NOVEL NEXT Chapter 222: Alex Officially Forms the X-Men
Mutant Base – Training Grounds
Alex stood imposingly at one end of the training field.
Beside him were Raven and Hank, two of the original members of the mutant base.
Emma Frost and Copycat, the other two veterans, were absent—they had recently taken on a critical mission from Alex and had been busy, frequently away from the base.
In front of Alex, Raven, and Hank stood Liz, Vincent, Scott (who had just returned from visiting Charles), and all the other young mutants.
The atmosphere was solemn.
Every mutant stood ramrod straight, their expressions serious, eyes flickering with anticipation and nervousness as they stared at Alex.
Under their collective gaze, Alex finally took a step forward and spoke.
"By now, I'm sure you've all heard the rumors. Some of you have even asked Raven and Hank for confirmation. Today, I'm here to address those rumors officially."
"Yes, they're true. I intend to form a mutant special forces team—the X-Men!"
"Why am I creating the X-Men? What will they do?"
"Simple. The next time the Decepticons return, we will have a team ready to fight them."
The moment these words left his mouth, the crowd erupted into murmurs. None of the mutants could remain calm.
A mutant special forces team!
The X-Men!
For them, this was an immense honor.
To this day, they hadn't forgotten the sight of Cyclops and the others marching proudly onto the Blackbird, or the footage of the mutant squad battling the Decepticons on live television.
That was true glory.
In an instant, every mutant present had the same thought: I must join the X-Men!
"The X-Men are just being formed now, but I believe that in the future, this team's name will resound across the world."
"It will become a symbol for mutants."
"So tell me—do you want to be part of the X-Men?"
Alex's voice rang out again as his gaze swept over the faces of the mutants.
No lengthy speeches. No impassioned rhetoric.
But the atmosphere was electrified.
The ironclad truth had already taken root in their hearts.
The honor of mutants fighting the Decepticons was something every one of them yearned for.
No further words were needed.
"YES!"
A resounding cry echoed in unison.
Raven and Hank, standing beside Alex, couldn't help but smile.
Years ago, when they had first set out to confront Sebastian Shaw in Cuba, Raven had jokingly dubbed their group the X-Men.
Who could have imagined that this offhand idea would now officially enter the annals of history?
With someone like Alex leading them, Raven had no doubt the X-Men would shine brightly.
"Good!"
"I see your determination. But I must also regretfully inform you that most of you aren't yet qualified to join the X-Men."
"However, opportunity doesn't reject those who strive for it. As long as you train hard and improve your abilities, there will always be a place for you in the X-Men. It's up to you to seize it."
"Also, as I said, while most of you aren't ready yet, a few of you already meet the criteria."
"Now, I announce the first members of the X-Men."
At these words, the breathing of every mutant in the room grew heavy. The tension was palpable—like waiting for exam results to appear on the screen.
"Alex, Raven, Hank, Emma, Vanessa!"
These veteran members of the base—the ones who had trained and guided them all this time—were unsurprising inclusions. No one batted an eye.
The real question was: Who else would make the cut?
"Liz Sherman!"
Under the weight of everyone's anticipation, Alex spoke her name.
Envious eyes turned toward Liz, but no one voiced any objections.
Though Liz had joined the base the latest, her combat abilities were formidable.
Coupled with her experience as a seasoned fighter, she was far beyond the level of the younger mutants.
"Scott Summers!"
Cyclops's inclusion also drew no surprise.
Though he was around the same age as the others, his power was undeniably immense.
"Vincent Corfa!"
Vincent had been highly praised by Alex and the other veterans, his potential enormous.
During the battle against the Decepticons, he had demonstrated both impressive strength and remarkable adaptability.
His place in the X-Men was well-deserved.
"That concludes the list of the first X-Men members!"
"Don't be disheartened. As I said, there's a spot reserved for each of you in the X-Men. Whether you claim it is up to you."
"That's all for now. Dismissed!"
With those final words, Alex turned and left.
The young mutants immediately erupted into chatter, swarming around Liz, Scott, and Vincent with excitement.
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Elsewhere in the Base
"The X-Men?"
A familiar voice spoke up. Charles Xavier appeared before Alex, a faint smile on his face.
"Alex, I didn't expect you to be so nostalgic."
"Charles!"
Raven brightened at the sight of him and greeted him warmly.
"Raven!"
Charles returned the smile, but Raven—who had grown up with him and knew him better than anyone—noticed the hint of concern behind his expression.
Something was wrong.
"Let's talk inside," Alex said casually, leading Charles into the meeting hall as they exchanged pleasantries.
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