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Chapter 424 Meeting
Yang Le pushed open the door and entered. The first thing he saw was the tall Colossus Piotr, who was currently discussing something with Scott and other teachers in front of him. Perhaps because they heard the sudden knock on the door, the entire room fell silent.
Seeing everyone look at him, Yang Le maintained his naive persona, scratching his head as he said, "Looks like I've come at a bad time."
"No, you've come at just the right time, Happy." Magneto smiled, extending his right hand and gesturing for Yang Le to come closer. Yang Le didn't refuse and walked over.
"Principal, has something happened?" Yang Le asked.
Cyclops Scott, Gambit Remy, Jean, Mystique, Beast Hank, Storm who had just been rescued a few months prior, and himself – all the Academy's faculty and staff were gathered here. It seemed like there was something important to discuss.
"It's news about our compatriot." With a casual wave, Magneto summoned a chair with a gesture, and it floated over, stopping right in front of Yang Le. "Scott can tell us the specifics."
Most mutants were in dire straits. Although Magneto had publicly established the shelter Floating Island for all mutants, many were still cut off from information and unaware of its existence.
This was because they lacked access to information. Mobile phone, computer, television – these commonplace sources of information in the modern world were unattainable for most mutants. They could only rely on scavenging old newspapers for news.
Furthermore, many mutants had not received education and were illiterate, unable to even read newspapers. Consequently, many mutants were like people from ancient times, relying solely on word-of-mouth to learn about events in society.
Due to this phenomenon, Magneto had assigned Scott and Beast Hank a mission: to monitor the network in their free time for news about wandering mutants.
Many cynical teenagers enjoyed posting videos mocking homeless individuals on Twitter or Instagram, and mutants, seen as a modern scourge, were naturally among those ridiculed.
These punks would stalk, attack, and even harass mutants for their own purposes. People shouldn't assume all mutants were powerful; some weaker mutants could only resign themselves when confronted by mobs of ordinary people.
These bastards would upload videos of them bullying mutants online. These sensational videos would bring them notoriety, and some would even reward their despicable behavior with donations.
Scott and Hank's mission was to search for this relevant message, locate the places mentioned in these videos or messages, find the mutants there, and bring them to the Island.
The matter Scott was about to discuss today originated from precisely this.
"This morning, after finishing class with the children, I searched for news about mutants online as usual in the evening," Scott began, his brow furrowed, clearly recalling something unpleasant.
"I came across a live stream about mutants on a live streaming app."
Scott turned the tablet in his hand, facing the screen towards everyone, and continued, "The live stream has ended, and the live stream recording has been deleted by Platform Official, but Hank managed to recover the video."
Scott pressed play, but the video remained black. Just as Yang Le wondered if Scott had missed the play button, a set of large white teeth suddenly appeared on the screen without warning.
As the view zoomed out, Yang Le realized that the black kid had been pointing the camera directly at his mouth the entire time. If he hadn't smiled, Yang Le wouldn't have noticed.
"Hi, man!" the black kid suddenly said, opening his mouth. "I have a world-shocking discovery!"
The black kid slurred his words, and his dazed gaze made Yang Le suspect he was high.
"Neil, we discovered it together!" A sound came from off-screen, followed by several echoing voices, indicating there were others present.
"Okay, okay!" the black man called Neil reluctantly agreed, but quickly reverted to his foolish smile and continued.
"We've found a 'medicine' that's not illegal! Guess what, nigger? It comes from a mutant!"
As he spoke, the visuals shifted again. This time, he aimed the camera at someone huddled in a corner. Unfortunately, his mobile phone's garbage camera couldn't clearly capture the person's appearance. Yang Le could only roughly make out that it was a girl.
But there was no need to worry; Neil soon zoomed in the camera. Not only that, but he also reached out and grabbed the girl's pink hair, forcing her to look up. The girl's delicate face, filled with panicked emotion, appeared on the screen.
Watching the tearful girl, Yang Le heard a breeze stir beside him. Glancing sideways, he saw that Storm, sitting next to him, was filled with anger. The breeze ruffled her silver long hair, and cyan energy welled up in her eyes.
Storm, who had been subjected to long-term experiment and imprisonment, already harbored deep hatred for human. Yang Le had no doubt that if she were there, she would strike those addict dead. But they were on Floating Island now, and she couldn't be allowed to lash out indiscriminately, lest she harm their own people.
Yang Le transformed his arm into a flower cluster composed of various fresh flowers, and gently extended it towards Storm. Storm, consumed by rage, was taken aback by the sudden appearance of fresh flowers. Following the stem, she realized Yang Le had created them.
"Peaceful, Ororo," Yang Le said in Swampfire's somewhat simple voice, lacking a nose, yet sounding strangely wise. "You shouldn't succumb to rage. That's not you."
The rich fragrance permeated Storm's nose. Yang Le had carefully selected these flowers; they didn't clash but complemented each other, like perfume, layer upon layer, even possessing a calming effect.
The furious Storm snapped out of her rage, reached out, and plucked the bouquet of flowers from Yang Le's arm. After a moment of silence, she spoke.
"Thank you, Swampfire. I'm alright now."
"Just like my name," Yang Le quipped. The tense atmosphere in the room finally eased, and the others also emerged from their anger.
However, Yang Le wouldn't reveal that he hadn't expected Storm to pluck his hand. This sudden action had caught him off guard. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and severed the stem, otherwise, wouldn't he have appeared petty?
If Gambit next door saw that, he might think I couldn't afford it! Grow a few more bouquets of flowers! One for everyone!
