Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5700 - 4724: X Royal Family: Annihilation (6)

"Where did these items originate from?" Shiller inquired, his gaze fixed on the scattered documents on Stark's table with a hint of astonishment.

The guest quarters provided were a suite, featuring two bedrooms that converged into a shared living area. Currently, Stark was engrossed in the middle of this living space, poring over the numerous materials laid out across the circular table.

A significant portion of these documents consisted of intricate blueprints, adorned with a bewildering array of numbers and characters that could easily overwhelm one's senses. Some were not even in English, but rather inscribed in an unfamiliar, peculiar script that Shiller found strangely recognizable, though he couldn't pinpoint its origin – it resembled an alien language.

As Stark remained absorbed in his study, Shiller took a moment to survey the living room. Its decor leaned towards a naturalistic aesthetic. To the far left, a floor-to-ceiling window offered a view of the night sky. Despite the late hour, the moonlight shone brightly, casting an ethereal glow upon the subtly swaying, luminous flora.

Positioned near this window was the round table, flanked by bookshelves on either side. The sofa occupied a space closer to the entrance, with bedrooms situated to its left and right. Predominantly wooden furniture, intricately carved with vine and floral motifs, furnished the room.

Above the table hung a chandelier, a beautiful piece adorned with six lily-shaped lampshades that emitted a light both brilliant and soft. The illumination seemed to defy modern technology; though the shades directed the light downward, the edges of the light pools were indistinct, suggesting a magical nature, akin to a mystical artifact.

Whether by chance or design, Shiller perceived a slight quiver in the vines adorning the chandelier, as if acknowledging his presence. He offered a small wave in response, only for the vines to cease their movement.

He withdrew his attention just as Stark beckoned him. Shiller retrieved a monocle from his pocket and presented it to Stark, who promptly fitted it into his eye socket before inquiring, "How did your discussion with the Professor conclude?"

"The usual predictable outcome," Shiller responded with a sigh. "The Conservative faction deemed the Radical faction excessively tame." He continued, "Mutants consistently display a certain naiveté. Their fundamental disconnect from humanity likely stems from an underestimation of human nature's darker inclinations. And yourself? Did you encounter any individuals from the Prime Universe?"

"They remain unchanged," Stark replied, his eyes still scanning the documents. "The Multiverse War imparted some maturity, yet it was evidently insufficient. I harbor suspicions they might resort to a rash action."

"Such as?"

"Delaying until the Mother Module reaches full activation, pushing the mutants to the precipice of annihilation, and then orchestrating a heroic rescue."

"Do they genuinely believe they can succeed in such a rescue?"

"They are committing all their resources this time; Doctor Strange is also present," Stark stated, finally looking up. "If their assistance to the mutants is sincere, they might alter the course of events. However, we both understand the improbability of that scenario."

Shiller was acutely aware that the Prime Universe contingent's objective was not genuine aid but rather the acquisition of prestige. More accurately, they harbored reservations towards the mutants themselves. After all, The Avengers consistently sided with humanity. The extent of their 'assistance' would likely be limited to mere mediation. The establishment of a mutant nation and the sacrifices it might entail were of little consequence to them.

This stance, Shiller understood, was logical. The human-mutant dynamic appeared to be a zero-sum game, where any gain for one side directly translated to a loss for the other. Empowering the mutants would inevitably mean a diminution of influence for this universe's Avengers. This was hardly desirable news for Avengers from other realities. Particularly in a universe lacking the capacity for dominance, providing support would far outweigh any attempt at subjugation.

Nevertheless, they were disinclined to forgo this rare opportunity for a proactive request for aid. Thus, they arrived under the pretense of offering assistance, seeking acclaim without genuine commitment, leading to their characteristic procrastination.

"Can you expose their true intentions?" Shiller inquired.

"It presents a considerable challenge," Stark admitted. "The Red Orchid Factory incorporates a substantial amount of advanced technical data. This technology isn't entirely human in origin; there appear to be connections to the Shi’ar Empire. Frankly, if the Iron Man of the Main Universe cannot devise a definitive resolution, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Why is that? Is it a matter of insufficient technical expertise?"

Stark gestured dismissively. "The Prime Universe remains immature; they lack experience with large-scale planetary engineering, which constrains their perspective. This is evident in their research focus: an attempt to decipher the principles governing the Mother Module."

"Is that not a suitable course of action?"

Stark shook his head. "He seemingly intends to dismantle the sole remaining support structure. This appears to be their perceived optimal strategy, as only one remains. Should the mutants launch a full-scale assault, it's not entirely inconceivable. As for the potential cost in lives, that does not seem to be a factor in their calculations."

"However, the mutants would never consent to such a plan."

4"Then they can claim the mutants are the ones afraid of sacrifice, not that their strategy is flawed,4" Stark asserted. 4"This strategy is a win-win for them. If the mutants proceed, they’ll face significant losses, and even if they establish a nation, they might no longer be capable of contending with The Avengers. Should they refuse, they cannot fault the assistance offered and still need to show gratitude for the help received.4"

4"That sounds rather convenient,4" Shiller commented. 4"Although I don't possess any sympathy for mutants, we must devise a method to halt the Prime Universe. Otherwise, the matter of ghostwriting Strange's medical records will inevitably surface.4"

4"I actually have a superior plan, but let's hear yours first,4" Stark responded, rolling his eyes and removing his glasses.

4"I do have an idea, but I would prefer you propose yours first,4" Shiller replied.

4"How about we both state it simultaneously?4" Stark suggested.

