Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Westchester County, New York.
Jason stood at the entrance gates, contemplating his visit.
He had long known about the existence of mutants in this world and was well aware that Wolverine currently resided here.
David had helped him uncover some classified information.
A few years prior, a United Nations summit had been held on Ellis Island in New York, with numerous world leaders in attendance.
During the gathering, someone had attempted to attack the delegates from the nearby Statue of Liberty.
The attack had ultimately failed.
After reviewing this information, Jason immediately recognized the incident as the plot from the first "X-Men" film.
He hadn't visited earlier because he feared Charles Xavier's abilities.
Psychic powers were fundamentally unfair. The professor could read, copy, modify, or even delete memories without leaving a trace—a terrifying prospect.
But now that Jason had acquired [Soul Defense], he no longer felt vulnerable.
Although soul and mind weren't identical, they were inextricably connected.
The mind was to the soul what the heart was to the body.
The soul encompassed the mind; it was impossible to harm someone's mind without first breaching their soul's defenses.
Additionally, with his will attribute now at 280 points, he could at least shield himself from the professor.
That was sufficient protection.
Even if he could only defend himself for a few seconds, that would be enough time to kill the professor dozens of times over—and no one at the academy could stop him.
Before he could knock, someone greeted him.
Storm—Ororo Munroe.
She regarded him curiously but politely invited him inside. "Hello, the professor asked me to escort you in."
At the castle entrance, Jason spotted Wolverine smoking a cigar and initiated conversation. "Hey, Logan! How's it going with Jean lately? You have my full support!"
The comment immediately transformed both Storm's and Wolverine's expressions.
Wolverine coughed uncomfortably. "Jean already has a boyfriend, and until they break up, I wouldn't—"
Jason wagged his finger. "A strong man pursuing a beautiful woman—there's nothing shameful about fighting for love. Besides, isn't Jean... somewhat receptive to your advances?"
"Oh hell..." Wolverine shot a nervous glance at Storm, then quickly pulled Jason aside and spoke in a low, tense voice. Watch your mouth. Jean's a good woman—don't go throwing shade on her character."
Jason shrugged. "I'm just stating facts. Maybe she has feelings for you too. When it comes to love, there's no 'first come, first served' policy. It's all about destiny, and I think you two are—"
Wolverine's face was a study in confusion. He suddenly realized: Who is this guy? Do I even know him? Why am I discussing my private life with a complete stranger?
At that moment, Jean Grey and Scott Summer 'Cyclops' emerged from the building. Perhaps the professor had sensed the delay and sent them to escort the visitor.
Jean smiled warmly. "Sir, Professor Xavier invites you inside."
"Excellent!"
Jason nodded, then looked at Scott and Jean with a theatrical sigh. "What a perfect couple—talent and beauty in perfect harmony. When you eventually marry, don't forget to invite me!"
With that, he strode into the castle, leaving four bewildered mutants in his wake.
Without requiring a guide, Jason located the professor's office.
Upon entering, he found Xavier regarding him with a wry smile.
"Sir, please refrain from further complicating the relationships between those three. I already have quite the challenge managing their interpersonal dynamics."
Jason shrugged innocently. "I apologize—I'm straightforward by nature and couldn't resist. Don't worry, I'll advise him properly. There are countless women in the world; Scott shouldn't limit himself to just one tree in the forest!"
Charles couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Jason suddenly laughed. "Just kidding. Don't take it seriously."
Charles took a deep breath. "You seem remarkably familiar with us. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
Jason arched an eyebrow. "Since you've asked so sincerely, I'll respond with great compassion. Naturally, I'm here to prevent global destruction, maintain world peace, and promote universal love and glory!"
Silence descended.
Charles remained expressionless. Jason glanced toward the doorway, where four heads were peeking in. They'd followed him.
He smiled. "Eavesdropping? Why not join us properly?"
The four hesitated momentarily before entering, with Wolverine leading the way.
Charles ignored them, focusing instead on the visitor whose mind remained inaccessible, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Was this man a cryptic sage or a rambling lunatic?
"It seems the professor doesn't believe me," Jason observed.
He turned to the four X-Men. "Do any of you believe what I've said?"
They shook their heads in unison.
Jason smiled subtly. He had come not only for the adamantium but also to potentially recruit the X-Men.
He was confident he'd established a strong impression—though whether positive or negative would depend on his next move.
He addressed each mutant in turn: "Scott, did you know Wolverine once saved your life? Ororo, if you seek love, why not explore the African continent? Jean Grey, are you finding it increasingly difficult to control the Phoenix Force? Logan... or rather, Mr. James Howlett, have you recovered your past memories yet?"
His words triggered an explosion of reactions.
Cyclops, who typically regarded Wolverine with contempt, frowned. "What? I was saved by Logan? That's absurd! How could someone so reckless possibly—" His thoughts raced. Wait, what can't Jean control?
Storm's pupils contracted slightly. Africa... where my true love awaits?
Jean was stunned. I can't control the Phoenix Force? No... wait, what IS the Phoenix Force?
Wolverine had the most visceral reaction. With a metallic SNIKT, his adamantium claws shot out. His blood surged as he roared, "You know about my past! TELL ME!"
"CALM YOURSELVES!"
Charles's commanding shout, amplified by his psychic abilities, instantly brought the four back to their senses.
He fixed Jason with a severe, threatening gaze. "Sir, explain how you possess this knowledge and why you've come here."
Jason remained unperturbed. He extended his palm and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. We're kindred spirits."
As he spoke, tiny electrical flashes danced between his fingertips.
His entire palm began to glow with heat and light, small electrical arcs crackling at his fingertips with an audible sizzle.
The display left them all momentarily speechless.
Though they couldn't identify his abilities as Flash and Dragon Chi specifically, they recognized that the man before them possessed at least three distinct powers.
No—including his resistance to Xavier's telepathy, that made four!
The professor's eyes widened in surprise. "Who... are you?"
Instead of answering directly, Jason posed a question: "Do you believe in God's existence?"
"Bull!" Wolverine growled.
Jason brushed off the response with a laugh. "Not just God—Odin, Thor, and Loki from Norse mythology; Zeus from Greek mythology—they all exist in reality! Additionally, vampires, werewolves, demons, hell, death, monsters—all real."
Charles asked calmly, "What exactly are you trying to convey?"
"This world is far more complex than you realize."
Jason's expression turned serious. "Recently, you may have heard about the vampire incident, the devastating earthquake in Manhattan, and the 'Day of Mourning' in Afghanistan. Our world grows increasingly dangerous.
On Earth, super-criminals multiply, global stability deteriorates, and disasters occur with alarming frequency. In the cosmos, a purple titan executes a plan to eradicate half of all life in the universe. Our planet sits at the nexus of countless converging events, held captive by destiny."
Jason looked each of them in the eye. "The world faces unprecedented peril. The time has come for the righteous to stand and fight for its salvation!
As a champion of justice, I've taken the initiative. Now, I extend my invitation to you. Join me, and together, let's make our contribution to preserving this world!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~