Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Charles's lecture was profound yet engaging, making it easy for most students to understand. Everyone gained a deeper insight into their mutant abilities.
However, near the end, a student raised a hand and asked, "Professor, since the mutant gene is irreversible, do we still have a chance to coexist peacefully with ordinary humans?"
"Of course, children. Aren't we already on that path? As long as we stand united and work hard, I believe that one day, we will achieve true acceptance!"
Charles spoke with unwavering confidence, firmly believing that through perseverance, humans would eventually recognize their efforts and fully accept mutants.
Hearing Charles's reassuring words, the students' faces lit up with determination. They were inspired to work toward a future where their powers wouldn't cause fear or discrimination.
Yet, among the crowd, one person stood out—Nolin.
Unlike the others, he seemed unconvinced, even amused.
Nolin completely ignored Charles's optimistic speech. He didn't believe a single word of it.
In both past and present timelines, blood and tears had proven one thing—mutants and humans could never coexist peacefully.
If Charles's philosophy were viable, Nolin wouldn't feel the constant pressure and urgency looming over him—the invisible sword of Damocles that could fall at any moment.
This world, a fusion of the X-Men and MCU universes, still held other hidden dangers. Yet one fact remained certain—regardless of aliens, gods, or superhumans, mutants would always be the primary target of human fear and hostility.
The root of this problem lay in human emotions—fear, envy, and the unwillingness of those in power to allow forces outside their control to exist.
Unlike unique individuals like Captain America or Thor, mutants were seen as a potential evolutionary step that could replace humanity as the dominant species.
To prevent this from happening, humanity's eventual response was predictable—eradication.
Nolin, who had always been concerned about the future of mutants, had long pondered these issues.
Previously, he lacked strength, influence, and knowledge of the academy, so he refrained from voicing his views. But now, the time was right.
Soon after class ended, Charles asked Nolin to stay behind.
Nolin wasn't surprised. He told Kitty to grab some food and rest before heading back.
"Professor, what can I do for you?"
Despite his criticisms of Charles's views, Nolin still respected him for his dedication. Charles's only flaw was his overly idealistic faith in humanity.
"Nolin, it seems you disagree with my views earlier. Could you share your thoughts?"
To Nolin's surprise, Charles didn't ask about his powers first. Instead, he focused on the philosophical debate about humans and mutants.
Perhaps this topic was Charles's greatest concern, outweighing all others.
Taking a moment to organize his thoughts, Nolin finally spoke.
"Professor, what if I told you that your ideals are doomed to fail no matter what?"
Charles's smile faded slightly—not out of anger, but because he recognized the gravity of the issue.
Nolin continued, "Not only will your plan fail, but I can even predict that one day, mutants will have no place in this world. Mutants will be wiped out."
Charles remained calm, not showing any signs of anger or frustration. Instead, he grew more concerned, worried that Nolin might walk a darker path.
Charles couldn't help but see shadows of Magneto in Nolin.
Years ago, Magneto had also stood before him, harshly rejecting his ideals as naïve.
The two figures—Nolin and Magneto—seemed to overlap in his mind.
Determined not to repeat his past mistakes, Charles felt a renewed urgency to guide Nolin away from that path.
Just as he was about to explain his philosophy in greater detail, Nolin interrupted.
"Professor!"
"I think you already suspect that I have other special abilities."
Charles's expression shifted slightly.
"You're right," Nolin continued. "I have another ability—I can travel through time and space and see into other universes."
Nolin decided to reveal a partial truth, just as he had done with Bruce earlier.
Of course, he omitted details about his ability to enhance mutant genes through intimacy. After all, this wasn't the right time—or the right audience—for such information.
Disclosing his time-travel ability served two purposes:
Gaining Charles's trust by proving his knowledge of future events.
Establishing himself as a key figure capable of addressing the looming crises.
In truth, Nolin had already begun laying the groundwork to build his own influence—potentially surpassing both Charles and Magneto to become a new leader for mutants.
Mutants, despite their flaws, had incredible potential. With proper guidance and unity, they could carve out a lasting place in the world.
To achieve this, Nolin needed Charles's support. While he could survive on his own, building a loyal faction of mutants would provide him with much-needed strength.
At the same time, he couldn't hide his dimensional travel ability for long. His disappearances would eventually raise suspicions, making early transparency a smarter move.
Nolin wasn't just preparing for survival—he was preparing for dominance.
Mutants needed to consolidate their power quickly, as stronger enemies loomed on the horizon.
Without a system or shortcuts, Nolin could only rely on himself—and that meant having the backing of others to secure his plans.
In this regard, Charles and Magneto had already proven themselves unreliable.
Nolin wouldn't make the same mistakes. He was determined to lead mutants into a future where they didn't have to fear extinction.
And this was just the beginning.
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