Chapter 27

As the meeting continued, Logan initially appeared indifferent, as if he didn’t care.

But as more details unfolded, even he began to sense the gravity of the situation.

The future was bleak.

Logan learned that he would eventually join the X-Men and, over a decade later, attempt to alter the grim fate of mutants by traveling back in time.

Although the future was briefly changed, granting mutants a few decades of peace, things eventually fell apart again.

This time, the situation was even worse.

Humanity had devised a more effective way to deal with mutants—by targeting them at the source.

For 25 years, no new mutants were born. The older mutants either died of old age or were captured and executed.

In the end, only Logan, Caliban, and Professor X survived, clinging to life.

The most unsettling part?

They were old and weakened.

Caliban, an albino mutant, had no combat abilities.

Logan’s healing factor slowed, his stamina decreased, and even Professor X began showing signs of aging.

To make ends meet, Logan took menial jobs to provide for the three of them, including buying special medications to keep Professor X stable.

Their only remaining asset was a rental car used for odd jobs and transport.

Even a small group of thugs was enough to give Logan trouble.

He couldn’t believe it.

Beast and Cyclops also felt shaken as they listened, unsure of how to respond.

“I have a question!” Logan suddenly interrupted.

“If you’re saying you can travel to another universe, why not ask about the events of the past?”

Logan was skeptical, unable to imagine himself relying on Professor X for answers in such a dire future.

Professor X then elaborated further.

“I can assure you, Logan, each Sentinel has the strength of an official X-Men member—or even stronger!”

“If the X-Men teamed up, we could probably take down hundreds of Sentinels.”

“But Sentinels are expendable. Factories can produce thousands of them each day using non-metallic materials and a small sample of genetic data.”

“The moment you fight them, they adapt. They replicate your powers and counter your abilities using genetic data stored in their database.”

“For example, against Iceman, they take on a flame-like form. Against Colossus, they transform into metallic bodies.”

“Although Sentinels can’t replicate psychic or elemental powers, their physical enhancements alone are enough to wipe out mutants.”

“Now imagine trying to strategize or even discuss past events while fighting enemies like that.”

The room fell silent.

Everyone present began to frown.

No wonder mutants faced extinction in the future.

They couldn’t even imagine how powerful the Sentinels had become after absorbing so many mutant abilities.

Fighting a swarm of Sentinels, each stronger than most mutants, seemed like a death sentence.

“As for the world after the timeline reset,” Norin added, “it’s completely different from ours. Talking about it in detail won’t change anything here.”

“Don’t be discouraged,” Professor X interjected, trying to lighten the mood. “We’re aware of the problem ahead of time in this timeline. The future can still be different.”

But his optimism failed to inspire hope.

The others still looked grim, weighed down by the inevitability of destruction.

“What’s going to be different?” Logan snapped. “Whether we reset the future or not, destruction seems to be our fate. What the hell are we supposed to do?”

Professor X remained calm and explained,

“We’ve discussed this before. Norin also made some excellent suggestions.”

“Starting today, we’ll redefine our approach to handling future crises.”

For the first time, Professor X acknowledged flaws in his previous ideology.

While he had improved mutant survival in some ways, the root problem remained unsolved.

Mutants were still discriminated against, denied equal rights, and viewed as threats.

Relying on appeasement and diplomacy was like begging for acceptance—an approach doomed to fail.

People don’t respect beggars.

They exploit them until they’re no longer useful and then discard them.

Under the new plan, mutants would no longer hide in the shadows or beg for acceptance.

Instead, they would assert their strength and make their voices heard—even if it meant fighting for their rights.

The goal was peace, but peace with dignity.

Professor X projected slides outlining the new plan, filling the room with light as the others silently observed.

For Beast and Logan, this was their first exposure to Norin’s radical ideas—and it left them stunned.

From PR campaigns and media branding to idol-like “hero teams” and marketing strategies, Norin’s ideas seemed outlandish yet strangely compelling.

The concepts sounded impractical, but considering the dire state of mutants, traditional methods had already failed.

Beast, the intellectual of the group, finally spoke.

“It’s unconventional, but it’s feasible. If it succeeds, it could drastically improve mutant relations.”

Despite his brilliance, Beast often overlooked the emotional and political aspects of survival, focusing instead on science.

This oversight partly explained why mutants had reached the brink of extinction.

“Then let’s proceed with this plan,” Professor X concluded.

“We’ll establish an organization called the X-Corporation.”

“The corporation will control media channels, acquire prime real estate, and manage our public image.”

“We’ll also form a seven-member team—the ‘Super Seven’—to serve as our public face.”

“Norin, would you like to be part of it?”

“No.”

Norin’s refusal was immediate.

While the Super Seven might appear to be noble heroes, Norin saw them as little more than zoo animals performing tricks for applause.

He preferred working behind the scenes, controlling events from the shadows while enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Professor X looked visibly disappointed.

Norin had the looks, brains, and powers to be the team’s perfect leader—a figurehead who could inspire people with his charisma alone.

Professor X had even prepared a mutant codename for Norin—Dawn—symbolizing hope and a new beginning.

Norin would’ve been the ideal representation of a brighter future.

But Norin remained firm.

“I have other suggestions,” he said, shifting the conversation.

Hearing this, Professor X’s eyes lit up with renewed interest.