Marvel's New Magneto

"Every 0.48 seconds, someone releases sperm. Every seven seconds, a woman gets pregnant. There are 50 million married men in the United States, and they have over 136,000 sexual encounters a week. These are just the statistics from the 1940s. The population in modern-day America is growing rapidly, and the number of mutants is increasing as well. What's causing more and more mutants to appear? It's mutation, but what has caused this mutation to become so widespread? It's radiation. The nuclear dust scattered across the U.S. is rapidly increasing the chances of genetic mutations in future generations."

"We are not born monsters, nor are we infected by a plague. We are part of humanity, innocent victims. Genetic evolution has made us different, but that's because we've already paid the price. We suffer from all kinds of unfair treatment. But let me remind those of you who haven't mutated—you're just a step behind. We're not as far apart as you think. The suffering we're enduring, you or your descendants might face it too in the future."

"Let me paraphrase something Martin Niemöller once said: First, they rejected mutants, and you didn't speak out because you're not a mutant. Later, they rejected those with mutant genes, and you didn't speak out because you don't have them. Eventually, when they came for you, there was no one left to speak for you. Once the atmosphere of terror begins, you're trapped, unable to decide where it will lead."

Eric said this while Christine was quickly making notes in her interview book, recording everything.

"I think what you said makes sense. It's not the ability that causes guilt; only the law can convict a person. I really appreciate how you compared special abilities to the gun violence problem. Mutants are no more dangerous than armed criminals, and the latter are everywhere. The recent shooting at Duncan Elementary is a perfect example of this. But let me remind you, many people view guns as silent, and it's the hand that holds the gun that is seen as the cause of tragedies. Comparing thoughtless weapons to mutants with cognition and the ability to act... there might be a flaw in that." The reporter said.

Eric smiled. "Guns may not think, but they don't restrain themselves either."

"Well said." Christine was very pleased with the progress of the interview, feeling there was nothing more to ask. She would now spend the next few days crafting a big story.

"Would you like to meet our young people? They've put in a lot of effort this time," Eric suggested. Christine agreed immediately. She wouldn't forget how many shallow, ignorant people had been curious about these new heroes, and this was an opportunity within her grasp.

Eric called the young people over and had them line up in front of Christine, as if for inspection. These faces, which had appeared on many recordings, excited her. She had put so much effort into getting firsthand information, and now these people were standing right in front of her. If the editor-in-chief knew, he'd probably give her a big trophy for this.

"This is John. You can call him Fireman. He specializes in manipulating flames. His personality matches his power—brave and passionate. He's a good guy, though a bit of a troublemaker at the academy—sometimes I just want to kick his butt," Eric said, putting his arm around John's neck and introducing him to Christine.

Normally carefree, John suddenly became stiff when he heard Eric's praise, unable to say a word. He'd never been complimented like this before. To everyone else, he was synonymous with trouble. Even his best friend Bobby sometimes had a strained relationship with him.

"Eric's a good guy," John thought to himself, secretly giving his mentor a "good guy" card.

"This is Bobby, the one you said shoots ice. He's calm and strong, and we value him highly. If he sometimes looks too serious, it's not his fault—he's probably nervous because his girlfriend's too close," Eric said, making Bobby blush as he glanced at Mary and then greeted the reporter.

"Pete," Eric pointed to the Steel Man. He didn't need to introduce him further; his identity and powers were already in the newspapers. People knew how fearless he was in the face of danger, willing to protect innocent children at all costs.

Then came Katie, the shy girl, who instantly won Christine's favor. As an older woman, she naturally felt a soft spot for sweet, adorable young girls. Perhaps it was her maternal instinct kicking in—she probably saw Katie as a little doll.

"Katie's power is the ability to pass through obstacles, but don't worry. Her purity is even more trustworthy than a bank guard," Eric said, making Christine laugh. She'd heard plenty of bankers spouting nonsense during TV debates.

