Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5746 - 476

The influx of supplies from SWORD sent waves of exhilaration throughout Clarkia Island. This not only signaled an improved quality of life but also signified their long-awaited acknowledgment. It was a monumental step towards integration into the global community; they had finally emerged onto the world stage.

Nevertheless, this advancement brought forth greater challenges alongside the improvements. Observing the ongoing construction of the port, Zhengxian couldn't help but shake his head, remarking, "As a mere trade port, it suffices. However, if it is to be the sole port for an entire nation, serving both commerce and defense, I fear it falls considerably short."

Charles, grasping the implication, responded, "At this juncture, our focus is not on establishing a military. The current scale and nature of our trade should not incite aggression. We must proceed cautiously, one phase at a time."

Zhengxian offered no further critique, following the mutants towards the Central Royal Court. Yet, the picturesque vistas of Clarkia along their route deeply impressed him. It truly presented the image of an idyllic nation.

"Your island's motto resonates deeply with me," conveyed Weather Witch, her voice a slow, melodious Eastern-accented rendition of English. "'Never abandon any mutant.' It's a remarkably noble sentiment."

Charles offered a smile. "That particular proclamation was Erik's brainchild. He possesses an idealistic spirit, and his aspiration is now within tangible reach."

"One can only hope," Weather Witch replied. "Should your endeavor succeed, it will offer a sanctuary to oppressed mutants across the globe."

Within the hallowed halls of the Central Royal Court, a lengthy discourse unfolded, encompassing future collaborations and the internal affairs of Clarkia. Notably, Shiller and his companions were absent from these discussions, not only due to their status as external figures but more crucially, because the mutants faced a significant domestic hurdle: the absence of a qualified chef.

While some mutants possessed culinary skills, none could match the caliber required for a state banquet. Previously, a lack of provisions meant a diet of frozen meals, making the sudden need to prepare an elaborate feast for guests a rather frantic undertaking.

Fortunately, Erik's experience in such matters proved invaluable. He swiftly orchestrated a team to manage the arrangements: one contingent prepared the ceremonial music, another secured suitable accommodations, and the remainder focused on the culinary aspects. Having had considerable interaction with Chinese individuals, they understood the paramount importance placed on food within Chinese culture.

Erik sought out Shiller once more, not for his professional expertise as a chef, but for his nuanced understanding of Chinese palates. Shiller promptly drafted a menu comprising simple, foolproof home-style dishes: pan-seared fish fillets, sweet and sour pork ribs, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and smashed cucumber salad, among others.

Despite the seemingly straightforward selections, a deficit in execution capability became apparent. Consequently, Shiller assumed the role of head chef, with other mutants possessing rudimentary cooking experience lending their assistance.

"It’s peculiar," Shiller mused, expertly dicing pork ribs, "how I seem to gravitate towards the kitchen, regardless of my location."

"It's hardly an illusion," Steve replied, diligently washing bok choy. "Those with a knack for cooking inevitably find themselves fulfilling that role wherever they are."

Matt, inspecting a fish in the tank, narrowly avoided a splash as he retrieved it. "Remarkably fresh! It feels almost sacrilegious to turn it into fillets. Might I suggest steamed sea bass instead?"

"You possess knowledge of that dish?" Shiller expressed mild surprise. "However, for a state banquet, it might be prudent to avoid dishes with bones. Accidental choking is a potential hazard. Truthfully, I wasn't initially inclined to prepare the ribs, but Peter insisted."

"Indeed!" Peter interjected enthusiastically, rummaging through a box of seasonings. "It's been an age since I last savored the doctor's ribs. Merely contemplating them makes my mouth water."

"What chaos is this?" inquired Strange, also immersed in the assortment of condiments. He retrieved approximately twenty nearly identical bottles from a crate, struggling to decipher the Chinese characters. In reality, they were merely various spices.

Stark, meanwhile, was tasked with peeling garlic. Given his complete lack of culinary skill, this was deemed the most practical way to keep him occupied and prevent him from disrupting the others' preparations.

The remaining mutants were likewise engaged in their assigned tasks: some washing vegetables, others meticulously cutting meat. Shiller’s primary responsibility was to expertly wield the wok. Before long, a spread of home-style dishes, boasting exquisite color, tantalizing aroma, and delectable taste, was prepared and presented. Upon their arrival at the table, both Zhengxian and Weather Witch visibly reacted with impressed surprise.

This was not the generalized depiction of Chinese cuisine often encountered in Western perceptions, but rather an authentic representation of genuine Chinese home cooking. While perhaps not reaching the pinnacle of elaborate state banquet fare, the dishes were undeniably genuine. Zhengxian cast another glance at Charles, understanding dawning in his eyes. It was no wonder Charles displayed such familiarity with Chinese culture; it turned out Clarkia possessed its own connoisseur of Chinese traditions.

Since it was not a state banquet, the mood was relaxed, with all familiar members of The Avengers present. Zhengxian subtly sensed something upon seeing the familiar faces but remained silent. Both the hosts and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

Zhengxian, along with the Weather Witch, was scheduled for further inspections on the island. Charles and Erik accompanied them, while the others, having no such duties, returned to their quarters. However, their time was not spent idly. Stark, for instance, constructed a drone to monitor the movements along the Jupiter Line.

