“Every human undergoes genetic mutations throughout their lives.”
Sitting in his wheelchair, Charles calmly explained the origins of mutants to Alex.
“Normally, those mutations can be understood, predicted, and controlled.”
“But there are certain people born with a completely unknown genetic mutation.”
“The X-gene.”
“Humans who possess it naturally develop extraordinary abilities.”
“Each one can display power beyond ordinary human understanding.”
“And these lifeforms, fundamentally different from normal humans…”
“…are the new humans.”
“Mutants.”
Charles spoke slowly and patiently.
Alex frowned slightly while thinking.
“So basically…”
“Mutants are evolved humans.”
“That’s what you’re saying, right?”
Charles smiled.
“More or less.”
Alex nodded and immediately asked another question:
“Then what about superpowered people?”
“How are they different?”
Charles didn’t answer immediately.
He thought seriously for a moment before speaking:
“You could call superpowered individuals…”
“‘acquired mutants.'”
“They aren’t born with the X-gene.”
“But later in life, environmental influences or unusual events alter their cells or deeper genetic structure.”
“And that gives rise to special abilities.”
“If we really compare them…”
“The difference is innate versus acquired.”
“I see…”
Alex nodded thoughtfully.
Ever since learning mutants existed, he’d been curious about the distinction between mutants and superpowered humans.
Now—
He finally understood.
Suddenly something else crossed his mind.
He looked at Charles again.
“So humans easily accept superpowered individuals…”
“But fear and persecute mutants…”
“Is that the reason?”
“Exactly.”
This time Charles’ smile faded.
His expression turned serious.
“People possess a surprisingly high tolerance toward those who gain powers through accidents or disasters.”
“They see it as unfortunate.”
“As something unavoidable.”
“So they still consider those people part of humanity.”
“Some even worship them.”
“But mutants…”
Charles sighed softly.
“…are different.”
“Because of the X-gene, many mutants unconsciously reveal their powers from childhood.”
Alex paused.
“…Uncontrolled powers.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
Immediately, Alex thought of Bleach.
Back before becoming a Soul Reaper, Hitsugaya Toshiro’s unconscious spiritual pressure had nearly frozen his grandmother to death.
If Rangiku hadn’t happened to appear—
He would’ve carried that guilt forever.
Mutant powers weren’t all on that level.
But they were bizarre and unpredictable.
What if someone accidentally hurt family?
Friends?
Neighbors?
If tragedies like that happened…
Alex could absolutely imagine what came after.
Fear.
Isolation.
Violence.
Persecution.
Charles looked toward the ocean and sighed.
At some point, many of the younger mutants had quietly gathered around them.
Listening.
Silently.
“In a world ruled by fear, hatred, and prejudice…”
“Humans see mutants as something different.”
“As monsters wearing human skin.”
“Some fear them.”
“Some hate them.” New chapters come out on g.com first.
“Some refuse to accept them.”
“They only want mutants removed from human society.”
“And others…”
His expression darkened.
“…see mutant abilities as tools.”
“Weapons.”
He raised a hand and pointed toward the distant island.
“Like the people there.”
“They belong to the second category.”
Immediately—
The mutants around them broke down emotionally.
“Waaah…”
“We never wanted to become mutants!”
“What did we do wrong?!”
“Why treat us this way?!”
…
Listening to Charles, these children who had only just escaped hell were once again forced to face reality.
The world outside wasn’t kind.
Silence fell.
Even Alex felt a little heavy-hearted.
Then he suddenly raised his head and stared directly at Charles.
His expression turned serious.
“So what about you?”
“What kind are you?”
Alex’s gaze became incredibly sharp.
Deep inside his eyes—
A trace of killing intent quietly surfaced.
His right hand slowly tightened around the Adamantium sword handle.
These mutants…
He had saved them.
He wouldn’t allow anyone to exploit them.
If Charles had ulterior motives—
Alex wouldn’t hesitate to cut his head off.
At this distance—
He was absolutely confident.
That confidence belonged to a super swordsman.
The young mutants couldn’t notice Alex’s subtle movement.
But Charles couldn’t.
Jean couldn’t.
Emma certainly couldn’t.
Emma quietly shifted toward Wolverine’s position.
Meanwhile Jean’s expression immediately darkened.
She looked ready to attack.
Unexpectedly—
Charles stopped her.
“Jean.”
“Don’t.”
Then he looked toward Alex with admiration.
“I’m happy.”
“You became cautious because of these children.”
“Alex…”
“You’re a remarkable young man.”
“Tch…”
For perhaps the first time in his life, Alex got praised so sincerely.
His face reddened slightly.
But his eyes remained fixed on Charles.
The question still wasn’t answered.
Charles continued calmly:
“A friend of mine firmly believes humans and mutants can never coexist peacefully.”
“He believes mutants should become the rulers of the future.”
“But…”
“I disagree.”
Charles looked directly at Alex.
“Mutants will continue increasing.”
“Replacing humanity is likely inevitable.”
“But I’ve always believed humans and mutants are equal.”
“They should coexist peacefully.”
“Because sooner or later…”
“Humanity will realize something.”
“Their friends…”
“Their children…”
“…will become one of us.”
“Humans and mutants are equal?”
Alex stared at Charles strangely.
Yet Charles’ expression never changed.
And Alex’s instincts quietly told him:
This man meant every word.
“Tch.”
“Worried for nothing.”
Realizing this, Alex immediately released his grip on his sword.
He trusted his instincts.
Several times before, they’d already saved his life.
If Charles could deceive even that—
Then Alex would simply admit defeat.
Honestly speaking—
Alex didn’t necessarily agree with people like Charles.
Idealists.
But…
He respected them.
Emiya Shirou.
Naruto.
Su Huan-Jen.
People whose goals directly opposed the world’s common beliefs.
Yet despite that—
They never stopped moving forward.
You didn’t have to agree with people like that.
But you couldn’t deny their determination.
Compared to weak-willed people who changed positions constantly—
They were worthy of respect.
If Charles truly belonged to that category—
Then Alex didn’t need to worry about these mutants anymore.
Relaxing slightly, Alex returned to his usual casual tone.
“So…”
“What do you plan to do with everyone?”
Immediately—
All the mutants nearby looked nervous.
Because Charles’ answer would determine their future.
Charles smiled.
“My companions and I plan to establish a school.”
“A place specifically for mutants.”
“To shelter those without homes.”
“And those unable to control their abilities.”
“If they’re willing…”
“They can all come.”
“To the school I’m building in New York.”
“The X Academy.”
Then Charles smiled slightly.
“Oh, and Jean here…”
“…was one of my earliest students.”
The moment he finished—
The mutants erupted.
“YEAHHHH!!”
Almost everyone cheered.
On the island, they had formed deep bonds through suffering.
Separating now would’ve hurt.
But if joining this X Academy meant staying together…
Remaining free…
Remaining safe…
How could they not be happy?
“X Academy…”
Alex repeated softly.
Then smiled carelessly.
These were mutant affairs.
Not his business.
Perfect.
Less work.
Just as he relaxed—
He suddenly looked up.
“…?”
Jean was glaring fiercely at him.
Apparently—
She was still holding a grudge over earlier.
Alex nearly laughed.
Even Charles himself doesn’t care.
Why are YOU still mad?!
Seriously…
women really can hold grudges forever!!!
Helplessly glaring back, Alex decided not to bother with them anymore.
Once they reached shore—
He was immediately heading back to New York.
Time to visit his two idiot friends he hadn’t seen in ages.
Very soon.