Marvel's New Magneto

As Erik and his students returned to the school, reporters, thrilled by the dramatic twist in the shooting incident, were frantically searching for them. They replayed the recorded footage repeatedly, hunting for clues about these mysterious heroes, hoping to secure an exclusive story that would catapult them to the front pages.

But they were too late. Erik coldly rejected all interview requests and led his students away. Just like when they had taken down the monstrous serpent, he chose to wait. He wanted to whet the public's appetite, let curiosity build to a fever pitch, and then, at the perfect moment, make a grand entrance under the world's expectant gaze.

He refused to let his students live in the shadows like their predecessors at the academy—sneaking around, making sacrifices to protect humanity, only to be treated as though they were atoning for their very existence. That was meaningless. If mutants were to live openly under the sun, young mutants needed to become recognized protectors of society—celebrated, admired, and understood. To achieve this, Erik had to carefully control the narrative, ensuring that these rookies became shining stars in the public eye.

He had to admit—this superficial society valued appearances over substance. An unremarkably dressed man was easily overlooked, while a quiet and diligent person rarely received recognition. A charismatic figure, however, naturally commanded attention. Great figures were often revealed with grand anticipation, not just because they believed themselves important, but because the masses agreed they deserved such reverence.

So, before becoming stars, the students would have to remain in the shadows a little while longer.

Erik's decision frustrated every journalist eager to uncover the truth. With no new revelations, and unwilling to be labeled as "incompetent" or risk losing their audience, they needed a way to keep public interest alive. So, they decided to create their own debate.

The TV studio was brightly lit. Guests had taken their seats. The host signaled to the director, who gave the cue, and the program went live.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the recent school shooting at Duncan Elementary has shocked the nation. It was the deadliest and bloodiest shooting incident this year. A 21-year-old, Seymour Nero, showed us just how vulnerable our schools are. Many now call for a reevaluation of our gun control policies to prevent such tragedies from repeating."

Sitting upright on the couch, the host spoke into the camera. The screen then flashed through footage of past mass shootings, each staying on-screen for barely a second, highlighting their staggering frequency.

"But what truly surprised us about this incident—no, I'm not talking about the police's slow response; everyone knows law enforcement always arrives just as the situation is wrapping up—was the appearance of a new group of heroes: mutants."

"In our society, mutants are a unique group. We all know they exist, but few of us have seen them up close. Reports often depict them as criminals, using their powers to rob or cause destruction. There are also rumors that some mutants secretly protect humanity, though we've never had solid proof. In the past, we've been left in the dark, thanks to bureaucrats who prefer to keep us ignorant. But this time, things are different. Our reporters captured these extraordinary moments on camera."

The screen showed footage of Erik's team in action. The audience saw Peter transform into solid steel, using his body to shield children from gunfire. Bobby and John, guided by Kitty, phased through walls. Then came the image of Marie, teary-eyed, almost saintly, as she channeled her life force into a critically injured pregnant woman, bringing her back from the brink of death.

"Although I have my concerns about mutants, I must admit that their actions in this case were commendable. They protected those children from the shooter's rampage. Now, let's hear what our guests have to say."

The camera panned to the panel—a group of so-called experts, including local figures, bankers, and businessmen. Their opinions, though varied, represented mainstream societal views.

The discussion quickly split into two opposing camps.

One side, led by esteemed sociologist Christina Medici, argued for acknowledging mutants as part of society rather than alienating them. The other, spearheaded by Jewish banker Alan Rothschild, dismissed their contributions and openly labeled mutants as a potential criminal threat. He called for mandatory mutant registration and movement restrictions to protect ordinary citizens.

"Look at what Seymour did—one man, with a gun, turned a school into a warzone," Alan said, his ruddy face flushed with passion. "Now, imagine someone who doesn't need a gun—someone who can summon flames with a flick of their wrist or freeze a man solid with a breath. And that girl—she can walk through walls! Are you really comfortable knowing a mutant could slip into your home at any moment and rob you blind?"

Christina adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and replied, "You're fearmongering. If putting out fires and stopping shooters makes someone dangerous, then I wish we had more of that kind of danger in the world. When I saw those terrified children facing death, I felt hopeless. The mutants saved them. Shouldn't we be praising that instead of casting suspicion on all mutants? Judging them indiscriminately is unjust."

Alan burst into laughter, his massive belly shaking. He slapped the couch, making a dull thud.

"Unjust? Tell me, Christina, would you want your son to compete against a mutant for a girl's affection? He could work his hardest, but a mutant kid could win a girl's heart effortlessly. Would your husband be fine working alongside a mutant, knowing they could outperform him with superhuman abilities—or worse, turn on him over a simple misunderstanding? And you, could you accept a furry, stinking mutant crawling into your bed at night, whispering, 'Come here, baby'?"

Smirking, he added, "Though, considering your situation, maybe you should consider it. I wouldn't vote against you, because, after all, I'm a fair man."

Christina's face turned bright red with fury.

"If you ask me," Alan continued, stepping in front of the host to dominate the camera, "there's only one solution—find them, watch them, control them. And if necessary, lock them up! Fighting evil means protecting innocent citizens. I, Alan Rothschild, will not stand by while our society is threatened!"

Back at the academy, Erik watched the spectacle unfold on the television, his lips curling into a silent smile.

He had anticipated this reaction.

There was still time before his students would make their grand entrance. Let these mutant-hating fools vent their emotions for now. Once the time was right, their opinions wouldn't matter anymore.

The privileged class always senses when their dominance is being challenged, but that doesn't mean they can stop it.

The Neanderthals sensed the threat of Homo sapiens, yet they were unable to adapt—and perished.

The Aztec emperor Montezuma realized Cortés was a threat, but he couldn't fight against the smallpox that wiped out his people.

"The king's voice still echoes in the palace: 'Gouge out my eyes and place them upon the city gates so I may witness my nation's downfall.' And so, his kingdom faded into history."

It's not that these civilizations lacked the strength to resist. They simply couldn't overcome their own weaknesses.

Humanity had built a magnificent civilization, spreading its influence across the planet. They had reached their peak. And now, inevitably, they would decline.

Mutants were destined to rise, just as surely as the sun must rise from the east.

Erik looked forward to that day.

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