(End of Chapter)
Yang Le pushed open the door and entered. The first thing he saw was the tall Colossus Piotr, who was currently discussing something with Scott and other teachers in front of him. Perhaps because they heard the sudden knock on the door, the entire room fell silent.
Seeing everyone look at him, Yang Le maintained his naive persona, scratching his head as he said, "Looks like I've come at a bad time."
"No, you've come at just the right time, Happy." Magneto smiled, extending his right hand and gesturing for Yang Le to come closer. Yang Le didn't refuse and walked over.
"Principal, has something happened?" Yang Le asked.
Cyclops Scott, Gambit Remy, Jean, Mystique, Beast Hank, Storm who had just been rescued a few months prior, and himself – all the Academy's faculty and staff were gathered here. It seemed like there was something important to discuss.
"It's news about our compatriot." With a casual wave, Magneto summoned a chair with a gesture, and it floated over, stopping right in front of Yang Le. "Scott can tell us the specifics."
Most mutants were in dire straits. Although Magneto had publicly established the shelter Floating Island for all mutants, many were still cut off from information and unaware of its existence.
This was because they lacked access to information. Mobile phone, computer, television – these commonplace sources of information in the modern world were unattainable for most mutants. They could only rely on scavenging old newspapers for news.
Furthermore, many mutants had not received education and were illiterate, unable to even read newspapers. Consequently, many mutants were like people from ancient times, relying solely on word-of-mouth to learn about events in society.
Due to this phenomenon, Magneto had assigned Scott and Beast Hank a mission: to monitor the network in their free time for news about wandering mutants.
Many cynical teenagers enjoyed posting videos mocking homeless individuals on Twitter or Instagram, and mutants, seen as a modern scourge, were naturally among those ridiculed.
These punks would stalk, attack, and even harass mutants for their own purposes. People shouldn't assume all mutants were powerful; some weaker mutants could only resign themselves when confronted by mobs of ordinary people.
These bastards would upload videos of them bullying mutants online. These sensational videos would bring them notoriety, and some would even reward their despicable behavior with donations.
Scott and Hank's mission was to search for this relevant message, locate the places mentioned in these videos or messages, find the mutants there, and bring them to the Island.
The matter Scott was about to discuss today originated from precisely this.
"This morning, after finishing class with the children, I searched for news about mutants online as usual in the evening," Scott began, his brow furrowed, clearly recalling something unpleasant.
"I came across a live stream about mutants on a live streaming app."
Scott turned the tablet in his hand, facing the screen towards everyone, and continued, "The live stream has ended, and the live stream recording has been deleted by Platform Official, but Hank managed to recover the video."
Scott pressed play, but the video remained black. Just as Yang Le wondered if Scott had missed the play button, a set of large white teeth suddenly appeared on the screen without warning.
As the view zoomed out, Yang Le realized that the black kid had been pointing the camera directly at his mouth the entire time. If he hadn't smiled, Yang Le wouldn't have noticed.
"Hi, man!" the black kid suddenly said, opening his mouth. "I have a world-shocking discovery!"
The black kid slurred his words, and his dazed gaze made Yang Le suspect he was high.
"Neil, we discovered it together!" A sound came from off-screen, followed by several echoing voices, indicating there were others present.
"Okay, okay!" the black man called Neil reluctantly agreed, but quickly reverted to his foolish smile and continued.
"We've found a 'medicine' that's not illegal! Guess what, nigger? It comes from a mutant!"
As he spoke, the visuals shifted again. This time, he aimed the camera at someone huddled in a corner. Unfortunately, his mobile phone's garbage camera couldn't clearly capture the person's appearance. Yang Le could only roughly make out that it was a girl.
But there was no need to worry; Neil soon zoomed in the camera. Not only that, but he also reached out and grabbed the girl's pink hair, forcing her to look up. The girl's delicate face, filled with panicked emotion, appeared on the screen.
Watching the tearful girl, Yang Le heard a breeze stir beside him. Glancing sideways, he saw that Storm, sitting next to him, was filled with anger. The breeze ruffled her silver long hair, and cyan energy welled up in her eyes.
Storm, who had been subjected to long-term experiment and imprisonment, already harbored deep hatred for human. Yang Le had no doubt that if she were there, she would strike those addict dead. But they were on Floating Island now, and she couldn't be allowed to lash out indiscriminately, lest she harm their own people.
Yang Le transformed his arm into a flower cluster composed of various fresh flowers, and gently extended it towards Storm. Storm, consumed by rage, was taken aback by the sudden appearance of fresh flowers. Following the stem, she realized Yang Le had created them.
"Peaceful, Ororo," Yang Le said in Swampfire's somewhat simple voice, lacking a nose, yet sounding strangely wise. "You shouldn't succumb to rage. That's not you."
The rich fragrance permeated Storm's nose. Yang Le had carefully selected these flowers; they didn't clash but complemented each other, like perfume, layer upon layer, even possessing a calming effect.
The furious Storm snapped out of her rage, reached out, and plucked the bouquet of flowers from Yang Le's arm. After a moment of silence, she spoke.
"Thank you, Swampfire. I'm alright now."
"Just like my name," Yang Le quipped. The tense atmosphere in the room finally eased, and the others also emerged from their anger.
However, Yang Le wouldn't reveal that he hadn't expected Storm to pluck his hand. This sudden action had caught him off guard. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and severed the stem, otherwise, wouldn't he have appeared petty?
If Gambit next door saw that, he might think I couldn't afford it! Grow a few more bouquets of flowers! One for everyone!
(End of Chapter)