They exchanged a knowing glance and declared in unison, 4"The Sun!4"

Both let out a helpless chuckle. Stark tossed his pen aside, placed a hand on his hip, and exclaimed, 4"Shiller, you simply cannot shed your destructive tendencies, you incorrigible cosmic annihilation engine!4"

4"You're not much better,4" Shiller quipped with a frustrated smile. 4"A Mad Scientist, indeed!4"

After a moment of shared laughter, they returned to the serious matter at hand.

4"The optimal approach isn't to dismantle the Red Orchid Factory but to find a way to control the Sun. Specifically, to leverage the Sun as a hostage to extort the human race. For the mutants, this task presumably wouldn't be excessively difficult, correct?4"

4"You are mistaken,4" Shiller countered. 4"The humans in this universe are more formidable than you comprehend, or they wouldn't have driven the mutants to such a desperate state. They possess not only impeccable anti-mind control devices and magnetic field correction equipment but also their ultimate weapon against mutants: the Sentinel Robots.4"

4"I grasp the first two points, but what is the significance of the final one?4" Stark inquired.

4"You only need to understand that even the Phoenix, when possessed by Jean Grey, was silently eliminated by the Sentinel Robots,4" Shiller stated, shaking his head. 4"Not a single mutant managed to evade the Sentinels. Phoenix, Magneto, Scarlet Witch – they all met the same fate.4"

4"They are that potent?!4" Stark exclaimed, disbelief coloring his tone. 4"Even Omega-level mutants cannot escape them?4"

Shiller nodded. 4"Indeed. You can perceive the Sentinels as an indiscriminate force designed to suppress all mutants; they are their natural adversary. In the presence of the Sentinels, all mutants are as fragile as paper.4"

Shiller's depiction was not an embellishment. Within the majority of mutant comic narratives, the Sentinels are indeed portrayed with such immense power, almost as if serving as a deliberate weakness introduced by editors to curb the escalating power levels of mutants.

Regardless of whether it involves Unified Field Theory, Chaotic Power, or the Phoenix Force, as long as a mutant wields these abilities, they are no match for the Sentinels. It can be understood that the Sentinels are specifically designed to counter the X Gene; if one possesses this gene, the Sentinels can effortlessly eliminate them.

This explains why, even with the Phoenix present on the deployed team, they were utterly annihilated, and the Phoenix Force did not manifest. It was because, as the final bastion faltered, the humans unleashed the Sentinel Robots.

4"That presents a rather vexing complication,4" Stark mused. 4"It appears I underestimated the mutants' capabilities in this particular universe; they are less potent than I had anticipated.4"

4"One cannot definitively say that. The mutants in our universe tend to act recklessly due to the absence of any Sentinel Robots hunting them. Conversely, when they face oppression from the Three Great Empires, ordinary citizens offer assistance, enabling them to unleash their full strength. However, the mutants in this universe are fighting a solitary battle.4"

Stark nodded, evidently concurring with this assessment. The mutants of this universe find themselves truly caught between opposing forces. They desire to showcase their formidable individual prowess but live in fear of annihilation by the Sentinels. Without dependable comrades to rely upon, the accomplishment of many objectives becomes exceedingly difficult.

4"However, there exists a method to surmount this predicament,4" Stark declared. 4"If a direct assault proves ineffective, we must resort to stratagem. But our initial step must be to gain the confidence of the mutant leadership.4"

4"Professor X and Magneto are relatively straightforward to persuade. However, the individual currently overseeing Clarkia's diplomatic affairs is the White Queen. This formidable lady, while strong, directs her power unwisely. Gaining her assent will demand considerable effort.4"

4"What is your proposed course of action?4" Stark inquired.

4"We can establish contact with another individual, her arch-nemesis, Black Emperor Sebastian, and arrange a covert rendezvous,4" Shiller contemplated. 4"I must have a conversation with Magneto.4"

"Sebastian?" With a frown, Magneto inquired, "The White Queen exerted considerable effort to eliminate the Black Emperor. If you reintroduce him to Clarkia during this pivotal juncture, the White Queen will undoubtedly be enraged."

"Precisely our objective—to provoke her ire," Shiller responded. "We cannot permit her to attend the United Nations Assembly."

Magneto narrowed his eyes. "Prevent the White Queen from attending the United Nations Assembly? Then, who will represent our interests to present proposals and oversee the voting process?"

"No one will attend," Shiller declared. "Furthermore, you must disseminate information suggesting internal discord among mutants, even hinting at imminent collapse, thereby implying that the prospect of nation-building may prove exceedingly difficult."

"Why undertake such a strategy?" Magneto’s expression grew frigid. Had Shiller not previously cultivated a favorable impression, he might have been inclined to dismiss him. "This is a critical juncture for nation-building; why should we diminish our own standing?"

Shiller offered a sigh. The hope that any mutant might grasp political strategy was fading, compelling him to invest time in fundamental education.

"When mutants are perceived as the paramount threat, all eyes turn upon you. However, if mutants cease to be a threat, then who will assume control over the immense super factory looming above them and the formidable weaponry it manufactures?"

Magneto was taken aback; this consideration had not previously occurred to him. Shiller continued, "Such an advanced super AI, upon full awakening, possesses the capability not only to eradicate mutants but also to exert a profound influence on the global landscape. If it is not aimed at mutants, then surely no one would desire it to be turned against themselves, correct?"

"In a sense, the complete annihilation of the strike team is, in fact, advantageous for you," Shiller asserted, advancing a step and meeting Magneto's gaze. "You are demonstrating to the human government that your strength is not insurmountable and that Sentinels are entirely sufficient to contend with you. However, the Red Orchid Factory is now operational, and the Mother Module is on the verge of awakening. The window for humanity to determine the ultimate recipient of the super weapon is rapidly closing."