Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5707 - 4731: X Royal Family: Annihilation (16)

"What’s happening?" Magneto inquired, his helmet now absent, a clear sign that Professor X had awakened. Shiller observed that while Magneto’s face didn't betray advanced age, his hair had turned completely white, creating a striking, albeit unusual, contrast. Yet, this stark white hair complemented his silver battle armor remarkably well.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. has intercepted some drones manufactured by the Stark Group in the vicinity of the Red Orchid Factory," Shiller stated, pausing before elaborating. "They suspect Iron Man’s involvement and, to gain leverage over the factory, they’re seeking assistance from mutants."

A look of understanding dawned on Magneto’s face. Settling at the table, he tapped its surface lightly with his finger. "It appears Clarkia will soon be capable of establishing a nation," he remarked.

"No," Shiller interjected abruptly, his tone laced with surprise. "Instruct Sebastian to set aside the proposal for nation-building. No matter how the other ambassadors try to persuade him, he must not agree to it."

"What?!" Magneto exclaimed, incredulous. "No nation-building?"

A heavy sigh escaped Shiller. He found himself wishing Professor X could directly access his thoughts and imprint them onto Magneto’s mind, thus bypassing a lengthy explanation. However, since that was not an option, he resigned himself to speaking:

"Let me reiterate: A ‘mutant nation’ is not a sufficiently grand objective; it doesn't even qualify as an objective. If you genuinely fixate on this as your ultimate aim, that nation will be short-lived. Your focus should be on contemplating the *type* of nation you wish to establish."

"The type of nation?"

"Precisely. Mutants manifest in a vast array of forms..."

"We welcome all mutants," Magneto declared firmly. "Including those in the Epsilon Class. The Clarkia Flower possesses the ability to heal their injuries, or at the very least, alleviate their suffering."

"That wasn’t my intended meaning. Suppose a mutant harbors an obsessive desire to slaughter their own kind, much like a serial killer among ordinary humans – would you still welcome such an individual?"

Magneto’s brow furrowed slightly before he responded, "I find it difficult to believe anyone would dare commit murder while under my and Professor X’s direct observation. However, should they persist in such intentions and repeatedly refuse to alter their course, Professor X will undoubtedly guide them toward the correct path."

"Forcing them towards goodness?"

"The term ‘forcing’ is not entirely accurate," Magneto countered, his eyelids lowering slightly. "Professor X ensures their transformation is a matter of their own volition."

"And if their families and friends object, labeling your actions as oppression and control, will you still maintain that it is voluntary?"

"Why would we not?"

"If such matters remain undisclosed, then indeed, there would be no issue. However, you must understand that no nation would forgo the opportunity to create difficulties for Clarkia. Questioning your methods of governance would merely be the initial step; next, they will demand democracy. Are you prepared to embrace electoral politics?"

"That approach is unworkable among mutants," Magneto stated with conviction. "The inherent disparities between mutants are far too significant. We cannot permit weaker mutants to assume positions of leadership, as they lack the capacity to bear such immense responsibilities."

"Very well, in that event, you will be relegated to a category outside the purview of democracy. This will inevitably lead to trade embargoes, sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and widespread public condemnation, transforming your sanctuary into a perceived mutant hellscape, effectively deterring any further mutant immigration."

Magneto’s brow furrowed deeper in thought. Shiller, with a slight bow of his head, continued, "The most significant vulnerability mutants face is the simple fact that ordinary humans can also give birth to them. Your fundamental support base originates from among ordinary people. If they were to control birth rates, your ability to create any substantial movement would be severely curtailed, wouldn’t it?"

"What if we were to agree to electoral politics..."

"Then your cause is utterly doomed. The elected leader would inevitably be an individual lacking both capability and ambition, perhaps an Epsilon Class mutant. Subsequently, they would champion the cause of equality, insisting that a certain number of Epsilon Class mutants be represented in every governmental position, even within the defense apparatus. They would promote numerous so-called ‘inspiring Epsilon Class prodigies,’ while simultaneously portraying all Alpha and Omega level mutants as impulsive hotheads wielding immense power, ultimately leading to your collective exclusion."

"Exclude us?!" Magneto’s voice dripped with disbelief. "But Clarkia was established by us!"

"The Hellfire Club was also established by Sebastian," Shiller reminded him, his gaze meeting Magneto’s. "And yet, wasn't he still ousted? Perhaps you should consult the White Queen regarding the methods she employed?"

Magneto pursed his lips, then finally asked, "So, according to your assessment, what course of action should we pursue?"

"The most advantageous strategy is to forgo establishing a nation," Shiller proposed, mirroring Magneto’s earlier gesture by tapping lightly on the table. "If you do not constitute a nation, you cannot be directly targeted. The so-called trade bans, embargoes, and public denunciations would hold no significance for you."

Magneto appeared somewhat perplexed. Shiller let out a soft sigh once more and then inquired, "Might I possibly acquire a Clarkia Flower?"

Magneto extended a hand, presenting a flower to Shiller. He then stated, "You are not a mutant, therefore you cannot utilize its teleportation capabilities. However, it possesses the ability to cure ailments for you."

Shiller shook his head, responding, "We shall not consider this a teleportation device at present, but rather as a form of medicine. You originally intended to introduce it as a medicinal product into general society, did you not?"

Magneto nodded in agreement. "We are currently leveraging the Hellfire Group's distribution networks to introduce the Clarkia Flower to the wider public. It's simply that sales have not yet officially commenced, as prior complications have caused delays."

"Excellent. If it is to be treated as medication, we can then classify it as a commodity. Let us postulate that Clarkia has already achieved the status of a nation. Now, suppose the President of the United States issues a decree imposing a staggering 1600% tariff on Clarkia's medical supplies and equipment. What course of action would you pursue?"

