"Wakanda's vibranium energy, Atlantis's ecological engineering, S.P.E.A.R.'s ancient secret arts, America's secular systems, and Krakoa's mutant abilities.
"When all those powers, resources, and civilizational foundations are brought together, the day that unified framework takes shape will be the day Earth breaks free of every constraint, takes control of its own destiny, and strides proudly into the stars."
In truth, Russell could have accomplished all of this with a wave of his hand. But leading the mutants into the cosmos would have been no fun if he did everything alone.
After hearing those words, the last trace of doubt in Zheng Xian's heart vanished completely.
He slowly rose and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, standing beside Russell, who had also approached it.
Their gazes settled on the ancient snow-covered mountains outside, then on the land that had nurtured all of human civilization.
After a long silence, Zheng Xian spoke slowly, his voice carrying the clarity of a man tempered by time and his heartfelt awe.
"I've lived for nearly a century, and I've seen countless people who wanted to change the world, unite humanity, and venture into the stars."
"They had extraordinary gifts, boundless ambition, and unshakable resolve. Some were even ruthless."
"But every one of them failed."
"The root of their failure was never a lack of strength. It was wanting everything, wanting it quickly, wanting to reach the summit in a single step."
"They tried to unify the world, rebuild technology, complete their evolution, and enter interstellar space all at once. They went to war on every front, scattering their resources, fracturing their progress, and collapsing their systems. There was not a single exception."
Zheng Xian turned his head and looked deeply at Russell beside him, his eyes full of admiration and conviction.
"But you're different."
"You've taken