"It's done," Richard stated simply.
"For those with telepathic abilities, implanting psychological suggestions is effortless—as simple as lifting a glass to drink," he explained, gesturing to the whiskey.
"Right," Tony nodded. "I hope the suggestion proves effective."
He drained his remaining whiskey, then rose to his feet. "Nothing else to discuss. I'll be going now. If your suggestion doesn't work, expect another visit."
Richard merely nodded in acknowledgment.
He watched as Tony walked to the balcony, donned his armor, and departed from the apartment.
After Tony's exit, Richard finished his own whiskey and began to contemplate his situation. Though the system had issued a new mission, the absence of a clear deadline left him uncertain about when Jean Grey would transform into Dark Phoenix.
If this were the X-Men cinematic universe, he would know precisely when the Phoenix would emerge. Unfortunately, this wasn't that reality.
Quite challenging, he thought with an internal sigh.
He wasn't particularly concerned about defeating Dark Phoenix. The system's issuance of the task indicated he possessed the potential to complete it with his current abilities. Despite the system's occasional lack of consideration and detail compared to those utilized by other transmigrators, Richard remained confident of one certainty: the system would never assign an impossible task.
After contemplating the situation, he quickly reached a decision.
Visit Xavier's School.
Though he couldn't predict when Phoenix would transform into Dark Phoenix, Professor Xavier undoubtedly harbored similar concerns. If Phoenix turned malevolent, the X-Men and Xavier's School would be the first casualties.
Compared to Richard, who merely sought to complete the mission and claim his reward, Professor X had far more compelling reasons to prevent Phoenix's dark transformation.
Having made his decision, Richard's thoughts drifted unconsciously to Clarice. Despite their brief acquaintance—just a single day—she had left a profound impression on him. After all, she resembled that woman from his past so closely, at least in her younger years.
Decision made, Richard stood and walked to the study where Emma Frost was developing strategies to manage his considerable assets.
"I need to visit Xavier's School on an urgent matter," he informed her.
Though he'd never been a billionaire before, Richard understood the folly of merely living off wealth. Upon discovering Emma Frost's ambitions as a "career woman," he had promptly appointed her as his personal asset manager, tasking her with overseeing the vast holdings "gifted" by both Sebastian Shaw and the White House.
"Would you like me to accompany you?" Emma Frost inquired, looking up from her work.
Her distinctive preference for white extended to her current outfit—a crisp white office suit. Everything from her blazer and skirt to her high heels maintained the pristine color scheme. Only her stockings deviated from this pattern, being nearly transparent rather than white. Both her professional exterior and the intimate apparel beneath adhered to her monochromatic aesthetic.
Had Richard not psychically examined her psychological makeup and confirmed her simple preference for the color, he might have suspected some form of "white fixation" disorder.
"No need," Richard replied after briefly admiring her alluring figure. "I'll go alone."
"Very well. I'll await your return here," she responded promptly.
Richard nodded, then activated his power in her presence.
Teleportation!
In an instant, he transported from the luxurious Manhattan apartment to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
More specifically, he arrived at the school's entrance gates.
Westchester County, home to Xavier's School, was a suburban region north of New York City, approximately forty kilometers from downtown.
Though capable of teleporting directly into the school grounds, Richard had deliberately chosen not to. Appearing unannounced inside someone else's property would be unconscionably rude.
Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
After briefly examining the educational institution's nameplate, Richard proceeded through the gates at a measured pace.
Before he even approached the main building, he had already drawn considerable attention from the student body. This was hardly surprising—not only was he now as renowned in mutant circles as Magneto and Professor X, but his physical appearance alone commanded notice.
His flowing silver hair, striking features, and tall, athletic frame would have attracted attention regardless of his reputation.
As he passed, students who had been socializing on the grounds turned to stare, their expressions betraying surprise and recognition.
Though situated in suburban Westchester County, Xavier's School maintained connections with the outside world. The students remained well-informed about recent events beyond campus boundaries.
Accustomed to such scrutiny, Richard paid little attention to their stares as he continued toward the school's main building.
As he reached the entrance steps, Cyclops and Jean Grey emerged from the building, positioning themselves at the doorway to greet him.
