Chapter 139 - Hero Academy

The lawn was abuzz with activity, a mix of tourists, family members, and reporters filling the space. The warm spring breeze kissed everyone's cheeks, and curiosity and joy were palpable on their faces. Reporters scrambled with their camera equipment around the speech platform.

Clatter.

A squad of X-Men dressed in dark blue uniforms stood in precise formation on either side of the grand platform, while Lorna Dane waited below. The chairs below the platform were available for the new students' families, with Xu Mo, Reid, Guy Terlin, and Rachel's parents seated as the only invited guests.

Nick Fury, watching from Trident Mansion, kept his eyes glued to the display screen, a sigh escaping him. He knew that Xu Mo and the X-Men's close ties would eventually lead to such a spectacle. He was aware that "Nine Twenty-Seven" wouldn't end quietly. Fury shook his head, recognizing the inevitable stir this would cause among the higher-ups in the registration faction.

An elderly man in a wheelchair was pushed onto the stage by Beast, drawing the attention of every camera as reporters focused on Charles Xavier. Fury's one-eyed gaze narrowed, silently hoping that Charles would avoid sensitive topics. However, such hope seemed unlikely.

Charles, with a serene and warm demeanor, greeted the audience calmly. He was aware that nearly 80% of Americans were now watching him through their TVs or computers. Today's speech wasn't just about opening a new school; it marked a pivotal moment for the future of mutants, potentially shifting global perspectives.

"Charles Xavier, that's my name. I am a mutant, born in..." Charles began, his words hitting the calm like a thunderous shockwave. The flashing lights from cameras continued unabated as Xu Mo listened intently from below.

Until now, the Mutant School had remained relatively obscure, with the X-Men largely unrecognized. Magneto and Mystique were known to many, but Charles Xavier remained largely unknown.

Charles's revelation about the origins of mutants would soon clarify the connections between himself, Magneto, and Mystique.

He continued, his tone turning serious as he addressed the world:

"Mutants are not a curse, nor a disease, nor are they outcasts."

"They exist all over the world. The increasing number of mutant children today speaks volumes."

"Mutants derive from the X gene, which is passed down through human generations. Mutants cannot be eradicated; they come from humanity."

"Mutants are fearful due to discrimination and oppression. There is no need to hide any longer. Even if not 80% of the world are mutants..." Charles's voice echoed through the microphone, each word clear and impactful.

"…in theory, all humans have the potential for the X gene. Even two families with ordinary ancestors can still have mutant children."

This announcement shocked households across America, a stark contrast to the official narrative that mutants were mere anomalies. If what Charles said was true, then even those who opposed mutants might find themselves in a precarious position.

Parents glanced at each other and then at their children, unsettled by the implications of what Charles had said. The prospect of activating the mutant registration bill seemed increasingly concerning if such truths held.

Xu Mo couldn't help but smile at the murmur of the crowd. He knew that if people realized they might be targets, their attitude toward mutants would shift. Not every parent was like Stryker, and not every child was sent to school with sinister intentions. Most parents, like the Struck couple beside him, would likely choose to protect their children if they felt threatened.

Xu Mo looked up at the clear blue sky, reflecting on the coincidence of meeting the parents of characters from "Unnatural Talents."

"The world we've dedicated our lives to protecting, through crises like the Cuban missile standoff and global summits, has seen mutants fighting for it. Fear and concealment are not our way."

"We can stand tall and proclaim that going to school, working, marrying, and having children are rights we deserve, and no one can take that from us."

Charles's impassioned speech continued, his charisma evident as he and Magneto inspired those present. His words had a profound impact, shaking the foundations of established norms and causing global leaders to feel a sense of unease.

Some leaders, realizing they could no longer control the situation, began to reconsider their stance, either by accepting the new reality or aligning with mutants to secure their own futures.

As Charles concluded his speech, everyone anticipated the end of the ceremony. However, the stage remained alive with activity.

Xu Mo stepped onto the platform, drawing everyone's attention. With a composed expression, he took the microphone and addressed the crowd.

"Perhaps many of you know me already, so I'll skip the introductions. As an invited guest, I am honored to introduce a significant figure."

"He is the new director of the Hero Academy, a symbol of peace!"

As Xu Mo raised his hand, a large, imposing figure descended from the sky.

"All Might!"

The name echoed as All Might landed gracefully before the microphone. His towering presence and confident smile caused an immediate sensation among the audience and the teens in front of the screens.

"Damn Xu Mo," Nick Fury muttered, slamming his fist on the table. The last thing he wanted had just happened. Fury sat back, shivering with the realization of the potential consequences.