Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5726 - 4749: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (16)

Professor X felt a slight surprise, then his gaze dropped. Shiller had indeed struck upon his hidden concerns. The establishment of a mutant nation was, in truth, a common objective that he and Magneto could pursue collaboratively, as they were never truly adversaries but rather two facets of a single reality concerning their people. A mutual understanding existed between them, precluding any genuine resentment over transient disagreements.

However, the younger mutants might harbor divergent sentiments. Having not endured the most arduous periods, and growing up immersed in an environment of opposition, they had cultivated mutual discontent. It wasn't merely that many within the X-Men viewed Magneto as excessively ruthless; the emerging generation of the Brotherhood of Mutants also regarded Professor X with disdain, deeming him overly accommodating.

Numerous conflicts, encompassing both large-scale battles and smaller confrontations, had transpired, resulting in casualties on both sides. The younger generation was perpetually impetuous, and having been sworn enemies, even to the point of severed communication, they were now expected to unite in the construction of a mutant homeland. Even with a willingness to set aside past animosities for the sake of expediency, it remained a potential pitfall.

Admittedly, formidable villains such as Apocalypse had previously targeted other mutants. Yet, as the adage suggests, a late return is more valuable than never. Apocalypse possessed considerable strength, and expectations were minimal, rendering his appearance a welcome anomaly. Even if he offered assistance, no one would harbor strong antipathy towards him.

But the younger individuals from both factions already harbored mutual disdain, convinced of their own superiority in strength or ideology, and viewing any involvement from the other side as futile. Amidst such conditions, discord could readily ignite. Furthermore, with notorious hotheads present on both sides, any inclination to clash on Clarkia would precipitate immense turmoil.

Professor X and Magneto were akin to members of a reconciled family; their personal relationship was harmonious, yet their respective followers remained at odds. Even the current raid operation was spearheaded primarily by the X-Men, rather than a joint venture, as a unified force was understood to potentially exacerbate internal friction.

Professor X had devoted considerable thought to resolving this discord. Nevertheless, his inclination leaned towards a gradual process of harmonization, fostering a collective pursuit of a shared objective, trusting that mutual understanding would naturally blossom over time.

Evidently, however, Shiller favored a more direct approach. If an intertwined debt could compel them to cease hostilities, then that was the necessary course of action. This strategy was meticulously devised to address the needs of both factions.

Magneto's decision to permit Cyclops the use of Nimrod's body demonstrated Cyclops's capacity for self-sacrifice and benevolence, qualities recognized by the X-Men. Concurrently, Cyclops's wholehearted efforts to rescue Magneto would naturally earn him the respect of the Brotherhood of Mutants, who revered strong leadership. This maneuver was exceptionally astute.

"I occasionally find myself contemplating," Professor X's tone eventually softened as he removed his helmet, his gaze meeting Shiller's.

"Contemplating what?" Shiller inquired, returning his gaze. "Curiosity about me? That's quite understandable."

Professor X lowered his head, a soft laugh escaping him as he shook his head. "I ponder the nature of your associates."

"Haven't you already encountered Tony?"

"Indeed, he differs from numerous iterations of Iron Man. However, I suspect he isn't the most divergent. He seems to possess a certain... lack of restraint concerning you?"

"On what grounds do you base that observation?" Shiller raised an eyebrow.

"You previously remarked that your friends imparted upon you the understanding that even with the possibility of resurrection, the loss of loved ones remains unacceptable. Someone must have firmly embedded that realization within you. I doubt that individual was Tony Stark."

"Oh?"

"An individual more moderate than yourself could never truly impose limits on you," Professor X stated with a smile. "Only someone more extreme than you could achieve such a feat."

He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the edge of the table: "To be frank, as a psychiatrist, encountering this particular version of Tony Stark has been an honor. I have witnessed your efforts in extricating him from the abyss of anxiety and apprehension. You provided him not only with a larger life raft but also an entire island, much like Clarkia."

"To receive such an assessment from you is indeed an honor."

"However, he is not that person," Professor X continued. "Just as I am more extreme than Erik, which enables me to temper his actions. I, too, have imparted lessons to him in certain respects, much as you have done."

"I certainly learned my lesson," Shiller admitted with a soft sigh, "but it was a consequence I brought upon myself."

"Who hasn’t?" Professor X recalled something, his eyes narrowing as he smiled. "Let me guess, your methods resolved your universe’s conflicts, preventing many from falling into tragedy like their counterparts in other universes. But simultaneously, smooth sailing would lead to a stronger urge for control and more hardened methods, necessary to restrain you."

"Well, not completely restrained," Shiller countered, "just slightly tempered."

"Considering the astonishing series of actions you’ve taken since arriving in this universe, even a slight restraint makes you a benefactor of the entire Multiverse," Professor X offered with a smile.

"Now that you’ve reaped all the benefits, don’t play coy," Shiller snorted lightly. "I hope when you meet him, you’ll have the same patience."

Professor X watched him retreat. He had a premonition that trouble was brewing, but it wouldn’t be for the mutants. It seemed someone else was going to have a tough time.

"This can’t go on!" Main Universe Captain America gritted his teeth. His uniform was already damaged, and a deep scorch mark marred his shield from being hit by the Energy Main Cannon. Were it not for the Winter Soldier of this universe knocking him away, he might have been obliterated by the cannon.

