Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5699 - 4723: X Royal Family: Annihilation (5)

Beneath the island of Clarkia lies the antigravity laboratory, a transparent hemisphere anchored below the landmass. Inside, everything appears inverted, yet upon entry, the altered gravity renders the environment indistinguishable from normal ground.

Upon his arrival, Shiller encountered a woman with golden-brown hair, clad in a researcher's uniform. He recognized her as the catalyst for the mutant phenomenon in this universe. Moira's nine reincarnations are, in fact, the paramount reason Professor X is determined to establish a mutant nation on Clarkia.

Moira possesses a unique mutant ability: she has lived through nine lifetimes, bearing witness to the tragic fates of mutants. During one reincarnation, she was apprised that her cycle of rebirth was finite, limited to ten lives. If, in her final existence, they still couldn't vanquish Nimrod, the ultimate adversary of mutants, both she and all mutantkind would face eternal oblivion.

This dire revelation was conveyed to Professor X. Understanding the mutants' desperate situation, he and Moira sought out Magneto, who had retreated into seclusion, thereby initiating their quest to rebuild Utopia.

As Shiller entered, Moira turned, her expression one of profound shock. However, Professor X, having already perceived his presence, turned to face Shiller. Notably, he was not wearing the customary Fourth Generation Brain Wave Amplifier, the large, X-emblazoned helmet he typically donned.

"Professor," Shiller addressed him, his tone urgent, "Our time is exceedingly limited."

"Indeed," Professor X concurred. "The United Nations voting session is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Should the strike team be utterly annihilated, we are likely to face a veto.".

"Let the United Nations assembly be disregarded," Shiller countered. "It serves no practical purpose. The key to the mutants' successful establishment of a nation does not lie there. We require an alternative strategy."

Following Magneto, Stark found himself once more marveling at the magnificence of the main base. It was a citadel constructed entirely of stone, its ancient, moss-laden bricks intricately carved with elegant vine motifs, and a grand dome adorned with resplendent crystals. At the heart of the hall lay a deep blue pool, centered around a majestic tree. Its leaves were verdant and lush, and sunlight, filtering through the dome, dappled through its foliage, casting shimmering fragments of gold upon the azure water, creating an ethereal and dreamlike ambiance.

Flanking the pool were reception areas, outfitted with tables and chairs reflecting a similar naturalistic design, complemented by floral-shaped chandeliers. Sunlight streamed through the pointed, floor-to-ceiling crystal windows, imbuing the space with a sense of profound comfort and tranquility.

However, this serene and beautiful atmosphere was abruptly shattered as a cohort of individuals emerged from the hall's rear entrance, spearheaded by the Main Universe Iron Man, encased in his mecha suit.

He paused momentarily upon spotting Stark, then swiftly maneuvered towards him. Gazing down, he inquired with a cold demeanor, "From which universe do you hail, Iron Man? Have you not received our directive?"

Stark, feeling exceptionally cheerful and unburdened by parental duties, was further uplifted by Clarkia's stunning vistas and the mutants' refined aesthetic, which offered a vacation-like sense of ease. He magnanimously decided against holding a grudge against the Main Universe Iron Man.

"I received it," Stark replied, a hint of mockery in his voice. "It ranks among the most imbecilic messages I've ever encountered. Your tone and demeanor are reminiscent of Nero. I have never witnessed a superhero offer support in such a manner."

"Our sole intention is to ensure no one disrupts our endeavors," the Main Universe Iron Man stated. "The influx of individuals from all universes serves no purpose other than to transform this place into a chaotic marketplace. One Avengers Alliance is sufficient."

"There truly is only one Avengers Alliance present here," Stark responded. "The Avengers Alliance from my universe did not accompany me."

"You arrived unaccompanied?!" the Main Universe Iron Man exclaimed, disbelief coloring his tone. "What led you to journey here alone?"

"Tourism," Stark replied curtly, disinclined to prolong the conversation. He proceeded towards the bar situated at the hall's perimeter. There, Polaris, her gaze lifting towards him, appeared somewhat irritated as she sat in silent contemplation within the bar.

"Miss, you seem to be in rather low spirits. Might I offer to mix you a beverage?"

"Begone," Polaris retorted, "or I shall seize your metal shell and... Hold on. Have you finally decided to shed that iron casing? Mr. Luncheon Meat?"

"You have mistaken me for someone else," Stark clarified. "I hail from a different universe."

"What difference does that make?" Polaris countered, not deigning to lift her eyes. "Clarkia does not extend a welcome to non-mutants. Ultimately, all of you will be compelled to depart. Cease being a disturbance in my vicinity; my patience is quite limited."

"I am merely here for sightseeing," Stark said, resting his chin on his hand. "I grew weary of tending to the child at home and sought a tranquil refuge for a few days' respite."

"Looking after a child? You have a kid?" Polaris expressed surprise.

"Indeed, she’s a bit of a handful, always attached to me."

"So you just left her behind?"

"Otherwise, understand it this way: if I don’t leave her for a few days, soon there won’t be much I can teach her. And my universe will be welcoming its fifth Omega-level Demon Lord of Mayhem."

"What kind of strange comment is that?" Polaris chuckled, amused. "Who are the first four?"

"You should be quite familiar with them. One is Richards’ son, Franklin; another is Captain America’s son, Thomas Rogers; and the other two are Scarlet Witch’s offspring, those twin brothers."

"They are all mutants? Is your daughter a mutant as well?"

"Little Morgan isn’t a mutant, but her destructive capabilities are by no means inferior to theirs."

