At the rear gates of the Xavier estate.
Charles and Erik stood at the threshold, watching a black sedan slowly disappear into the distance, each with a different expression.
Charles looked somewhat conflicted.
No matter what, she was someone he had personally recruited. After spending so much time together, it was hard to believe he now had to be the one to send her away.
Erik, on the other hand, wore his usual cold expression—his face a mask that gave away nothing.
"Charles, you've erased her memories, haven't you?"
As the black sedan vanished from view, Erik suddenly thought of something and asked seriously.
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Erik! She's a child who lived with us for months—not an enemy!" Charles looked exasperated.
He had never used his powers on his own people, let alone done something as invasive as erasing memories.
"No, she's not an enemy yet. But you saw how she acted toward Shaw," Erik said, shaking his head.
"So what? Just because of that, you think she'll help Shaw fight us? Erik, you're being paranoid."
"I'm just being cautious."
"Erik, listen to yourself. If we justify doing anything we want just to prevent something that might happen—we're no different from Shaw!"
"And that, Charles, is your problem. You always see the best in people."
"And you always expect the worst!"
The air between them simmered with tension.
Charles and Erik locked eyes, both weary and frustrated.
This wasn't their first clash, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Neither could convince the other, no matter how many times they argued.
"Alex, what do you think?"
Erik turned to Alex, who had been silently standing off to the side. He wasn't interested in wasting more words on Charles. He knew it was futile.
Ever since they'd seen what Alex had done at the CIA base, both men had begun treating him differently.
Despite his youth, they now saw Alex as an equal.
He was no longer just a recruit. He was part of their inner circle.
Even the other mutants had accepted Alex's elevated position without question—because he had earned it.
"Charles, I think Erik has a point. You're too idealistic," Alex said after some thought.
Erik immediately broke into a pleased smile. He'd known this kid was sharp.
"But Erik," Alex added quickly, "Charles is right too. You're far too pessimistic."
Erik's shark-like grin froze in place.
"Ha!" Charles burst out laughing. "You heard that, Erik. That wasn't me this time."
"Then what would you do, Alex?" Erik asked, reining in his expression and posing the question seriously. "If you disagree with both of us—what's your call?"
"I'd take the best of both your views. Charles, I'd share your hopeful vision for the world. But Erik, I'd also make the necessary preparations for the worst."
"In simple terms—hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
Alex spoke plainly, voicing his honest thoughts.
Charles and Erik both fell silent, lost in thought.
Alex had merged both their philosophies into one. Yet neither of them could do the same.
It was easy to say "see from the other side," but incredibly difficult to actually do it.
After all, a person's mindset and nature aren't easily changed.
"So then—how are you planning to deal with Angel?" Erik pressed, refusing to let it go.
"I'm going to erase her memories," Alex answered without hesitation. "Sorry, Charles. But this time, I'm with Erik."
He continued seriously, "It's not about what Angel might do. If someone wants to get intel out of her, they don't even need her to speak."
People tended to underestimate how much Angel actually knew.
But in truth, she wasn't just aware of the secret location of the future Mutant Academy. She also had detailed knowledge about the founding members and their powers.
That kind of information could easily be exploited.
Just like how General Stryker had long heard rumors about the academy but could never find it—until he got the intel from Magneto.
And then he came storming in.
If Wolverine hadn't been there to hold the line, the entire school might have been captured.
Erik looked genuinely gratified by Alex's answer.
Charles, however, was beginning to wonder—had Erik already led Alex down his path?
"Alright, let's head back. We've got a lot of sweating ahead of us."
Erik clapped both Charles and Alex on the shoulder, then took the lead back into the Xavier estate.
On the vast training field, Raven, Hank, Darwin, Siryn, and the others were already assembled—waiting for Charles to begin their first round of serious training.
Charles clapped his hands.
Sweeping his gaze across the gathered young mutants, he noted how different their presence felt now—stronger, more focused.
He was honestly pleased.
It seemed the battle with Shaw had helped them all grow.
"Let's see what you've got. Don't be shy—step up one by one and show me your current powers."
"Once I get a sense of where you all stand, I'll tailor a training plan for each of you. Who wants to go first?"
He looked at the eager and embarrassed faces before him, full of anticipation.
Some looked ready to jump in; others were clearly reluctant. But none of them could escape it.
Eventually, they all stepped up to demonstrate their powers.
And Charles couldn't help scratching his head.
He had known their control was shaky—but this shaky?
In contrast, Alex's exceptional mastery stood out even more.
Charles still found it hard to believe someone so young could have such perfect control over his powers.
Even Erik wasn't there yet.
"Well… your performances were… let's say… a bit rough."
Charles carefully chose his words.
He was about to say more when he suddenly sensed something and quickly clapped again.
"OK! That's enough for today. Same time tomorrow, same place."
The young mutants began to disperse, but Erik and Alex remained behind.
Charles had given them a look—and they understood.
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