Chapter 69.1 : Meeting!

In the dimly lit room, Storm sat in somber silence upon the single sofa, while Wolverine stood stoically by the window, his gaze fixed on the outside world, his thoughts inscrutable.

Across from Storm, Iceman and Colossus sat quietly, their spirits heavy with sorrow.

On the opposite end of the sofa, the petite figure of Shadowcat lay with a melancholic expression, her heart unable to come to terms with the loss of the professor.

Beside them, Hank McCoy, known as Beast, having learned of the professor's demise, returned swiftly and took his place on the sofa, his demeanor reflecting the weight of grief.

Anna, who had chosen to retreat into solitude upon hearing of the professor's passing, had left the academy under Logan's vigilant gaze.

As the sound of footsteps echoed in the room, Carl entered with a composed countenance, taking a seat beside Shadowcat Kitty under the watchful eyes of the assembled group.

Observing the calm demeanor of the black-haired youth, Storm and the others couldn't shake the feeling that Carl seemed somehow different today, as if he had gained a newfound sense of composure.

There was a serene confidence in his eyes, an aura of assurance that suggested he could overcome any obstacle effortlessly.

Sitting there, he seemed as formidable as a mountain, radiating an air of unwavering resolve.

Indeed, Storm mused inwardly, people truly do grow through their experiences.

Similar thoughts crossed the minds of the others, all of whom mistakenly attributed Carl's transformation to the professor's demise.

With everyone gathered, Iceman glanced around the room and spoke in a subdued tone, "What should the school do now?"

His words carried a palpable sense of uncertainty and aimlessness.

After a moment of silence, Hank spoke up, "Charles founded this school, and now that he's gone, perhaps it's time for the school to disband along with his departure."

He continued, "We should allow the students to return to their respective homes."

Unlike many of the other mutants who bore physical scars from battles, Hank's identity as a mutant often left him grappling with the complexities of his dual existence as both a mutant and a scientist.

In essence, his beliefs aligned closely with those of Professor X, advocating for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans.

Thus, he had harbored some reservations toward Scott's relentless focus on combat training for the Mr. students, eventually leading to his departure from the mutant academy.

Naturally, their animosity towards Magneto and those who disrupt peace, forming the Mutant Brotherhood and perpetuating conflict with humanity, only deepened.

With Professor X's sudden demise, the weight of loneliness in his grief felt heavier.

The dwindling number of like-minded individuals walking the same ideological path exacerbated this sense of solitude.

Likewise, with the loss of Professor X's protection, this already unique academy was sure to face pressure from various quarters.

Many had already found the place unwelcoming.

Rather than allowing the academy to become a battleground, it seemed preferable to send the students home, especially now that a Mutant Mutant Cure was available, allowing them to return to normal lives after its use.

Hank's words struck a chord with the other X-Men.

Iceman grimly remarked, "Most of us have nowhere else to go. Without the academy, what will become of us?"

His words elicited wry smiles from everyone.

Indeed, where could they turn once they departed from the school?

And it wasn't just them; many Mutant students at the school had been rescued from experimental organizations and research institutes.

These individuals had been without a home for a long time. If the academy disbanded, what would become of them?

At that moment, Carl spoke calmly, "Why should we give up?"

Meeting everyone's gaze steadily, Carl continued, "The professor founded this school to protect Mutant children who have suffered harm.

"Over the years, the school has become more than just an educational institution; it's a beacon of hope for countless Mutants.

"Dissolving the school would deal a heavy blow to us and many other Mutants, akin to losing the professor himself."

Turning to Storm, Carl inquired, "Mr. Orolo, is the school facing financial difficulties?"

Storm shook her head, replying, "The school's finances are managed by a professional from the professor's family company. We receive a fixed monthly allocation, and our salaries and mission expenses are covered by the same."

Carl nodded, addressing everyone, "With no funding issues and an abundance of teaching resources, why should the school cease its operations?"

His words left everyone momentarily stunned.

Indeed, the school was sound in all respects; why then entertain the notion of disbandment?

Was it simply because the professor was no more? Such an action would only dishonor his memory further.

At this moment, Hank let out a soft sigh, "Appearances can be deceiving. Besides funding and faculty resources, the school grapples with other issues."

"Once, people feared Charles, turning the school into a sanctuary for mutants."

"But now, without Charles's influence, the future seems uncertain."

Hank's revelation left Storm and the others feeling uneasy. They had overlooked this aspect, or perhaps in the past, their interactions were limited to academia.