Unfortunately, Bucky from his own universe was out on a mission and wasn’t here, Main Universe Captain America sighed deeply. He glanced towards Iron Man’s position; Main Universe Iron Man wasn’t faring much better, his suit already smoking. Affected by an electromagnetic storm just moments ago, the flight control system had become somewhat disoriented, forcing him to cling to the wreckage of a ship to stabilize himself.

The local universe’s defenders were still fighting, but they were clearly exhausted and couldn’t stop the massive Shi’ar army. Although each was a superpower user, the Shi’ar also possessed superpowers, wielding the Power of Two Gods, which was no weaker than other divine powers. Only Thor and Doctor Strange could hold their own; the single combat strength of the others was insufficient.

"Hulk!!!!!!" Main Universe Hulk roared and charged towards Iron Man once more as the main cannon angled towards him. Hulk crashed into the cannon’s barrel, skewing it, and then punched a hole through the ship. However, he was interrupted by the Source Ability Field, causing his actions to pause.

"Bruce!" Main Universe Iron Man quickly let go, opened his Hand Cannon, but black smoke billowed from his palm. He had to hurry over to pull Hulk away and escape, dodging the subsequent cannon fire.

They engaged the enemy far too hastily, failing to maintain their formation and lacking sufficient equipment. Captain America hadn’t brought a replacement shield, and the energy in his mecha was depleted. Even Doctor Strange and Thor were running low on power by this point.

"Something’s wrong," the local Doctor Strange stated. "I’ve encountered the Shi’ar Empire before; they shouldn’t be this strong..."

The individuals from the Main Universe also found it somewhat unbelievable. They were The Avengers, after all. Hulk alone was capable of destroying stars, yet he struggled against the Shi’ar Empire’s ships. That Source Ability Field seemed specifically designed against Hulk, always stalling him the moment he moved, preventing him from unleashing his full strength.

Moreover, the enemy’s other units employed sophisticated combat tactics, as if they had completely deciphered The Avengers. Main Universe Iron Man, lost in thought, glared fiercely at the local Iron Man. "There must be a mole among you!"

The local Avengers were left speechless. The Shi’ar Empire seemed to be targeting mutants, but why were they so knowledgeable about The Avengers? Both strategically and tactically, they were being tightly contained. Could it truly be that someone amongst them had leaked information about The Avengers?

They didn’t doubt their teammates, but S.H.I.E.L.D. and the US Government were another matter entirely. After all, if they weren’t colluding with the Shi’ar Empire, where did the technology and materials originate?

If they were colluding, wouldn’t it be natural for them to casually leak some information about their comrades?

"You should head back," Apocalypse said, flying over. He surveyed The Avengers and continued, "If any of you fall here, I cannot be held accountable. I will have Professor send more mutants to hold the line temporarily."

In truth, even the Mercury Line could no longer be defended; they were merely temporarily preventing approach to Earth, but this "temporary" was quite limited indeed.

"How many mutants remain?" the local Captain America asked, his brow furrowed with concern. Unaware of the grand Totem Revival Plan, they feared that the majority of their gifted kind had already perished.

"We still possess some hidden strengths," Apocalypse reassured him."There is no need for your worry. Focus your efforts on devising a strategy to decisively crush the Shi’ar Empire’s forces."

Ultimately, the Avengers withdrew, the main universe's Iron Man’s expression grim as he resolved to return and unmask the traitor within their ranks.

The local Avengers, meanwhile, were left to contemplate the unexpected turn of events and the arduous struggle to achieve victory.

Unbeknownst to them, observing the unfolding cosmic conflict through the ship’s advanced sensors was a distinguished general. This commander, purely human, possessed dark hair and eyes that blazed with an inner fire, and was not of Shi’ar descent.

Within the immense, silent combat command center, the general had dismissed all Shi’ar personnel. A subtle sound from behind drew his attention. Upon turning, he beheld a figure with crimson skin and distinctive horns adorning its head, perched gracefully upon a grand chandelier, a smile gracing its features.

"My, the operation unfolds most favorably, does it not, Fire God General?" the figure descended with effortless agility. "At the royal banquet tomorrow, your sole task is to capture Emperor D’Ken’s undivided attention. The Shi’ar Empire shall soon be under your command."

The man, however, did not display overt elation. He merely gazed at the demon before him, his own eyes shimmering with fiery intensity. "I cannot shake the feeling that your ambitions extend beyond this, Mephisto?"

"Demons and avarice are eternally bound, two sides of the same coin," Mephisto countered, moving closer and smiling at the Fire God. "If you harbored no desire to seize the Shi’ar Empire, why would you have allied with me for the invasion of the Milky Way?"

The Fire God’s lips pressed into a thin line. "Are you truly confident in achieving victory over Ferocious Feather Star in a single decisive blow? D’Ken is a formidable opponent."

"Since I gave you my word, I shall not retract it. Simply anticipate the spectacle tomorrow," Mephisto assured him with a confident air.

The Fire God narrowed his gaze upon the demon’s vacant gray eyes. A peculiar sensation arose within him; these eyes lacked the typical cunning and calculation associated with demons. Instead, they exuded a profound, inherent indifference—a nascent, overwhelming malevolence that transcended mere mortal understanding.