Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5751 - 4774: X Royal Family: Rebirth (14)

The United States Secretary of State Office published an article stating that the political route taken by Clarkia is entirely wrong and that cooperating with China will never bring peace to the world. If they continue down this path, the US and all its allies will impose multifaceted sanctions on Clarkia’s economy, trade, and culture. Now, please listen to our detailed report...

The US President posted on social media, stating that Clarkia’s contact with SWORD is 'unacceptable.' Clarkia cannot establish any long-term good trading relations with countries other than America and its allies. If they have such intentions, America will certainly counteract.

The Kremlin has just announced that any Mutant within its borders is prohibited from using the Clarkia Flower to enter Clarkia. Russian citizens attempting to do so must cease such illegal exit activities, or customs will not recognize any exchanges, which may result in citizens being stranded overseas...

The latest article from the British Mirror suggests that Military Intelligence Five might be considering more stringent measures against Clarkia’s maritime trade activities and its island homeland, which could face sanctions from the Royal Navy...

A click. The TV was turned off. Main Universe Iron Man sighed deeply, almost through gritted teeth, "We’ve barely been gone any time, and they’ve offended so many countries. How exactly did they manage to do that?"

"Look on the bright side," Thor said as he stuffed food into his mouth, "We’ve only been away for a bit, and there’s already a television signal here. And they can receive several channels, which means their technological development is doing well."

Main Universe Iron Man couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Just as he was about to say something, he began to cough violently. Captain America, standing beside him, pulled him to sit down: "You’re not fully healed yet, so don’t shout. You should take a rest."

"I just can’t stand the Mutants wreaking havoc on the work we accomplished together," Main Universe Iron Man said, "The situation on Clarkia Island has improved quite a bit, but offending so many countries at this time, how can trade and diplomacy proceed normally? Cough, cough, cough..."

"I’m also curious," Black Widow squinted her eyes, "How did they connect with SWORD? Logically, they shouldn’t have any intersection."

The local Avengers also seemed to be discussing this issue. Nick walked in, placed some documents on the table, and looked at them, saying, "According to the latest information from Wakanda, they have already begun some cooperation with Clarkia. Regarding the sanctions, they remain silent and are even unwilling to express diplomatic condemnation, which means their mutual interests must be substantial."

"What could it be?" Captain America asked.

"Medical," Nick said decisively, "The two countries with the highest level of advanced medical technology in the world are most likely united to monopolize medical technology. This isn’t hard for them to achieve. What puzzles me is that if the Mutants had thought of this earlier, they wouldn’t have had no allies by the time of the United Nations General Assembly."

"Are you saying..." The local Iron Man also squinted, "Their leadership has changed?"

"That’s the only possibility." Nick sat down, sighed softly, rolled up his sleeves, and then said, "S.H.I.E.L.D. has conducted a very comprehensive understanding and analysis of Magneto and Professor X. Both of them are idealists, but they also significantly lack practical experience, political acumen, and even some common sense."

"This move to first attract Wakanda and then seek refuge with SWORD doesn’t seem like something two political novices could accomplish. As I said, if they could do this earlier, Clarkia wouldn’t have been forced to this point. Our analysis has uniformly concluded that there may be a change in Clarkia’s regime."

"But if other Mutants had such a skill, they wouldn’t have waited until now to use it." Ant-Man raised a question, "Though it’s unlikely to be a coup or anything, giving some advice is easy, so why did they only think of changing tactics now?"

"That’s why we also don’t believe it’s any other Mutants from this universe who inspired them, but rather more likely from another universe."

"Are you referring to those other-universe visitors? But, with all due respect, their interests are not completely aligned with those of the Mutants, just like the Main Universe Avengers, who also do not wish for this universe’s Mutants to develop too well because this might conflict with their goal of becoming leaders of the Multi-universe Human Alliance."

"Could this be the Central Universe?" Captain America questioned, "That Shiller fellow is certainly suspicious."

"This doesn’t align with Shiller’s typical approach," Nick observed. "You’ve witnessed his interventions before. No one can deny his involvement in the Shi’ar Empire’s invasion and the subsequent events. While it doesn’t prove he lacks diplomatic skill, it certainly highlights his disinterest in Earth’s conventional diplomatic methods for problem-solving. His preference is to employ dimensional reduction strikes, leaving opponents with no alternative."

A heavy silence fell upon the group as he finished speaking. They had engaged in cosmic warfare for an extended period, managing only to push their adversaries back to the vicinity of the Mercury Line by exploiting a critical vulnerability. Victory remained elusive; they were still reliant on the Mutants to hold the front line and had only returned for a temporary reprieve, prepared to resume their fight if the situation worsened.

And all of this, although they initiated the conflict, the mechanism by which the Red Orchid Factory opened a Teleportation Portal remains a mystery. However, it's undeniable that they were, to some extent, drawn into a trap, with Shiller undoubtedly playing a significant role.

If he were the type to resolve issues through alliances and Earth-based strategies, he wouldn't have acted in this manner, as it was evidently more arduous and perilous. Given his approach, there would be no need for him to resort to an even more complicated method.

"Could these mutants be from these two universes?" Black Widow proposed once more. "It’s plausible they might indeed cross over, don’t you think?"

