Back in the future footage, things unfolded exactly as Magneto had suggested.
Apocalypse's telepathic abilities appeared to be more focused on single-target assaults—such as instantly hacking into Professor X's psychic network. Professor X, on the one hand, underestimated his opponent, and on the other, was indeed weaker in direct one-on-one psychic confrontation. He was almost completely overwhelmed without any real resistance.
However, Professor X's true strength lay in scale. His mental reach was vast—nearly global in range.
By exploiting the psychic world Charles had constructed, Apocalypse was able to perceive the minds of everyone on Earth. No secret remained hidden from him.
"This world has always been like this. But now… all of it will cease to exist!
No more stones. No more spears. No more slings. No more swords. There will be no weapons ever again! Systems and power structures will also disappear!"
As Apocalypse proclaimed this, he used Professor X's psychic network to take control of the personnel responsible for launching nuclear weapons. Through their hands, he pressed the button that symbolized the reboot of the world.
Missiles carrying nuclear warheads rose into the sky—from silos across open plains, from concealed military bases, from mobile launch vehicles, and even from nuclear submarines hidden deep beneath the oceans.
Everyone was stunned.
The Pentagon fell into chaos, unable to comprehend what was happening. Was human civilization about to be wiped out?
"Shit!" Natasha Romanoff cursed outside the screen. "Damn nuclear weapons! They should be completely destroyed. They're useless against new kinds of enemies and only end up being exploited!"
Bruce Banner shook his head. "No—that's not entirely right. Nuclear weapons at least brought the world a long period of peace. Without their deterrence, World War III would've broken out long ago."
Tony Stark nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Nuclear weapons are most threatening before they're launched. If Apocalypse really wanted to destroy human civilization with them, all he'd get would be a scorched wasteland."
Erik Lehnsherr said calmly, "I don't think that's his goal. He sees himself as an all-powerful god—and gods, no matter what, need believers."
He was right.
In the future footage, Apocalypse launched every nuclear weapon on Earth—but he did not aim them at the ground. Instead, he sent them into outer space.
Humanity's ultimate weapons became the Sword of Damocles hanging in Apocalypse's own hands.
Meanwhile, back at the X-Men's base, Hank tried desperately to free Charles Xavier from Apocalypse's control. Even forcibly dismantling the control console accomplished nothing.
At that moment, Charles briefly regained consciousness. In pain, he gave an order:
"Destroy this place! Alex—use your power. Completely destroy it!"
Havok acted immediately, firing crimson energy blasts from his chest into the surrounding structures. At last, the psychic connection was severed.
But it was already too late.
As they pushed the unconscious Professor X out of the base, purple portals suddenly opened. Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen stepped through.
"Erik?" Raven immediately recognized Magneto among them and stared at him in shock.
Erik Lehnsherr did not respond. He raised his hand and directly seized control of Charles Xavier's wheelchair, dragging it toward himself.
Young and hot-blooded, Havok rushed forward without hesitation, shouting angrily, "Hey! You bastards!"
He fired another crimson blast.
But such an attack was meaningless against Apocalypse. Apocalypse did not even bother to counter. He simply had his people take Charles and leave through the portal.
Havok's blast missed its target but shattered the corridor doors, triggering an explosion in the base's power systems. In an instant, flames engulfed him, and the fire rapidly spread throughout the entire academy.
The footage ended there.
In the Eternal Space, Bruce Banner sighed. "Apocalypse… is terrifying. Mutants already possess incredible abilities, but in front of him, they're like cavemen facing modern technology. The gap is overwhelming."
Tony Stark rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. "Magneto and Professor X are the leaders of the mutant world. One has been recruited by Apocalypse, the other captured. Who's left to stand against him?"
Natasha Romanoff asked worriedly, "That explosion just now—will the other children at the academy be hurt?"
Erik Lehnsherr let out a cold laugh. "This is the fragile weakness of the dream world Charles built. He taught his students how to grow up happily—but not how to survive."
At that moment, a new question appeared on the screen:
[Who saved the X-Mansion from the explosion?]
[A) Phoenix (Jean Grey)
B) Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff)
C) Cyclops (Scott Summers)
D) Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner)]
Natasha glanced at Tony and smiled. "When a crisis strikes, someone always steps forward."
Tony shrugged. "Exactly. That's why we still have hope in this world—no, in the multiverse."
"So what's the answer?" Homelander asked, scanning their faces.
Bruce Banner shook his head. "I'm not sure. Personally, I think it might be A. Her powers are extremely strong—she can even alter reality to some extent."
Erik Lehnsherr stared at option B for a while, his lips moving slightly, but he ultimately remained silent.
Tony smirked at Homelander. "What, Homelander—planning to copy our answers again? Dream on. From now on, every question, you're thinking for yourself."
Even though Homelander's score had dropped, no one could afford to relax until the very end.
Natasha Romanoff still held the top spot on the leaderboard. The gap looked significant, but in reality, a few successful buzz-ins could change everything.
Homelander scoffed in response. "Please. Tony Stark, don't act innocent—you copy my answers too. You just don't have a clue yourself!"
It was a clumsy provocation, and Iron Man didn't take the bait. He merely laughed softly, then exchanged a look with Natasha Romanoff—silently signaling a shared answer.
....
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