Chapter 31

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The news of Colonel Stryker's death couldn't be kept from the U.S. government for long. While a colonel's rank in the military isn't particularly high, Stryker's influence went beyond his title.

As a military scientist with deep connections, his role was significant, especially after the assassination of the U.S. President by a mutant.

Stryker had eagerly proposed a plan to counter the mutant threat, and although the government had likely been aware of his raid on the Mutant Academy, they turned a blind eye.

However, Stryker's sudden death drew immediate suspicion toward the mutant community. His demise sparked major concern in the U.S. government, likened in gravity to the President's assassination.

Some high-ranking officials and members of Congress believed this marked an all-out war declaration from mutants against the United States.

While the government was debating a possible widespread purge of mutants, a bombshell report surfaced, igniting the internet and public opinion.

This document detailed Stryker's inhumane experiments on mutants over the past decade, including shocking and gruesome videos that were beyond comprehension.

The world reacted with outrage. These experiments transcended politics and global power struggles—no one cared about Stryker's status as a U.S. military figure.

His actions violated basic human decency, and the global community was united in its condemnation. Stryker's atrocities caused an international uproar.

Within 24 hours, social media was flooded with furious posts. The backlash was so intense that some servers crashed due to the volume of activity. Major news outlets hastily added special reports, unleashing criticism on Stryker, the military, and the government.

This media frenzy was a goldmine for ratings, and news networks were unafraid of any future government reprisals.

Meanwhile, the federal government and military found themselves in an increasingly untenable position, struggling to contain the damage from this global scandal.

Public criticism quickly turned against both the government and military. There had long been an unspoken agreement between the two regarding human experimentation. While they neither openly endorsed it nor opposed it, they were willing to look the other way as long as it remained hidden and provided tangible benefits. But once exposed, they had no choice but to face the consequences.

The public, now furious, didn't care whether the government and military were directly involved—they demanded accountability. Under pressure, the White House spokesman made a hasty statement, claiming that Stryker's actions were entirely his own and that the federal government was unaware of them. The military spokesman echoed this, but the damage was already done.

Attempts to control public outrage and manage the narrative proved ineffective. The situation had escalated beyond containment, and any efforts to suppress public opinion were futile. In a bid to stabilize the situation, the government and military quickly found scapegoats, forcing several officials to resign to pacify the public.

As for any plans targeting the mutant community, they were quietly shelved.

Meanwhile, at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in New York, the academy—which had been left in disarray after Stryker's surprise attack—was restored after some much-needed repairs.

"We deeply apologize to the world and the mutant community for the Stryker incident."

In the principal's office, the X-Men and the professors watched the White House spokesperson's apology on the monitor in front of them. Scott and Logan finally let out a sigh of relief. It seemed the mutant crisis had passed.

Even as the media attention would soon fade, the status and treatment of mutants would likely improve. After all, human nature tends to sympathize with the oppressed. Despite the earlier distrust and disdain for mutants, the exposure of the human experiments would grant them public sympathy and a more favorable environment, at least for a while.

"It's finally over," Logan muttered, a cigar in his mouth. He twisted his neck, clearly displeased. He was probably the most frustrated among them—he hadn't gotten to kill anyone.

"Thankfully, Leon's people were well-prepared. Otherwise, we might've been targeted and purged," Ororo said, crossing her arms with a relieved expression. All she wanted now was a few days of rest.

"But who are they?" Beast asked, standing beside the desk. "From their strength and how careful they were, it's hard to believe they're just a group of young people under twenty."

The others nodded in agreement. The situation had been resolved so quietly, almost anticlimactically, with a potentially fierce battle being avoided. Yet they still didn't know who had come to their aid.

Professor X listened quietly as the group exchanged thoughts, then turned his attention to Jean, who had remained silent. In his gentle voice, he asked, "Jean, you've met Mr. Leon and his group. What do you think of them?"

The others shifted their focus to Jean, curious about her response.

After a brief moment, she thoughtfully replied, "The first impression they gave me was one of purity and clarity, but more like being among a pride of lions."

"A pride of lions?" Storm raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Yes," Jean nodded, her voice soft but firm. "They're like young lions, and Leon is undoubtedly their lion king. When he and I locked eyes, it was something I'll never forget. His gaze... it wasn't just looking at me, it felt like he was seeing through me, straight into my soul."

Scott scratched his chin, puzzled by Jean's description. "That's a strange way to put it."

Professor X, however, seemed to understand. "Jean's right. Leon leads these young lions with purpose. They're strong and kind, with a shared goal. Though their pasts may be unknown, they are not our enemies. In fact, they might become our allies."

"Friends whose origins are unclear still warrant some caution," Storm pointed out.

"True," Professor X agreed. "But for now, they've saved us and helped avert a crisis. That's worth remembering."

"That much is good," Beast Hank chimed in, nodding. Then, with a wry smile, he added, "Though we still owe them a plane. Are you sending me any help with that, Professor?"

Chuckling, Professor X replied, "That part's on you, Hank."

"Luckily, I had already started work on building new aircraft. It's just a bit of extra trouble now," Hank sighed. "I do wonder how they were so certain we'd be able to replace that plane so easily."