Everyone knew that the most skilled thieves in the world were bankers. They were the most greedy and despicable, never satisfied no matter how much they had. Compared to them, Katie's ability seemed nothing special.

Under Eric's introduction, Mary, Allison, and Lorna also spoke briefly with the reporter. While they didn't say much, Christine was already forming a basic understanding. She would introduce these cute young people to the public.

The pleasant conversation made everyone lose track of time. Soon, the sun was about to set, and Christine needed to head back to New York, so it was time to say goodbye.

"Miss Ivorhert," a young man with a simple, honest face called out to her. Christine recognized him as Bobby, the boy with the saintly girlfriend.

"I don't accept invitations from married men," Christine teased the boy. Bobby scratched his head, smiling shyly.

"Are you going to report on us in the newspaper?" Bobby asked.

Christine confirmed that she would. They were the focus of the public's attention right now. The reporter wasn't going to let this big scoop slip away.

"Can I say a few words to my family in your report?" Bobby hesitated, unsure whether his request was appropriate.

Christine's response reassured him. She raised her recording pen and smiled at him.

There was some movement from behind. Bobby turned to see his girlfriend standing at the corner of the hallway, encouraging him with her gaze.

"Dad... Mom, I'm your son Bobby," Bobby said slowly, struggling to organize his words.

"I'm sorry I lied to you. I didn't attend preparatory college. I didn't want you to worry, but I had to do this because... because... I'm a mutant." Bobby hesitated several times before finally confessing his deepest secret. When he said the word "mutant," he froze. He couldn't believe he'd shared it so easily, right in front of the reporter. Through her pen, it would be printed in newspapers and spread across the world.

"I'm a mutant," Bobby repeated, an indescribable excitement overwhelming him, causing his whole body to tremble.

"Yes, I'm a mutant. I'm the kind of person Ronnie hates. I can create ice and use its power. I can even turn into ice myself. I'm inseparable from it."

"I discovered my ability a long time ago, but I never dared to tell you. I was afraid you'd think I was sick and lock me up in a hospital, or like my friend John, I'd be kicked out of my home. I didn't want to lose you. I just wanted to be normal. But society doesn't accept mutants, so I had to leave. After leaving, I never forgot you. I want to come back home if you're willing to accept your mutant son."

"Now, I'm doing great at the academy. I have a lot of friends—John, Pete, Katie... and my girlfriend Mary. We're all mutants. Under our teacher's guidance, we're learning to control our powers. We'll have better paths ahead. We can have a future." Bobby's voice quivered slightly, but no one laughed. Everyone listened to his words.

"This school shooting—was because we subdued the criminals. We didn't do well. We're sorry for not living up to our teacher's guidance. But I'm glad that when I saw the kids thanking us, I was proud of my ability... Yes, for the first time, I don't hate having these powers. I'm grateful for them because they made me needed by others. Ronnie, don't look down on me. I know you hate mutants, but I'm still your brother. If you disrespect me, be careful—I'll beat you up." Bobby grew louder as he spoke, finally gaining confidence and adopting a big brother attitude.

He quickly finished his words, waved to his friends, and Mary jumped up, throwing herself into his arms and nearly knocking him over. His friends came over, laughing and patting his arm, congratulating him for overcoming his inner conflict.

Watching these young people laughing and joking together, Christine suddenly understood the hardships mutants had faced. For so long, they'd been rejected and despised. No wonder they carried such shadows in their hearts. How difficult had it been to overcome?

"I have a dream.

I dream that one day, my four children will live in a country where they are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the quality of their character.

I dream that one day, Alabama will change.

I dream that one day, black boys and girls will walk hand in hand with white boys and girls, united as one.

I dream that one day, the valleys will rise and the mountains will fall; the rough roads will become smooth, and the light of truth will shine upon all."

Injustice in the world is not limited to racial differences.

From this moment on, these young people in Christine's heart were no longer just tools for a headline.

Eric watched the reporter, lost in thought as she gazed at the young people. He knew that he had just gained an unexpected ally.

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