Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Although he had not been here for over half a year, the place did not seem to have changed much.
Aaron made his way through the school gates with practiced ease, entered the teaching building, and arrived outside the Headmaster's Office.
A knock sounded. After receiving permission, he opened the door.
Charles was in the middle of a lesson. Several senior students, including Pyro, Iceman, and Shadowcat, stood gathered around his desk.
The moment Aaron entered, everyone turned to look at him.
"Long time no see, Aaron," Charles said politely.
"Looks like I came at a bad time."
"The lesson is already over." Charles pointed to the textbook he had just closed, then told the students, "Your assignment is to define the principle of the weak and the strong among humans. Due Wednesday."
The students packed up their books and walked past Aaron.
"You came to see Jean, didn't you?"
"What else? It's not like I came to see you!"
"You should have come to see her long ago." Charles smiled and shook his head. "She secretly cried several times after returning from Egypt, but she's too thin-skinned to come looking for you."
"That's why I came to find her." Aaron sat across from Charles. "As for why I'm looking for her, I'm sure you can guess."
"Erik." Charles spoke with calm certainty. "Fawkes must have told you what happened these past two days, but I don't think you need to worry.
"Erik has always placed the interests of Mutants first. Besides, I'm at the school. He won't attack."
"At most, he won't launch a direct assault." Aaron was unconvinced. "If I were him, I wouldn't either. But while a thief can strike for a thousand days, no one can guard against one for a