Chapter 37: In the Academy

"Erik did a good job," the professor said as he chatted with Hank in the academy.

They had been closely monitoring the events that unfolded, even noticing things that the people involved themselves had not. The professor was quite pleased with Erik's handling of the situation.

Starting by eliminating the snake monster to save the residents' property, then rescuing the innocent children from danger, and finally using an exclusive interview to expand the influence—it all built up step by step into a nationwide discussion. Regardless of whether the government would intervene, at least for the time being, mutants wouldn't have to worry about the consequences of the registration law passing.

"Don't let your guard down," Hank warned, even though he was equally happy. Having dealt with humans for so long, he understood that high-ranking officials often don't genuinely care about public opinion. They also have enough means to gradually tone down the public outrage.

Maintaining power and continuing the fight was the true path to longevity—there's no such thing as a permanent solution.

Hank agreed with Erik's view, so reminding his excited friend was necessary.

But the professor, a veteran of many struggles, had just come out of the search room when Hank arrived.

"There are some waves, but they've died down. It will take some time before it builds up again," the professor said, tapping his forehead. Hank nodded in understanding.

Now, he felt at ease.

"This incident has made me reflect," the professor said, turning his wheelchair to the wine cabinet. He poured a drink for himself and Hank, handing the glass to his friend. "Perhaps I was overthinking it. Watching Erik do things always made me nervous, worried he might stir up trouble. But his method was simple and direct, and it really worked. From now on, I won't restrict him too much. He's someone I can trust."

Hank took the glass and comforted his old friend. "Times have changed. People today are far more tolerant than in the past. Without your leadership through those difficult years, we wouldn't have the academy or these kids. We should look forward and let the young ones go further."

"Yes, we will be their strong backing," the professor said, raising his glass. "To mutants?"

"To mutants," Hank replied, downing his drink.

Erik had no idea others were discussing him. He was touring the academy, wandering like a lion patrolling its territory, walking down stairs, through corridors, aimlessly exploring.

"Do you think dressing yourself as a victim will make humans pity you?" Scott's voice came unexpectedly as Erik rounded a corner.

"Why not?" Erik turned to face the cool, sunglass-wearing man. "The Jews were able to make people forget the evils they did over a thousand years, just because of the persecution during the Great War. Why can't mutants do the same? Our people have never drained the public's lifeblood like financial predators."

Scott grunted. "I forgot you're Jewish. Is that your take on things?"

"I won't fall for your attempt to provoke me," Erik said with a slight smile. He didn't want to get into a quarrel with his colleague, so he turned to leave.

"I'll warn you one last time—stay away from Jean," Scott's voice came from behind.

"How far away? Is two meters enough?" Erik chuckled. "Forgive me, but in my opinion, you and Jean aren't a good match. You're too childish. What you need is an older woman to comfort your fragile heart and take care of your life. But you're in love with Jean." Erik shook his head. "It's understandable. You've been living in an isolated environment, know nothing about the adult world, and there are only a few women your age to choose from. I understand your choice, though I'm sure you wouldn't fancy Logan—though I'd love to recommend this older gentleman to you."

Scott was almost ready to punch him. If it weren't for his powers causing too much noise when activated, he would have shot a laser beam without a second thought.

Erik stopped teasing Scott, noticing the man was on the verge of snapping. He continued his tour.

"I won't fight you for her. Jean will choose on her own. But remember, if I want something, no one can stop me."

Erik walked away, leaving Scott glaring at his back.

The kind of hatred that felt real was oddly satisfying, reminding Erik of the good old days.

"The greatest pleasure in life is chasing your enemies, invading their lands, plundering their wealth, and hearing the cries of their wives and children," said a barbarian king.

Among reincarnators, there were many who embodied this pursuit of life, treating the world as a chessboard, freely spending their lives to fulfill their desires before their inevitable downfall.

Erik wasn't quite like that, though he did indulge in his youth.

Those beautiful moments were hard to forget, just as the fear and hatred in the eyes of his enemies brought him a certain joy.

Perhaps when something reaches its extreme, it presents a beauty beyond its original limits, even if that beauty is cold and piercing, it remains indelibly in the memory.

Nostalgic for the past, Erik casually walked towards a room he had once entered, only to find a perfect scene unfolding right before his eyes. The two people he had just thought of were tangled up at the door.

The alluring red-haired woman had Storm pinned against the wall, one hand under her armpit, the other holding her wrist, and her leg was forced between Storm's legs. She had a sly smile on her face as she closely examined her same-sex friend.

Ororo looked flustered. Jean's strength was too much for her, and after a few attempts, she could only submit to the torment. Her dark skin couldn't hide the blush on her face. As she tried to turn her head, Jean's breath came close to her neck, sending a chill down her spine. Startled, she quickly turned her head, and Jean's soft lips brushed her face, which only made her more embarrassed. If it weren't for Phoenix holding her hand, she wouldn't even know where to put it.

"Jean, wake up," Ororo whispered, trying to get her friend back to her senses. However, during this time, Jean's inner personality was dominant, and stopping her would cost a price.

Thinking of Jean's understanding and slick hands on her body made Ororo's legs go weak.

Luckily, help arrived at that moment.

"Erik, Erik!" Ororo quickly called out as soon as she saw her savior.

Jean, still not letting go of Ororo but not teasing her anymore, looked at Erik with a special feeling. She remembered who had released her from her inner lock. After breaking free from her other self, she had first opened her eyes to see this man.

The imprint of the first creature seen after hatching was a natural instinct, and the Phoenix was no different. If it weren't for her other self interfering, she would have already begun using her irresistible charm on this man.

Now, with no one stopping her, wasn't this the perfect opportunity?

Jean finally released Ororo, dragging Erik into her room, slamming the door shut, and then embracing him for a passionate kiss. Like a queen taking the initiative, Erik just enjoyed the warmth. No words were exchanged, and soon the room was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing.

In the midst of their intense kiss, a voice came from outside the door.

"Is Jean in there?" Scott asked.

"No," Ororo mechanically replied.

"Have you seen Erik?" Scott asked again.

"No," Ororo answered nervously.

Scott didn't pick up on the awkwardness. Frustrated, he muttered a few complaints but got no comfort in return and walked away, leaving angrily.

He hadn't noticed, and no one cared. Ororo's mind was a mess, wanting to kick the door open and separate the couple, but also afraid that Scott would catch on and cause a scene. At this point, she answered out of instinct.

Neither Jean nor Erik paid him any mind—one was under the influence of her inner persona, the other simply didn't care. Though Scott was just behind a wooden door, neither of them stopped. They continued their intimate exchange until, after a long while, Ororo finally knocked hard on the door, breaking them apart.

"If I had shouted just now, you'd be in trouble," Jean said as she held Erik's face.

"So what? Everyone knows I'm not interested in little girls," Erik said defiantly.

"Believe you?" Jean chuckled, pulling away, straightening her clothes, and opening the door.

As soon as the door cracked open, Ororo stormed in.

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