Not long after.
Essex Corporation Tower.
The air was thick with the sharp tang of disinfectant and ozone. A group of Avengers and young Mutants who had just gone through a major battle were scattered around the laboratory, sitting wherever they could.
"So, why are all of you here now?"
Mr. Sinister looked at the group before him, pinching the bridge of his nose with an expression of utter disgust. "This is my corporate headquarters, not the banquet hall the White House just built! I don't welcome this many guests here!"
"Uh, is that not allowed?" Little Charles blinked, somewhat confused.
"You've officially begun your own careers. As your temporary guardian, I've already fulfilled my responsibilities!" Mr. Sinister said irritably. "Running home whenever something happens—are you kindergarteners who still haven't been weaned?"
He swept his gaze over Colossus, Storm, and the others.
"Whether boys or girls, once you've grown up, you should go out and see the world. This is Essex Corporation, not Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Understand?"
"Is that so?"
Little Charles seemed thoughtful. Then he pulled out the X Terminal and asked, "Aurora, what do you think?"
"Mr. Essex is lying."
Aurora's avatar replied, "His consciousness does not belong to this world's 'Nathaniel Essex.' He is only temporarily managing Essex Corporation on Miles Zero's behalf."
As Aurora explained without a trace of emotion, Little Charles looked up and gave Mr. Sinister an innocent shrug.
In just over ten minutes, he seemed to have completely figured out how to use the X Terminal and had gotten along well with the Aurora program.
"...Shit!" Mr. Sinister cursed angrily. "Damn Aurora, I knew I should've dismantled you a long time ago!"
"Whew... If you find it troublesome, Stark Group would be more than happy to welcome this batch of new