Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5737 - 4760: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (End)

Upon hearing this, a grave silence fell upon everyone. However, this outcome was somewhat anticipated, given the well-known connection between Professor X and Magneto.

"Can't he be brought back to life?" Spider-Man inquired, recalling, "Weren't those mutants from the commando team resurrected as well?"

"No, Peter. Even if resurrection is possible, the agony of dying is still an unbearable ordeal," Iron Man replied, his gaze fixed on Spider-Man. "Nonetheless, I concur that this situation may not resolve easily. You must understand, Professor X is not someone to be taken lightly."

"But they were attempting to aid the mutants," Spider-Man interjected, referring to the individuals from the Central Universe.

"They simply left the mutants with no alternative," Captain America stated. "For Professor X, Magneto's demise is undoubtedly difficult to accept. Even if he were resurrected, anger would surely remain. Not to mention the other lives lost."

"The crucial question is whether Professor X genuinely intends to leverage these losses to elevate the standing of mutants. I doubt he would," Hawkeye opined. "While he may not be as gentle as he seems, he certainly carries a profound sense of responsibility towards his friends and students."

"That is precisely where the complexity lies," Winter Soldier admitted, shaking his head. "Even if this conflict is resolved, mutants might still harbor fear towards the Central Universe. After all, the method of resolution was undeniably intense."

"I actually view this as a positive development," Black Widow remarked. "The Prime Universe can be rather bothersome, but is the Central Universe truly any better? Should they manage to resolve this perfectly, more individuals would inevitably gravitate towards the Central Universe."

"Oh, good heavens, I certainly hope not," Spider-Man exclaimed first. Possessing the most intimate knowledge of the Central Universe, he added, "Anything involving Doctor Shiller is fraught with peril. I genuinely dread that he might inadvertently drag all these universes into a black hole."

"Therefore, maintaining a balance is the most prudent course of action," Thor declared, gently tapping the table. "The Prime Universe, owing to its unique standing, possesses a natural advantage but practices interventionism. The Central Universe, rising later with formidable capabilities, can serve as a counter to interventionism. By maintaining this equilibrium, the Multiverse can remain secure from destruction."

A chorus of nods resonated through the room, signifying clear agreement with Thor's perspective. It would be unwise to align too closely with any single universe. Both the Multiverse ought to acknowledge the flaws in the Prime Universe's interventionist policies while simultaneously recognizing the inherent dangers presented by the Central Universe. This approach would foster a more stable, balanced state, rather than allowing one dominant force to lead everyone astray.

"You are journeying to the Shi'ar Empire?!" Nick Fury exclaimed with evident surprise, looking at Professor X. "While we do intend to engage in negotiations with the new Emperor, your presence is hardly necessary..."

"Erik is still there," Professor X responded. "At the very least, I must bring him back. Furthermore, I am compelled to understand Doctor Shiller's true intentions. Though I suspect his involvement in these events, why orchestrate such a significant upheaval?"

"What do you mean by that?" Nick inquired.

"He could have engineered the situation to appear entirely accidental, thereby deflecting suspicion from the Central Universe. You must understand, even if the outcome is positive, such methods are not universally acceptable. It seems they are deliberately damaging their own reputation."

"Perhaps they genuinely wished to avoid direct interference," Nick suggested. "By diminishing their reputation, they might deter others from seeking their involvement, which does present a certain logic, wouldn't you agree?"

Professor X sighed, admitting, "I am simply perplexed by his confidence that I would not hold him accountable for Magneto's death. Even with the possibility of resurrection, I still..."

"Then you shall witness it for yourself," Nick conceded. "Rest assured, even if negotiations falter, the Central Universe will not permit Earth's destruction."

The Ferocious Feather Star, recently ravaged by upheaval, presented a desolate spectacle. As Professor X set foot on this land once more, he could not help but feel the profound transformation. He had to acknowledge that even familiar surroundings could feel alien after establishing a new home.

Numerous events, once deeply intertwined with the destiny of mutants, had transpired here. Perhaps today's unfolding circumstances were no different; Professor X harbored a premonition that Shiller had orchestrated a surprise specifically for him.

"Professor, Professor!" a voice called out from behind. Professor X turned, startled. Though the voice belonged to Cyclops Scott, the figure approaching was a colossal robot.

"Oh, apologies, Professor, did I frighten you?" Cyclops inquired. "I have undergone a physical change, or rather, my consciousness is temporarily housed within this vessel. I am no adversary."

"How could I possibly fail to recognize you, Scott?" Professor X responded warmly. "Regardless of the form you assume, it makes no difference to me, does it?"

Cyclops chuckled, replying, "I am aware you are eager to meet Mr. Lanshire. He is inside; please accompany me."

Professor X, taken aback by the remark, responded, "I recall your respect for him was merely basic, and that was solely due to my influence."

Cyclops, however, shook his head, stating, "He saved my life. Back then, within the Mother Module, I was utterly spent. He was, in truth, better suited to pilot the robot, yet he ceded the opportunity to me. Regardless of his ultimate benefactor, basic respect is no longer sufficient."

