60: Iron Man Who Was Fooled

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Intelligence is sometimes inversely proportional to strength. The more powerful someone is, the less inclined they are to use their brains.

For instance, Wolverine, with his super self-healing factor and combat prowess (despite his poor performance in movies), combined with the -sharp claws made of the potent Adamantium.metal, which also forms physical strength.

Yet he's irritable, impulsive, often trading injuries for injuries...

And aside from picking up a few languages through wandering around the globe, he never took the initiative to learn beyond that.

Conversely, Tony, though a regular human with no extraordinary strength, relied heavily on his armor for combat abilities.

This has fueled his almost obsessive research into the Iron Man suits. Each iteration update occurs faster than the previous. His power stems from knowledge.

Lynn introduced the classification of mutants to Tony, then continued

"Many delta-level mutants exhibit considerably higher brain development than regular humans. If someone like you teaches them, they can follow your example. By arming themselves with knowledge, they can become stronger... With a mortal body, standing shoulder to shoulder with gods. Tony, this significant role is reserved for you!"

His words were genuine, without obscuring his underlying plan: "Moreover, professors who possess substantial knowledge can also participate in your classes. If they learn something, it'll significantly enhance the technological prowess of the X Academy"

Tony was taken aback when he heard that.

"With a mortal body, can you stand shoulder to shoulder with a god?"

He carefully pondered the deep meaning of this sentence, and in a trance, he felt a sense of responsibility.

But then, he laughed: "This is your real purpose, right? Why don't you just ask me to help you develop weapons..."

He was a little surprised by Lynn's frankness, and felt that Lynn's move was really whimsical.

Obviously he wanted himself, the helm of Stark Industries, to go to the New X Academy to be a part-time worker, but it seemed that he was making a lot of money.

Thoughts surged in his mind, Tony gradually stopped joking.

A solemn look appeared on his always cynical face.

"What exactly are you trying to do?!"

It was the second time he posed this question, and this time, his seriousness exceeded all previous instances. "Previously, I thought your goal was to alter mutants' image and circumstances, but now... you're seeking to arm mutants with knowledge?"

"Mutants already have superpowers, and combined with knowledge, their influence will undoubtedly skyrocket!"

"Lynn, I'm increasingly convinced of your ambition. Moreover, your ambition seems to surpass merely allowing mutants to move freely. Is it possible you're aiming to rule the world, just like Magneto?!"

These words created a solemn atmosphere.

Lynn remained oblivious.

"Why not mutants ruling the world?"

He acknowledged this quite casually.

Tony's countenance abruptly changed; he was on the brink of summoning his Iron Suit.

But he suppressed the impulse, for within sight, Lynn switched topics suddenly, posing an entirely unrelated query: "Tony, how much do you know about this world?"

"What?"

Tony was bewildered once more.

Lynn continued, "S.H.I.E.L.D should have contacted you, right?"

"You're familiar with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Tony hesitated briefly, then nodded, "They did reach out to me, proposing I join and establish a superhero-filled special team to counter potential crises that threaten Earth, safeguard global security"

Lynn nodded without inquiring whether Tony had accepted the offer.

Instead, he smiled and stated, "So, what type of crisis poses a threat to the entire planet?"

"What are you implying?"

Tony frowned, sensing a vague premonition. Every time Lynn controlled the flow of conversation, he seemed to end up at a disadvantage.

Lynn evaded the question directly. Instead, he enunciated each word deliberately, "Tony, do you believe... in the existence of a god?"

"What?"

Once again, Tony found it challenging to keep up with Lynn's rhythm. This time, however, he answered without hesitation, "Technology is god"

It's said that science eventually leads to theology, yet, thus far, he hadn't encountered a scientific problem without a solution.

The implication was that gods didn't exist in this world!

Lynn responded with neutrality, "How about Metropolis's Superman? Or General Zod who fought him?"

"Aliens?!"

Tony's brows furrowed deeper.

"When Kryptonians come to Earth, they can harness solar energy, becoming overwhelmingly powerful—terrifying enough to inspire human despair. Should they choose, they could effortlessly eradicate humanity from the planet..."

"For Earth's inhabitants, what distinguishes this between it and a god?"

Lynn didn't bring up the Skrulls invading Earth, nor the Asgardians who graced the planet; he merely referenced Superman.

Then, the topic shifted, "The universe is boundless and infinite. If such beings exist, there may well be second and third occurrences. If they arrive on Earth one after another, harboring ill intentions... how should Earthlings respond?"

Tony was genuinely one of the brightest minds on Earth.

He immediately grasped Lynn's intent, "You mean Earth is facing the prospect of an alien civilization threat? Is that why S.H.I.E.L.D. is hurrying to assemble the Avengers Initiative?"

"It's not a future threat; it's perpetually present."

Lynn declared resolutely, "The majority may not have been aware of it, but it's only a matter of time before all humans on Earth will confront... death and annihilation!"

At this point in time, daily life wasn't about war, death, rebuilding, and tumbling back into conflict. Nevertheless, signs of such events were already manifest.

"Tony, this world isn't what it used to be"

Lynn sighed softly, sincerely, devoid of falsehood. After all, he, alongside all mutants, inhabited this world.

Gazing at the distant stars, Thanos, Dormammu, Steppenwolf, Darkseid, and a host of other top-tier enemies were all directed toward Earth; often, sleep eluded him.

