Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5764 - 4787: X Royal Family: Rebirth (27)

The Avengers made a hasty departure, leaving the mutants to manage the subsequent apology assembly, which was to be directed at the various factions present at the grand banquet. Though it was evident this situation was orchestrated, the mutants, as hosts, had failed in their hospitality, startling the guests and compelling them to issue individual apologies.

Nevertheless, the guests who elected to remain were not overly perturbed. Fundamentally, engaging with mutants always entailed inherent risks. Having already faced these dangers and suffered the consequences, retreating at this juncture would be a fool's errand. Remaining, however, might secure a future favor, a potentially valuable asset.

Many astute individuals opted to stay, including representatives from SWORD and Wakanda, and even delegates from Latvia. Professor Charles Xavier personally assured them that the mutants were indebted to them and would provide full assistance moving forward, thus transforming this unfortunate incident into an opportunity.

Despite the mutants' apparent struggles on the island, managing even a volcanic eruption, this was attributable to the island's inherent limitations, which suppressed even Omega-level mutants to Beta-level capabilities. The eruption's suddenness significantly hampered their response effectiveness. Yet, once removed from this environment, each mutant would revert to their true planetary-level power; securing their goodwill would prove a most fortunate outcome.

However, these distinguished guests soon departed, recognizing that the mutants' pressing concern was internal affairs, which held far greater significance than diplomatic niceties. Any discerning observer could ascertain that an insider, or likely several highly trained and capable individuals, was certainly present on the island.

"There is little need for me to elaborate further," Charles stated once the others had dispersed. "Even if I were inclined to attribute all blame to The Avengers, it would be futile. Anyone possessing a modicum of intelligence would understand that they could not have acted directly; the perpetrators must have been mutants from within this very island."

"What is your plan?" the White Queen inquired. She, too, had graced this pivotal banquet, understanding that her association with Clarkia might now be jeopardized. However, as a shrewd businesswoman, maintaining amicable relations with all parties was paramount; even if direct affiliation was impossible, causing offense was unnecessary, hence her presence.

"Firstly, let us refrain from casting blame upon one another. You should have foreseen that ever since Clarkia declared their intent to 'not abandon any mutant,' predicaments such as this were bound to occur. The reality is, not all mutants stand united; infiltration was an unavoidable consequence."

Apocalypse crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "Precisely. Numerous mutants who have resided within human society for extended periods prioritize their social standing amongst ordinary people and find it difficult to sever ties with their human families. Should they face threats or be subjected to enticements, there is a significant likelihood they might waver in their allegiance."

Namor's brow furrowed deeply. "The individuals responsible can only be those mutants you recruited from the mainland. We who chose to come voluntarily would not intentionally create trouble for Clarkia; we would simply abstain from attending altogether. As a sovereign king, I had no reason to subject myself to this ordeal alongside you."

A chorus of murmurs from the assembled mutants affirmed his sentiment. These were the individuals Magneto had sought out after revising his strategy. While not all possessed considerable wealth or influence, they were at least self-sufficient, supported by their own resources, and not destitute or vulnerable mutants. They had not sought refuge in Clarkia but had willingly invested their faith in the mutant Utopia initiative.

It seems improbable that these specific mutants would instigate such chaos, as they had relinquished more comfortable lives elsewhere to invest in a nascent, albeit challenging, enterprise, anticipating its future prosperity and growth. Causing disruption before the company could even establish itself would yield no conceivable benefit to these investors.

Nevertheless, despite all that had been discussed, no one dared to make assertions with absolute certainty. While they harbored these beliefs internally, their subordinates might not share the same conviction. Should infiltrators be identified, and they had spoken too boldly, they too might face repercussions.

"I offer this suggestion," Apocalypse interjected, his voice resonating through the hall. "I shall permit an examination of my mind; you may probe my brainwaves. Any points of suspicion you uncover can be brought forth for collective scrutiny. Would this not serve to exonerate me?"

His pronouncement ignited another wave of astonishment among the mutants. Truth be told, despite Professor X's consistent display of benevolence, the majority of mutants harbored a profound mixture of respect and apprehension towards him, primarily due to his formidable psychic abilities. The prospect of having one's thoughts and memories involuntarily scrutinized on a regular basis was inherently unsettling.

Nonetheless, Apocalypse's bold stance earned him widespread admiration. It was undeniably audacious; one couldn't help but wonder how, across the vast expanse of history from antiquity to the present, he had managed to remain untroubled by any sense of guilt.

"Whatever actions I have undertaken, my unwavering intention has always been the betterment of mutantkind." Apocalypse slightly elevated his chin, his gaze steady. "Even when I have engaged in conflict with many among you, it was solely because my objective was to establish dominion over mutants first, and subsequently, conquer the world. I bear no guilt for these past deeds."

With these words, a hushed silence fell over the crowd. Accusing him of audacity seemed fitting, yet Apocalypse, the progenitor of mutants, once witnessed their formidable power in his era. In modern times, however, they had dwindled. His desire to reclaim glory and a chance to lead anew appeared justifiable.

"I welcome scrutiny as well," the White Queen declared. "While I am also a user of psychic powers, only in my diamond form can I withstand the Professor's mental probes. I shall abstain from using my mutant abilities for defense, ensuring the examination yields genuine and accurate findings."