"Why would such an exorbitant tariff be imposed?!" Magneto exclaimed. "If this substance were to be supplied to America, even he could benefit from it. Does he not harbor concerns regarding various diseases?"

"I have specified that it is the President of the United States who enacted the decree. Just because the US President personally cannot obtain the Clarkia Flower, does that signify he is incapable of addressing diverse medical afflictions? Is Wakanda not still available?"

"But would Wakanda truly consent..."

"Do you ponder the reasons behind Wakanda's elevated political standing? They are merely a small African nation, and while their technological advancements may be notable, other major global powers are not precisely falling behind. Tell me, who precisely was responsible for the construction of the Red Orchid Factory?"

"We have conducted an investigation into Wakanda's circumstances," Magneto reported. "Their medical infrastructure is notably restricted, lacking the direct and effective nature of the Clarkia Flower."

"Yet, these influential figures do not ardently pursue solutions that are straightforward and efficacious," Shiller emphasized, tapping the table. "If something is prohibitively expensive, they possess the means to afford it; if it entails complexity, they can afford to wait; and if the supply is limited, they can exert political influence to gain preferential access. It is only the common populace that yearns for simplicity and effectiveness, but these prominent individuals do not genuinely concern themselves with whether the public receives adequate medical care."

Shiller cast his gaze upon the Clarkia Flower held within his hand, remarking, "This is indeed a valuable asset. If its accessibility were truly universal, mutants would undoubtedly emerge as saviors for humankind. However, the fundamental issue is that such a scenario is unattainable. This is because the general population, living their fleeting lives, are far more pliable and easier to govern."

Magneto's expression grew somber. He sighed with genuine feeling, stating, "At times, I find myself reluctant to acknowledge my own humanity, partly out of an aversion to being associated with certain individuals. Mutants have never abandoned the Epsilon class; we regard them as our kin and have consistently sought every possible avenue to aid them."

"It is merely you and Professor X," Shiller countered. "Do you genuinely believe the White Queen concerns herself with the plight of those mutant individuals with disabilities? What about Mister Sinister?"

"However, they have not actively opposed our initiatives to accept Epsilon class mutants."

"This is because you assume the burden of responsibility," Shiller pointed out. "You invest your resources and exert your efforts to rescue them, without imposing any inconvenience upon them, thus they readily adopt a magnanimous stance."

"Returning to the matter of tariffs," Shiller continued, "the most effective method for restricting the entry of specific goods is through the imposition of tariffs. If the cost becomes prohibitively high for ordinary citizens to bear, then regardless of its inherent quality, it will inevitably fail to sell. That, in essence, is their ultimate objective."

"They are indifferent as to whether the general populace gains access to the healing properties of the Clarkia Flower. However, your ability to market this medicine and expand your influence is of paramount importance to you. This situation will consequently transform into a tool they utilize against you. This strategy is predicated, of course, on the assumption that you are, in fact, a sovereign nation."

Magneto seemed to grasp the implications, commenting, "There exist specific stratagems that are exclusively applicable when dealing with sovereign states, is that correct?"

"Precisely," Shiller affirmed, nodding with a measure of relief. "You have finally comprehended that perhaps your fervent desire to establish your own sovereign territory stems from an intense longing for legitimate recognition. However, legitimacy inherently entails a degree of restriction, and integration into any established system of governance inevitably imposes constraints upon you."

"For instance, America can arbitrarily escalate tariffs; Russia can enact discriminatory legislation to curtail mutant procreation; Europe might leverage environmental and carbon emission regulations as a means of suppression; and China could impose limitations on industrial resources and exports. Every major global power possesses its own unique set of strategic advantages. When mutants find themselves lacking sufficient leverage, the most prudent course of action is to abstain from participating in the game altogether. As long as you remain outside the arena, you cannot be targeted, and numerous tactical maneuvers will prove ineffective."

The more Magneto pondered, the more the logic of the situation became apparent, despite its utter absurdity. All their endeavors had been geared towards nation-building, a goal that was mere inches away from realization, requiring only a singular nod at the United Nations General Assembly to attain long-desired legitimacy. Yet, paradoxically, he now found himself contemplating that perhaps abstaining from establishing a country altogether might be the superior course of action.

He found himself compelled to re-examine Shiller, eager to discern the full extent of this doctor's strategy. Magneto had encountered no one more compelling in their arguments since Professor X. Truly, the Central Universe possessed potent strategies.

"The internal policies are quite similar," Shiller elaborated. "As long as your existing organizational framework remains unchanged, you can perpetuate the established order; no one possesses the standing to dispute the legitimacy of your rule as a pair. However, the moment you christen a nation, a complete overhaul becomes imperative, inevitably creating opportunities for others to usurp power under that very banner. Maintaining the current state of affairs seems the wiser path for this juncture."

Magneto let out a sigh, entirely persuaded by Shiller's reasoning. Nevertheless, a pertinent question arose, "But if we forego establishing a nation, what legal standing will the mutants of Clarkia possess?"

"I do have a proposal addressing that very matter," Shiller stated, retrieving a meticulously prepared document from his adjacent drawer. He presented it to Magneto, remarking, "You may present this to Sebastian; have him introduce it at the United Nations General Assembly."

Magneto accepted the document.

"The Clarkia Island Nature Reserve and Environmental Foundation Establishment Plan?!"

While reviewing the transmitted document, Sebastian could scarcely contain his astonishment. "Who conceived of this idea?! He..." he exclaimed, turning to Magneto.

Sebastian's unspoken thought leaned towards