The Noble Hawking

As Hawking spoke eloquently, envisioning a bright future for Mutants, Professor X began to waver as well.

He had actually always had similar ideas, but he had concerns deep down. If handled poorly, the outcome might be even worse, and there were many factors to consider.

First was their abilities. Not every Mutant's ability was so stable. Someone like Jean definitely would not work; one mistake could intensify humanity's fear of Mutants.

Second, not every Mutant felt close to humans. Because of her childhood experiences, Ororo did not like humans that much. Forcing Ororo to help humans would only backfire.

Finally, there was intelligence. To become a Super Hero accepted by most people, both intelligence and emotional intelligence were important. If one did not know how to adapt, many things would become troublesome.

They wanted humanity to change its views of Mutants, but it could easily end up making humanity fear Mutants even more and drag the currently peaceful school into conflict.

Cyclops, who was stubborn and inflexible, would not do. Neither would Wolverine, who was naturally free-spirited and unruly.

After thinking it over, Professor X realized that few of the school's teachers were suitable. The newly joined X-Men had not matured yet either and could not shoulder such a heavy responsibility, so he had never considered it.

"I understand what you mean, but..."

Professor X explained his concerns to Hawking.

However, Hawking merely smiled.

"Professor, what do you think of me?"

"My strength should be adequate, and unlike Teacher Jean and the others, I am not that busy and do not need to teach classes."

"We can use me as a trial run. I can first help those in need in New York City under my own name. Once it has achieved some results, I can gradually reveal my identity, and then..."

Listening to Hawking's logical and highly feasible plan, Professor X fell into thought.

"It may be worth trying. Even if it does not work out, as long as Hawking does not reveal that he is a Mutant, there should not be any negative consequences."

Because he suddenly realized that Hawking truly seemed to be an exceptionally suitable candidate.

He was powerful and skilled in battle, intelligent, adaptable, firm in his convictions, not easily influenced by the outside world, and possessed a kind heart.

"It's just that you are still a child. This sort of thing is dangerous. I think we could wait a few more years."

His only concern was that letting a child take such risks somewhat went against the original purpose of founding the school.

Hawking saw that as well and immediately put on a righteous expression.

"Professor, the sooner we begin, the sooner it will have an effect. Only then can those Mutants discriminated against in human society live a little better."

"I have never considered myself a child. And honestly, even if you do not agree, Professor, I will still slowly do it myself, because this is for the school and for all Mutants."

"I, Hawking, am willing to take some risks!"

"Fine. Since that is the case, we will do as you say. If you need anything, you can tell me."

In the end, Professor X nodded somewhat moved.

A fifteen-year-old child possessed such noble ideals. How could Professor X not be touched?

Even if this ultimately failed, he believed that with people like Hawking around, the relationship between humanity and Mutants would eventually become what he had hoped for.

"For now, I do not need anything. If possible, Professor, you could consider acquiring a media outlet first. I think the Daily Bugle would be a good choice."

Seeing Professor X agree, Hawking revealed a brilliant smile.

If Professor X could read his mind and learn of his true plans for the future, he probably would not have been so happy.

But in truth, Hawking believed his plan was the one that would genuinely benefit both humans and Mutants.

The world had never been simply black and white. Being overly idealistic without considering reality made it difficult to achieve the desired result.

The next day, late at night.

As he watched the lights in the rooms outside go out one by one, with the teachers and students gradually drifting into dreamland, Hawking leaped from the upstairs window and, after several jumps, arrived in the woods behind the school.

To earn Justice Points, he naturally had to choose the night. Although all kinds of incidents occurred during the day, there were definitely more at night overall.

It was also more convenient to act at night.

So from then on, he would readjust his schedule, choosing to go out at night most of the time and return to the school during the day to eat and rest.

"This one will do."

He casually selected a tree of roughly suitable thickness, jumped up and down a little, chopped off its crown and base, and held it in his hand.

"Mm, this direction should be about right."

Facing south, he roughly calculated the distance in his mind. The muscles in his right arm swelled as he exerted force in an instant, and the cylindrical tree trunk shot forward like a Rocket.

At the same time, he pushed off hard with both legs, vanished from where he stood, and appeared atop the flying tree trunk.

Pillar Flight, Mercenary Tao's signature technique. Even without loading any template, he could now perform it with ease.

He could use the Firebolt or Flying Nimbus, but that required loading the Harry or Goku Template.

Three years ago, after returning from S.H.I.E.L.D., he had tried summoning Flying Nimbus while loading the Goku Template, and it had truly appeared.

Moreover, with the Goku Template equipped, he could ride Flying Nimbus normally and would not fall off due to an impure heart.

Under normal circumstances, however, he would not casually load the Protagonist Template.

One template could greatly boost his Combat Power, while the other could greatly enhance his magical abilities, but each could only be used for one hour per day. After that, he had to wait until the next day.

If he used them too casually and suddenly encountered a powerful enemy one day, then if his base form could not defeat them, he would be in trouble.

In the dangerous Marvel Universe, one should never gamble on luck.

Pillar Flight might be somewhat conspicuous, though. Ordinary people would generally not notice it, but large organizations with satellite surveillance like S.H.I.E.L.D. would definitely be able to spot it.

But so what? He had probably been on the priority watchlists of all major organizations three years ago. Pillar Flight was nothing worth worrying about now.

Besides, he was not going into the city to cause trouble. He was going to do good deeds, and he had Professor X's tacit approval.

"There's a way to do that?"

In the school's surveillance room, Cyclops stared blankly at the screen as he watched Hawking vanish into the distance atop a tree trunk.

Although Professor X's mental coverage made it virtually impossible for anyone to infiltrate the school without being noticed, one teacher still took turns staying in the surveillance room every night to ensure the students' safety.

Professor X could sense living creatures, but he could not detect certain high-tech mechanical devices.

Today happened to be Cyclops's turn to guard the surveillance room, so he witnessed Hawking's entire Pillar Flight process.

After recovering from his shock, he immediately went to report the matter to Professor X.

Yet after hearing Cyclops's report, Professor X was not surprised.

"You do not need to concern yourself with Hawking. I already know."