Chapter 137: The Choice (Please Subscribe!)

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Doing something for mutants. 

That thought—that idea—had been in their minds for a long time. 

When they saw mutants in the circus being treated like animals for entertainment, when they witnessed mutants being driven away, when they saw them turning to crime, being exploited by opportunists, or even used as test subjects… the seed of this idea had been deeply planted in their hearts. 

And today, after watching the news about mutant children being manipulated by the Black Queen—forced into crimes they should never have been exposed to at such a young age—their long-suppressed thoughts could no longer be contained. The idea instantly took over their minds. 

With such power, they had to do something. 

Two pairs of determined eyes fixed on Mike. He remained silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "If that's what you want, then go for it." 

Hearing this, excitement and gratitude filled their gazes. 

Their paths had deviated entirely from what they once were, yet they had still made nearly the same choice. Perhaps… they were always meant to be heroes. Heroes for mutants, for humanity, and even for this planet itself. 

With a sigh of admiration, Mike couldn't help but ask, "So, what's your plan? How do you want to start?" 

Charles took a deep breath and said, "I've thought about it. The public perception of mutants… is pretty bad." 

"Pretty bad" was putting it mildly. 

Criminals. Monsters. 

That was what people immediately thought of when they heard the word mutant. 

And in many cases, the mutants themselves only reinforced this image. Far too many, upon awakening their powers, used them for revenge, seeking payback against those who had wronged them. But by doing so, they only became the next wave of criminals—the next "monsters" in the eyes of the world. 

It was a vicious cycle. 

Then there were the newly awakened mutant children. 

Many of them lost control of their abilities at the moment of awakening, unintentionally harming those around them. 

And that… that was yet another reason mutants were feared and treated as dangerous beings. 

Thinking of this, Mike narrowed his eyes at Charles. 

"Pretty bad"? That was quite the understatement. 

Noticing Mike's expression, Charles looked a little exasperated, while Erik chuckled and admitted, "Alright, it's really bad." 

Mike nodded in agreement. 

With a sigh, Charles continued, "That perception has to change. People need to see mutants as more than just threats. They need to associate us with something positive, not just fear and crime. Only then can we begin improving the environment for mutants to exist in." 

"So, how do you plan to do that?" 

Mike locked eyes with Charles, a trace of expectation in his expression. 

Erik spoke up, "Dad, do you remember when you stopped the Black Queen? The team you assembled back then?" 

Mike raised an eyebrow and nodded. 

Charles grinned. "That's exactly what we want to do. We're going to form a team dedicated to handling situations like that—to show the world that while some mutants may use their powers for crime, others can use them to be heroes." 

"Not a bad idea." 

Encouraged by Mike's approval, the two became even more animated, continuing to lay out their vision. 

It wasn't just about changing public perception; it was also about instilling discipline within the mutant community. 

Respect had to be earned, but first, mutants had to respect themselves. 

If a mutant's first instinct after gaining powers was to commit crimes, no amount of effort from Charles and Erik would ever change how the world viewed them. 

So the change had to start at the source. When mutants awakened their abilities, they needed guidance—someone to teach them the right values, to help them understand responsibility. 

And since most mutants manifested their powers during adolescence, Charles and Erik came to a decision. 

They would build a school. 

A school dedicated to young mutants. 

There, these children wouldn't just receive an education—they would also learn to control their powers. And, if they trained hard enough, some of them might even grow into true heroes. 

With excitement in his voice, Charles said, "Erik and I believe this is an incredible idea." 

Erik nodded in agreement, but a trace of doubt lingered in his expression. 

Mike noticed immediately. Looking at Erik, he asked, "Do you have any concerns? Or perhaps a different perspective?" 

Charles also turned his gaze to Erik, waiting for his response.

Erik said, "There are two major problems we must solve." 

His gaze sharpened as he continued, "The first is establishing the school. This won't be easy." 

While there were no laws explicitly forbidding the creation of a school for mutants, it was obvious how much resistance and obstruction they would face. If they wanted this school to succeed, they would need strong support. 

Charles nodded thoughtfully. That was indeed something they had to take into account. 

"The second issue," Erik's expression darkened, "is an even greater challenge: the school needs a reason to exist long-term." 

A school that trained and nurtured a large number of mutants—such a force would eventually be seen as a threat. 

If their only justification for its existence was to educate young mutants, teach them control, and raise heroes, it wouldn't be enough to ensure its survival. 

Greedy eyes, fear, and paranoia toward mutants would eventually lead to the school's downfall. 

"But if one of the school's purposes is to train heroes…" Charles murmured. 

Erik immediately added, "Then we need a lasting enemy—one that justifies the existence of heroes, that gives the school a reason to persist. Only then will those who are wary of mutants, or even outright hostile, be forced to hold back their aggression toward the school, at least for the time being." 

"Exactly." 

Mike nodded in agreement. 

And then, silence fell between the three of them. 

"I'll do it." 

Erik suddenly spoke. 

"What?" Charles was stunned for a moment before his expression changed. "Are you out of your mind?" 

Erik smiled. "I said, I'll be the school's enemy." 

If he played the role of an adversary, they could engage in controlled conflicts—measured and deliberate, maintaining a long-term opposition while still being able to unite when it truly mattered. 

It was an effective plan. In fact, it was the best solution they had. 

Hearing this, Mike sighed. 

So, we've come full circle. But this time, at least, they weren't splitting apart due to ideological differences. 

"I'll do it!" Charles declared without hesitation. "I can be the enemy too!" 

"Don't be ridiculous." Erik chuckled. "Your powers don't suit this role, and honestly… you're too kind. You're not fit for it." 

If Charles became the enemy, the moment his abilities were exposed, he wouldn't just be the school's opponent—he would become the enemy of the entire world. Everyone would turn against him. 

But if he remained on their side, it would be the opposite. He would become a weapon humanity would seek to protect—an invaluable asset, a card they couldn't afford to lose. 

(End of Chapter)