After Ryuuto and Professor Charles left the training grounds, the others slowly drifted away, leaving the night silent.
Halfway across the courtyard, Charles raised a hand. "Stop here," he said.
They stood beneath a sky glittering with stars. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Charles sighed.
"I'll be honest, Ryuuto. I was worried you'd end up like Magneto. When you announced that world-wide broadcast today, I was prepared to stop you. I feared you'd declare war on humanity."
A faint smile crossed his face. "But you didn't. What you said tonight… it gave me hope. I never thought an eighteen-year-old could speak with such clarity."
Ryuuto tilted his head. "So you're asking if I meant what I said?"
Charles nodded.
"Of course I did," Ryuuto replied. "Magneto and I share one thing: we both fight for mutant freedom. But he's extreme. I'm not out to burn bridges with humans—only those who try to enslave or kill us. People who attack peace don't deserve mercy."
Charles smiled, almost wistful. "If it were me, I'd still try to reason with them. Sometimes even an enemy can become an ally with enough patience."
"I'm not a god, Professor," Ryuuto said flatly. "I don't have time for miracles. If someone threatens my people, I'll erase them. Simple as that."
Charles laughed—a deep, genuine laugh that startled Ryuuto.
"What's so funny?"
"I've spent decades trying to make mutants and humans coexist peacefully. Reason, diplomacy, education—little of it has worked. Magneto took the opposite path, forcing obedience through power. But you…" The Professor's eyes gleamed. "You're something between us both. You want peace, but you're not afraid to destroy those who break it. It's harsh—but effective."
He placed a hand on Ryuuto's shoulder. "That's why I trust you to lead the X-Men from here on. I'll handle things from behind the curtain. The rest is yours."
Ryuuto chuckled and clasped the man's hand. "So you're retiring?"
"Nearly," Charles said, gripping his palm tightly. "My child, the future of mutants rests with you."
"I'm not the 'savior' type," Ryuuto said. "I just want to protect the people around me."
"They are mutants," Charles replied warmly. "If they live freely, so will the rest."
Ryuuto hesitated. "Then… one question. During the school dance, Magneto called you out. What did he want?"
"Ah, that." Charles frowned. "He wanted to talk about his children. You already know his son—Quicksilver. But his daughter, Wanda… she's different. Her codename is Scarlet Witch. She wields something called Origin Magic Power. I've never encountered energy like it; even my Cerebro archives have nothing similar."
He paused, voice softening. "Her childhood was tragic—war, trauma, loss. Her mental state is fragile. When triggered, her powers spiral beyond control. Magneto asked me to locate her and 'guide' her." Charles' lips thinned. "But I could tell he wanted a weapon. I'd rather we find her first—and give her a chance to live, not fight."
Ryuuto folded his arms, thinking. His memories from the original Marvel universe didn't help much. The Scarlet Witch's power differed wildly between versions.
In the comics, he recalled, she rewrote reality with a single line—'No more mutants.'
If that level of power existed here… she could rival gods.
He frowned. "Where is she now?"
"The last signal came from somewhere near a dam," Charles said. "No clear landmarks. Just forest."
"Then we'll probe again."
Charles nodded. Together they entered the Cerebro chamber. The machine hummed as the Professor lowered the helmet over his head.
Five minutes passed. Then—Charles convulsed. Blood trickled from his nose.
"Professor!" Ryuuto ripped the helmet off immediately.
Charles gasped for breath, trembling. "Her mind… her psychic force is terrifying. I tried to enter her consciousness, but she repelled me. For her to backlash me like that, her mental strength must be five—maybe six—times my own. It's unstable… but immense. The more chaotic her emotions, the stronger the power."
"So you can't pinpoint her exact location?" Ryuuto asked.
Charles shook his head. "No. She's shielding herself instinctively."
Ryuuto sighed. "Then we'll leave it to fate. If she crosses our path, we'll act. If not… that's life."
Charles wiped the last of the blood from his lip and smiled weakly. "That's a healthy attitude, Ryuuto. Come on, we've done enough for tonight."
As they left Cerebro behind, the mansion finally fell quiet. Inside the Axville School, peace returned.
But outside—chaos brewed.
Because Ryuuto's speech had already spread across the world.