Chapter 63 : Strongest Mutant!!

In the cluttered underground base, Professor X sat in his wheelchair, his expression dignified yet composed. Nearby, Wolverine appeared visibly startled, with a hint of remorse lingering in his gaze.

As Carl and the others entered, they were met with this sight.

Iceman spoke with a hint of unease, "Professor, what just happened..."

Professor X let out a relieved sigh and spoke gently, "Do not fret. It's merely that Jean has recently awakened, and her consciousness is still adjusting to the power within her. It has left her somewhat agitated."

Upon hearing this, Shadowcat exclaimed, "That's a relief, but the energy emanating from Jean is incredibly potent."

Colossus nodded in agreement, "I sensed it as well. I never anticipated the awakening to amplify the power within her to such an extent."

In contrast to the original narrative where Scott had perished, Storm remained composed this time, asking, "Professor, what course of action do you propose?"

"Should we pursue Jean, or await her return once she regains control of herself?"

Professor X remained silent, his gaze narrowing slightly as he delved into his psychic abilities to probe further.

After a prolonged moment, Professor X's expression turned solemn, and he sighed, "She's resisting my telepathic reach."

Addressing the assembled X-Men, the professor continued, "Jean's power is highly volatile. If left unchecked, it could lead to catastrophic consequences."

"We must retrieve her and aid her in mastering her abilities."

However, Wolverine interjected at this moment, his voice low and resolute, "But Charles, nobody likes being manipulated. Constant suppression will only breed defiance."

Wolverine's words prompted a contemplative silence from Professor X.

Carl, who had remained silent until now, felt a flicker of understanding.

He comprehended Wolverine's message: urging Professor X to abandon thoughts of controlling Jean.

Regardless of one's identity, autonomy was cherished, and interference with one's will was unwelcome. Though Professor X's intentions were noble, they might not be well-received.

The notion of "it's for your own good" often masked oppressive tendencies, as seen in many parental figures who dictate their children's actions, words, and beliefs under the guise of benevolence.

However, as these children matured and gained autonomy, they inevitably rebelled against such control.

Human nature resented manipulation and resisted external influence, a sentiment shared by all.

Even with those well-intentioned concerns.

At this moment, the silent Professor X shook his head. "You won't understand the power residing within Jean, nor the consequences if it spirals out of control."

"Come on, Logan, Ororo..."

Professor X glanced at the many X-Men, but only instructed Wolverine and Storm, hesitating briefly when his gaze settled on Carl.

"And Carl, let's retrieve Jean. I know she's there."

With that, the professor guided his wheelchair towards the elevator.

Upon witnessing this, Storm took the lead, followed by Wolverine who hesitated momentarily.

As for Carl, as he followed suit, the system's voice echoed in his mind simultaneously.

"Activate mission parameters, main objective initiated: defeat the Mutant Juggernaut."

"Task reward: 2 Origin Points."

In the ascending elevator, Carl's eyes narrowed slightly.

Whenever an event linked to the original narrative unfolded, the system assigned a mission. Carl had long anticipated such a scenario.

After all, the situation with Scott had been evident beforehand.

What puzzled him was that this time, the mission wasn't to rescue Professor X, but to defeat the Mutant Juggernaut.

Was it because the system deemed that even if he intervened this time, Professor X was destined to perish, hence no such request?

Or perhaps, as long as he participated in pivotal events shaping the world's course, the specifics didn't matter?

Initially, Carl speculated that the system's missions would entail rescuing characters who met their demise within the storyline, altering the established timeline to garner Origin Points, much like saving Scott.

However, it seemed he had overthought it.

Doubts swirled within Carl's mind.

"Never mind. If it's not clear now, it'll become clear eventually."

Yet, this suited him. Otherwise, if every plot-related mission involved rescue operations, he'd be forever caught in a loop.

Regardless, it appeared that Professor X was destined to meet his end this time, even with his presence.

...…..

In a small town not too far away, within an underground base, Magneto had just concluded a discussion about their next sabotage operation with his subordinates. Suddenly, Callisto spoke up with a startled expression.

"Sir, I've detected a significant fluctuation in the magnetic field," she announced.

Magneto turned his head, his expression serious. "How significant is it?"

"It's incredibly potent, unparalleled. I dare say, it surpasses even your own power," Callisto exclaimed.

Her words caused Magneto's eyes to narrow, memories of a young girl flooding his mind involuntarily.

Twenty years prior, before his rift with Charles was irreparable, they had visited a small town together. There, he had encountered a Mutant girl whose power had left a lasting impression on him.

Her psychokinetic abilities, vast as the sea, emitted an aura of destruction that weighed heavily upon him.

Regrettably, the girl had eventually enrolled in Xavier's Mutant school, her powers subdued by Charles, rendering her an ordinary Mutant.

No longer a threat to me, he mused.

With this recollection, Magneto began to form a hunch, a smile playing at his lips as he whispered, "I always said you couldn't control her."

Standing up with a smirk, he declared, "Let's retrieve that companion of ours."

Meanwhile, Professor X, accompanied by Wolverine, Storm, and Carl, journeyed toward the town where the Jean's family resided.