Raise the Banner, Borrow the Tiger's Might

Lox was momentarily at a loss for words, then laughed. He could tell that Charles genuinely wanted to give up his position.

Charles believed that Lox before him could do better than he could and lead the academy toward an even more glorious future.

The position of principal of X Academy belonged to the virtuous. It was that simple.

Lox had not expected to push Charles so hard that he seemed to have lost confidence in himself.

He had no interest in being principal.

If no one else could replace him, Lox would not even want to serve as Chairman of the Advanced Technology Consortium. It was a holy land worshipped by countless followers of the Machine God throughout the galaxy.

"Charles, I have no intention of becoming the school's principal. My identity is rather special, and we are destined not to spend much time together."

"I came to preserve human civilization and fight for the salvation of humanity. I think highly of you. If you perform well enough, perhaps you and I can become comrades on the same path."

Hearing Lox's polite refusal, Charles immediately looked somewhat disappointed.

To be honest, when Lox had mapped out the future of mutants before him, Charles had truly seen a broad, shining road laid out before his eyes.

And Lox was the guide, leading mutants—including Charles himself—onto a path toward a better future.

Mutants could live with dignity. They would no longer be bullied. They could openly display their gifts.

He also wanted mutants like Raven, whose appearance differed from ordinary humans, to be able to stand beneath the spotlight in their true forms.

But when he heard that Lox's ambitions lay elsewhere, Charles immediately became dejected.

He racked his brains, trying to find a way to persuade Lox to stay.

"Mr.