"It's been a while," Jean observed as Richard approached. "Are you here to see the Professor or Clarice?"
"The Professor first," Richard replied.
Though he had encountered Professor X and Cyclops at Emma Frost's apartment a week earlier, that meeting had been primarily diplomatic in nature, concluding after just a few minutes without substantive discussion.
"The Professor is in his office. I'll escort you," Jean offered.
"Appreciate it," Richard responded politely.
Though he hadn't notified Professor X in advance, he knew that the moment he teleported to the school gates, the Professor would have sensed his arrival.
Following Jean and Cyclops through the corridors, Richard soon arrived at Professor X's office, where the benevolent telepath awaited, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his wheelchair positioned behind an elegant desk.
Professor X regarded Richard with a kindly expression, as though addressing a promising student. "Just days ago, I was considering sending Jean and Scott to New York to extend an invitation for you to visit us."
"I hope my unannounced arrival isn't inconvenient, Professor," Richard replied promptly.
Though he disagreed with certain aspects of Xavier's ideology and methodologies, Richard acknowledged the man's fundamental decency—someone who had dedicated decades to helping others.
"Not at all," Xavier assured him, maneuvering his wheelchair forward. "Please, let's sit and talk."
"Of course," Richard nodded, settling onto a sofa in the reception area.
"Jean, Scott, you should prepare for your afternoon classes," Xavier instructed, turning to the pair.
Though unaware of Richard's specific purpose, Xavier instinctively understood this wasn't a casual social call.
"Yes, Professor," Jean replied promptly.
Moments later, she and Cyclops exited the office, gently closing the door behind them.
Once they were alone, Xavier addressed Richard directly: "You didn't journey here simply to tour our facilities or visit an old man like myself. What brings you to us, Richard?"
Though Richard respected Xavier, he had no intention of revealing the system's existence. Instead, he spoke carefully: "This morning, I glimpsed fragments of a possible future—specifically, one where Dr. Jean Grey ascends to Omega-level status."
He paused meaningfully. "What I witnessed was... concerning."
Visions of the future? A precognitive ability?
Xavier's brow furrowed at Richard's revelation. While future prediction seemed implausible in conventional terms, mutant abilities frequently defied scientific explanation.
After several moments of contemplative silence, Xavier regarded Richard intently. "When you say 'concerning,' do you mean Jean achieving Omega status and losing control?"
"Precisely," Richard confirmed without hesitation.
In this universe, his advantage as a "prophet" from another world was limited, but not entirely nullified.
"Since you appear to understand the situation, I'll be forthright," Xavier decided. "What you've described has been my primary concern for some time."
He sighed softly. "When Erik and I first encountered Jean, we immediately recognized her extraordinary potential. From the moment we observed her abilities, we both understood she would eventually surpass us, becoming the first true Omega-level mutant."
"Though we shared this assessment, Erik and I fundamentally disagreed about how to guide her development. I won't elaborate on our philosophical differences, but ultimately Jean remained at the school, becoming my most accomplished student."
Xavier's expression darkened. "Just as I believed Jean would revolutionize mutant society, I discovered a disturbing duality within her—a dark personality harboring unimaginable power lurking in her subconscious."
"To prevent this darkness from corrupting her, I constructed psychic barriers within her mind, effectively sealing away this malevolent aspect of her personality."
"Initially, these barriers proved effective, but as Jean matured, her dark personality strengthened correspondingly. Fortunately, her self-control has similarly developed with age."
"Barring significant external trauma, the psychic barriers containing Jean's dark personality should theoretically remain intact indefinitely. However, I must admit," Xavier confessed with uncharacteristic vulnerability, "should her darkness breach these defenses again, even with the Cerebro amplification system, I cannot guarantee my ability to reinstate the containment."
"My primary reason for coming here is to discuss potential solutions with you," Richard explained. "Though I can't predict the full extent of Dr. Grey's capabilities should her dark personality assume control, I'd prefer to prevent these glimpsed futures from materializing."
He continued with calculated sincerity. "Additionally, Professor, you've cared for and mentored Clarice for over three months. Consider my assistance in preventing Jean's transformation as gratitude for your guardianship of Clarice."
"Of course," Richard added diplomatically, "if you've already formulated a strategy, please disregard my offer."
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