Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5732 - 4755: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (22)

The Main Universe Iron Man cast a wary glance toward Professor X, his lips pressing together. He offered no words to the telepath, instead turning to Quicksilver behind the makeshift bar and stating, "A Martini, kid."

Quicksilver, without a word, began to prepare the drink. Upon its completion, he slid it across the counter. Iron Man downed it in two swift gulps. "If you're looking to drown your sorrows, cocktails aren't the way," Quicksilver offered with a sigh. "How about some whiskey?"

The Main Universe Iron Man gestured dismissively, and Quicksilver uncorked a bottle of whiskey. Forgoing ice, he drank directly from the bottle, nearly sputtering. "What is this? Is this even alcohol?!"

Professor X explained, "Clarkia is quite isolated from the mainland, making transport difficult and expensive. Consequently, the quality of our imported goods isn't top-tier; it likely won't meet your standards." He added, "We must allocate our resources to where they are most needed."

Fortunately, the quality of the spirits was not Iron Man's primary concern. After Quicksilver presented him with a ball of ice, he took another drink. The mild intoxication began to bring a sense of calm, loosening his tongue.

"I always believed I had a strong connection with Steven. Within The Avengers, we were practically inseparable, the best of friends and formidable allies. He consistently backed all my initiatives and poured his efforts into helping me realize my objectives. It felt entirely reciprocal."

"You were fortunate," Professor X commented. "It's generally easier to forge friendships when one is perceived as universally good. However, for those with a more unconventional nature, finding a like-minded individual often requires a measure of luck."

"Precisely," the Main Universe Iron Man agreed, the words resonating with him. "I don't mesh well with most people, and Steven was similar. But the two of us shared an incredible synergy; it felt like a unique destiny binding us. I confided many aspects of my past to him, and naturally, he shared his own stories. I genuinely felt he understood me and the hardships I had endured. Yet, paradoxically... I didn't understand him quite as well."

"What leads you to that conclusion?" Professor X inquired.

"I had assumed he turned to magic solely because his surgical career had been a complete failure. However, I was unaware that he was, in fact, consistently successful as a doctor, even if not absolutely perfect. This misunderstanding clouded my judgment, prompting misguided concerns and, subsequently, misguided actions." The Main Universe Iron Man let out a deep sigh, his hands gripping the edge of the bar as he took several more drinks.

"You know," Professor X began, "a mutant's existence is typically delineated into two distinct periods. The first is before the manifestation of their abilities, and the second is after. Prior to awakening, we are essentially ordinary individuals, much like the majority of the population. We spend time with our families and attend school for our education. Some grapple with financial stability; others are vexed by mundane issues. A few even manage to achieve remarkable feats within their ordinary lives. Consider my dear friend, Erik."

The Main Universe Iron Man couldn't help but turn his head towards him. While he was aware that not all mutants were born with their powers, this was the first time he had heard such a perspective articulated by a mutant.

"As a child, he endured the harrowing experience of fleeing with his family, even finding himself in a concentration camp, yet he survived, emerging as a resolute warrior. This represents an accomplishment within his ordinary life; it is undeniably difficult, yet highly commendable. Following the awakening of his mutant abilities, he dedicated himself to advocating for mutantkind. Do you truly believe his decision to champion mutants stemmed from an inability to achieve more in his mundane life?"

The alcohol began to cloud the Main Universe Iron Man's thoughts, making them sluggish. He rarely drank to excess, and even then, it wasn't a frequent occurrence. He mumbled, a note of confusion in his voice, "But you mentioned he did well."

"Precisely, just as you stated your friend accomplished much," Professor X responded. "Individuals like them do not forsake the initial phase of their lives simply because they encountered setbacks."

"I'm feeling rather disoriented," the Main Universe Iron Man admitted. "As I mentioned, I only recently learned that his departure wasn't due to failure..."

"You assert that he chose an alternative path because he couldn't attain absolute perfection. However, perhaps the reality is quite different."

"But that's what he conveyed to me himself..."

"What one hears is not always the truth," Professor X stated, his gaze fixed on Iron Man's eyes. "Consider why someone would continue down the path of becoming a mage after leaving the surgical table? Is it truly their only recourse? If, hypothetically, you were no longer able to construct mechs, would your only viable options be to become a salesperson or perhaps a movie star?"

The Main Universe Iron Man felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He struggled to shake off the effects of the alcohol, but it was proving difficult. At that moment, Quicksilver handed him a glass of ice water. After taking several large gulps and shaking his head, he felt a slight improvement.

