Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5724 - 4747: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (14)

The sudden assault by Apocalypse was truly unexpected; the ancient mutant was far more than just a title. While Apocalypse might have underperformed in numerous comic appearances, his portrayal within the X Royal Family was a rare and brilliant highlight, showcasing both profound wisdom and immense strength, solidifying his place among the most powerful Apocalypses across the multiverse.

Thor had certainly encountered him before and even emerged victorious on one occasion. Yet, for reasons he couldn't quite grasp, gaining any favorable position this time proved elusive. When he unleashed his hammer, striking Apocalypse with full force, the impact failed to send the villain reeling. Instead, Thor found himself receiving a retaliatory punch. He was compelled to summon lightning, using its power to create distance between himself and Apocalypse.

Concurrently, Doctor Strange found himself facing an exceptionally formidable opponent. General Chasing, an Omega-level mutant, wielded a truly comprehensive array of abilities. His formidable psychic prowess was complemented by spiritual shields, super-speed, nihilization, the generation of shockwaves, and remarkably potent regenerative capabilities.

However, these powers alone were insufficient to warrant his Omega-level classification. More crucially, he possessed a unique ability mirroring Superman's, but with an even greater potential for growth. The more unshakeable his self-belief, the more potent his powers became; similarly, the more faith others placed in him, the stronger he manifested.

When the Scarlet Witch uttered the world-altering phrase, "No more mutants," General Chasing was among the select few mutants who retained their powers. This was because he never believed he lacked superpowers, nor did he accept the idea of a bleak future for mutants. Through sheer force of idealistic conviction alone, he even rendered himself immune to the Scarlet Witch's reality-altering weapon, a testament to his extraordinary strength.

Now, brimming with unwavering confidence, bolstered by Clarkia's previous triumphs, General Chasing felt an overwhelming certainty regarding the mutants' future, which significantly amplified his already immense power. Wielding this enhanced strength, he shattered Doctor Strange's protective shield with a single, devastating blow.

This astonishing display caught everyone completely off guard, including fellow mutants, as few had ever witnessed General Chasing unleash his full potential. Almost instantaneously, a wave of psychic energy surged through the Hongmen Orchid Factory. While many initially assumed Professor X had arrived, the nature of the brainwaves detected was far more aggressive. Every Avenger present experienced a sudden wave of dizziness accompanied by a sharp, piercing headache.

"Ugh!!!" The local Iron Man cried out in agony, his body nearly plummeting. His vision momentarily went black, and he nearly lost control of his powerful mecha, but thankfully, he managed to regain his senses swiftly.

He was fully aware that these mutants presented a significant challenge, but their sheer strength surpassed his expectations. Fortunately, an alliance had already been forged with the Prime Universe. Establishing a connection through the communication channel, the local Iron Man urgently transmitted, "Hurry, we are barely holding on."

"That fast?!" The Main Universe's Iron Man, still occupied with manipulating the Red Orchid Factory's systems in his search for the mutants, had never anticipated that the local Avengers would be unable to secure even this small amount of time. With no other option, he responded and immediately accelerated towards their location.

In truth, his search had been effective; the mutant consciousnesses currently residing within the system detected an external intrusion. However, uncertainty lingered regarding whether this was a rescue attempt or merely another deception from the Mother Module's security protocols, leaving them hesitant to reveal their presence.

As Magneto made his arrival, he cleverly seized this moment of hesitation. He simply uploaded his brainwave data into the system. Laser Eye Scott was the first to pick up on this transmission.

"It's Magneto," Laser Eye declared. At this point, they were all in a shadow form, having undergone a complete conversion into data streams.

"Are they genuinely here to rescue us?" Wolverine questioned with disbelief, "What is Magneto playing at?! This could jeopardize so many lives!"

"We need to establish a connection with him," Laser Eye stated.

"What about our original plan?" Phoenix inquired, "We are already incredibly close to the Mother Module's core. If we can seize control of the Mother Module, we could turn the very superweapons humanity created against the mutants..."

"Precisely," Mystique affirmed, "If we abandon our objective now and Nimrod Robots are subsequently manufactured, the mutants will still face the grim reality of extinction."

Laser Eye clenched his jaw, then declared with an unshakeable resolve, "All of you leave; I will remain."

"What?! Absolutely not!" Wolverine was the first to vehemently protest, "We either all depart together, or we all stay. How can we possibly abandon you here alone?!"

"I am the captain; my word is final," Laser Eye asserted resolutely, "If you evacuate from this location, you can swiftly restore the mutant collective's core strength and continue the struggle for the Mutant Kingdom. I will stay behind to ascertain if I can infiltrate the Mother Module, thereby securing a chance for mutant survival."

Wolverine opened his mouth to argue further, but Mystique gently restrained him. She stepped forward, fixing her gaze upon Laser Eye. However, obscured by his visor, Mystique could not perceive his eyes.

