Forgotten Strength
Charles looked at Alex's behavior and sighed helplessly, "Alright, Alex, please don't encourage Bobby in the wrong direction."
Alex shrugged, replying casually, "I'm just showing him how to handle bullies like this properly. Someone who dares to mess with Anya and the others must have a screw loose, don't you think? If we don't put him in his place, who will?"
"Teaching him badly? Why would you say that? Isn't it typical for boys his age to act impulsively? Besides, someone like that needs to learn a lesson," Alex retorted lightly.
Charles smiled wryly. At that moment, a news bulletin interrupted their conversation on TV.
"After the recent unrest in New York, more and more ordinary people have been injured by mutants. In response, the president and Congress have conducted investigations and discussions, leading to the approval of the Sentinel plan, aimed at apprehending and preventing mutant-related incidents. Next up, a showdown between the Sentinel and a mutant known as Stir, who has reportedly killed two women and possesses the ability to manipulate bone structure..."
The footage shown by Emma earlier was being broadcast, albeit with the gruesome parts concealed.
It was then announced that they were only discussing strategies and not advocating for the harm of mutants. The Sentinel was portrayed as the perfect solution to deal with mutants.
Charles's expression darkened upon hearing this news. After a moment of silence, he sighed heavily, saying softly, "Let's go. We need to keep a close eye on this Sentinel, or even take steps to dismantle it."
Charles appeared resolute, having glimpsed the future and resolved to prevent further tragedies.
"It's good that you see it that way. I half expected you to stick to your guns," Alex remarked with a Smirk.
"Persistence is necessary, but these are extraordinary times," Charles replied with a laugh.
"I'll inform Eric and have him join our discussion," Charles stated after a brief pause.
"I've already informed him and advised him not to get involved," Alex shook his head.
"Fair enough. If humans catch wind of this, they'll likely deploy Sentinels to encircle Eric. We won't stand idly by. It could escalate into a full-blown war between humans and mutants," Charles remarked, contemplating the potential consequences.
"Don't you think mutants should show humans a little something?" Alex recalled the shock and awe humans experienced when Magneto and Jean displayed their powers in X-Men 3.
"Humans have short memories when it comes to not being hurt. They're forgetful, too. Despite the horror of the Apocalypse catastrophe 20 years ago, where millions died, they seem to have forgotten the threat mutants pose," Alex reflected, feeling the need to remind them.
"Such actions would only drive mutants further into the abyss," Charles shook his head.
"Ah, not again, Charles," Alex sighted.
Charles, however, seemed to be under an illusion...
Taking the three youngsters with him, Alex addressed Charles, "These three have stopped attending school lately. They'll stick close to me, as will Storm and Jean."
"No problem," Charles nodded. With Sentinels on the horizon, mutants were facing a precarious situation. Staying with Alex provided a measure of safety, much better than remaining at the current location.
"What kind of Sentinel can you handle?" Kitty asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Heh, Sentinels can only really challenge third-level mutants at best. Once you hit the fourth level, it's a whole different ball game. And for me... well, let's just say I'd make short work of it," Alex replied with a wry smile.
True enough, with current technology, developing a Sentinel capable of taking on anything beyond a third-level mutant is no easy feat, that's for sure.
Third-level mutants are the backbone of the mutant side.
But when it comes to folks like Charles, Eric, and others at the fourth level, it would take at least five to ten Sentinels to hold them down.
As for fifth-level mutants... well, these Sentinels wouldn't stand a chance.
But Alex's true strength has remained hidden for many years. Only a handful of individuals like Jean, Charles, Eric, Psylocke, Angel, Storm, Summer, Quicksilver, and Hank know the real story behind how the Apocalypse catastrophe was averted.
As for the rest of humanity, all they know is that mutants prevented the disaster. The details of how it was stopped and who stopped it remain a mystery.
Even S.H.I.E.L.D is in the dark, with only vague connections to Charles, Eric, and Alex.
But it's all just speculation. The truth is shrouded in mystery, known to none.
At the time, there were no witnesses left in Cairo. Everyone perished, leaving behind only pyramids in place of buildings, standing tall as silent witnesses to the cataclysm.
(End of this chapter)