"Are you suggesting that even if he can no longer practice surgery, he is capable of pursuing other endeavors?" he asked.

"Precisely. After the calamity, he likely developed extreme perfectionist tendencies, which is only natural. Everyone experiences periods of stubbornness. He himself was once so successful that even a minor slip-up could feel like utter ruin. But as time went on, his condition gradually stabilized; he regained his composure long ago. His continued adherence to his current path isn't solely because no other avenue was viable."

Professor X paused briefly, let out a gentle sigh, and stated, "Though I'm merely a psychiatrist, I possess some knowledge of the medical field. Surgeons also undergo comprehensive internal medicine training in medical school, so with dedicated effort, transitioning to internal medicine isn't out of the question. Furthermore, surgery encompasses not only practical skills but also theoretical foundations. His practical abilities are exceptional, implying his theoretical grasp must be equally solid. In the worst-case scenario, given his prior renown, if he focused on educating students, wouldn't positions be highly sought after? If he truly cherished the medical profession and aspired to restore the 'Hand of God's' former glory, these are all admirable pursuits. People wouldn't forget his peak achievements; many might even commend his perseverance in dedicating his life to medicine."

"Consider Erik, for instance. Even after awakening his mutant abilities, he could have remained on the battlefield fighting those Axis villains, steadily climbing the military ranks with his extensive combat experience, thereby achieving renown and influence in conventional society. People would have hailed him as a hero, too. Why did he not opt for that path?"

The Main Universe Iron Man appeared to grasp something. While Doctor Strange's situation might be complex to decipher, the mutant's circumstances were indeed straightforward.

Magneto did not choose to continue as an ordinary individual out of inability. His mutant capabilities carry no adverse effects; he refrains from using them unless desired, blending perfectly as any average person. Even if his powers were revealed, by simply relocating and adopting a new identity, he could still integrate seamlessly.

He bypassed remaining within ordinary human society because the plight of mutants was far too dire. Conventional society might not miss one soldier, but the mutant community desperately needed a leader. His necessity to the mutant populace far outweighed that to the broader human world. Consequently, he elected to become a leader for mutants.

Perhaps the same logic applies to Doctor Strange. He isn't entirely incapable of reintegrating into the conventional medical system; if he wished, pivoting to theoretical research or stepping back to teach would be easily accomplished. However, human society has a significantly lesser demand for the 'Hand of God' compared to the Avengers' critical need for Doctor Strange. The world might not be lacking an exceptional surgeon, but the Avengers are truly in dire need of a Sorcerer Supreme.

The Main Universe Iron Man experienced a sudden enlightenment. How had this possibility eluded him? In his prior assumptions, Steven had retreated from the medical field due to an overwhelming desire to return, viewing it as his unspoken sorrow and deepest regret. He believed that given any opportunity, Steven would unquestionably return to being a doctor without a second thought.

Therefore, he felt a profound sense of guilt. The surgery for the mutants earlier was meant to be Steven's golden chance to transcend himself and re-enter the medical sphere, yet unforeseen disruptions occurred—a true miscalculation on his part.

However, upon re-evaluation, Steven might not harbor such a strong yearning to resume his medical career, nor does he necessarily need to conquer his inner demons and overcome his trauma to such an extreme extent. For the Main Universe Iron Man, this revelation was welcome news, as it implied he hadn't inflicted irreparable damage.

Nevertheless, this leads to another perplexing question: If Doctor Strange's return to medicine wasn't a paramount concern, why was he so incensed?

"Why is it imperative for Erik to address the need for a leader among mutants?" Professor X posed another inquiry. "He resided within conventional human society for so long, with minimal interaction with mutants. Why choose to champion mutants rather than the more familiar human population?"

"Uh, isn't it because he grew disillusioned with humanity?" The Main Universe Iron Man offered his interpretation. "You mentioned he fled with his family and ended up in a concentration camp. He probably harbors no affection for ordinary human society, correct?"

"But that doesn't necessitate his choice to align with mutants. After all, mutants never offered him salvation, nor did they directly benefit him. So, why lend his support to the mutant cause?"

The Main Universe Iron Man was equally at a loss, so he could only gaze blankly at Professor X. Professor X's face displayed a hint of wistful remembrance as he responded, "In truth, he wasn't initially a staunch advocate for mutants; it was only later that he encountered a circle of like-minded mutant companions. To be precise, he met me."