"Then I shall participate too," Polaris stepped forward. "I have nothing to conceal. Furthermore, I trust the Professor's integrity; he will only investigate this specific matter. If he intended to delve into our private lives, he would have done so already. No one can keep secrets from Professor X, can they?"

Numerous younger mutants rose as well, primarily Professor X's disciples, alongside a few of the younger generation from the Mutant Brotherhood. Their unwavering faith in Professor X's character was profound, knowing he would never betray confidences, even if he discerned sensitive information. This trust had been meticulously built over many years.

Ultimately, the majority of mutants acquiesced to the examination. However, certain external mutant factions remained hesitant. Yet, they dared not voice their reservations, fearing instant ostracization and branding as 'insiders.' Thus, they too reluctantly agreed.

"Then come to me willingly," Charles announced. "My office awaits; I will examine each of you. Upon being cleared of suspicion, you may rest easy. I will soon publish the results."

"Should we also be subjected to this scrutiny?" Captain America inquired from the Prime Universe. "It's not that we are unwilling, but we have no prior experience with mind-reading, and we are uncertain of the potential..."

"There is no necessity for that," Charles responded. "Iron Man and Doctor Strange have already departed. Your reputations are well-established. Naturally, if you choose to participate, I will not refuse; proving your innocence is, after all, beneficial."

Though aware that this might inadvertently transfer considerable information to the Central Universe's grasp, no better alternative presented itself. Moreover, with Iron Man and Doctor Strange absent, the remaining individuals were comparatively more subdued, finding the prospect of proving their innocence not entirely unfavorable.

"What about us?" Matt inquired.

"Iron Man can forgo the inspection," Charles stated. "His contributions to resolving this crisis are undeniable, and his current condition is not optimal. It would be best to allow him to return and recuperate."

The mutants raised no objections. Polaris had already provided a comprehensive explanation of the engine's repair process, confirming that it was indeed the Iron Man from the Central Universe who had averted the disaster. If he were the clandestine saboteur, there would be no logical reason for him to undertake such a rescue; therefore, omitting the examination was a reasonable course of action.

The others also raised no objections, recognizing that Charles, being one of their own, would not casually divulge any information he might uncover. However, as the mutants were undergoing their examinations first, the others would return to their rest.

Stark had long since been escorted back to rest. The remaining individuals sank onto the sofa, exhaling sighs of relief. Strange couldn't help but voice his bewilderment, "What exactly is Charles planning?"

"You've noticed it too," Matt confirmed. "I thought I was the only one pondering this."

"What have you deduced?" Natasha asked.

"This entire situation is a fabrication orchestrated by Charles himself," Shiller revealed. "There is no elusive mastermind; he was the one who tampered with the engine."

"I had suspected you," Natasha admitted candidly. "It bore a certain resemblance to your usual modus operandi. While the volcanic eruption seemed somewhat petty, I assumed you had restrained yourself out of respect for Charles."

"While I sensed it from the outset, it was indeed not my doing," Shiller responded, shaking his head. "I even attempted to guide your suspicions in this direction repeatedly, but none of you seemed to grasp the truth."

"I had a strong intuition," Matt stated. "There's something profoundly peculiar about this hot spring endeavor. As I mentioned, facing immense sanctions and pressure, the mutants' immediate priority was constructing a hot spring, which is inherently abnormal behavior."

"I suspected it was Charles' method," Strange interjected. "He allegedly creates crises in the Andromeda Galaxy, only to shift blame onto the Three Great Empires. They've been duped by him numerous times."

"So that's how it is," Steve nodded in agreement. "Although it appears the mutants have suffered significant losses on the surface, they have, in reality, reaped greater rewards."

"What rewards could they have possibly gained?" Bucky questioned. "From my perspective, only the local Avengers are burdened with guilt. What else is there?"

"Naturally, the official justification is to apprehend internal traitors," Shiller explained. "If this pretense isn't established, a sudden demand for brainwave examinations would face refusal. However, with such a significant crisis unfolding, everyone is anxious to prove their innocence. This allows the inspections to proceed smoothly, swiftly identifying and removing any infiltrators within Clarkia."

"Yet, this action has also alienated ambassadors from several nations."

"Have the crucial ones departed?" Steve inquired, taking a sip of water before setting his cup down. "A multitude of fair-weather friends are no match for a handful of steadfast allies; this principle remains true across all eras. While at the United Nations, those with the loudest support might appear influential, once outside the assembly hall, true backing strength is what truly matters."

"Precisely. As long as the mutants retain their value, their allies will not desert them. The deeper Clarkia sinks into its predicament, the greater the assistance from allied nations. This incident merely serves as their method to solicit aid, providing allies with a legitimate basis for offering humanitarian assistance without infringing upon international treaties."

"Furthermore, the Avengers’ sense of culpability is paramount. At the very least, it can mobilize the Stark Group and the Avengers themselves to resist the sanctions imposed by Washington. Given Iron Man's character, he will not rest until these sanctions are rescinded."

"Within the international arena, with allies stepping forward to lend support and the Avengers fiercely opposing the sanctions, Clarkia can swiftly overcome its current diplomatic challenges. Simultaneously, identifying and removing internal threats will foster greater trust and unity among those certified by Charles, thereby stabilizing the domestic situation."

After a brief silence, Shiller added, "Through this strategic maneuver, the difficulties Clarkia faces, both internally and externally, will not persist for long."