Charles fell silent because he had to admit that Kino was right. The powers of the Black King and Apocalypse were formidable, and the X-Men's previous victories relied heavily on luck.
If Kino were to take action, perhaps he truly could change the situation for mutants.
But so what? Even if the wrong path brings temporary relief, it will ultimately lead to destruction. Charles furrowed his brows, sinking into deep contemplation.
Jean, however, stared at Kino with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. A force strong enough to rival nations—wasn't that exactly what they needed?
"Then what about you? Can you become our demon king?" Jean suddenly asked.
Kino was stunned for a moment, thinking to himself, I haven't even finished planning, and you're already delivering yourself to me.
["Did you already take her in? She's way too cooperative."] Venom's voice echoed in Kino's mind.
"You've been with me all this time. Shouldn't you know whether I did or not?" Kino retorted internally.
Professor X also gazed at Kino thoughtfully. Here was someone powerful, an outsider without any prejudice against mutants—someone who had already proven himself by stopping the demonic invasion as if it had never happened.
A figure like him could indeed change everything.
Scott, on the other hand, was still wondering why Jean was acting so differently.
Logan found the idea amusing. If this kid became his boss, at least he'd have a generous one.
Kino weighed his options, his brows furrowed and his thoughts racing.
Jean mistook his hesitation for refusal—after all, who would willingly stand against the entire world for a group of strangers?
"You said before that mutant abilities can be used for building and creating. Our X-Academy has many with unique powers—weather control, laser vision, energy shields, and more. We could help you earn a lot of money," Jean urged, her voice tinged with desperation.
Kino's face showed hesitation. "But I'm not a mutant. They won't accept me as their king."
"That doesn't matter. If you protect us, the mutants will follow you. Right, Professor?" Jean turned to Charles, her eyes filled with hope.
Charles nodded decisively. "I can't speak for all mutants, but the ones at X-Academy will recognize your authority."
After exhausting all other options, this path—despite its risks—seemed to be their best chance.
Internally, Kino was practically laughing. They were just giving him power on a silver platter. He was about to reluctantly agree when—
Jean bit her lip, hesitated, then declared, "I can give you a child. If you don't want to be our king, your child can inherit the position instead."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Logan spat out the drink he had just sipped. Scott's eyes widened in disbelief, and Charles' jaw nearly hit the floor.
Even Kino was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by Jean's boldness.
["Over my dead body! Your first child is mine—then Pamela's, then Xi's! Who does she think she is?"] Venom shrieked in Kino's mind.
Venom didn't mind how many women Kino had, but there was no way she'd let some newcomer bear his firstborn.
Calm down. I didn't say yes, Kino mentally reassured Venom.
When he looked back at Jean, Kino realized that the Phoenix Force was beginning to stir within her, subtly influencing her actions. The future Kino had described must have been so bleak that Jean was willing to cling to him as her last hope.
If he wanted, she would probably even kneel at his feet.
The thought gave him a headache.
"Being a king isn't as simple as you think. Go back and consider it carefully," Kino finally said, deflecting the conversation.
Jean seemed dazed as if her soul had left her body.
"But… my company will soon be hiring. If any of your academy members are interested, they're welcome to apply," he added.
Jean's eyes lit up—this was as good as an agreement. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged Kino, her body trembling slightly.
"Thank you, my king. I'll bear you as many children as you want."
Scott's heart shattered at those words, and his face turned ashen.
Logan raised a thumb in approval—Kino was turning out to be a more interesting boss by the second.
Meanwhile, Kino felt Venom on the verge of bursting out and starting a fight, so he quickly pushed Jean away.
"No, thanks. I already have someone I love," he said, waving his hand dismissively.
Jean smiled at his flustered reaction. "You're so loyal—but I won't give up."
Is she really volunteering to be the other woman? Kino thought, exasperated.
Scott's expression shifted through every color imaginable—he was furious and helpless. But what right did he have to object? He and Jean were barely colleagues now.
"Ahem. Since we're done talking, let's end the meeting. But before you leave, I have a gift for you," Kino said, eager to change the subject.
Charles, sensing Kino's discomfort, decided to cooperate. "It's getting late anyway," he said, with a smile and a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
Truthfully, he wouldn't mind if Jean became close to Kino—an alliance through blood ties had worked throughout history.
The door opened, and five attendants entered, each carrying a silver case.
"What's this, kid?" Logan asked, holding up a red vial.
"Enhancement serum—an internal product. It increases physical strength by two to three times. The stronger the user, the smaller the effect—but it has side effects…" Kino began to explain.
"Good enough," Logan interrupted, and without hesitation, injected himself.
A wave of heat swept through his body, causing his muscles to swell and strain against his clothing. Pain flickered across his face, but after a few moments, his muscles stabilized, and he exhaled deeply, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Power given is a burden; power earned is a legacy."
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