"Is the equipment ready?" George asked after hearing Stephen's diagnostic report.
"It will arrive tomorrow morning," Stephen replied.
"Great. Based on your assessment, how long will it take for them to recover?" George inquired further, not sounding too disappointed despite the findings.
While it was unfortunate that Professor X wouldn't be able to use his powers freely anymore, it wasn't entirely a bad thing for George.
If Professor X regained full control of his abilities, he could return to his peak as a Level 4 mutant—a powerful telepath capable of wiping out most of humanity with the aid of a Cerebro device. While such power could provide unparalleled security, it would also impose significant restrictions.
Professor X, a man revered for his moral character, had contributed significantly to the world. He had averted the Cuban Missile Crisis, founded the school for mutants, and offered direction to countless young mutants. He had even allowed them to pursue their own paths as adults, rather than forcing them into becoming weapons.
However, George found Professor X's idealism problematic. His unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity and reliance on peaceful resolutions for conflicts between mutants and humans seemed naive to George. This difference in ideology might lead to future disagreements over decision-making.
To George, it wasn't about mutant versus human. It was about allies versus enemies. Allies were to be protected and unified; enemies were to be eliminated—simple as that.
In fact, George believed Professor X shouldn't have introduced the term "mutant" at all. After all, wasn't a mutant just a human with extraordinary abilities? Other powered individuals never claimed they weren't human.
Now, with the Professor rendered unable to use his powers, George saw a silver lining: he could focus on teaching and supporting young mutants while leaving crucial decision-making to others. This arrangement freed George to concentrate on his magical pursuits.
"If your equipment arrives on time, Logan's toxins should be cleared within three days," Stephen calculated. "Professor Charles's recovery will take closer to a month."
George nodded. "Fine. Once the Professor is healed, I'll fulfill my promise and release you all."
Hearing this, Stephen felt slightly relieved. Though he didn't fully trust George, his faith in Professor X—cultivated from years of reading X-Men comics—gave him some reassurance.
Three Days Later
In the treatment room, Wolverine leaped out of the chamber with agility, landing on the ground in a smooth motion. He no longer appeared as the aging and scarred version of himself but had reverted to his prime—Peak Wolverine.
In his prime, Wolverine possessed nearly 200 years of combat experience, a near-immortal body, and incredible regenerative abilities. Only exceptionally powerful foes could challenge him. Even humanity's deadliest weapons, like nuclear bombs, couldn't take him down. Guns and bullets were laughably ineffective.
The clone X-24, who once challenged Wolverine, was vastly inferior. Its regenerative abilities and combat skills paled compared to the original. Even Laura, the young mutant dubbed X-23, would eventually surpass X-24.
"It's been a long time since I've felt this good," Wolverine said, flexing his Adamantium claws with ease.
Three Weeks Later
Professor X's toxins were completely cleared, and a complex neurosurgery significantly alleviated his epilepsy. With regular medication, he could now live like any normal elderly person.
George kept his promise. After compensating Stephen and the other doctors generously, he sent them back to the city.
"We swear we'll never speak of this month to anyone!" Stephen and the others vowed earnestly.
Most of them sympathized with the mutants after spending time with the Professor and the children. Combined with the generous rewards, they truly intended to take the secret to their graves.
However, George shook his head.
"Sorry, as much as I want to trust you, I need to ensure the kids' safety," he said solemnly.
With a wave of his hands, George began casting spells on Stephen and the other doctors.
"Obliviate!"
Promises and oaths, George knew, were unreliable. While he believed the doctors might genuinely intend to keep their word under normal circumstances, loyalty could falter under threats to their lives or their loved ones.
Killing them all would have been the most secure option, but George wasn't devoid of principles. The memory-erasing spell was the next best solution.