"Are you absolutely certain about this, Scott? You might never gain control of the Mother Module by yourself, and you might never return to Earth."

"I understand," Laser Eye responded, his voice now steady. "Please convey my deepest respects to the Professor. Tell him I hold no regrets for our path. Even in the face of death, I am proud of the work we do."

"Scott!" Phoenix stepped forward, attempting to dissuade him. "If holding the line is truly impossible, why don’t we all escape together..."

"Jean, I am not solely the strike team’s captain; I also bear the mantle of the X-Men’s leader, a beacon for all mutants. If I cannot exemplify courage and fight to secure a future for our kind, how can I possibly ask others to lay down their lives defending our home?"

Tears welled in the eyes of the other mutants, yet Laser Eye’s unwavering resolve left them with no alternative. Ultimately, Mystique let out a sigh, placing a hand on Laser Eye’s shoulder in a solemn vow. "Irrespective of the plan’s outcome, if you are still breathing, we will exhaust every resource to bring you back."

A flicker crossed Laser Eye’s lips, as if to protest, but Mystique seized the moment, turning and guiding the rest of the mutants away.

Magneto received them successfully. However, upon their entry into Magneto’s psychic domain, he paused, then inquired, "Where is Scott?"

"He refused to depart," Mystique stated briefly.

Magneto’s countenance darkened considerably. "If he does not return, I cannot face the Professor."

"Erik..."

"Scott Summers is the Professor’s eldest son in spirit, and the X-Men’s most cherished prodigy. He is the successor the Professor has nurtured with the greatest hope, a future ruler of the Mutant Kingdom. We absolutely cannot permit him to perish here."

Magneto’s gaze drifted upward towards the colossal Mother Module. He recognized the futility of Laser Eye’s efforts against such a behemoth, akin to an ant attempting to topple a giant tree. Yet, as he contemplated his next move, a fundamental question echoed within him: Why must mutants be denied a hopeful conclusion?

The emergence of a Nimrod threatened a recurrence of the phrase "no more mutants," potentially on a far more devastating scale. Their very existence was at stake, facing annihilation, complete erasure from the homeland that rightfully belonged to them. Regardless of how improbable or even ludicrous their endeavors might seem, they were essential endeavors—emblems of hope and an unyielding refusal to surrender.

Taking a profound breath, Magneto addressed the collective consciousness within his mind. "My apologies, the plan dictated my immediate departure with you. However, I fear we must delay."

Magneto could already discern the escalating intensity of his own heartbeat. Something was breaking free from its confinement, its terrifying, menacing aura radiating outwards. A timely retreat was still possible, but if returning offered only a temporary reprieve, what was the point of clinging to existence?

Prior to this moment, Magneto had harbored a sliver of hope, a belief that an alternative method for confronting Nimrod might exist. But facing the Mother Module, and feeling that profound, indescribable peril, all illusions were shattered.

Not a single consciousness within his mind voiced dissent. Wolverine’s thought resonated, "If my end must come, let it be here."

"That may not be necessary," Magneto declared, his gaze lowering. A daring, almost insane concept flashed through his mind, yet he sensed it might represent their sole chance.

"General Chasing," Magneto communicated mentally with the telepath, "extract the consciousnesses from my mind and then instruct Apocalypse to evacuate all mutants the moment the Mother Module awakens."

General Chasing experienced a foreboding sensation and intended to interject, but Magneto had already severed their link. General Chasing, possessing a far less forgiving temperament than Professor X, prepared to force a mental confrontation. Alas, Magneto had already donned his helmet.

The helmet appeared insignificant, yet General Chasing found himself utterly incapable of focusing his attack on Magneto at that critical juncture. Realizing the impossibility of establishing a mental connection, he reluctantly abandoned the attempt and proceeded to relay the message to Apocalypse.

Apocalypse remained silent. He merely repelled the Main Universe Iron Man once more, then turned his gaze towards the resplendent Mother Module, bathed in celestial light. Nine cycles of reincarnation had led to this; success or failure now hinged upon this single moment.

He inhaled deeply, drawing ambient power towards him, and then faced the Iron Man positioned opposite him. "My counsel is for all of you to depart swiftly. The destiny of mutants is not yours to dictate."

"I too advise you to relent," the Main Universe Iron Man retorted. "I shall never permit the Red Orchid Factory to fall under your control."

Apocalypse exhibited no signs of anger. Bathed in the sun's brilliance, one faction was vividly illuminated, while the opposing side was cast into profound shadow. Though space itself lacked shadows, a different, far more magnificent presence began to loom.

"The strength of one's adversary solely determines the magnitude of the hero forged within a collective, dictates the ultimate sacrifices demanded, and illuminates the glorious triumphs that can be achieved."