"That is precisely my suspicion," Nick concurred, nodding. "Our S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives in Wakanda recently captured some footage during a diplomatic reception. Unfortunately, due to security concerns preventing a closer approach, the images are not entirely clear. Could you all examine them and determine which universe’s Charles Xavier this individual might hail from?"

He distributed the documents he was holding, and each person received a photograph. Nick continued, "According to our informant, the visitor appeared quite young, without the use of a helmet or Cerebro, presenting himself like any ordinary youth. Yet, the King treated him with immense courtesy, even extending an invitation for a meal."

Upon hearing this description and glancing at the photograph, Spider-Man experienced a moment of clarity and confidently declared, "They are definitively from the Central Universe."

All eyes turned towards him, and Spider-Man elaborated, "Across the vastness of the multiverses, young Professor X and Magneto are not an uncommon sight. However, a youthful appearance paired with seasoned tactics strongly suggests only those two from the Central Universe, as they are individuals who have undergone rejuvenation."

The others expressed mild surprise, and Spider-Man added, "Their universe does possess rejuvenation substances, though I’m uncertain of the specifics. However, their universe’s Spider-Man has also regained youth; that much I can confirm."

The individuals present were not particularly captivated by the subject of rejuvenation. Most of them were long-lived cyborgs, possessing their own methods for preserving youth, with the primary consideration being the acceptable cost.

What did cause them surprise was the revelation that the visitor originated from the Central Universe. Since it appeared the Prime Universe was more inclined towards intervention, the Central Universe’s Iron Man had largely remained on the sidelines, aside from a brief appearance in a laboratory skirmish, and had refrained from undertaking any major actions.

"These two individuals are quite formidable," Spider-Man assessed. "The mutants from the Central Universe command an entire galaxy, Andromeda, and have withstood sieges from the Three Great Empires, even repelling them so decisively that they dare not speak out. On Earth, they possess their own independent nation and have long ago established normal diplomatic relations, maintaining cordial relationships with various countries, with no reports of sanctions against them. They travel freely between Earth, the Solar System, and the Andromeda Galaxy, even participating in Earth’s various construction projects, demonstrating a level of advancement far superior to our own universe."

Nick’s brow furrowed slightly. "I’ve heard mention of this, but is it truly all attributable to their efforts?"

"Yet, what you cannot dispute is that without their growth to such potential, mutants might have been left behind during the Central Universe’s development. However, the reality is they kept pace. And now, dwelling on the past is pointless; these two are arguably the most skilled mutant leaders in multiverse politics, wouldn’t you agree?"

Captain America responded with a hint of exasperation, "Therefore, imposing sanctions upon them is unwise. I’ve never comprehended the US government’s persistent opposition to them. In my time, they would undoubtedly have been highly sought after by all factions."

"Unfortunately, the era of widespread war has passed," Black Widow sighed, shaking her head. "I can vaguely surmise the reason behind Mr. President’s desire to sanction them. Imposing sanctions serves as a pretext, while restricting the East is the true objective."

"I ironically find it a pity the troops of the Shi’ar Empire didn’t strike your doorstep." Doctor Strange spoke with surprising words, "Unless the blade is pressed against the throat, humans will never comprehend the meaning of unity."

"So, invading the Solar System isn’t considered a knife at the neck, eh." Thor gave a cold laugh, "I thought it had already pierced through the eye socket."

No one disputed his statement. It could only be said that the current technological level of the human race is insufficient, and their understanding of the cosmos is not thorough enough. To them, the Sun appears vastly distant. The Red Orchid Factory was only constructed after numerous scientists were captured and alien technology was utilized near the Sun. If one were to explain that the Star System is akin to one's bedroom, and enemies invading the Solar System is equivalent to a home invasion, they still wouldn't grasp it.

Doctor Strange was clearly expressing his frustration. Earth had not yet reached a stage where an enemy could be permitted to attack so closely. Employing alien threats might yield rapid results, but it is excessively perilous, and it is quite fortunate that it has not escalated to that point.

However, contemplating further, as Shiller observes the retreating forces, does he possess no other thoughts? After all, his scheme to leverage alien threats for coercing human unity appears to have faltered; does he truly have no backup plans?

"I’m not entirely sure myself." Spider-Man noticed everyone’s gaze upon him, shook his head, and stated, "A Doctor is highly capable, but not omnipotent. Perhaps he did not anticipate our actual victory."

"It wasn’t ‘us’ who triumphed." Captain America replied, "The vulnerability was provided to me by him, implying he himself thwarted his own strategy. Why do you suppose he did that?"

Everyone shook their heads, unable to conceive of an answer. Had Shiller not provided the weakness, they might still be engaged in a desperate struggle. Even from the perspective of that time, the Jupiter Line was already untenable. The Shi’ar Empire was not advancing incrementally; the next defense line would likely have been the Moon Line.

A slight delay more, and humanity would have faced catastrophe, possibly completing the very plan to coerce human unity. What compelled Shiller to abruptly abandon it, directly ‘unleashing’ The Avengers to swiftly repel the threat from Earth?

None present possessed this knowledge; at most, they could only conjecture. Yet, delving into this question now holds no significance. Their immediate task is to devise a method for balancing Clarkia with the various governments, rather than allowing another conflict to erupt on Earth. This challenge will test not only the capabilities of the mutant leaders but also their own political sagacity.