Chapter 32: Chapter 32: I Want to Talk to You
Downey initially thought that the dinner would be a small gathering, limited to just the professor and Jean—key figures in the mutant world.
It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with each other in a quieter setting, which would make future interactions easier.
However, to his surprise, the dinner turned out to be a full-blown event for the entire school.
Professor Xavier opened the grand hall, and mutant students from all levels were invited.
Dozens of tables were set together, laden with famous delicacies from around the globe, including some rare and exotic dishes.
The aroma filled the room, vibrant with color and mouth-watering smells that could make anyone's stomach rumble.
Children and teens, from the youngest to the oldest, dashed around the hall laughing and playing.
A few mischievous boys even managed to sneak some wine, passing it around with a rebellious sense of glee, though it didn't take long before the instructors caught them.
The school had strict rules about underage drinking, and those boys were about to face severe consequences.
Downey felt oddly out of place amidst all the chaos. The setting was lively, and the children were clearly enjoying themselves, but he didn't quite fit into the scene.
While sitting at the table, a group of rowdy boys gathered around him, staring curiously but saying nothing. Their silence was unnerving.
Finally, Downey's patience snapped. "If you have any questions, just ask them. What's with all the staring? Do you want a fight?" he growled, glaring at the boys.
At last, a scruffy-haired boy stepped forward. He seemed slightly tipsy, probably having snuck some of the forbidden wine, and blurted out, "Are you a mechanic?"
What kind of question is that?
Downey gave him a withering look. "Who are you, anyway?"
The scruffy boy grinned and introduced himself, "John Allerdyce, but everyone calls me Pyro."
"Well, Pyro, who said I wasn't 'mechanic'?" Downey smirked. His casual demeanor only fueled the boys' curiosity.
"They said you've killed a lot of people," John said bluntly. His young, brash nature came through in his tone. He had a fire in him that matched his ability to control flames.
"Killed a lot of people? That depends on what you consider 'people,'" Downey replied nonchalantly.
He speared a piece of fish with his fork, took a whiff, and then savored the taste, deliberately slow.
Instead of being intimidated, Pyro's eyes lit up even more. He was clearly drawn to Downey's dangerous aura, eager to hear more.
Another boy chimed in. He had a calmer, more composed presence compared to John.
"What are you planning to do next? Are you going to keep hunting vampires?"
Downey raised an eyebrow, surprised at the question. The boy introduced himself as Bobby Drake, known around the school as Iceman.
Bobby explained how he had hacked into certain systems and discovered various underground discussions about Downey.
"You did what?" Downey chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Impressive. So you know about my recent skirmishes with vampires?"
Bobby nodded, sparking a wave of gasps from the other students.
The rest of the group, intrigued by this revelation, asked him about vampires. Were they real? Could they be mutants themselves, like angels or demons?
Downey paused, chewing his food as he thought about how to explain. He didn't hold back.
"Vampires are parasites, plain and simple. They feed on innocent people, tearing families apart. They're a cancer on this world, and as far as I'm concerned, the only good vampire is a dead one."
The boys hung on his every word, some of them visibly shocked while others looked more fascinated than ever.
"Have you been bitten?" Bobby asked cautiously.
Downey's expression darkened. "If you're ever bitten, pray you don't survive long. Being a vampire is worse than death."
Bobby's eyes widened. "What about the rumors? People are saying you're about to start a war, maybe even a full-scale conflict between mutants and vampires."
"A war?" Downey repeated thoughtfully, taking a sip of water.
"I don't have the influence to lead the entire mutant race into war. Not yet, anyway. But make no mistake: my battle with vampires has already begun."
His words set off a wave of excitement and disbelief among the group.
They began whispering among themselves, marveling at the idea of one man starting a war.
In their youthful minds, Downey became larger than life—a figure capable of shaking the world on his own.
Pyro was practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "Man, that's awesome! You're like... a one-man army!"
Downey shrugged and continued eating, unbothered by their awe. The boys continued asking questions, one after the other, and before long, the entire hall was abuzz with chatter about vampires and war.
Downey noticed Professor Xavier and Jean smiling at him from across the room.
They were clearly pleased to see him getting along so well with the students.
Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, eventually approached and scolded the group.
"You boys shouldn't be drinking, and Downey, you shouldn't be encouraging them. They're too young for this kind of talk."
Downey offered her an apologetic smile but didn't argue. He could tell she was protective of the students, but he still believed that the world they were growing up in didn't allow for innocence to last long.
As the evening progressed, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the feast. By the end of the night, Downey had made quite the impression.
People who had never even spoken to him before were now greeting him warmly, and many of the students treated him with newfound respect.
After the festivities ended, Downey returned to the room Professor X had arranged for him.
Though the night had been full of laughter, he couldn't sleep. He had a feeling that someone would come to see him before the night was through.
Sure enough, not long after, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Mr. Downey? Are you awake? It's John. I want to talk to you," Pyro's voice whispered through the door.
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Sayo nara~~