Could this world become any more tumultuous?

Tony remained silent. Yet, by observing his expression, it was evident that Lynn's words struck a chord—albeit alarmingly.

"Given your current perspective, it's unsurprising that you're incapable of perceiving the future."

Lynn gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You only need to understand that the crisis threatening Earth has always been present. S.H.I.E.L.D. is well aware of many secrets, which is why they're eager to form the Avengers..."

"As for those in the White House and the military, they may not fully comprehend it, but some intelligent individuals might have picked up on significant global changes through various clues."

"So, they're also keen on bolstering their own power. Exploring mutants' superpowers is, to some extent, one such endeavor. However, both SHIELD and the upper echelons of humanity intentionally evade one question..."

At this point, Lynn paused deliberately.

Unaware, Tony fell into Lynn's rhythm. "What question?"

"Why did mutants begin to emerge in such numbers precisely at this juncture?!"

Lynn's eyes gleamed, and his tone escalated suddenly. Tony's heart trembled as if struck by a bolt of lightning.

"Tony, you're one of the brightest minds on Earth. You're aware that from primitive times to modern civilization, humans constantly evolve, adapting to changes in the natural environment through various physical and psychological changes..."

Lynn's speech slowed, but each word became more distinct. "This is the historical current of human civilization's development, akin to an enormous wave. It's persisted since ancient times..."

"Then, faced with the turbulence of today, human genes naturally mutate, resulting in the emergence of various superpowers to address the impending survival crisis..."

"Isn't this entirely normal?!"

If Darwin heard this interpretation of his evolution theory, he might spring out of his grave in protest.

And if S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Nick Fury were present, observing Lynn linking the arrival of alien civilizations with the widespread emergence of mutants, it's uncertain how he'd react.

However, there's no denying... Lynn's perspective held merit. Tony was momentarily speechless!

Throughout history, humans have adapted to their environment. If the cosmic environment is indeed undergoing unprecedented shifts, then genetic mutations and superpowers could be an inevitable outcome for humanity's survival. It doesn't sound unreasonable?

"So..."

Tony swallowed hard and spoke after a long pause, "The emergence of mutants is essentially a self-preserving mechanism of human genes? A result inherent in the evolution of human civilization?!"

"Exactly!"

Lynn stated each word, "It's a natural occurrence. It began with a small group, growing over time. As the timeline advances, all of humanity will enter a process of genetic evolution..."

"In that case, the mutants who developed early would want to ascend to the world's apex and lead the overall evolution of human civilization..."

"Isn't that a natural course? So, what's wrong with mutants ruling the world?"

If Professor X, currently engrossed in studying the history of the Dragon Kingdom, were here, he'd be utterly bewildered by Lynn's statements and might temporarily abandon his composure to voice his exasperation.

But without a doubt, the key to this theory of genetic evolution lies in whether human civilization is really... going to face unprecedented threats.

Tony comprehended this immediately.

Seeing his expression, Lynn also perceived his thoughts. "Don't you believe it?"

.......

Tony instinctively shook his head.

Nor was Lynn perturbed; a familiar smile adorned his lips. "It's straightforward. I'm merely showing you firsthand..."

Before he could conclude, he extended his right hand, tapping Tony's forehead.

This wasn't the soul magic of Kamar-Taj. Rather... it was prophetic magic.

When Lynn persuaded Magneto and Mystique before, he wasn't lying..He did possess some knowledge of prophetic magic.

"Boom!!"

For a fleeting moment, before Tony's eyes, vivid colors akin to the Big Bang danced violently. In that instant, he sensed his soul lifting off, soaring into a strange, unfamiliar realm.

Bubbles emerged suddenly.

Within the bubbles, a succession of images flickered—a diverse array of scenes, each representing a distinct branch of the timeline.

Yet, nearly half the screens depicted a city twisting and crumbling in destruction.

Within the city, superheroes valiantly battled, including himself, piloting a suit even more advanced than the Mark X, engaging in fierce combat.

And their enemies consisted of grotesque, formidable alien creatures.

Tony noted that atop Stark Tower, a blinding light pierced the heavens, birthing a gradually expanding spatial rift.

Within the passage, legions of alien beings and monsters streamed into Earth

Then—rampant slaughter ensued.

In that moment, he believed Lynn's words without question, for in the corner of his eye, he also glimpsed a portion of a scene—a blue planet, Earth, disintegrating with a "bang".

Countless familiar streets, countless familiar faces vanished in an instant!

"NO!!"

Bellowing, Tony tore himself away from the vision.

His expression contorted drastically, and an unparalleled shock surged through his body. His consciousness seemed akin to a speck of dust suspended at the universe's edge, abruptly thrust into the cosmic vastness.

All around, his mouth oozed blood. His emotions encompassed rage, fear, despair, helplessness...

"Invasion by an Alien Civilization..."

"Human Civilization's Self-Evolution..."

"Mutants Taking the Lead..."

Lynn's earlier words echoed in his mind relentlessly, but the sensation of peering into the future through time and space evaded him no matter how hard he tried to recapture it.

After a protracted period, Tony inhaled deeply.

He fixed his gaze upon Lynn, his eyes bloodshot.

"Becoming a Professor at the Mutant Academy, I'm in."

As long as humanity persists, as long as civilization thrives.

I am Iron Man... Determined to give my all! Ready to confront gods with a mortal body!

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