Whoosh!
A blur flashed across Alex's vision—the scenery shifted completely.
The long-lost, familiar world appeared before him.
"Marvel… I'm finally back."
Alex couldn't help feeling a surge of emotion.
Swoosh!
A sonic boom split the air as a metal figure dropped from the sky, landing beside him with a heavy thud.
It was—
Iron Man, Tony Stark.
"Alex… it's really you?"
Tony visibly relaxed after seeing his face.
After experiencing the Infinite Ultron invasion, Tony was all too familiar with the sight of a dimensional rift tearing open.
The moment his scanners picked up a breach, he rushed over immediately—
fully expecting yet another interdimensional threat.
But instead…
the visitor was someone he actually recognized.
"Stark, what? Rushing over like this—were you planning on welcoming me?"
Alex gave him a playful look.
He honestly didn't expect that after returning to his own universe, the first person he'd meet was Tony.
"Wait."
Tony suddenly grew serious again, a hint of caution appearing.
"Which universe's Alex are you?"
Even though their Alex had disappeared six years ago—
and although everyone suspected he had crossed into another universe…
There was no proof that the Alex who returned today was the same one who left.
And more importantly—
This Alex radiated pressure that made Tony's armor systems scream danger.
He was clearly far, far stronger than the Alex of six years ago.
"You don't recognize your uncle anymore? That hurts my feelings, Tony. Don't forget—I held you when you were a baby."
Alex said with a teasing glint.
Tony: "…"
He did know that Alex held him when he was a toddler.
But looking at them now—
Anyone who didn't know the truth would think Tony was Alex's father.
The contrast was ridiculous.
Alex looked exactly the same as he did six years ago—
young, strong, untouched by time.
Tony, on the other hand…
Was now a full-fledged, world-weary middle-aged man.
A youthful guy telling an older man, "I carried you in my arms once,"
was straight-up nightmare fuel.
And the worst part?
It was true.
Whoosh!
Another jet roar echoed in the distance.
A Blackbird jet descended slowly.
Professor X, Magneto, Beast, Mystique, and several Krakoa leaders stepped out one after another.
The moment they saw Alex, their faces filled with genuine joy.
"Alex, after so many years… you finally remembered that you still have a home in this world?"
Charles said warmly.
"Obviously he forgot, otherwise he would've come back sooner."
Erik grumbled, but the fond smile on his face betrayed his emotions.
"Headmaster!"
"Alex!"
Hank and Raven hurried up, practically glowing with excitement.
"Charles, Erik, Hank, Raven…"
Alex looked at his old comrades—
comrades who had fought beside him since World War II.
The surge of emotion in his chest was indescribable.
This was family—
perhaps closer than family.
"Hold it, Charles!"
Tony cut in sharply.
"How do you know he's really your Alex? What if he's from another universe?"
"Relax, Stark."
Charles smiled gently.
"I can say with absolute certainty—His Majesty is ours. You can trust that."
He didn't provide details, but Tony visibly relaxed after that.
The truth was simple:
Alex had prepared for this before leaving.
He wore an inconspicuous little device that emitted a unique electromagnetic signature—
a form of identity verification.
The moment he returned to this universe, Hank detected the signal.
And that confirmed everything.
"Welcome back, Alex."
Tony finally said, his attitude completely shifting.
Whoosh!
He shot into the air, but paused mid-hover.
"Oh, and Alex—"
He turned back, eyes meaningful.
"I think we'll be seeing each other again very soon."
Whoosh!
He flew off into the clouds.
"This guy… seems to be hinting at something."
Alex watched Tony's silhouette disappear, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
He glanced at Charles and Erik—
only to see them wearing expressions that said:
Yeah, we know exactly what he's talking about.
Alex immediately understood.
Whatever Tony hinted at…
The leaders of Krakoa were already aware.
"What happened while I was gone?"
Alex finally asked.
"Let's head back first—we'll talk then."
Charles smiled.
"Everyone is ecstatic to hear you've returned."
"Fair enough."
Alex shrugged and stepped aboard the Blackbird with them.
"Alex, seriously… after all these years, you haven't aged at all."
Raven sighed beside him. Hank nodded vigorously.
Six years wasn't extremely long, but not short either.
Everyone had changed—especially Charles and Erik, who had visibly aged.
Alex was the only one who looked identical to the day he left.
"No, no—I've changed quite a bit."
Alex grinned shamelessly.
"I'm stronger now."
Raven: "…"
Hank: "…"
Their banter echoed through the jet as it lifted into the air.
Soon they arrived at the most prosperous mutant nation in the world—
Krakoa.
"WELCOME BACK, YOUR MAJESTY!"
"WELCOME HOME, YOUR MAJESTY!"
The leaders and core members of Krakoa were already gathered in the plaza, waiting in formation.
When Alex stepped off the Blackbird—
A thunderous cheer erupted.
And Alex had to admit—
Being welcomed like this felt pretty damn good.
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