"Very well. Let's refrain from calling him Mr. Lancher; that's not his true name and sounds decidedly artificial," Professor X remarked with a faint smile.

He proceeded to the adjoining lounge but found no sign of Magneto. An attendant presented him with an object resembling a flash drive. The moment Professor X received it, he instantly linked it to his consciousness.

"Are you unharmed, Erik?" After posing the obligatory question, Professor X finally let go of his practiced patience, discarding his warm demeanor. "Rushing into the sun's glare made you appear heroic, Mr. Eisenhart. How did it feel to embrace the solar fury?"

"Charles, this is a discussion for later," Magneto replied.

"Absolutely not," Professor X's voice turned frigid. "Erik, you must comprehend that your consciousness currently resides within my psychic domain. If I do not permit your egress, you cannot depart. Your corporeal reintegration hinges entirely on my will. If you possess the prowess, you may attempt to escape for eternity; then, at least, we won't have to fret about you embracing the sun again."

"What I intended was that we could address our grievances later," Magneto clarified, his tone still tinged with guilt but prioritized the current pressing matter. "Shiller wishes to introduce someone to you. Are you not going to meet this individual?"

Professor X appeared bewildered but refocused on the present. Glancing up, he indeed saw Shiller escorting someone toward him. Instantly, a psychic tempest erupted above Ferocious Feather Star. Professor X's fingertips pressed into his palm, drawing forth crimson blood.

"Gabriel," Professor X managed to articulate the name, his voice strained. "You..."

The Fire God remained stationary, observing Professor X with an unnerving calm, as if his mere presence and inaction constituted a definitive judgment.

Professor X turned his anxious gaze towards Cyclops, imploring, "Scott, please allow me to explain. At that moment... I was solely concerned about your potential breakdown and did not intentionally refuse to rescue him..."

This was the first instance Shiller had witnessed Professor X in such a state of disarray, utterly overwhelmed. The brainwaves emanating from him were almost palpable, and cries could be heard from the guards stationed outside the door. It was evident he was struggling to maintain control, a clear manifestation of his mutant abilities spiraling.

"Compose yourself, Charles," Magneto's voice resonated within Professor X's mind. "Our objective here is dialogue and resolution, not accusation or condemnation."

Professor X remained unable to regain composure. However, Cyclops spoke, "We are already aware of the events that transpired. None of us desired that catastrophe. We also understand that you would never intentionally abandon Gabriel without attempting a rescue. While the subsequent memory alteration might have been for my benefit, it undeniably inflicted considerable pain upon Gabriel."

Shiller grasped the situation; this was an inevitable segment of the comic's narrative, one of the rare instances highlighting Professor X's less-than-perfect humanity.

In essence, Gabriel had been abducted as a child and raised within the Shi'ar Empire. He briefly returned to Earth, joining the X-Men for missions. During one such mission, he encountered grave danger, and while all others were extracted, he was left behind.

Although he eventually managed to escape, he found himself adrift in the cosmos rather than returning to Earth. Professor X, believing him deceased and fearing Cyclops's potential collapse under the weight of guilt for failing to save his brother, took it upon himself to erase the pertinent memories.

This unfortunate outcome was the culmination of a series of missteps. Professor X committed significant errors, yet his intentions were not founded on malice. To put it plainly, his expectations for Cyclops, as the inaugural X-Men child, were somewhat overbearing.

Even now, his guilt towards Cyclops surpasses his remorse toward Gabriel. This is because, in the event of Gabriel's demise, his actions might possess a semblance of explanation akin to condolence. However, should Gabriel still be alive, the memory alteration serves as an insurmountable barrier to the reconciliation of their brotherhood. He lived in terror of Cyclops imbuing him with blame.

"Professor, I have never held you accountable," Cyclops stated. "Considering the circumstances at the time, without the memory adjustment, I am acutely aware of the extent to which I would have crumbled. I would have been unable to rejoin the X-Men, a dereliction of duty I cannot countenance."

"Our current discussion isn't about who was right or wrong in the past. I don't believe you owe Gabriel anything. The reason I wish to compensate him stems from my role as his brother, a responsibility I've failed to uphold for years. This is a solitary endeavor, and due to my limited capabilities, I'm seeking your assistance."

Professor X listened with disbelief, profound astonishment filling him. Yet, he recognized the sincerity in Cyclops's words. Cyclops harbored no resentment towards him, nor did he seek to exploit his guilt for Gabriel's sake. He was simply requesting aid, much like he always did when confronted with insurmountable challenges. Cyclops Scott was invariably such a person.

Professor X clenched his fists further, unable to articulate the tempest of emotions within him. Gratification surged through him at Scott's enduring compassion and his capacity for forgiveness, intertwined with a deep-seated guilt over his past actions towards him.

After a brief pause, Professor X inquired gently:

"What is it that you desire?"

"The entirety of the Shi'ar Empire."