[38] Xavier Manor, The X-Men's First Combat Meeting

New York, Westchester.

This is one of the most famous wealthy areas in New York City.

At the center of Westchester stands an old, luxurious manor covering an impressive 70,000 square feet.

At that moment, a supersonic plane descended smoothly from the clouds, landing on the vast football field of the manor grounds.

The door of the plane opened, and Professor X was the first to step out, followed by Magneto, Mystique, and the recently recruited Beast, Hank.

Just as they exited the plane, Homelander, in his four-winged Angel form, descended from the sky and landed gracefully in front of them. As soon as he touched the ground, the wings behind him swiftly retracted and disappeared.

"X-Men, welcome to Xavier Manor," Professor X announced, spreading his arms wide as he gestured to the old manor with the generosity of a true gentleman.

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Homelander looked at the grand manor before him, filled with admiration. He couldn't help but feel a bit envious.

It was undeniable that Professor X was exceptionally wealthy. The Xavier family had been part of the true aristocracy since the 18th century.

Though the Xavier family is now in decline, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.

This old manor, built in the 18th century, is valued in the billions of dollars. Not to mention the various priceless antiques and artworks preserved within.

Under Charles's guidance, Brian and the others took a brief tour of the manor.

The entire estate was, indeed, enormous. The manor had everything imaginable, from lavish rooms and libraries to extensive underground facilities. Beneath the manor lay not only vast parking areas but also several nuclear shelters. This estate could comfortably accommodate tens of thousands of people without feeling crowded.

Brian was awestruck at every turn.

He even spotted original works by Picasso among the art collection, each piece a priceless treasure.

Finally, he understood how Professor X could someday establish the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, funding and teaching young mutants at no charge. Professor X was genuinely wealthy.

"This Xavier Manor is my home," Professor X announced after their tour, "and it will serve as the base for our X-Men from now on."

"Magneto, Brian, Hank, from today, this will also be your home. You'll live and train here for a long time to come," Professor X said sincerely.

Although the X-Men had only just been established, Professor X was already beginning to show the qualities of a true leader, an effect subtly empowered by his resources and wealth.

Brian had no objections.

"Alright, you can each choose a room. Take today to rest, and we'll discuss the X-Men's next steps tomorrow," Professor X said simply before everyone dispersed.

"Brian, come here," Raven called to him after he left Professor X's room.

With a curious look, Brian followed Raven as she led him to the room she'd lived in as a child.

"Brian, from now on, this is where you'll be staying," Raven said, smiling as she looked at him.

"Just what I wanted~" Brian said, pulling Raven close as they moved toward the bed.

The night passed without rest.

When the sun began to rise the next morning, Brian finally paused, allowing the quiet dawn to settle over them.

"Didn't realize it was already the next day," Brian murmured, gently placing Raven down as he walked to the large window.

Golden sunlight streamed in, illuminating Brian and highlighting his striking physique.

Behind him, an exhausted Raven, her skin now shifting with blue scales, returned to her Mystique form. Her body, previously drained, seemed instantly refreshed.

"Come on, Raven. The first combat meeting of the X-Men is about to start," Brian said, getting dressed and pulling Raven, still in her Mystique form, out of the bedroom.

As they stepped outside, Brian spotted Beast, busy wiping down the supersonic plane. This time, Hank was barefoot, his large feet comfortably exposed as he worked.

"Good morning, Hank. Remember, as a mutant, there's no need to hide," Brian greeted Hank casually.

Hank nodded with a smile, taking Brian's words seriously.

As Brian and Hank were talking, Professor X arrived, pushing Magneto in his wheelchair.

Today marked the first official combat meeting of the X-Men. Professor X had dressed up, looking refreshed and energized, while Magneto had removed his bandages and was wearing a sharp black suit.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, let's discuss the next steps for the X-Men," Professor X began, addressing the group.

Turning to Hank, Professor X continued, "Brian mentioned that you might be able to help us locate more mutants. Hank, do you think you can manage it?"

Hank paused, momentarily surprised by the question, before falling into thoughtful silence. After joining the X-Men the previous day, he had taken the time to learn about each member's mutant abilities in detail.

At that moment, Hank's mind was working rapidly.

After a few minutes, he stopped and nodded to Professor X.

"Professor, your ability is telepathy, which lets you distinguish between humans and mutants. I could try to create a brainwave amplifier that might enhance your telepathic abilities. However, I'll need your cooperation for some tests."

Hank was indeed the most brilliant inventor among mutants. In just a few minutes, he had already conceptualized the prototype for a brainwave amplifier.

"A brainwave amplifier? That could work," Professor X said with a smile. "Hank, go ahead with it. I'll provide you with any financial support you need."

Professor X couldn't help but marvel at how accurate Darwin's prediction had been.

"I'll make sure the brainwave amplifier is completed as soon as possible," Hank replied, nodding seriously.

While his mutant ability might be the least powerful among the X-Men, Hank was confident that when it came to invention, he was the strongest asset the X-Men had.

After Hank made his commitment, Professor X turned to Brian.

"Brian, while you were recruiting Hank, I detected another mutant in Queens. I'd like you to go there and see if you can recruit this mutant to join the X-Men," Professor X said in a tone of request.

Brian, who had been somewhat distracted, suddenly perked up at the mention of recruiting another mutant.

"Leave it to me, Charles. I'll do my best to bring this mutant into the X-Men family," Brian replied enthusiastically, giving a quick salute with his right hand to show his eagerness.

Seeing Brian's positive attitude, Professor X smiled, feeling reassured. He shared the information about the mutant he had detected, then turned to Raven.

"Raven, I need you to go to the CIA and gather any information on the Hellfire Club for the X-Men," he said in a serious tone.

Raven's abilities made her the ideal candidate for intelligence gathering.

"I understand, Charles," Raven replied, nodding in agreement with the assignment.

"Don't worry, Raven. I'll use my telepathic powers to keep you protected," Professor X said, placing a hand on her shoulder with an earnest promise.

If it weren't for the fact that he needed to work with Hank on testing the brainwave amplifier, Raven wouldn't have needed to take such a risk at all.

"What about me, Charles?" Magneto, sitting in his wheelchair, frowned and asked.

"Erik, you can rest and recover here at Xavier Manor," Professor X replied calmly.

"Fuck, Charles, do you think I'm not capable?" Magneto snapped, feeling as though Professor X was looking down on him. Why did everyone else have a mission, but he didn't? Magneto was clearly dissatisfied.

Seeing Magneto's frustration, Brian touched his chin thoughtfully and turned to Professor X. "Why don't Magneto and I go together to invite this new mutant? If it's just an invitation, there shouldn't be any danger. What do you think, Professor?"

"Alright, let's do that," Professor X agreed, glancing at Magneto before nodding. "You and Magneto will go invite our new potential ally."

"Thank you, Brian," Magneto said gratefully, nodding toward Brian.

"You're welcome, Erik," Brian replied, patting Magneto's shoulder with a smile.

The reason Brian had suggested bringing Magneto along was simple—is because Brian needs Magneto to endorse him.