It is crucial to remember that the formidable fleet of the Shi’ar Empire remained within the Solar System. Currently, mutants and two Avengers teams are engaged in a constant struggle, barely holding the line at Jupiter. Quite unexpectedly, the Shi’ar Empire has not deployed additional forces, suggesting they are preoccupied with their own internal conflicts.

This is indeed the situation. Despite Fire God Gabriel's swift execution of the 'beheading' operation, the Shi’ar Empire had already fractured. While Gabriel aspired to seize power, others also sought to eliminate him to advance their own ambitions, and the current circumstances presented the perfect window of opportunity. Consequently, the entire empire plunged into continuous upheaval.

Had Professor X been persuaded to assist in quelling the unrest, stability might have been restored. However, Professor X adamantly refused his offer. As a result, Gabriel found himself overwhelmed by the internal strife. The focus had shifted from conquering Earth to simply ensuring his own survival.

Within his office, Gabriel was reviewing reports regarding the rebellion erupting around Ferocious Feather Star. Suddenly, a laser beam pierced through his office window, and Cyclops burst in, radiating fury.

"Gabriel!!!"

Gabriel turned to face him. Cyclops fixed him with an intense stare and demanded, "How could you... how could you dare lay a hand on the Professor?!"

"Calm yourself," Gabriel advised, "What benefit would I gain from harming him? I had hoped you could convince him to aid me in resolving this crisis."

A red glow flickered in Cyclops' eyes, signaling his inner turmoil and uncertainty about trusting Gabriel. Gabriel continued, "Let me reiterate, I did not manipulate you. I was not even eager to see you. It was you who insisted on offering compensation and promised mutant support, which led me to permit your presence within the palace."

"...It wasn't you who attacked the Professor?"

"I'm not that reckless," Gabriel stated. "Attacking him would be detrimental, not beneficial, to my cause. Firstly, he could potentially become an ally. Secondly, he is immensely powerful, and provoking him would be exceptionally unwise. Lastly, do you not believe I would foresee that harming him might incite your anger? I cannot defeat you. In short, it was not me."

Cyclops' inclination leaned towards believing him, as Gabriel's reasoning held logical merit. He furrowed his brow deeply and countered, "But it was your Royal Guard..."

"For goodness sake, if I truly commanded the entire Royal Guard, I would not be contending with this rebellion! Who is unaware that the Royal Guard is the most formidable force?"

Cyclops gritted his teeth. "Regardless of who it was, no one shall harm the Professor!"

"Have you finally resolved to intervene?" Gabriel pondered for a moment before remarking, "I suspect this situation might be part of your esteemed Professor's strategy."

Cyclops looked up at him. Gabriel elaborated, "He understands he cannot prevent your involvement in the war, hence it is more advantageous for him than for me."

Cyclops offered no response. Gabriel pressed on, "Where have you concealed him? Do not misunderstand, the location you discovered might not be secure. If all else fails, send him back to Earth at your earliest convenience."

"Why don't you recall your troops from the Solar System?"

"Because I cannot command them," Gabriel explained. "Although I hold the rank of General, their deployment to the Solar System was by Imperial decree. Now that I have claimed the throne, recalling them may prove ineffective and could even engender further complications."

"I will escort the Professor back," Cyclops declared, "and then I shall return to assist you in dealing with those individuals. If we cannot control the entire Empire, what if it is partitioned? This is not our home."

Cyclops turned to depart. However, Gabriel called out to him suddenly.

"What is Clarkia like?" he inquired.

"It is a beautiful place," Cyclops replied, turning back to face him. "If you were to visit, you would undoubtedly find it pleasing. Ultimately, we must return there, to our true home."

With his statement delivered, he strode out of the conference hall. Gabriel remained standing, softly murmuring to himself, "Home... is it?"

The severely injured Professor X was brought back with utmost discretion, known to very few. It was Erik who secretly undertook the task of retrieving him. To avert widespread panic, only a select circle was informed of his safe return.

Professor X's severe injuries were undeniable. Fortunately, Cyclops's swift actions led to him being placed within a Shi'ar Empire Life Support Pod, stabilizing his condition. However, due to incomplete compatibility with mutant physiology, prolonged use was impossible, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.

"Doctor!! Doctor!!!" Cyclops cried out urgently. Medical professionals arrived promptly, but the operation presented immense difficulty, bordering on the impossible.

A laser had pierced Professor X's chest, critically damaging his heart and lungs. The unique properties of the laser left the wound in a perilous state. The attending doctors exchanged helpless glances, none willing to proceed with the surgery.

"What if we bring Doctor Strange back from the frontline..."

The Doctor Strange from both the Central and Prime Universes had since returned to their respective realities. Following his departure from the Shi'ar Empire, the Prime Universe's Doctor Strange had rejoined the fierce conflict on the frontline. Recalling him could jeopardize the ongoing battle.

As these concerns were voiced, an fully equipped Strange made his appearance. He signaled to those present and entered the operating theater directly. The other doctors and nurses exchanged looks, resigning themselves to following his lead.

The operating light blazed to life. Strange's brow furrowed with intense concentration, sharper than any surgical instrument. Gently probing the wound on Professor X's chest, he detected an anomaly. Professor X's brainwaves were turbulent, suggesting he was experiencing events within his own Spirit Domain.

Picking up a scalpel, Strange announced, "Go fetch Dr. Rodriguez. It seems there's a battle yet to be won within his Spirit Domain."