"That sounds like an exaggeration," Polaris contended. "How could your daughter possess more destructive power than Omega-level mutants?"

Stark let out a soft chuckle, remaining silent. Then, an armored Iron Man settled beside him, its faceplate flickering. "You hail from the Central Universe, don’t you?"

"How did you deduce that?" Stark inquired with evident interest.

"There are simply too many peculiar individuals originating from there," the Iron Man from the Prime Universe stated. "Why aren’t you clad in your battle-suit?"

"I have no inclination to wear it," Stark replied. "Don’t you find yourself entirely out of place, dressed as you are, on this island?"

"I am not here to capture souvenir photos for a holiday," the Iron Man from the Prime Universe retorted. "Our purpose here is to confront the adversary."

"Who is this enemy? Mutants?"

"We are here to offer assistance to the mutants," the Iron Man from the Prime Universe elaborated after a brief pause. "We are engaged in researching the method to dismantle the Mother Module’s final support. It presents a rather complex technical challenge."

"Then proceed with your research in earnest," Stark sighed, turning to Polaris. "At the very least, could you provide me with a glass of whiskey, my dear lady? Or perhaps some champagne."

Polaris, with a touch of irritation, placed an entire bottle of whiskey on the counter and extended her hand toward Stark. "That will be 2000 US Dollars."

"What? That’s excessively expensive!" Stark picked up the bottle, scrutinizing it. "This is merely a standard bottle; outside, it likely retails for a few decades of dollars."

"Impossible," Stark declared. "Even accounting for logistics, transportation, and storage expenses, it’s inconceivable for it to be priced this high. You are extorting me."

"Well, you’re the wealthy one," Polaris remarked. "And this is the prevailing price within tourist locales. Take it or forgo it."

"Lorna!" Magneto’s voice boomed, laced with displeasure. "Cease this foolishness!"

Polaris, left with no alternative, grimaced faintly and, with an air of supreme reluctance, like one might crush a planet, forcefully opened the bottle. She then placed a glass before Stark with a resonant thud, dropping an ice sphere into it.

"No need for pleasantries in the pouring, lady," Stark quickly snatched the bottle, intending to pour his own, fearing Polaris might bring it down upon his head.

"What sort of demeanor is that?" the Iron Man from the Prime Universe interjected indignantly. "We have journeyed here to offer aid. Not only are you failing to provide premium spirits for our entertainment, but a common bottle of whiskey commands such an exorbitant price from you…"

"Do you have an issue with that?" Stark cut him off sharply. "Could you perhaps expedite your crucial technical task and refrain from disturbing my moment of leisure?"

The Iron Man from the Prime Universe slammed its metallic fist onto the bar counter.

"Tony!" Captain America's voice echoed as he approached, offering an apologetic gesture towards both Stark and Polaris. He then gently but firmly guided the Iron Man from the Prime Universe away, who was still muttering complaints. The pair soon vanished into the hall.

Stark observed their departure, while Polaris’s gaze lingered on the retreating figures, a strange expression crossing her features. Stark then turned back to Polaris, speaking in a lower tone. "His armor is outfitted with an anti-magnetic interference system. It appears to be specifically engineered to counter you and your father."

"What?!" Polaris's eyes widened in astonishment. "I had a feeling they were up to no good! I must go inform…"

"Compose yourself," Stark advised, lowering his voice further. "Your father must have cautioned you against engaging in conflict with them. Do you comprehend the reasoning behind that directive?"

Polaris gestured dismissively once more. "Who can fathom their motives! I certainly never requested their assistance!"

"It is because they are genuinely here to help. Should you instigate a confrontation with them, never again will anyone be willing to extend aid to you. Therefore, even if their current efforts prove temporarily ineffective or their attitude is disagreeable, you must endure it. However…"

Polaris fixed her gaze upon him, her lips pressed into a thin line. "You appear more interested in observing the unfolding drama than in providing actual assistance. You are not mutants, and you cannot truly comprehend our perspective. I have understood this for quite some time."

"There are no everlasting friendships, only everlasting interests," Stark declared. "Even mutants aren't united on everything, let alone other species. It's unrealistic to expect unconditional friendliness from others. They aim to gain prestige by using you, and you can absolutely do the same to them."

"They've been here for two days and still haven't devised a strategy for the Red Orchid Factory. Whenever our people offer suggestions, they retort that if our plan had been effective, the strike team wouldn't have been annihilated. Yet, they delay, and the Mother Module grows ever more potent!"

Polaris anxiously ran her fingers through her hair. Stark took a sip of his drink and then inquired, "Do you possess any intelligence regarding the Red Orchid Factory?"

"...I do not," Polaris replied. "I have no understanding of such matters. However, Magneto and the others should have it. I recall them mentioning they had researched something, though I haven't seen it myself."

"Could you assist me in obtaining the data?" Stark beseeched. "That Iron Man's armor is outfitted with countermeasures specifically designed against you. He might be holding back, possibly even devising stratagems. His assessments cannot be completely relied upon. Perhaps I could review it, at the very least, to offer an additional layer of reassurance."

Polaris's expression was exceedingly somber. After a period of silence, she gradually regained her composure and stated, "I shall ask Blink to devise a plan. But according to Magneto, they are not entirely idle; that factory presents extreme difficulties. I have long since relinquished any hope for progress from you scientists."

"That might not be the case, my lady. The Central Universe's Solar System development initiative has consistently fallen under my purview, and the Mercury Base was established by my own hand. Perhaps I can present you with some unexpected breakthroughs?"