Xavier Institute, Principal's Office.
Sunlight streamed through the familiar floor-to-ceiling windows, falling across Professor Charles Xavier's aged face. Yet the normally gentle Professor Charles Xavier was now unnaturally calm.
"Miles, you disappointed me."
Charles spoke slowly.
"Because of your indifference, our people are in grave danger. All of this is because of you..."
Miles sat across from Charles, his gaze vacant and his face pale.
"You are indifferent to life."
Charles's voice continued. "You worked with the military, helping them manufacture weapons, personally handing them the blade they use to slaughter the weak!"
"..."
Miles remained silent.
"You have been through so much, yet you still haven't grown at all, Miles."
Disappointment showed on Charles's face. "You are still that child who likes locking himself away in a laboratory. You fear everything outside, fear getting hurt... Only when facing cold, lifeless machines can you find even a shred of pathetic security..."
"..."
Miles lowered his eyes, his face as pale as paper.
"Admit it, Miles..."
"You were born a demon. You have only been restraining yourself... deceiving yourself..."
As he spoke, "Charles's" voice grew shrill and distorted, filled with vicious mockery.
"The 'Hive' system is controlled by AI and can minimize civilian casualties... That was how you deceived yourself, wasn't it?"
"But you know those madmen in the military won't care about such laughable restraints... This truly saddens me, Miles, my good boy. You are aiding evil!"
"Charles" grinned, revealing an exaggerated, horrifying smile.
"And now, you are going to violate your own principle of self-preservation to save people completely unrelated to you?"
"On one hand, you shut yourself away and instinctively distance yourself from everyone. On the other, because of Charles Xavier's influence, you have developed a laughable sense of belonging toward so-called 'kindred'... Hehe... Hahaha..."
"You don't want