him, Xu Mo playfully responded, "I don't seem that intimidating, do I?" He maneuvered Lorna into a more comfortable position in front of him, smiling at the interaction.

Alice, noticing the intimate moment, grumbled and left, muttering, "Perverted rascal."

Xu Mo swiftly moved to the bedroom with Lorna, where they settled into the bed, their private moments filling the night.

Meanwhile, in Villa No. 2, Jieluos, observing Saitama's engrossed gaming session, said, "Teacher, it's time for bed."

Saitama, focused on his game, replied, "It's still early. I need to finish this level."

Jieluos sighed in resignation. "What can you do with someone so single-minded?"

In the White House, the President leaned over the table, intensity in his gaze. "How confident are you in this plan?"

William Stryker, standing before him, exuded a mix of excitement and respect. "Mr. President, I am confident in our success."

Stryker, eager to proceed with his plans, was enthusiastic about the opportunity provided by the mutants' current predicament. The President, motivated by recent developments, decided to approve Stryker's plan, conditional on avoiding any public outcry.

"I can approve your plan, but I expect no negative news about mutant children being harmed in the morning," the President instructed.

Stryker eagerly agreed, his excitement palpable. His personal vendetta against mutants, fueled by his own tragic losses, drove his desire to see them eradicated.

After exiting the President's office, Stryker encountered Nick Fury. Their shared glance revealed mutual understanding.

Nick Fury, after Stryker's departure, entered the President's office, his presence a silent reminder of the complexities unfolding behind the scenes.