The Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters, better known to the world as the X-Mansion, stood as a beacon of hope for mutantkind.
Inside his office, Professor Charles Xavier rubbed his temples in exhaustion. He had just finished reviewing Mason Industries' recent developnts, and an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.
Sothing about Gene Mason's rapid rise didn't sit right with him. He couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but a sense of foreboding lingered in his mind.
"Perhaps I'm just overthinking it. Hopefully, the children will return safely."
Just as he was about to take a brief rest, the door burst open with a loud BANG!
Wolverine, fury blazing in his eyes, stord in.
"Professor! We've lost all contact with the kids monitoring Mason Industries—this has Gene Mason's na written all over it!" Logan growled, barely able to contain his rage.
That was thirteen young mutants, gone right under their noses, without even a shred of information slipping through.
If it were up to him, he would already be leading the X-n in tearing Mason Industries apart, dragging that smug bastard Gene Mason out of his tower and demanding answers.
But Xavier simply furrowed his brows. Logan's anger was expected, but the disappearance of thirteen students was no trivial matter.
Those weren't just any students.
They were handpicked candidates for the next generation of X-n.
"Logan, we must not act recklessly," Xavier said calmly.
"Then what do you suggest, Professor?" Logan's claws twitched, his impatience boiling over.
Xavier pondered for a mont before responding, "I will reach out to Mr. Gene Mason personally. A direct conversation should clarify the situation."
By conversation, he didn't an a phone call.
He ant invading Gene Mason's mind.
Xavier's telepathic abilities allowed him to scan, read, and even control minds—a power even Magneto feared. It was why Erik always wore that tal helt, shielding his thoughts.
"If it turns out Mason is responsible, we will act accordingly," Xavier assured.
With that, he wheeled himself out of the office, heading toward Cerebro. Logan followed close behind, his instincts screaming that sothing was very wrong.
Cerebro: The Mind's Eye
Cerebro—the world's most powerful telepathic amplifier—allowed Xavier to extend his psychic reach across the entire planet.
He had considered reading Gene Mason's mind before, but had refrained—out of respect.
But now?
Now he had the perfect excuse.
Sitting in Cerebro's chamber, he placed the helt over his head. Logan flipped the activation switch, and instantly, Xavier's mind expanded.
Billions of thoughts flooded his consciousness, each one a tiny spark in the vast sea of human cognition.
But Xavier ignored them all.
He locked onto a single, brilliant light—the mind of Gene Mason, deep within the heart of Mason Industries.
"Now… let's see what secrets you've been hiding."
With a ntal push, Xavier pierced into Gene Mason's consciousness.
…..
Xavier opened his eyes.
But sothing was wrong.
This wasn't like any mind he had entered before.
Storm clouds choked the sky, flashes of white lightning cracking like the screams of tornted souls. A cold wind howled through a city reduced to ruins.
Beneath him lay corpses—the students of his Mutant Academy.
Eyes wide open, their lifeless faces stared at him, filled with accusation and betrayal.
Xavier's breath hitched.
"What… is this?"
Then, a voice echoed through the desolate wasteland.
"Well, well… Charles Xavier."
A figure erged from the shadows—Gene Mason.
"I was wondering when you'd finally try to invade my mind," Mason said, smirking.
Xavier's body tensed.
"This world… you created this?" he asked cautiously.
"Of course," Mason said mockingly. "I tailored it just for you. Do you like it?"
Xavier suddenly clutched his head, his mind wracked with pain.
Mason's voice was everywhere, digging into his psyche like needles.
"Breaking into soone's private thoughts without consent?" Mason chuckled. "You call yourself a man of peace, yet you act like a thief in the night."
Xavier's lips tightened.
"Mr. Mason, I ca here to talk, not to fight. There's no need for hostility."
Mason's laughter bood across the ruined city.
"Talk?" he sneered. "You're trespassing, Professor."
"Always preaching morality and justice, yet you have no problem violating others' minds when it suits you."
Xavier's expression darkened.
"If you refuse to cooperate, I may be forced to take action."
Mason's smirk widened.
"Oh? The great Professor X wants to fight in my own ntal domain?"
"Very well."
Mason spread his arms.
"Show what you've got, Xavier."
"And if you fail… I'll consider paying a little visit to your school."
Xavier's eyes hardened.
This was no ordinary mind.
But he had no choice. He would have to fight.
...
Inside the Cerebro chamber, Logan paced impatiently.
Suddenly, the monitors blared with alarm sirens.
Xavier's heart rate spiked. His body twitched violently.
His brain activity was going haywire.
"Professor?!" Logan rushed forward.
Sothing was very, very wrong.
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